Having performed shows with Sam Phillips, Low, and Pedro The Lion among others, Seattle-based folk singer Robert Deeble released Heart Like Feathers, his first album in six years on February 7th, 2012. Deeble is joined on the record by his bandmates Jeremy Dybash (Velour 100), Jeremy Summer (Whiskey Swillers), Lili De La Mora and Neal Vickers.
His previous offering "this bar has no one left" was produced by Adam Selzer (M. Ward) and features Rachel Blumberg (Bright Eyes, Decemberists), Amanda Lawrence (Norfolk and Western), Todd Corbett (Tracker), and Kris Rosintrader.
Born in Long Beach, California, Robert Deeble was the founding member of Days Like These, an orchestral ensemble of guitar, cello, string bass and percussion that played around LA in the mid 90s. Their self titled debut released in 1997, it featured a duet with folk heroine Victoria Williams and the unique production of Stephen Taylor Arvizu Hodges (drummer for Tom Waits). Days Like These disbanded a year after their release. The record received critical acclaim and was re-released under Robert's name by various labels.
His second album EarthSide Down (Jackson Rubio), was recorded and produced with Stephen Taylor Arvizu Hodges on percussion and Anthony Arvizu on drums with a large cast of guesting musicians. EarthSide Down continued Robert's orchestral trademark but with a darker, more cinematic quality. Reviews cited his spirit-infused lyrics and minimalist style as one that echoed old folk heroes like Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake (All Music Guide).
After a relocation to the Northwest, Robert resurfaced with a single of Bob Dylan's "Boots of Spanish Leather" on BMG's "May Your Songs Always Be Sung - vol 3." This was followed by "Thirteen Stories" his third full length on Pete Records. Produced by Matt Wignal (Cold War Kids), "Thirteen Stories" featured Robert's younger brother Pete on drums, bassist Matt Clatterbuck and long time backing vocalist Lili De La Mora on bgvs and wurlitzer piano. Decidedly lighter in tone, Thirteen Stories combined a indie-rock format against Robert's lyrical musings.
Following his inclusion on "Preserve" a compilation featuring The Decemberists, M. Ward, and TW Walsh, Robert's fourth album "This bar has no one left" was released on Fractured Discs.
Deeble currently resides in Seattle Washington he has performed with the likes of: Low, Ida, Songs:Ohia, The Kingsbury Manx, Pedro The Lion, Shannon Wright, The Long Winters, Victoria Williams, Over The Rhine.
Exhale
Robert Deeble Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the bus stop don’t know how hard you tried
Learn to stand still
take in your breath…
Exhale
feel the air
before it rains, anticipate
it gives her away
I think it's all going to change
I think it's all going to change
Taut like a string,
caught in the mess of everything
The sun and moon prevail
take in their light…
Exhale
feel the air
before the rain, anticipate
The smile of a girl
as she’s walking away
I think it's all going to change
I think it's all going to change
In the first verse of the song, the lyrics convey a message of slowing down and taking a pause in life. The reference to the bus stop suggests a place where people are constantly rushing, but the singer encourages the listener to not overlook their own efforts and to learn to stand still. This could be interpreted as a reminder to appreciate the small moments and accomplishments in life, and to take a breath before moving forward.
The chorus highlights the act of exhaling, emphasizing the release of tension and stress. The line "before it rains, anticipate" could be a metaphorical way of saying to anticipate and prepare for change or challenges that may be coming. The mention of "the smile of a girl" suggests that someone's true emotions can be revealed through their facial expression, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the people around us and understanding their feelings.
The second verse introduces the concept of being caught up in the chaos of life, represented by the metaphor of being taut like a string. This could imply feeling overwhelmed and pulled in many different directions. However, the sun and moon prevailing and taking in their light suggests finding solace and guidance in the natural world. It reminds the listener to seek clarity and perspective amidst chaos and to appreciate the beauty and power of nature.
The second chorus reiterates the idea that change is inevitable. The prospect of change can be both exciting and frightening, as emphasized by the repetition of "I think it's all going to change." It suggests a sense of anticipation and uncertainty about the future. The overall message of the song seems to be about learning to embrace change and finding peace in the midst of chaos, while being mindful of the small moments and the emotions of those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down and ride
Take a moment to pause and experience life's journey
the bus stop don’t know how hard you tried
The bus stop represents a mundane, ordinary place where efforts may go unnoticed
Learn to stand still
Develop the ability to find tranquility and calmness amidst the chaos
take in your breath…
Be fully present and aware of the simple act of breathing
Exhale
Release all the tension and worries that burden you
feel the air
Take in the fresh air and let it rejuvenate your spirit
before it rains, anticipate
Be prepared for upcoming challenges or difficult situations
The smile of a girl; it gives her away
A girl's smile reveals her true emotions and thoughts
I think it's all going to change
There is a belief that significant transformation is on the horizon
Taut like a string
Feeling tense and tightly wound, ready to snap
caught in the mess of everything
Trapped in the complexities and chaos of life's challenges
The sun and moon prevail
The forces of nature are unstoppable and constant
take in their light…
Absorb the wisdom and guidance offered by the ever-present celestial bodies
The smile of a girl as she’s walking away
A girl's smile as she distances herself signifies her departure or disconnection
I think it's all going to change
There is a strong belief that significant change is inevitable
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ROBERT DEEBLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind