Leif Vollebekk is a Canadian singer-songwriter, based in Montreal. Since th… Read Full Bio ↴Leif Vollebekk is a Canadian singer-songwriter, based in Montreal. Since the beginning of his career, Leif has performed at the Newport Folk Festival and shared stages with Daniel Lanois, Beth Orton, Sinéad O’Connor, Patrick Watson, Coeur de Pirate, William Fitzsimmons and Sam Amidon. He released his break-through sophomore album ‘North Americana’ in 2013, while his 2010 debut ‘Inland’ was described as “beautiful, memorable and moving” by NPR and “timeless and monumental” by the Independent UK. He will release his third full-length Twin Solitude on February 24th.

Northernmost Eva Maria
Leif Vollebekk Lyrics

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Midwinter's eve midweek in October
I saw a churchyard
green stardust blowing all over
And it snowed all over the city
The streetlamps fog so pretty
Snow all over the city

We were so warm inside

No, she showed she had nothing to hide
By the window, by the bed, there was something said
The morning was a-coming so, so soon
With her orchard breath in bloom
It's coming so soon, so soon

I was standing there at the top of the stairs
You did up your coat
And how should I know we were going nowhere?
When we said goodbye I saw some look in your eyes
Which was not like the skies, which were being so indecisive

And I'm walking away without turning around

I'm struggling to make it all seem so profound
I must've been lost around the time that I found you, Eva

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Leif Vollebekk's song "Northernmost Eva Maria" evoke a winter scene, creating a wistful and introspective mood. The opening lines set the stage on a cold and dark midwinter's eve, but in an unusual twist, it is October, suggesting a premature arrival of winter. The mention of a churchyard covered in green stardust gives a sense of enchantment and magic, as if the snow brings a sprinkle of whimsy to the surroundings. The presence of snow all over the city and the description of foggy streetlamps add to the atmospheric imagery, creating a serene and beautiful landscape.

The second verse introduces a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The singer reveals being in a warm and sheltered space with someone else, perhaps a lover. There is a hint at a deeper connection, as something significant is said by the window or by the bed. However, the impending morning and the realization of the fleeting nature of the moment loom ahead. The mention of "orchard breath in bloom" represents the closeness and intimacy between the two, but it's also a reminder that time is running out, indicating that the relationship may not last.

The final verse brings an element of uncertainty and resignation. The singer is now standing at the top of the stairs, witnessing the other person preparing to leave. The realization that they were "going nowhere" implies a lack of direction or purpose in the relationship. When they say goodbye, the singer notices a certain look in the other person's eyes, which contrasts with the indecisiveness of the skies. This juxtaposition suggests that while the skies may be unpredictable and constantly changing, the emotions and intentions of the other person are clearer, making the goodbye more difficult.

As the song concludes, the singer walks away without turning around, grappling with the weight of their emotions. They recognize a certain profundity in the encounter, likely reflecting on the transformative impact this relationship had on them. The mention of being lost and found in the same breath highlights the paradoxical nature of love and connections – finding someone can also leave one feeling lost and uncertain.

Overall, "Northernmost Eva Maria" explores the bittersweet and transient nature of relationships, capturing a moment of intimacy and vulnerability amidst the backdrop of a surreal winter landscape.

Line by Line Meaning

Midwinter's eve midweek in October
A peculiar and unexpected moment in time, when the atmosphere is drenched in a mixture of wintery and autumnal elements.

I saw a churchyard
Glimpsing a sacred, serene space where the last earthly remnants of departed souls rest in peace.

Green stardust blowing all over
A surreal sight of vibrant particles resembling celestial phenomena, gracefully dispersing in the air.

And it snowed all over the city
The landscape gradually transforming into a winter wonderland, as delicate snowflakes gently descend upon the entire urban expanse.

The streetlamps fog so pretty
Aesthetically pleasing mist encircles the streetlights, casting an enchanting ambiance throughout the surroundings.

Snow all over the city
The cityscape now drapes in a pristine coat of snow, presenting a picturesque and serene visual spectacle.

We were so warm inside
A profound sense of internal contentment and comfort embraced us.

No, she showed she had nothing to hide
Her openness and transparency became evident, demonstrating her lack of secrets or inner reservations.

By the window, by the bed, there was something said
In the intimate space near the window and the bed, significant and meaningful words were exchanged.

The morning was a-coming so, so soon
Awareness of the imminent arrival of daybreak, symbolizing the end of this cherished moment.

With her orchard breath in bloom
Her breath permeating the atmosphere like the scent of blossoming orchards, radiating a captivating allure.

It's coming so soon, so soon
The approaching morning, embodying the realization that this ephemeral joy is fleeting and will soon come to an end.

I was standing there at the top of the stairs
Positioned at a significant vantage point, perhaps indicating hesitation, contemplation, or uncertainty.

You did up your coat
Engaging in the practical act of preparing oneself for the outside elements by fastening one's coat.

And how should I know we were going nowhere?
Expressing a sense of confusion or lack of awareness about the direction or purpose of their relationship.

When we said goodbye I saw some look in your eyes
During the farewell, noticing a particular expression within her eyes, revealing deeper emotions or unspoken thoughts.

Which was not like the skies, which were being so indecisive
Observing that her gaze differed from the undecided and ever-changing nature of the skies above.

And I'm walking away without turning around
Departing from the situation, leaving behind without the intention of looking back or seeking closure.

I'm struggling to make it all seem so profound
Finding difficulty in making sense of the experience or finding deeper meaning within the encounter.

I must've been lost around the time that I found you, Eva
Realizing a personal sense of disorientation or confusion coinciding with the moment they discovered Eva, suggesting a complex impact she had on their life.

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Leif Vollebekk

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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