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.
Texas
Po' Girl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
smoke from the fire still perfumes my shirt
singing songs til the day broke, drinking wine from
the bottle carousing and laughing while today made
tomorrow
the town was a full blown flower bothered by bees
there was plenty of pollen for all of us to feast
even gave me your bed and got in with me
and the spring fell down on us, in music we trust
the spring fell down on us in texas
barely acquainted and beautifully bare
in the early morning light we had few words to share
you were thinking of her, i was thinking of him
but our hands and our lips spoke the sweet tongue
of skin
we rolled in like rockstars, we flew out tired and drunk
already missing the sweet southern sun we
said no goodbyes, cause what's done is well done i
welcome the memory of you and your songs
and the spring fell down on us, in music we trust
the spring fell down on us in texas
and the spring fell down on us, in music we trust
the spring fell down on us in texas
and the spring fell down on us, in music we trust
the spring fell down on us in texas
The Po' Girl's song "Texas" is a beautiful narrative of a brief yet memorable encounter between two individuals in Texas. The first verse of the song talks about how the dirt from the yard still falls from the singer's boots, and the smoke from the fire still perfumes her shirt. This imagery shows that she has just left a place where she was probably having a good time, enjoying the outdoors with friends. She speaks of singing songs till the day broke, drinking wine from the bottle, carousing and laughing all night, living in the moment, with no worries about tomorrow. This shows that she was living her best life and not worrying about anything else but the present moment.
The second verse delves deeper into the encounter she had with someone in Texas. She mentions that the town was in full bloom, and there was plenty of pollen for everyone to feast on. The person she met opened their door and welcomed them in, even giving up their bed for them to rest in. The singer mentions that they were barely acquainted and beautifully bare, implying that they had just met and were comfortable around each other as if they had known each other for a long time. The encounter was fleeting, but it was intense and special, leaving a strong impression on the singer. They left Texas, feeling a little sad, but knowing that what had happened was for the best.
The song talks about the way music can bring people together, and in that moment, the spring fell down on them. The reference to the spring could be symbolic of hope, new beginnings, or a metaphor for the encounter they had in Texas. The line, "in music we trust," shows that music is what brought them together, and it was music that helped them connect on a deeper level. Overall, the song is a beautiful tale of love, connection, and being in the moment, even if it's just for a little while.
Line by Line Meaning
the dirt from the yard still falls from my boots
The evidence of my past life in rural areas still lingers on me.
smoke from the fire still perfumes my shirt
The aroma of the campfire I attended last night still clings to me.
singing songs til the day broke, drinking wine from
the bottle carousing and laughing while today made tomorrow
Last night, we sang and drank wine, enjoying ourselves while disregarding our future obligations and responsibilities.
the town was a full blown flower bothered by bees
The town we visited was prosperous and lively, attracting many people like us who were looking to enjoy its offerings.
there was plenty of pollen for all of us to feast
There were plenty of opportunities for us to indulge in the town's pleasures.
you opened your door, said make yourselves free
even gave me your bed and got in with me
You welcomed us into your home, letting us do as we please, and even shared your bed with me.
and the spring fell down on us, in music we trust
the spring fell down on us in texas
The spring season brought us together and we found solace in the music of Texas.
barely acquainted and beautifully bare
in the early morning light we had few words to share
Despite our limited interaction, we were physically exposed and vulnerable to each other in the early hours of the morning.
you were thinking of her, i was thinking of him
but our hands and our lips spoke the sweet tongue
of skin
Although we each had someone else on our minds, we engaged in physical intimacy that spoke a universal language of pleasure.
we rolled in like rockstars, we flew out tired and drunk
already missing the sweet southern sun we
said no goodbyes, cause what's done is well done i
welcome the memory of you and your songs
We arrived and departed with the energy of rockstars, enjoying our time in the South and already feeling nostalgic for it. Despite not saying goodbye, I cherish the memory of you and the music we shared.
Contributed by Vivian V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.