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.
The Raven
Rebecca Pidgeon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Black against a sky of grey
With cold in your bones
And the winter coming on
And the smell of snow on the way
The sun's going down
But you're walking home
Like a jet black raven overhead (sings: Like a jet
Black raven in the sky)
My love is a bird of change
My love is an autumn raven
Above a field cut low
And what she sees as she flies through the trees
No man is going to know
My love is a secret never told
An omen to swear by
Like a terrible raven overhead
In the rolling autumn sky
When the black night falls
The raven calls
And bathes me with her sweet breath
And the rough grey blanket
Weighs us down
Into a sleep like death
My love is an autumn raven
Above a field cut low
With the order of heaven pressing down
And frost on the stubble below
And the wisdom of the men and gods
The folly of the day
Is flying in the swift black raven
In a sky of grey
In Rebecca Pidgeon's song "The Raven," she uses the metaphor of a raven to represent her love. The raven is described as jet black against a sky of grey, symbolizing both the beauty and darkness of her love. The lyrics further describe the changing nature of love, as the raven is also a bird of change, flying through the seasons and above fields, seeing things that no man will ever know. Pidgeon's love is a secret never told, yet is an omen to swear by, as if it holds some sort of mystical power.
The second half of the song describes the intensity of Pidgeon's love when the night falls. The raven calls to her and bathes her with its sweet breath, creating a sense of comfort and warmth even in the midst of the cold, rough grey blanket that weighs her down. The wisdom of men and gods is described as folly, while the swift black raven holds more significance and power in its flight through the grey sky.
Overall, "The Raven" is a hauntingly beautiful song with a strong sense of love and darkness intertwined. The metaphorical use of the raven is a powerful choice to describe the intensity and ever-changing nature of love.
Line by Line Meaning
My love is like a raven
My love is mysterious and ever-changing, much like the unpredictable bird.
Black against a sky of grey
Its color stands out amongst the dreariness and uncertainty of life.
With cold in your bones
The feeling of loneliness and isolation that often accompanies the season of winter.
And the winter coming on
The inevitability of change and the unknown future that lies ahead.
And the smell of snow on the way
The impending feeling of something significant about to happen, yet not quite sure what it is.
The sun's going down
The end of a certain period or chapter in one's life.
But you're walking home
Despite the darkness around, there is always hope and someone to guide you home.
The warmth will ease your pain
Love can provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times.
Like a jet black raven overhead (sings: Like a jet Black raven in the sky)
Symbolic of the looming uncertainty and mystery that hovers over one's life.
My love is a bird of change
Love can be unpredictable and ever-evolving, much like the raven.
My love is an autumn raven
Love is associated with the season of change and transition.
Above a field cut low
The familiarity of one's surroundings, yet the realization that everything is constantly changing.
And what she sees as she flies through the trees No man is going to know
Despite how well we think we know someone, there are always parts of them that remain a mystery.
My love is a secret never told
Even though love can be all-consuming and powerful, sometimes it's best to keep it hidden away.
An omen to swear by
Love can be a sign of things to come, serving as both a warning and a promise.
Like a terrible raven overhead In the rolling autumn sky
The fear and uncertainty that come with change and the unknown.
When the black night falls
The darkness that can engulf one's life during difficult times.
The raven calls
The never-ending presence of love, even during times of hardship.
And bathes me with her sweet breath
The power of love to bring comfort and solace when the world seems harsh and unforgiving.
And the rough grey blanket Weighs us down Into a sleep like death
Love provides a sense of peace and calm, even in the darkest moments.
With the order of heaven pressing down
The idea that there is a greater plan at work, even if we don't understand it fully.
And frost on the stubble below
The harsh realities of life that can leave us feeling exposed and vulnerable.
And the wisdom of the men and gods The folly of the day
The complexity and uncertainty of life, and the importance of finding one's own path through it all.
Is flying in the swift black raven In a sky of grey
Love is a constant presence, even in the midst of confusion and darkness.
Contributed by Sadie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Myriam DUGAST
So pure voice... She makes me feel so quiet
Wolfgang3418
Yes, she can sing. It's touching. I feel a deep connection between us.
Trackpad
I remember we used to listen to this album during long roads trips when I was in grade school. Good times...
lostintime86
it takes me back
zarozinia1985
Rebecca has a wonderful voice like her Ruby Blue days.
Gary Cargill
Stunning.
pliedtka
Still one of audiophiles favorite album. Too bad no longer with Chesky Records. I feel same about Ana Caram.
Terrence Rohm
She's great.She reminds me of Anne Briggs.I can name 3 movies starring her and directed by David Mamet that are of my favorites.State and Main,Spanish Prisoner and Winslow Boy.
Terrence Rohm
If I had any money,I'd put together a kick-ass band to record Rockin' Robin. I'd ask Rebecca to be vocalist and make it swing.She's one of my favorite artists.
Cristian Chocobar
Una gema hallada al pie de un volcan,forjada por vibraciones de sonidos trascendentales!