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.
Movin' on
Po' Girl Lyrics
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The time for sorry's come and gone, I think we've reached that old movin' on
The wind blows low through the alley, bears the reek of the chicken factory
And its soft groan is saying surely, I think we've reached that old movin' on
You're so sad when I'm away, when I come home you make me pay
Road calls my name and that won't change, I think we've reached that old movin' on
Slate sky sinks down on this city, it doesn't feel like home to me
My spirit slips its boundary, I think we've reached that old movin' on
You're so lovely and so strong, but you feel weak when I'm around
You just might thank me once I'm gone, I think we've reached that old movin' on
Sea slides slowly up the strand waters dark with the dregs of man
Its cold, cold voice seems to chant, I think we've reached that old movin' on
We just can't seem to get along and you know we've both been wrong
The time for sorry's come and gone, I think we've reached that old movin' on
I think we've reached that old movin' on
Well, we've reached that old movin' on
The lyrics of Po' Girl's song "Movin' On" depict a bittersweet and introspective view of the end of a relationship. The lines "We just can't seem to get along, and you know we've both been wrong" suggest that both individuals in the relationship have contributed to its downfall. However, the time for apologies and regrets has passed and it is time to move on. The repetition of the line "I think we've reached that old movin' on" emphasizes the finality of the decision to end the relationship.
The imagery in the song adds to its emotional impact. The wind blowing through the alleyway and bearing the smell of the chicken factory, and the slate grey sky sinking down on the city create a sense of desolation and melancholy. The line "My spirit slips its boundary" suggests a yearning for something beyond the current situation, a desire to break free and start anew.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea that sometimes it is better to let go of a relationship, even if it causes pain in the immediate moment. The line "You just might thank me once I'm gone" implies that perhaps in the future, both individuals will have healed and grown, and be grateful for the ending of the relationship.
Overall, "Movin' On" is a poignant and beautifully written song that captures the complexities of the end of a relationship and the difficult decision to move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
We just can't seem to get along, and you know we've both been wrong
Our relationship is failing, and we are both at fault.
The time for sorry's come and gone, I think we've reached that old movin' on
We've apologized enough, and it's time to move on from each other.
The wind blows low through the alley, bears the reek of the chicken factory
And its soft groan is saying surely, I think we've reached that old movin' on
The wind carries the unpleasant smell of the factory, and its sound suggests it's time to move on from this place.
You're so sad when I'm away, when I come home you make me pay
Road calls my name and that won't change, I think we've reached that old movin' on
You are unhappy when I'm not around, and when I return, you make me suffer for leaving. But I'm choosing to leave again, and we need to move on.
Slate sky sinks down on this city, it doesn't feel like home to me
My spirit slips its boundary, I think we've reached that old movin' on
The city doesn't feel like home anymore, and my soul is telling me it's time to move on.
You're so lovely and so strong, but you feel weak when I'm around
You just might thank me once I'm gone, I think we've reached that old movin' on
You are a wonderful person, but my presence is weighing you down. You may appreciate me leaving, and it's time for us to move on.
Sea slides slowly up the strand waters dark with the dregs of man
Its cold, cold voice seems to chant, I think we've reached that old movin' on
The dark, polluted sea represents the unpleasant aspects of our past that we need to leave behind as we move on.
We just can't seem to get along and you know we've both been wrong
The time for sorry's come and gone, I think we've reached that old movin' on
I think we've reached that old movin' on
Well, we've reached that old movin' on
We have acknowledged that our relationship isn't working and have apologized, but it's time to accept it and move on.
Contributed by Emily W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.