Panes, who plays mandolin and guitar, is accompanied by Georgie Harris (Viola), Joanne Sy (Cello), Sean Hatton (Drums) and Deborah Panes (Vocals).
Panes is a British songwriter with a guitar to his chest and a heart swelling with hopes and dreams. A common on-paper pitch, perhaps, and one sold a thousand times before. But Dorset-born Panes has something special to offer those willing to wait a while for their favourite songs to settle into place.
Panes’ debut album, ‘Little Giant’, isn’t a collection operating at the vanguard of a cutting-edge, ultimately transient scene worthy of clicks for the next few months. It’s not an album that sets out to trick its audience in any way – what you hear is succinct, honest songwriting, from a place of deep personal expression, resonating with universal truths and values. It’s an embracing set, a welcoming one, which represents everything that its maker has worked towards since first picking up a guitar and exploring his innermost thoughts and feelings through song. No follower of fashion, Panes walks to his own beat.
It’s a strange admission for any artist, but nevertheless: “I’ve never really listened to much music,” says Panes. “Influences from other artists, they’re not really that important. I find that my music comes to me from situations I find myself in – those situations can come to me as songs. In terms of first picking up an instrument, my granny was a classical pianist – we’d go to her house, hear her play, and run around in circles. And my mum used to be in a travelling theatre company, so I was encouraged towards culture, towards the arts. But I always thought: if I want to listen to music, I’ll just write it.”
Don’t mistake confidence for arrogance – such statements come from a sincere place, as Panes’ upbringing in Wimborne, once home to novelist Thomas Hardy, proved more inspirational to his writing than any sessions in the company of a parent’s record collection. The natural beauty of Dorset’s open spaces – and those of the Lake District, a place he loves to visit – have become woven into the fabric of his craft. The peace, the silent solitude: it’s here that Panes feels more alive with ideas than he does in the hubbub of his adopted home of London. There’s a pastoral warmth to ‘Little Giant’ that couldn’t have manifested had its roots been laid within urban limits.
The comfort of home, of a tight and supportive family, punctuates proceedings throughout Panes’ debut LP – which is perhaps inevitable, as the collection was recorded there. Beside producer Rupert Coulson – a man with numerous soundtrack credits, as well as experience of working on records by Portishead, Robbie Williams and Oasis – Panes and his band captured the classic 12-string guitar sounds, rippling percussion and sweeping strings that decorate ‘Little Giant’ in, says the singer, “the music room, down at our house – just a small, wooden-floored room. I thought, why not keep the recording close to where I write the songs?”
He continues: “I’m a really big fan of the idea that you don’t need all the stuff you find in a big studio – it’s about how you use the things you do have. Rupert had a lot of imagination, and got a good grasp of the room and harnessed it. I love working in places that have an atmosphere, and I think it’s good to have that extra, background noise on a record. I’m sure there’s an ambulance on the album, actually.”
He was, briefly, the face of a Burberry campaign, something he describes as “random”. “I was on tour,” he says, “and I got a phone call asking me to do it. I just grabbed the opportunity that was in front of me. I went in a musician, and came out a musician. It’s a short episode in my life, but one that’s had some quite big repercussions.” Indeed, a Google search pulls up many attractively composed black-and-white photographs of Panes sporting fine threads – but it’s music that surges strongest in his veins, above all other passions.
And now that you’ve separated your senses from social media for a while, closed your chattering inbox, just what does ‘Little Giant’ offer above more garden variety singer-songwriter recordings? A little patience provides the answers: this is material that truly connects on an emotional level, its gentle rhythms and compelling cadences topped by vocals that can’t be faked, that come characterised by a complete lack of artifice and affectation. His is a deep voice, one that sounds aged beyond its years, perhaps. And yet, it’s telling of timeless stories, endless ache and forever love. It asks that we all find the right way to see the world around us.
One number that specifically addresses the need for optimism is the single ‘Tiger Striped Sky’. Says Panes: “It’s about the idea where we can look at any situation ahead of us in two ways: either it’s challenging, and off-putting, or you can say that you love a challenge. It’s about the idea that you chose your context, and if you put yourself into a negative context, you’re going to come out with stripes on you.”
The title track is about addressing one’s own shortcomings in order to better themselves. “It’s accepting that you have to realise your own vulnerabilities in order to become stronger,” says Panes. “That’s why there’s the line, ‘Have the heart of a giant / But know you’re a man.’ You have to take things step by step. It’s also got that message of hope, as well.”
These songs are, says Panes, “personal, and vulnerable – but expansive, too. Because I don’t want it to just be about me. Here’s a bit of me, to help you understand a bit of you. I think positivity and hope are things worth giving to people, and I think that the album does transmit a lot of hope.”
Letter to the Boy
Roo Panes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who seeks a song amid the ocean's roar
I've got some idea what you are in for
You'll hold a candle to a storm
A candle to a storm
And there'll be peace and there'll be war
And everyday there'll be a door
You daren't forget, and even then
Days of regret
The stars above will always shine
But you'll learn in time not all of life
Ends in a rhyme at least not most the time
Letter to the boy on the ivory shore
Who seeks a song amid the ocean's roar
I've got some idea what you are in for
You'll hold a candle to a storm
A candle to a storm
Well now you know
Will you go, will you go, will you go?
Will you go?
Well now you know
Will you go, will you go, will you go?
Will you go?
In "Letter to the Boy," Roo Panes speaks to a youthful figure who is on the cusp of experiencing the complexities of life, represented by the metaphorical “ivory shore.” This serene imagery invites the listener to imagine a peaceful and innocent state, yet the boy’s quest involves seeking deeper meaning and wisdom amidst the chaos of existence. The ocean's "roar" highlights the tumult and unpredictability of life, suggesting that while the boy may be drawn to beauty and harmony, the world around him is filled with challenges and storms. The line "You'll hold a candle to a storm" serves as a poignant metaphor for the boy's inherent naivety and the fragility of his endeavors—symbolizing hope and courage in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The lyrics explore the dichotomy of peace and conflict, encapsulated in the lines "And there'll be peace and there'll be war." Life is depicted as an unpredictable journey, where one can experience the contrast of serene moments with the turmoil that invariably arises. The notion of "a door" suggests opportunities for choices and changes, emphasizing the idea that with each new day comes the potential for growth, exploration, and self-discovery. However, Panes also reflects on the inevitability of regret and life's less favorable memories, reminding the boy that even amidst the beauty there are trials and tribulations that one must navigate. This acknowledgment of both light and dark experiences creates a nuanced understanding of life, where joy and sorrow coexist as essential elements.
As the song progresses, it reveals a deeper philosophical perspective on existence, especially with the lines discussing the stars that "will always shine." The notion conveys a sense of constancy and hope; despite the struggles and uncertainties of life, there is a universal truth that persists—much like the stars in the night sky. However, Panes cautions the boy that life doesn’t always unfold in neat, poetic resolutions. The line "not all of life ends in a rhyme at least not most the time" serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable and often chaotic nature of human experiences. This lack of rhyme signifies that resolutions can be messy, and outcomes may not always align with one’s expectations, urging the boy to embrace the irregular nature of his journey.
The repetition of the question “Will you go, will you go, will you go?” engages directly with the boy, posing a challenge and inviting reflection on his readiness to face the unsettling realities ahead. It is not just a question of physical movement but an invitation to embark on a journey of growth and self-awareness. The urgency in the repetition emphasizes the importance of these decisions, suggesting that as one becomes aware of life’s complexities, there comes a choice to either remain in the comfort of innocence or to venture forth into the unknown. In essence, the song is a heartfelt message about the transition from youth to maturity, capturing the bittersweet essence of life—its beauty, its chaos, and the choices that define one’s path.
Line by Line Meaning
Letter to the boy on the ivory shore
A message directed towards a young person situated at a beautiful, pristine place, symbolizing innocence and hope.
Who seeks a song amid the ocean's roar
This young person is searching for joy and connection in the face of overwhelming and chaotic circumstances, represented by the tumultuous sea.
I've got some idea what you are in for
I possess understanding and foresight regarding the challenges and experiences that lie ahead for you.
You'll hold a candle to a storm
You will confront powerful and destructive forces with a fragile and vulnerable light, symbolizing your will and resilience.
A candle to a storm
Reiterating the idea that your small light of hope will face overwhelming challenges, emphasizing the precariousness of the situation.
And there'll be peace and there'll be war
Life will present both tranquil moments and tumultuous conflicts, illustrating the duality of existence.
And everyday there'll be a door
Each day offers new opportunities and choices, symbolizing the potential for change and growth.
And there'll be days so beautiful
There will be remarkable and joyful days that stand out as highlights in your journey.
You daren't forget, and even then
These beautiful moments will be significant enough to be etched in your memory, influencing your perspective.
Days of regret
There will also be difficult days filled with sorrow or mistakes, representing the inevitable challenges of life.
The stars above will always shine
Despite life's hardships, there will always be a constant presence of hope and guidance, akin to the stars in the night sky.
But you'll learn in time not all of life
You will gradually come to understand that life is complex and unpredictable, not conforming to simple patterns.
Ends in a rhyme at least not most the time
Most experiences do not conclude neatly or in a rhyme, highlighting the unpredictable and sometimes chaotic nature of life.
Letter to the boy on the ivory shore
This serves as a reminder of the message meant for the young individual, reinforcing the initial focus on their journey.
Who seeks a song amid the ocean's roar
Reiterating the quest for beauty and harmony despite life's chaotic challenges.
I've got some idea what you are in for
Reemphasizing the artist's awareness of the trials and path that the young person will face.
You'll hold a candle to a storm
Restating the metaphor of resilience, as the young person will be tested against formidable challenges.
A candle to a storm
Reiterating the vulnerability and hope that one holds while facing life's significant trials.
Well now you know
Acknowledging the young person's newly acquired understanding or awareness of life's complexities.
Will you go, will you go, will you go?
Posing an existential question about whether the young person is prepared to embark on their life journey despite the difficulties.
Will you go?
A final call to action, encouraging the young person to embrace the journey ahead, filled with both light and shadows.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Susan T. Reid
Letter to the boy on the ivory shore
Who seeks a song amid the ocean's roar
I've got some idea what you are in for
You'll hold a candle to a storm
A candle to a storm
And there'll be peace and there'll be war
And everyday there'll be a door
And there'll be days so beautiful
You daren't forget, and even then
Days of regret
The stars above will always shine
But you'll learn in time not all of life
Ends in a rhyme
At least not most the time
Well now you know
Will you go, will you go, will you go?
Will you go?
Thank you, Roo, for this delicate, yet powerful poem in music. What I found in it is that, despite everything, there's still hope out there. Searching for it and discovering it is up to us. To my younger self, my inner child, and my own child, I want to tell her - Be brave.
Fernando José
Roo's songs always make me believe that life is still worth it, that dreaming is still worth it. Thank you, Roo! // As músicas do Roo sempre me fazem acreditar qur a vida ainda vale a pena, que sonhar ainda vale a pena. Obrigado, Roo!
Carmen Barboza
❤️❤️❤️❤️
NowIAmAwake
A few months ago I heard Roo's music for the first time and with every song I 'discover' I have a new song on my favorites list. This song gave me goosebumps again ❤️
zael
I really appreciate that there's always something new from this guy
ANGELA MARIA CESCHINI
Quanto amor sinto vindo de você e de quem toca e canta com você! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Columba Abdera
Estoy escuchando esta cancion viendo un atardecer nublado, con el aire moviendo suavemente las hojas de los arboles y vi pasar unos cuantos pajaros. No sé ... parecía todo conectado con el ritmo en que se movian esas hojas, y la manera en que navegaban esos pajaros en el aire, todo está perfecto como soundtrack de todo eso... hasta con el frio de la tarde que estoy sintiendo ahora.
Todo lo que describo parece un cliche, un lugar comun, pero a veces simplemente se trata de mucha precisión. Eso es lo que los hace buenos.
Columba Abdera
@NowIAmAwake thanks! Sincerely i havent had that feeling of a song that delivers that sensation at least like Roo Panes does in his work, i cant find now anything like him nor past decades even though we are around same age. Hes absolutely original even with the fact that he says... like a kind of an statement that what he does is just "folk". I met him by a youtube suggestion with "nightjar and nightingale" song few hours after being posted in his channel.. and i just got a knot with it and with his music, every time i listen to his songs i see my self reflected there in the atmosphere that he creates ... what i am and what i want to be plus how i want to be described... I think that all of us experiment that with good art.
thats the work of a great artist does, Roo with his work is one of them in this modern times with music full of rubbish and for all of this i think he is reallyVERY STRONG... its admirable. For all along his music and even with the front covers of his albums, they are so elegant. They could be framed.
An apologise for my English, i didnt want to use google translator cause i wanted to be honest even in that point jajaj. I hope to be understood. A lot of hugs from Mexico.
NowIAmAwake
The way you tell about your experience makes that it feels like I'm there with you at that wonderful moment. Thank you! Love from Holland.
Columba Abdera
@Eugénia Costeira a lot of thanks for your warm comment . Greetings from mexico with my heart, to the land of Fernando Magallanes hi is my guide in my life. 💖
Eugénia Costeira
Great... That's it! The earth needs that we just contemplate it... And also the human being, and maybe we'll be a better persons... In a better world 🌎... Compliments from another place in the planet... Portugal 😘!