Sometimes she plays solo and at others she is surrounded by a group of wonderful musicians consisting of Laura Wilkie, Siobhan Anderson and sometimes Louise Bichan (the fiddle pixies), Leo and Declan Forde and pianist Jennifer Austin.
She played the Communion night at Notting Hill Arts Centre in London, having had her track My Friend Fire, recorded and produced by Ben of Mumford and Sons. This was featured on the first Communion compilation album. .
Rachel has supported many acts, including Mumford & Sons on their Highlands & Islands tour as well as KT Tunstall, Newton Faulkner and John William Grant. Sermanni performed duets with both Faulkner and Grant.
Waltz
Rachel Sermanni Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aware that you will tread upon my toes
And in hopelessness I spin you
And suddenly I’m lost
Aware you tear the tethers of my skirt
For I’ve was this hurt a few times
And I’ve heard this band before
And I don’t know the time
And I don’t know the steps
And I’m trying to hide
This marble floor is shaking
These perfect steps so-o-o room
Aware I close this ballroom doors from the tru-u-uth
Just play that soft sweet music
Just stay around with me…
And I don’t know the notes
And I don’t know the time
And I don’t know the steps
And I’m trying to…
trying to hi-i-ide
What I have in my hold
What I have in my-y-y-y hold
I waltz with you in dre-eams
I waltz with you in dre-eams
I waltz with you in dre-eams
I waltz with you in dre-eams
The lyrics of Rachel Sermanni's song "Waltz" embody a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty, as the singer hesitantly asks for the pleasure of their partner's hand in leading the dance. Despite being aware of the potential for being hurt or humiliated, they still take a chance and give in to the moment. The lines "I don’t know the notes, and I don’t know the time, and I don’t know the steps, and I’m trying to hide" highlight the singer's lack of experience, both in terms of dancing and relationships.
The setting of the ballroom also adds to the dreamlike quality of the song, with the marble floor shaking and the doors closing, isolating the couple in their own world. The repetition of "I waltz with you in dreams" reinforces the idea that this moment could be imagined or longed for, rather than something that is actually happening.
In a broader sense, the lyrics of "Waltz" speak to the fear and excitement that come with taking risks and embracing the unknown, both in relationships and in life.
Line by Line Meaning
May I have the pleasure of your hand to lead this dance?
Asking for permission to lead the dance
Aware that you will tread upon my toes
Acknowledging that mistakes will be made
And in hopelessness I spin you
Feeling lost and directionless
And suddenly I’m lost
Feeling disoriented in the moment
Aware you tear the tethers of my skirt
Realizing that the dance is causing some harm or damage
For I’ve was this hurt a few times
Admitting to past experiences of pain
And I’ve heard this band before
Recognizing a familiar pattern
And I don’t know the notes
Not fully understanding the situation
And I don’t know the time
Not knowing what the future holds
And I don’t know the steps
Feeling unprepared and uncertain
And I’m trying to hide
Attempting to conceal one's vulnerabilities
This marble floor is shaking
Feeling unstable and unsure
These perfect steps so-o-o room
The dance seems too perfect and unattainable
Aware I close this ballroom doors from the tru-u-uth
Feeling like the dance is an escape from reality
Just play that soft sweet music
Hoping for comfort and reassurance
Just stay around with me…
Seeking companionship and support
And I don’t know the notes
Still feeling unsure
And I don’t know the time
Uncertain about what the future holds
And I don’t know the steps
Still feeling unprepared and vulnerable
And I’m trying to…
Struggling to cope with the situation
trying to hi-i-ide
Trying to keep one's vulnerabilities hidden
What I have in my hold
Referring to an emotional or personal possession
What I have in my-y-y-y hold
Emphasizing the importance of the possession
I waltz with you in dre-eams
Escaping reality through a dream-like state
I waltz with you in dre-eams
Using the dance to cope with reality
I waltz with you in dre-eams
Repeating the previous two lines for emphasis
I waltz with you in dre-eams
Finishing the song with the same repeated line
Contributed by Aubrey C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@katsd.5573
After 8 years I'm still here listening to this song <3
@nixieNICLA
You know when you surf the net and uncover a gem?... That happened for me with this gorgeous song. She tells a story through her work...really beautiful, made my morning waltz.
@jossh672
+nixie NICLA I cannot agree more! A friend sent me a song by another artist - which featured Rachel Sermanni.. I'm on hour three of listening to her. New love!
@6Tares6
Poetry is not dead. Thank you very much.
@alexanderf2121
brought tears to my eyes.... reminded me how the world could be... how should be... there are less and less moments that love still touch my heart... see this video was one of them, and I thank you for that, Rachel....
@johngialanellajr8650
Just discovered her today, Wow is she so Pretty. Such a Pretty voice. Will keep listening to her.
@skyzefawlun
I honestly don't even think I have the words to express how much this moves me...
@dafnielissa6727
she's so natural and amazing. AMAZING.
@NaraNoianNN
J'aime beaucoup l'univers de Rachel, beau, délicat, subtile, poétique ... Merci
@JessyJamesLaFleur
This brings tears to my eyes...each time I listen to one of Rachel's songs, I realise how much beauty this world has got to offer!!! Yes, this little world we live in is actually quite fantastic :)