In order to avoid the pressure of being related to Christy Moore, Bloom adopted his pseudonym. "Luka" is taken from the title of Suzanne Vega's song "Luka" about child abuse and "Bloom" refers to the main character in James Joyce's Ulysses. Bloom is, however, very forthcoming about being Moore's brother and does not hide behind his stage name.
Luka Bloom's style of guitar playing is very distinctive and is generally referred to as "electro-acoustic". In his early career as Barry Moore, Bloom used a fingerpicking style. However, tendonitis in his hands forced him to adopt a strumming style which is the one he still uses and is often credited with his success.
He began his career in the United States playing small clubs in Washington DC and later in New York City. He was a frequent performer in New York's Greenwich Village--at the Lion's Den (a center for American folk music in the early Sixties), and at the Red Lion, where he played with Eileen Ivers backing him on fiddle, during his "Irishman in Chinatown" tour. (Ivers would also appear on the Riverside album.)
He toured America frequently through the Nineties, although his contemporary touring schedules take him mostly to Europe. He remarked during his 2006 US tour that he has grown fond of playing in Eastern Europe, "now that I don't need a work visa."
His early albums showcased his frenetic strumming style, including "Delirious" the debut track on Riverside, and his penchant for thoughtful cover songs, an affinity that he maintains even in more recent work. Released in 2000, Keeper of the Flame was an album of cover versions, featuring renditions of ABBA's Dancing Queen, Bob Marley's Natural Mystic and the Hunters and Collectors' Throw Your Arms Around Me among others. Bloom had previously covered LL Cool J's I Need Love and Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling In Love on the album The Acoustic Motorbike. Bloom is often heard to remark in concert about Natural Mystic that "...there are considerable similarities between Jamaicans and Irishmen".
Bloom's 2004 acoustic mini-album, Before Sleep Comes, was recorded while Bloom was recovering from tendonitis. Bloom stated the purpose of the album was "to help bring you closer to sleep, our sometimes elusive night-friend."
Bloom released his most recent album Innocence in 2005. Many of the songs feature a new found interest in Eastern European gypsy music and othe World music. In his previous work, he relied on steel-stringed guitars that created his distinctive style. His aubergine and yellow guitars were often introduced by name at gigs. The most recent album features a more classical guitar and the resonant plucking associated with that style of instrument.
Primavera
Luka Bloom Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the darkest winter days
How did I have such fortune to know you?
Know the sweetness of your kiss
Being shaken by your smile
Knowing, knowing your love
Me, see me now,
You, yes you are,
You are Primavera
In this cold, dogmatic world
Where the righteous are on song
They talk God on every side
And all humility is gone
You are a beacon in the crowd
You bring lavender to calm
When the shouting gets too loud
Your compassion is at hand
Me, see me now,
I am August oakleaf
You, yes you are,
You are Primavera
It's a dangerous time
You must find your voice
Hold your head up high
Walk among us all
When your beauty is unveiled
And simplicity prevails
Then the world can know your love
Me, see me now,
I am August oakleaf
You, yes you are,
You are Primavera
Me, see me now,
I am August oakleaf
You, yes you are,
You are Primavera
Primavera
Primavera
Primavera
The song Primavera is a beautiful ode to a person who brings positivity and love into the world, especially in times of darkness and adversity. In the opening lines, the singer marvels at the fortune of knowing this person, who was born in the darkest winter but has the capacity to bring light and warmth into others' lives. The sweetness of their kiss and the power of their smile signify the depth of love and joy this person brings, and the singer considers himself fortunate to have experienced it.
As the song progresses, the lyrics take on a more philosophical tone, with an exploration of the dichotomy between a dogmatic, righteous world and the compassionate light this person represents. While many people in the world talk of God and righteousness, the humility and compassion seems lost. However, this person is a beacon in the crowd, bringing lavender to calm and compassion when the shouting gets too loud. The singer encourages this person to find their voice and hold their head up high, as their beauty, simplicity, and love can change the world.
The repeated refrain of "Me, see me now, I am August oakleaf, You, yes you are, You are Primavera" signifies the contrast between the seemingly ordinary (an oakleaf in August) and the extraordinary (the person who is Primavera). The oakleaf, a symbol of strength and resilience, represents the singer, while Primavera, the Italian word for spring, represents the person they are addressing - a symbol of hope, renewal, and rebirth.
Overall, Primavera is a deeply heartfelt song about the power of love and compassion to transform the world, and the gratitude and awe that such a person inspires.
Line by Line Meaning
You were sent into this world
You are a gift of God to this world.
In the darkest winter days
In the bleakest times, you arrived and brought warmth.
How did I have such fortune to know you?
I am grateful for the chance to have you in my life.
Know the sweetness of your kiss
I savor every moment with you, especially your affection.
Being shaken by your smile
Your joy is contagious, and it moves me to my core.
Knowing, knowing your love
I am fortunate to experience your love and cherish it deeply.
In this cold, dogmatic world
The world is harsh and rigid in its thinking.
Where the righteous are on song
People who think they are always right are in control of this world.
They talk God on every side
People keep invoking God but often fail to follow their teachings.
And all humility is gone
People have lost their ability to be humble and show empathy.
You are a beacon in the crowd
You are a shining light of hope amidst the darkness of the world.
You bring lavender to calm
You have a calming effect on others with your presence.
When the shouting gets too loud
In difficult situations, you help bring peace and harmony.
Your compassion is at hand
You are always ready to show kindness and understanding to others.
It's a dangerous time
The world is full of unrest and uncertainty.
You must find your voice
It is important to speak your truth and stand up for what is right.
Hold your head up high
Be proud of who you are and what you stand for.
Walk among us all
Be present and engaged with the world around you.
When your beauty is unveiled
When you show your true self to the world.
And simplicity prevails
When you embrace simplicity and authenticity in your life.
Then the world can know your love
Only when you are true to yourself, can the world experience the beauty of your love.
Me, see me now,
I want you to pay attention to me.
I am August oakleaf
I am unique and special in my own way.
You, yes you are,
You are beautiful and precious.
You are Primavera
You represent new growth and fresh beginnings.
Primavera
A call to embrace new beginnings.
Contributed by Vivian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Theresa Coss
Another amazing song. A gifted guitarist!! and singer. I love this!
bloodydoisneau
Hermosa canción, amigo Luka.
Lodestone1968
I really love the lyrics & guitar work on this song. The video doesn't do justice to Luka's singing. Checkout the Primavera from "thisisforlife" with the Dutch subtitles the singing doesn't have the indoor sound. Still an incredible song and an awesome talent. I will definitely be picking up a copy of the album and the new "Tribes" album. Thanks for posting!
Philip Earl McG
I'm glad I recently discovered this man's music. Good stuff.
oliver levingstone
this is an amazing tune ,its on my mind all day ringing through my mind the chours brings the hair up on my arm . beautiful out , thank you luka/kevin, he has a tune called bones on the acoustic motorbike and its amazing 2 half mins long and like a h bomb powerful tune . think its based on a play think so anyhow,
Robin Smith
I adore Luka. He's amazing.
Finbarheerlen
Great! You can even smell the turf!! Thanks a lot!
Ronald van Dijk
For those who do not like Luka... Don't leave a stupid text behind cause this man is incredibely talented and a superstar! Go to see him live, my advice..
Veritas Uno
I got a Hug from Luka :)
Dave Marchrones
can someone post "Blackberry time", by Luka Bloom