The newest Lemolo record, Swansea, is an ethereal experience bolstered by beautiful sounds and hauntingly powerful vocals. Underpinning this soundscape are poignant, insightful lyrics about various moments of loss. Exploring the theme of solitude, Lemolo’s Swansea is a vivid exploration of a turbulent emotional landscape that resonates as a foundational part of the human experience. Swansea was just named one of the “Top Ten Albums of 2019” by KEXP DJs John Richards and Morgan Chosnyk.
Swansea was written at Grandall’s home in the namesake Lemolo neighborhood of Poulsbo, WA, where she grew up surrounded by evergreen trees and Puget Sound waterways. Grandall defines her “Swansea” as “the vast place we find ourselves in when we lose someone. We are alone for the first time in what feels like forever, almost as if we are out to sea in our own solitude. But it is not necessarily a sad place. It is where we find strength in remembering how to stand on our own two feet.” The album dives courageously into this complex, turbulent expanse, its melodic crests and troughs reflecting upon Grandall’s relationship to this conceptual “Swansea”.
When it came time to track the record, Grandall turned to Seattle’s Nathan Yaccino (Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Noah Gundersen) for production and engineering at his studio, The Ballard Baitshop; once an old sailmaking loft. Working in close collaboration, Grandall performed vocals, electric guitar, piano, synth, and bass and turned to Yaccino for drums, percussion, and additional guitar, bass, cello, and vibraphone. The record also features appearances by Alex Guy (Led to Sea) on string arrangements, violin, and viola, Maria Scherer Wilson on cello, and Jon Karschney (Seattle Symphony) on French horn. The record was mixed in house by Yaccino and mastered by Ed Brooks of Resonant Mastering.
Sweeping and transcendent, Swansea sees Lemolo leading us on a dreamy excursion, our direction illuminated by her guidance. Ultimately, we learn that while “Swansea” is not a forever place, the lessons learned there last indefinitely. Swansea is out now, and you can listen to and order the record here. Subscribe to the Lemolo email list here for the latest updates about new singles, videos, and shows.
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Letters
Lemolo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm taking my time, after every line
Oh there are all these rules
I hide
All this talk of you
I don't try
I'm taking my time, after every line
Oh there are all these rules
I hide
All this talk of you
I don't try
Oh it's wonderful, soak up every word
I'm taking my time, after every line
The lyrics of Lemolo's song "Letters" convey a sense of wonder and introspection as the singer reflects on reading letters from someone. The first verse "Oh it's wonderful, soak up every word, I'm taking my time, after every line" could be interpreted as the singer's delight in receiving these letters and taking their time to fully appreciate and absorb the words. It could also suggest a desire to savor every moment of connection with the sender, and to carefully consider their words.
The second verse "Oh there are all these rules, I hide, All this talk of you, I don't try" could suggest that the singer is guarding their feelings, perhaps out of fear of vulnerability or rejection. They may have a complicated history with the person who wrote the letters, and the rules referred to could be related to their relationship. Despite these barriers, the singer still finds the letters compelling enough to read and reflect on.
The repetition of the first verse in the outro highlights the power of these letters to captivate and inspire the singer. Overall, "Letters" conveys a sense of longing, connection, and restraint through its sparse and evocative lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh it's wonderful, soak up every word
The singer is enjoying the experience of reading letters and is paying close attention to the words.
I'm taking my time, after every line
The singer is savoring the moment and pausing to reflect after reading each sentence.
Oh there are all these rules
The singer feels restricted by societal norms and expectations.
I hide
The artist keeps some parts of themselves private, either out of fear or a desire for privacy.
All this talk of you
The artist is receiving letters about someone else, and may or may not be interested in that person.
I don't try
The singer is not actively pursuing a relationship with the person mentioned in the letters.
Oh it's wonderful, soak up every word
Reiterating the pleasure the singer takes in reading the letters.
I'm taking my time, after every line
Reiterating the care the artist is taking to appreciate the letters.
Oh there are all these rules
Reiterating the feeling of being constrained by societal expectations.
I hide
Reiterating the artist's sense of privacy.
All this talk of you
Reiterating that the letters are about someone else.
I don't try
Reiterating the artist's lack of romantic pursuit.
Contributed by Eliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
T S.
Oh it's wonderful, soak up every word
I'm taking my time, after every line
Oh there are all these rules
I hide
All this talk of you
I don't try
Oh it's wonderful, soak up every word
I'm taking my time, after every line
Oh there are all these rules
I hide
All this talk of you
I don't try
Oh it's wonderful, soak up every word
I'm taking my time, after every line
Lemolo Music
thank you for all of the lovely comments. so glad you like it!
Paul Nicklowitz
Just found you guys...whoever wrote this music truly understands how music is written from the soul.
Willliam Robson
totally underrated song. More people will find this and love it.
momotaro
Enthralling, beautiful music! Thanks for making it, I've been listening to your stuff non-stop since yesterday thanks to KEXP streaming. Greetings from Vancouver, BC!
Christy M.
Wow, beautiful video to go along with this most wonderful song! It's so nice to see the local sights and your journey to get there :)
Mery Kosciuszko
LEMOLO! This is absolutely wonderful! I love your music (: Greetings from Slovakia! (:
Velvet Lagoon
This band is insane. perfect for my winter mood
Christy M.
Gorgeous, absolutely stunning song and wonderful video. Love the whole album but this is one of my favorites!
Nolan Kurtz
Way to go guys! Absolutely beautiful.
calamitysongs
loved it. beautiful music from beautiful girls.