In 1984, Fell From the Sun EP was released and then followed in '85 by another EP, Northern Line. In 1987, the band released their first and last full-length album, Happy Nightmare Baby, on SST. Smith left the group on the Happy Nightmare tour and effectively put an end to the band. David Roback continued with vocalist Hope Sandoval, and in 1989 this band became Mazzy Star. A singles and rarities anthology, Early Recordings, was released that year on Rough Trade.
Harriet Brown
Opal Lyrics
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Wears a man's felt hat
That she bought in Spain
Harriet Brown
What a lovely name
Such a lovely face
Where are ya tonight?
Where are ya tonight?
Harriet Brown
Went to work one day
And never returned
She's going away
Harriet Brown
Won't you please come back?
We miss you sweet Harriet Brown
Where are ya tonight, Harriet?
There's so much people who care for you
Just because you're you
Where are ya tonight, Harriet?
Thousands of people who care for you
Won't you please come back?
Harriet Brown...
The opening lyrics to Opal's song "Harriet Brown" describe a woman who wears a man's felt hat that she bought in Spain. The way the lyrics are written draws attention to the uniqueness of Harriet Brown's character, as if she is someone worth remembering. The second verse continues the theme of Harriet being a lovely and memorable person, with a beautiful name and face.
However, the mood changes in the following verse as we learn that Harriet has gone missing. The singer wonders where she is and expresses concern for her well-being. The final verse is a plea for Harriet to return, with a reminder that many people care about her and miss her. Overall, the song seems to capture the idea of someone who is unforgettable and cherished, but whose absence leaves a hole in the lives of those who know and love them.
Line by Line Meaning
Harriet Brown
Introduces the subject of the song
Wears a man's felt hat
Describes a specific item of Harriet's clothing
That she bought in Spain
Explains the origin of Harriet's hat
Harriet Brown
Repeats the subject for emphasis
What a lovely name
Complimenting Harriet's name
Such a lovely face
Complimenting Harriet's appearance
Where are ya tonight, Harriet?
Asking about Harriet's location
Where are ya tonight?
Repeating the question for emphasis
Where are ya tonight?
Repeating the question again, showing concern
Harriet Brown
Emphasizing the subject again
Went to work one day
Explaining a past event involving Harriet
And never returned
Implying that Harriet is missing or has passed away
She's going away
Stating that Harriet is leaving or has left
Harriet Brown
Once more emphasizing the subject
Won't you please come back?
Pleading with Harriet to return
We miss you sweet Harriet Brown
Expressing sadness and longing for Harriet
Where are ya tonight, Harriet?
Repeating the question in a desperate tone
There's so much people who care for you
Highlighting the fact that many people are worried about Harriet
Just because you're you
Implying that Harriet is loved for who she is
Where are ya tonight, Harriet?
Repeating the question once more with desperation and concern
Thousands of people who care for you
Emphasizing that many people are looking for Harriet
Won't you please come back?
Repeating the plea for Harriet to return
Harriet Brown...
Ending the song with the subject's name
Contributed by Jacob E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrDLOC11
Too beautiful 💞
@francescomoretta656
A celestial song! You can dream! Poetry and music meet to create a wonderful musical gem! And Kendra's voice... enchanting!!!
@echo962
God, all the weed me and my friends smoked listening to Opal in the 80's! Sure wish they'd re-issue this material
@jarschmidt1
This song is perfect.
@ruthdixon7807
bohemian story-song. fantastic.
@kraiglarson3144
LOVE this tune! WOW REALLY!!!
@TrueHeart71
Opal is so nostalgic for me
@craighiggins9637
Proof that Kendra Smith was an underappreciated lyrical genius. I think it's unfortunate she checked out just before Opal became Mazzy Star, missing a good payday. But 'Harriet Brown' is an eternal song.
@Timmybear
An oddly prophetic song, in light of Kendra basically vanishing into the wilds of Northern California.
@eufordking4428
Kendra smith is a classic singer. Writer...musician.....keep happy play that pump organ