Born in Tauranga, Ria spent time in Auckland and Australia, before settling in Wellington and really finding her musical feet. She co-formed and fronted the reggae band Hope Road, who, in performing at the Parihaka International Peace Festival and Wellington’s Waitangi Day One Love event, won the respect of Aotearoa's elite roots, reggae and soul music communities. This led to her joining Hollie Smith’s live ensemble, becoming part of Eru Dangerspiel’s psychedelic explosion, and, latterly, performing backing vocals for the 2010 reunion shows of the iconic Trinity Roots.
Her profile has also been lifted significantly by her inspired performance at the opening ceremony of Rugby World Cup 2011 – a performance witnessed by a televised audience of millions.
Working with producer and mentor Riki Gooch (Eru Dangerspiel, Trinity Roots) on her debut self titled EP, Ria has fashioned a vibrant new take on an age-old story. By incorporating her many disparate influences – Māori performing arts, te reo Māori, modern musical palettes, whānau, and her own life history into a seamless whole, she presents her story, her perspective. Her story begins here...
Walk
Ria Hall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your charms had me believing but now I'm sleeping with a ghost
I should have listened to myself
But now I ld rather walk alone
Your touch had me believe I was the only one
Your words had me deceived and now I'm lying in the dust
I shouldve listened to myself
I'd rather walk alone
I'd rather walk alone
No use feeling sorry
I know, I know
Things will never change
INSTRUMENTAL TO FADE
The lyrics to Ria Hall's song "Walk" seems to be about a broken relationship. At first, there seems to have been a lot of love and charm, with the singer being won over by the other person's touch and words. However, when it matters most, the love seems to have lost its meaning, and the charms lost their potency. The singer even suggests that there was deception at play, with the other person's words having led to their downfall.
The chorus repeats the line "I'd rather walk alone," which seems to suggest a newfound desire for independence and self-reliance. The singer seems to have made a mistake by not listening to themselves earlier, and they now regret this decision. However, there seems to be a sense of acceptance and moving on, as the final lines suggest that "things will never change."
In many ways, the song seems to be about learning to trust oneself and being able to move on from a toxic or broken relationship. It is a reminder that sometimes, even though we may feel alone, it is better to walk alone than to be held back by someone or something that no longer serves us.
Line by Line Meaning
Your love has got no meaning when it matters most
Your love is insignificant and lacks significance when it is needed the most.
Your charms had me believing but now I'm sleeping with a ghost
You had fooled me with your charms and now I am left with nothing but emptiness.
I should have listened to myself
I regret not having trusted my own instincts.
But now I ld rather walk alone
I have realized it is better for me to walk alone than to be with someone who does not value me.
Your touch had me believe I was the only one
Your touch had convinced me that I was the only person you cared for.
Your words had me deceived and now I'm lying in the dust
Your words misled me and now I am left feeling dejected and defeated.
No use feeling sorry
There is no sense in feeling regretful or apologetic now.
I know, I know
I am aware that things will never change.
Things will never change
The situation will not improve or become different.
I'd rather walk alone
I prefer to be alone than to be with someone who does not value me.
I'd rather walk alone
My preference is to carry on alone.
Writer(s): Ria Hall
Contributed by Miles S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.