Signing to new label Birdland Records in 2013 after a couple of her YouTube cover videos (Ben Howard's "The Fear" and SBTRKT's "Hold On") came to the public's attention, Sherwell has since been working with acclaimed producer David Kosten (Everything Everything, Bat For Lashes) on a debut album.
Its first single, the atmospheric, transportive and hook-filled "Love Somebody", was released in September as the lead track of an EP that also featured prior blog favourite, the delightfully blissed out "Low", and a mesmerising remix (of LS) from fast rising Glaswegian producer Turtle.
This release captured the attention of publications such as DIY, Clash, Q, Indie Shuffle, HillyDilly, Pigeons and Planes and NME Magazine, as well as the ear of Lauren Laverne, who played the single regularly on her flagship morning show on BBC Radio 6. Notable support also came from Bella Union's Simon Raymonde, who supported both "Low" and "Love Somebody" on his radio shows on Amazing Radio and XFM.
Sherwell is clearly an artist whose music rests on emotion. Across ten sparkling tracks on the aforementioned LP, tales of hometown (island) glory, love, lust and heartbreak are shared, all wrapped in great hooks and delivered via her unique and enchanting vocal. At every turn, she displays a songwriting nous far beyond her twenty-something years. Summer 2014 saw her making festival appearances at The Great Escape, Pete The Monkey in France and FarmFestival in Somerset, culminating in a sold-out London headline show at The Islington to mark the EP release, and also a slot at Norwich Sound And Vision.
New track "Islander", from her forthcoming EP, inspired by her youth in Guernsey, is a fiery, enthusiastic and defiant shout from the English Channel. With thumping brevity and an ear-worm of a chorus, “Islander” stridently confirms Sherwell’s pop-writing ability, and is sure to make even more people stand up and pay attention.
Her show at the Sebright Arms on January 8th sold out and January has also seen Robyn hit the top 10 most blogged artists in the world on Hype Machine. “Islander” has so far amassed 200,000 Spotify plays.
River
Robyn Sherwell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Frost on the window pane
Branches cut into clear blue sky
And the wind carries your name
Run, river, run to the sea
Water always wants to be free
And the wolves from the door
Watch those words rise with the smoke
And shadows dance on the floor
Run, river, run to the sea
Water always wants to be free
Run, river, run over me
Water take away my memory
Water take away my memory
Run, river, run to the sea
Water always wants to be free
Run, river, run over me
Water, take away my memory
Water, take away my memory
Water, take away my memory
Water, take away my memory
Water, take away my memory
Run, river, run to the sea
Water always wants to be free
Run, river, run over me
Water, take away my memory
Water, take away my memory
Water, take away my memory
The lyrics to Robyn Sherwell's song River capture the essence of nature's transformative power and its ability to heal the mind and soul. The opening lines "Hope for snow at a quiet dawn, Frost on the window pane, Branches cut into clear blue sky, And the wind carries your name" paints a picturesque winter landscape. The imagery of a snow-covered dawn with frost on the windowpane and clear blue skies, accompanied by the sound of the wind carrying a name, creates a sense of isolation and quiet anticipation. The line "And the wind carries your name" suggests a longing for change and escape.
The chorus of the song "Run, river, run to the sea, Water always wants to be free" showcases the power of water and its ability to flow freely. Water is a symbol of renewal and cleansing, and in this song, it represents a chance to let go of the past and move forward. The repetition of "Water always wants to be free" emphasizes the message of letting go and moving on. The second verse "Light a fire to keep the night at bay, And the wolves from the door, Watch those words rise with the smoke, And shadows dance on the floor" further expresses the theme of finding comfort and safety in nature. By lighting a fire to keep away the wolves of fear and loneliness, the singer finds solace in the dance of shadows, which symbolizes a release from negative thoughts.
Overall, River is a song that speaks to the human desire for change and renewal, using nature's transformative power as a symbol of hope and healing.
Line by Line Meaning
Hope for snow at a quiet dawn
Anticipating peaceful and calm moments with snowflakes gently falling from the sky.
Frost on the window pane
A cold and lonely atmosphere, where the window creates a barrier to the outside world.
Branches cut into clear blue sky
The branches of a tree create a contrast against the clear blue sky, giving a sense of clarity to the world.
And the wind carries your name
The natural elements of wind carry a sense of familiarity, reminiscent of the voice of a loved one.
Light a fire to keep the night at bay
Creating a warm and cozy environment to keep the darkness of the night away.
And the wolves from the door
A metaphorical expression for keeping away danger and uninvited guests.
Watch those words rise with the smoke
The release of thoughts and emotions through the smoke of a rising flame.
And shadows dance on the floor
The movement and changing nature of shadows illustrate the duality of light and dark, enhancing the beauty of the moment.
Run, river, run to the sea
Encouraging the flow of nature, let the river carry on towards the sea.
Water always wants to be free
A representation of life itself, flowing and unrestrained, always searching for freedom.
Run, river, run over me
An expression of surrender and relief, allowing the water to cleanse and flow over oneself.
Water take away my memory
Water symbolizing renewal and rebirth, an opportunity to forget past experiences and look forward to new beginnings.
Water, take away my memory
Reemphasizing the desire for renewal and cleansing through water.
Water, take away my memory
A final plea for a fresh start through the power of water.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: RICHARD NADARAJ ALLMAN BROWN, ROBYN JEAN SHERWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jennifertaylor7388
So unbelievably under recognised xx
@Morgan_Elisabeth9948
Beautiful <3
@TufcatMusic
I was charmed. You are underrated.