She was born to British parents in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, while her father was a visiting professor at MIT, but she grew up in Scotland. She thus holds dual US/UK citizenship.
Pidgeon attended drama college and graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. After some promising work as an actress in the UK, she moved to the United States. She had met American writer/director David Mamet while acting in his play Speed the Plow during its run at The National Theater in London. She subsequently became his wife in 1991. She and Mamet have two children, Clara and Noah.
From 1986 to 1990 she was the lead singer of the British folk/pop band Ruby Blue. Pidgeon left Ruby Blue, shortly after the band had signed a major record label and was beginning to gather both commercial and critical success. She decided to concentrate on her acting career, starring in Mamet's plays and films, initially in the movie Homicide, then in the play Oleanna, a part written for her.
Returning to music in 1994, she released the solo album The Raven, followed by New York Girls' Club. A further album, The Four Marys, a collection of traditional Celtic folk songs, followed in 1998.
In October 2005 she released Tough on Crime, which featured the late Billy Preston on keyboards.
Pidgeon is a convert to Judaism.
Growing up in Edinburgh, Rebecca was a teenage friend of singer Shirley Manson.
Grandmother
Rebecca Pidgeon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a young girl
Well I mean
I'm a young woman
And then I guess
I'll just be a woman
Not too young
Not too old
Right in the middle
Just about right in the middle
And then well
Well I guess
I'll get a little older
God willing
Guess I'll just get
A wee bit older
And then I'll be, yes that's right
An older woman
Mmm Hmm
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Cos then well,
Well I guess
Nothin' for it
I'm gonna be
If God wills it
Yes that's right
An old woman
An old old woman
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
But you'll still say
I'm beautiful
I'll still be beautiful inside
And lovely to you huh Baby?
Lovely to you huh Baby?
And I'll say to them young 'uns
Hey kids!
Kids!
Gather round
Gather round me now
When your grandfather and I were young...
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
And as the years roll on and on and on
I'll keep on getting older God willing
The lyrics of the song "Grandmother" by Rebecca Pidgeon are about the process of growing old and accepting it. Throughout the song, Pidgeon talks about how she is currently a young girl, but she will eventually become an old woman. She sees it as something that is inevitable and that she has no control over. However, she also believes that just because she is getting older, it doesn't mean that she isn't still beautiful inside.
The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if Pidgeon is at peace with the natural process of aging. She acknowledges that she will keep getting older, and that there's nothing she can do about it. But at the same time, she seems to find comfort in the idea that she will still be loved and appreciated by those around her, regardless of her age.
There is also a reference to her grandchildren, as she imagines telling them stories about when she was young. This seems to suggest that despite her own acceptance of old age, she is still connected to the younger generation and wants to share her experiences with them.
Overall, "Grandmother" is a powerful and introspective song that looks at the experience of growing old with a sense of grace and wisdom.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, well I'm young
I'm still in my youth
I'm a young girl
I'm still considered a girl by some
Well I mean
In other words
I'm a young woman
I'm transitioning into adulthood
And then I guess
At some point
I'll just be a woman
I'll fully mature into a woman
Not too young
But not too inexperienced
Not too old
But not too aged
Just right
Just the right amount of maturity
Right in the middle
In the middle of the spectrum
Just about right in the middle
Almost precisely in the middle
And then well
And at some point
Well I guess
I suppose
I'll get a little older
I'll age gradually
God willing
If all goes well
Guess I'll just get
I'll simply become
A wee bit older
Slightly more mature
And then I'll be, yes that's right
And then I'll become
An older woman
A woman in her later years
Mmm Hmm
An expression of agreement
And as the years roll on and on and on
As time passes
I'll keep on getting older God willing
I'll continue to age if all goes well
Cos then well,
Because then
Nothin' for it
Nothing can be done
I'm gonna be
I will become
Yes that's right
That's correct
An old woman
A woman who has aged significantly
An old old woman
A woman who has aged quite a bit
But you'll still say
But you will continue to express
I'm beautiful
That I am still attractive
I'll still be beautiful inside
That I will remain a kind and loving person
And lovely to you huh Baby?
And still cherished by you, my love?
And I'll say to them young 'uns
And I will speak to the young ones
Hey kids!
Hello, children!
Kids!
Children
Gather round
Come together
Gather round me now
Come together around me
When your grandfather and I were young...
About the experiences I shared with your grandfather when we were young
Oh, mother mother, hear me father, catch me when I fall
An expression of needing guidance and support from family
Writer(s): Rebecca Pidgeon
Contributed by Oliver K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@artmaltman
Supernatural. How is such beautiful music humanly possible.
@ianjackson7920
I'm a total newbie to Rebecca Pidgeon and I'm so happy I discovered her music. Wow! Like many others I've gone and ordered the vinyl.
@louisbouduin4264
Het voice deserves the best treatment, it's a delicacy, it's a gift, enjoy...
@terrencerohm9773
Sparkling and vibrant!
@troll23-troll23
This brings tears to my eyes - now that I am a grandmother! Maybe Rebecca is one too? Unbelievable song and presentation. Just to let you know, Rebecca, my husband has been in love with you ever since "State and Main". I am fine with it, I can see why....
@67spankadelik
Bought the album before finishing this video. This is great!
@cmalc
This is just extraordinary ! Thrilled to have found it.
@cristianchocobar8652
Gracias Rebecca!
@nosmoking4781
Heard this ages ago, still a beautiful recording and song. Listening on my Stereolith Monitor 232 Audiophile, just incredible 3D spacial sound
@DrSamE
Its spatial, becouse the arrangment is so sparse = lots of ”space”