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).
How Can I
Laura Marling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turning corners in our lives
We would have taken any buses
Headed for Telluride
We stopped in the desert
In the middle of the night
And looked to the stars on the old roadside
You look at me and said
Take it in, it'll be gone soon
I'm taking more risks now
I'm stepping out of line
I put up my fists now
Until I get what's mine
Should have been you
Could have been anyone
You see I never missed my chance to run
I would go anywhere with you
I would go when you ask me to
How will I live without you?
How will I live?
I wrote you a letter
Posted out Central L.A.
Now if you ever come through here
Won't you come take me away?
Could have been you
But it would've been anyone
You see I've missed my chance to run
I would go anywhere with you
I would go when you ask me to
How can I live without you?
How can I live?
How can I live without you?
How can I live?
I'm going back east where I belong
Where I belong
I'm going back east where I belong
Where I belong
But how will I live without you?
How can I live?
How can I live without you?
How can I live?
The lyrics of "How Can I" by Laura Marling are characterized by nostalgia and longing. The song seems to be about a lost love, someone the singer has taken risks with, gone on adventures with, and fallen deeply in love with. The song describes some of the moments spent with this person, like driving through the mountains and looking at the stars in the desert, and the sense of freedom and possibility that came with being with them.
However, the song also suggests that this love has been lost. The singer has missed their chance to run away with this person, and they seem to have left them behind. The song is suffused with a sense of loss and regret, and the repeated refrain of "How can I live without you?" speaks to the deep emotional impact of the separation.
Line by Line Meaning
We’ve been riding up mountains
We have overcome many obstacles
Turning corners in our lives
We have made significant changes in our lives
We would have taken any buses
We were ready to go anywhere
Headed for Telluride
We had a particular place in mind
We stopped in the desert
We came to a point of reflection
In the middle of the night
During a time of darkness
And looked to the stars on the old roadside
We searched for hope and guidance
You look at me and said
You shared your thoughts with me
Look at the moon,
Observe the beauty of the moment
Take it in, it'll be gone soon
Enjoy the present since it won't last forever
I'm taking more risks now
I'm becoming bolder
I'm stepping out of line
I'm challenging the norm
I put up my fists now
I'm ready to fight
Until I get what's mine
Until I obtain what I deserve
Should have been you
You could have been the one I wanted
Could have been anyone
Others could have filled the void
You see I never missed my chance to run
I'm always ready to start anew
I would go anywhere with you
I would follow you anywhere
I would go when you ask me to
I would never hesitate to join you
How will I live without you?
I'm afraid of losing you
I wrote you a letter
I expressed my feelings in writing
Posted out Central L.A.
I sent the letter to a distant location
Now if you ever come through here
If you happen to pass by this place
Won't you come take me away?
Please take me with you
But how will I live without you?
I can't imagine my life without you
I'm going back east where I belong
I'm returning to my roots
Where I belong
To where I feel comfortable
How can I live?
I'm struggling to find a way to move on
How can I live without you?
I don't think I can live without you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Laura Marling
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lindsay Lalla
This is so beautiful. I’ve listened to it over and over, and will keep listening — I just love this performance. 💛
Dorky Thorpy
1st time I heard LM was at Glastonbury Festival. It was sunny, I was lying on the floor, eyes closed in a dense crowd, with people stepping over me breaking the sunlight as they did so. This song in my ears, tin mug of red wine in my left hand. I revisit this memory whenever listening to this song.
Ricardo Pereira da Silva
Laura: So deep and breathtaking... my God!!! how on earth can so a delicate person have a magnificent and spiritual voice like you!!!! Thank you so much for your songs!
Teresa Collins
I love this song. Seeing Laura perform is mesmerizing and hypnotic. Will see her every time I can till I die. How Can I live without Laura!?!?
rno jaja
Comforting and beautiful. Thank you Laura.
Dallas Du Toit
as always...exceptional. LM rules.
Silence Marsh
simply....amazing
Lívia Doležalová
so beautiful!
Alexander von Preyss
I would have gone anywhere, if you asked me ... How can i live without you. So intense
Joe G. Bear
I might need to donate again to get this version on Live Current vol 12