The band evolved from a series of jam sessions, in 2000, between Trish Klein of The Be Good Tanyas and Allison Russell, then of Fear of Drinking. The two met up again in 2003 and named themselves Po' Girl.
They released their self-titled debut album in 2003. In 2004, they recorded and released their second album, Vagabond Lullabies with the help of friend musicians who included Diona Davies (multi-instrumentalist and singer), CR Avery (hip hopper), Roey Shemesh on bass and John Raham and Shelley Okepnak on drums. 2006 saw the release of their B Side recordings, with tracks featuring guest appearances by Sarah Harmer, Luther Wright, Shaun Brodie, Jason Mercer and Ana Egge (the album can only be purchased off-stage).
In 2007 came their third album, Home to You.
Once based in Vancouver, Po' Girl are now back in the Eastern cities of Toronto and Montreal. The band lineup is now Allison Russell (singer/multi-instrumentalist), Awna Teixeira (singer/multi-instrumentalist), Benny Sidelinger (multi-instrumentalist) and Mikey "Lightning" August.
Deer in the Night was released in May 2009. Also in summer 2009, they released their first live album consisting of recordings in venues from their favourite states.
Their album Follow Your Bliss was released in 2010.
Po' Girl's music has been compared with that of The Band, Hazel Dickens, Tracy Chapman, Natalie Merchant, Elizabeth Cotten and Norah Jones. It showcases melodies from instruments as diverse as banjo, clarinet, harmonica, dobro, accordion, gutbucket bass.
Bloom
Po' Girl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you tell me how to go?
Rambled long, rambled far
All I know is that I don't
You say child day by day
You say honey night by night
Shadows slant, hot pavement
All the wildflower perfume bloom
If only you beside me too
You say child day by day
You say honey night by night
Your words move, they improve
For the rest just dust to dust
Can't hold you, don't want to
Except for when I do
You say child day by day
You say honey night by night
The lyrics to Po' Girl's song "Bloom" are both reflective and introspective. The first line "Silver lined, tired with time" suggests that the singer is getting older and has gone through various life experiences that have left her feeling weary. She then asks "Can you tell me how to go?" which could be interpreted as seeking guidance and direction on where to go next. The line "Rambled long, rambled far, all I know is that I don't" suggests that the singer has taken many paths in life, but is still unsure of what exactly she wants or where to go next.
The second verse seems to hold more hope, with the imagery of "wildflower perfume bloom" and the joy of biking with a friend. The repeated phrase "you say child day by day, you say honey night by night" could be interpreted as words of encouragement and love from someone close to the singer. However, the final verse suggests a feeling of longing and loss, with the singer admitting she can't hold onto this person, but still wants them around.
Overall, "Bloom" is a song that explores the complexities of life, the beauty of nature, and the power of human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Silver lined, tired with time
Despite having experienced good moments in life, she feels exhausted and worn out due to the passage of time.
Can you tell me how to go?
She pleads for guidance on how to proceed in life.
Rambled long, rambled far. All I know is that I don't
She has lived a long time experiencing different things, but she realizes that she's uncertain about a lot of things in her life.
You say child day by day. You say honey night by night
Someone advises her to take life one day at a time and to enjoy each moment as it comes.
Shadows slant, hot pavement. All the wildflower perfume bloom
The setting is described where the hot pavement highlights the shadows while the wildflowers release their fragrance.
Bike to wind, cheek ache grin. If only you beside me too
She seems to be riding a bike with the wind blowing in her face, longing for someone to be beside her so she can share the moment with them.
Your words move, they improve. For the rest just dust to dust
She finds the advice given to her moving and improving her life while acknowledging that everything else will eventually disappear.
Can't hold you, don't want to. Except for when I do
She recognizes she can't hold on to anyone or anything, but at times she feels a desire to do so.
You say child day by day. You say honey night by night
Her advisor reminds her again to take life one day at a time and enjoy the small things.
Writer(s): Allison Russell
Contributed by Jeremiah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.