A classic introvert/extrovert combo, Reid now performs with his saucy wife and long-time song-writing partner Carolyn Victoria Mill (aka Carly Jamieson). Along with winning the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for their first co-write RAIL, this creative couple wrote their way into the Vancouver Folk Music Festival by winning 1st prize in the Pickin’ a Folk Star Contest. True entertainers, these masters of the burgeoning House Concert circuit thrive on creating intimacy, with tales and talents that simply must be experienced live. True entertainers, these masters of the burgeoning House Concert circuit thrive on creating intimacy, with tales and talents that simply must be experienced live.
Their catalog and repertoire have a wide ranging appeal with compelling originals plus unique interpretations. ‘Dear Leonard: The Cohen Collection’ is a luminous tribute to Leonard Cohen, turning the master into the muse with seven compelling covers plus the haunting title track – an original open letter to the man himself. This homage joins Reid’s much-loved ‘The Presley Sessions Revisited’, a tribute to the 50s era greats including Elvis, Orbison, The Platters and more. A perennial favourite, his unusual collection of winter-themed music ‘Songs For A Winter’s Night’, is a unique holiday record you will want to play long after the tree comes down. ‘Juniper’s Kitchen’ is this husband and wife’s first recording singing together, with all original alt-country duets that are a little Johnny and June meet Fleetwood Mac, and all about the songs.
Reid and CVM have just released a new all original album recorded in Schull, Co. Cork Ireland, with producer Kieran Kennedy (Maria Doyle Kennedy). Titled ‘Me Daza’ which is Cork slang for ‘most excellent’ or ‘just right’, – tho the direct translation is ‘I’m dying’ – but aren’t we all? There is nothing traditional about this record, or this dynamic duo. Mature themes range from loving a woman during and after ‘The Change’, to Ireland’s abortion referendum, to coping with mental illness and social media – call it a soundtrack for the second act.
Husband and wife together 17 years, Reid and Carolyn are unique in that they have a kind of Bernie Taupin / Elton John relationship on the songwriting front, however, with a woman often writing the lyrics to be sung by a gifted male vocalist. They wrote each song together, with the exception of ‘Don’t Go Down’ written by the late great Fergus O’Farrell (Interference) and Glen Hansard (Swell Season, The Frames). Fergus’ was a much admired Schull local whose vocals appear posthumously as he passed away (duo to complications of Muscular Distrophy) before he was able to properly release the track himself. All of this unbeknownst to Reid and Carolyn when they chose the tune from a selection of potential Irish covers sent by their producer.
It was Canadian/Irish legend Mary Margaret O’Hara who introduced artist and producer at a Toronto concert where she had joined Reid’s band for the night. Kieran and his wife (actor Maria Doyle Kennedy) also enjoy a musical partnership, and have created many beautiful albums together under her name. That night a friendship was struck and plans were set in motion that went on to inspire an epic trip to the Emerald Isle, and perhaps their most daring record to date. There is nothing traditional about this record, or the dynamic duo behind it.
Keep an ear open for singles they release on a regular basis…plus their upcoming project on Pigeons (!) and the causes of homelessness. You won’t want to miss what they do next!
Rail
Reid Jamieson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where hearts and heroes fail, I won't be turned around
Sleepwalking these rails, I let the grass grow long
Oh my memory fails, and I forgot my song
Blackberries grow wild, smell of pitch in the sun
Weeds roll over my mind, and they almost won
But I said no more, no more, no more,
No more, no more, no more, no more
Where hearts and heroes fail, I won't be turned around
Tearing up these weeds, blow the smoke in my stack
Sound of steel on steel, and there's no going back
I got a head full of coal, hear the lightning crack
Light a fire in my soul, and get me back on track
Put your ear to the rail, you can hear my love come down
Where hearts and heroes fail, I won't be turned around
No more driving this blind, time to throw that switch
Drives a spike in my mind, and makes my fingers itch
You better get on board, or get out of my way
Hauling heavy and slow, but I'm leaving today...
And I said no more, no more, no more,
No more, no more, no more, no more, no more
And I know that I've been here before,
And it's taken its toll on me
And I know that I've been here before,
And it's taken its toll on me
And I know that I've been here before,
And it's taken its toll on me
But I'm not giving up anymore,
No I'm not giving up on me...
The lyrics to Reid Jamieson's "Rail" conjure up images of a determined traveler on a mission to reclaim their sense of purpose and direction. The singer urges the listener to "put your ear to the rail," suggesting that they will hear the rumbling of their love approaching - a metaphor for their own inner strength and self-confidence. The singer is battling with their own doubts and fears, acknowledging that they have been to this place before and that it has taken a toll on them. However, they are not giving up anymore and are determined to get themselves back on track. The imagery of tearing up weeds, blowing smoke in their stack, and driving a spike in their mind all suggest a gritty determination to push through the obstacles and reclaim their sense of purpose and direction.
Line by Line Meaning
Put your ear to the rail, you can hear my love come down
By listening closely, you can hear the passion and commitment that fuels me, as if it were roaring through the tracks of a steam engine.
Where hearts and heroes fail, I won't be turned around
Even in the face of adversity and hardship, I will not lose my resolve or be deterred from my goal.
Sleepwalking these rails, I let the grass grow long
I have been pushing forward on this journey without truly being present or aware, allowing the obstacles to accumulate around me.
Oh my memory fails, and I forgot my song
I have lost my sense of purpose and the reason I started on this path in the first place.
Blackberries grow wild, smell of pitch in the sun
The world around me is alive and vibrant, with sweet and bitter aspects mixed together.
Weeds roll over my mind, and they almost won
Negative thoughts and doubts have started to take over, threatening to derail my progress.
But I said no more, no more, no more,
No more, no more, no more, no more
I have reached my breaking point and will not tolerate any more setbacks or failures.
Tearing up these weeds, blow the smoke in my stack
I am taking active steps to rid myself of negativity and fill myself with renewed motivation and drive.
Sound of steel on steel, and there's no going back
The sound of the train going forward represents my commitment to moving forward and never looking back.
I got a head full of coal, hear the lightning crack
I am filled with energy and drive, ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.
Light a fire in my soul, and get me back on track
I need a spark of passion and inspiration to reignite my sense of purpose and direction.
No more driving this blind, time to throw that switch
I am done with aimlessly moving forward; it's time to take control and change the direction of my journey.
Drives a spike in my mind, and makes my fingers itch
Making this change is not just a decision, it's an intense urge that I can't ignore.
You better get on board, or get out of my way
I am determined to succeed and nothing and no one will stand in my way.
Hauling heavy and slow, but I'm leaving today...
Even though progress may be slow and difficult, I am still moving forward and will leave this place behind.
And I know that I've been here before,
And it's taken its toll on me
I have experienced setbacks and challenges before, and they have had a negative impact on me.
But I'm not giving up anymore,
No I'm not giving up on me...
Despite past setbacks, I am committed to persevering and achieving my goals for myself.
Contributed by Bailey J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Christine Benard
I ADORE this song <3 GREAT work, friend ! i am so happy to see that you have uploaded this video :) keep jammin" Jamieson
Video4WebProductions
I so love this song. Congratulations Reid and Carolyn on winning the John Lennon Songwriting contest. No surprise, this is such a beautiful song. Way to go!
MatCousineau
fantastic, I got all your music from Itunes and you're my new favorite artist. great voice, great lyrics and really fun guitar playing! hope to see you in Ontario soon!
Jennifer Zuiff
OMG your voice and your song!!! You sound SOOOO much Jeff Buckley it's unreal! UGH! Your voice!!!!! So addicting!
Reid Jamieson
audio technica at3031