Forster met McLennan during drama classes at the University of Queensland and, inspired by a mutual love of Bob Dylan and the New York music scene, they formed the Go-Betweens in 1977. In addition to his work with the Go-Betweens, Forster has released several solo albums, including: Danger in the Past, recorded in Berlin in 1990; Calling from a Country Phone, recorded at Sunshine Studios, Brisbane, in 1993 with members of local pop group Custard; I Had a New York Girlfriend, a collection of cover versions recorded in Melbourne in 1994; Warm Nights, recorded in London in 1996 and produced by Edwyn Collins; and The Evangelist, recorded (all but one track - "A Place to Hide Away") at Good Luck Studios, London, September - November 2007 with long time collaborators Glenn Thompson and Adele Pickvance.
Critically-acclaimed internationally as a songwriter, Forster reveals a strong literary influence in his work. In 2005, Forster began writing for the Australian magazine, The Monthly. Prior to this he had virtually no print experience, with only a column on hair care for a fanzine in the 1980s to his credit. On 25 October 2006, it was announced that Forster was the winner of the Pascall Prize for Critical Writing for his columns.
On 6 May 2006, Grant McLennan died in his sleep at his home in Brisbane. Forster picked three songs co-written by Grant McLennan, including "Demon Days", which is the last song the pair wrote together, and recorded them alongside some of his own material to produce his first album in 11 years. The Evangelist was released on April 26, 2008 through Yep Roc Records.[5]
Forster announced his return to live performance with four nights at the Queensland Music Festival in July 2007.
A Place to Hide Away
Robert Forster Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trees run down to the road, protect the convent girls
A Sister somewhere bows her head to pray
Offer protection, a place to hide away
Deep in Sherwood Forest the elves keep to themselves
No one is scarecrow, the witch has no spells
A map of tree tops, a road that's made of clay
I'm thinking of Mondaino, I'm thinking of Greece
I'm thinking a walled city to give me my peace
I might take up teaching, I have a lot to say
At a roundtable, at a place to hide away
I might take you up on one fine sunny day
I might take you up to a place to hide away
The lyrics to Robert Forster's song A Place to Hide Away conjures images of sanctuary and seclusion from a tumultuous world. The opening lines, "Lightning cracks the convent mist curls to the bells, Trees run down to the road, protect the convent girls" sets the tone for the entire song: a safe haven from danger or chaos. The mention of "convent" and "girls" also alludes to a sense of femininity and gentleness that is often associated with religious spaces, perhaps suggesting that Forster seeks solace in such spaces.
The stanza about Sherwood Forest and the elves reinforces the idea of a place that is both mysterious and protected. The lines "No one is scarecrow, the witch has no spells, A map of tree tops, a road that's made of clay" paints a picture of a world that is devoid of danger, where magic and nature are in harmony. Forster sings about Mondaino and Greece, suggesting that the place he seeks is beyond geographical boundaries; he is searching for a state of mind where he can find peace. He talks about taking up teaching, but rather than a classroom, his ideal setting is a roundtable, presumably one where he can engage in meaningful conversations with individuals who understand the need for a place to hide away.
The final lines, "I might take you up on one fine sunny day, I might take you up to a place to hide away" suggest that the song is both personal and universal. It is a yearning for a sense of safety that anyone can relate to. The final verse also implies that the path to finding such a place may involve seeking out the company of others who share a similar need and may be willing to help.
Line by Line Meaning
Lightning cracks the convent mist curls to the bells
The stormy weather creates a mist that envelops the convent as lightning strikes, ringing the bells.
Trees run down to the road, protect the convent girls
The trees surrounding the convent safeguard the nuns living within its walls by shielding them from those who would do them harm.
A Sister somewhere bows her head to pray
A nun takes a moment to pray, seeking protection from the divine for those who reside in the convent.
Offer protection, a place to hide away
The convent is a sanctuary that offers a safe haven for those seeking refuge and protection from outside forces.
Deep in Sherwood Forest the elves keep to themselves
The elves live in isolation in the heart of Sherwood Forest, preferring to remain distant from human society.
No one is scarecrow, the witch has no spells
There is no need to fear any sort of supernatural forces here, as there are no malevolent entities in the area.
A map of tree tops, a road that's made of clay
The only way to reach this secluded and peaceful location is via a dirt path that winds through the treetops.
It's hard to get to, a place to hide away
The isolated location and lack of convenient roads or paths make this area an ideal place for those seeking solitude.
I'm thinking of Mondaino, I'm thinking of Greece
The artist is contemplating the possibility of travelling to exotic locales such as Mondaino or Greece for a change of scenery.
I'm thinking a walled city to give me my peace
The artist desires a sense of security and isolation that can only be found in a fortified city surrounded by thick walls.
I might take up teaching, I have a lot to say
The singer is considering the possibility of becoming a teacher, as they feel that they have valuable knowledge and experiences to share.
At a roundtable, at a place to hide away
The artist envisions themselves engaging in intellectual discussions at a secluded location, nestled away from everyday distractions.
I might take you up on one fine sunny day
The singer extends an offer to take someone to an isolated location on a beautiful, sunny day.
I might take you up to a place to hide away
The singer will take this person to a safe haven where they can escape from the worries of everyday life and find tranquility.
Contributed by Anthony F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.