She began playing the guitar at the age of five, first being taught the blues by her father in front of the family fire, and has been enthralled by the songs and lyrics of the likes of Neil Young, Bob Dylan, James Taylor and John Mayall ever since. It’s not just the “golden-oldies” that Laura admires; she also harbours a rather deep love for alt.country’s favourite son, Ryan Adams. “He’s brilliant, there’s nothing that even comes close, he can paint the most amazing pictures in your mind.” Ryan Adams in turn had her album 'I Speak Because I Can' given to him by a producer friend. Ryan had written a lot of the material for his forthcoming album 'Ashes and Fire' but upon listening to her album he said; "I actually threw out the record I was writing and re-wrote my record based on that album because I thought to myself somebody's actually taking this very seriously ... It was amazing, a great motivation ... And it felt good to ask: 'What am I really capable of? I felt competitive again to write great songs."
Jamie T personally invited her on tour with him after being impressed by her modern folk-pop when he caught her playing just her second ever gig. Marling is part of the extended Way Out West family, having played five eminent shows at the label’s Brentford FC night before the club was finally moved on, and was also a member of Noah and the Whale until May 2008, contributing vocals and instruments throughout, and seen in the "Five Years Time" video playing recorder.
Following her London Town EP, Marling's debut album Alas I Cannot Swim was released by Virgin on 4th February 2008. Originally released in a large Song Box containing mementos and trinkets personal to the songs, as well as a concert ticket., the album was nominated for the 2008 Mercury Music Prize.
Marling released her second album, I Speak Because I Can, on March 22nd 2010.
The first track from her third album, A Creature I Don't Know, to receive radio airplay was "Sophia." The song is an ode to a mythical deity. (Sophia Songfacts).
Blow by Blow
Laura Marling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Think I did my best
Mama's on the phone already
Talking to the press
Tell them that I'm doing fine
Underplay distress
Working out a story
Note by note
Blow by blow
Seeing it all laid out
I should have known
I don't know what else to say
I think I'm doing fine
Trying to figure out
What I will do with all my time
Tell them anything you like
I'll own up to what's mine
Knowing thunder gives away
What lightning tries to hide
No-one was prepared
But we all performed
Like we'd done it all before
Note by note
Bruise by bruise
Sometimes the hardest thing to learn
Is what you get from what you lose
I feel a fool
So do you
For believing it could work out
Like some things do
The song "Blow by Blow" by Laura Marling is a poignant and reflective track that touches on themes of self-doubt, regret, and trying to maintain appearances during difficult times. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is dealing with a challenging situation, likely a personal setback or break-up, and is struggling to come to terms with it. The singer is aware that their loved ones and the media are watching their every move, and they are trying to put on a brave face and pretend that everything is fine. However, the weight of the situation is taking its toll, and they feel like a fool for believing that everything would work out.
The lyrics use vivid imagery to convey the singer's sense of isolation and vulnerability. Phrases like "note by note," "blow by blow," and "bruise by bruise" suggest a slow and painful process of coming to terms with the situation. The reference to thunder and lightning also implies that the singer feels like their true feelings are being revealed against their will. Ultimately, the song is a powerful reminder that it's okay to feel lost and uncertain in difficult times, and that sometimes the most important thing is to learn from our mistakes and move forward with grace and humility.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know what else to say
I am at a loss for words
Think I did my best
I believe I have given my best effort
Mama's on the phone already
My mother is speaking on the phone
Talking to the press
She is speaking to reporters
Tell them that I'm doing fine
Inform them I am doing well
Underplay distress
Make light of the situation
Working out a story
Devising a plan
And there's so much to address
There are many things to consider
Note by note
Step by step
Blow by blow
Detail by detail
Seeing it all laid out
Observing everything presented
I should have known
I ought to have been aware
Trying to figure out
Attempting to solve
What I will do with all my time
How to occupy oneself
Tell them anything you like
Say whatever pleases you
I'll own up to what's mine
I will take responsibility for my actions
Knowing thunder gives away
Acknowledging that sound reveals the truth
What lightning tries to hide
What is concealed by bright flashes
No-one was prepared
Nobody was ready
But we all performed
However, we all carried out our roles
Like we'd done it all before
As if we had previously experienced it
Bruise by bruise
Injure by injury
Sometimes the hardest thing to learn
Occasionally, the most difficult lesson is
Is what you get from what you lose
What is obtained from what is forfeited
I feel a fool
I feel foolish
So do you
So do you
For believing it could work out
For thinking it could be resolved successfully
Like some things do
As some things have a tendency to do
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Laura Marling
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joel Burch
This is my favorite song on the album. Its not personal to me but it snakes its way right into my feelings regardless. "Sometimes the hardest thing to learn Is what you get from what you lose" gives me chills. Thanks for the great song :)
malaquias lek
Can a song be more beautiful than this?
Gary Helsby
A masterpiece.. beautiful voice and fresh change to not involve guitar
Antonio Garcia
This song makes me feel nostalgic, trying to be prepared for the inevitable breakdown is both painful and heartbreaking. Even though you want it not to hurt, it will, no matter what, unfortunately.
Daniel RL
my favorite song on the album
omyogagal
Stunningly beautiful 😍
Antonio Garcia
I don´t know but I feel this more suitable for "a song for our daughter" than the track itself!
Alan Ford
Great track from a great album
Kevin Long
This song is so beautiful. Thank you.
blvck veil
U are amazing artist