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.
Panesโ debut album, โLittle Giantโ, isnโt a collection operating at the vanguard of a cutting-edge, ultimately transient scene worthy of clicks for the next few months. Itโs not an album that sets out to trick its audience in any way โ what you hear is succinct, honest songwriting, from a place of deep personal expression, resonating with universal truths and values. Itโs 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.
Itโs a strange admission for any artist, but nevertheless: โIโve never really listened to much music,โ says Panes. โInfluences from other artists, theyโre not really that important. I find that my music comes to me from situations I find myself in โ those situations can come to me as songs. In terms of first picking up an instrument, my granny was a classical pianist โ weโd 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, Iโll just write it.โ
Donโt mistake confidence for arrogance โ such statements come from a sincere place, as Panesโ upbringing in Wimborne, once home to novelist Thomas Hardy, proved more inspirational to his writing than any sessions in the company of a parentโs record collection. The natural beauty of Dorsetโs open spaces โ and those of the Lake District, a place he loves to visit โ have become woven into the fabric of his craft. The peace, the silent solitude: itโs here that Panes feels more alive with ideas than he does in the hubbub of his adopted home of London. Thereโs a pastoral warmth to โLittle Giantโ that couldnโt have manifested had its roots been laid within urban limits.
The comfort of home, of a tight and supportive family, punctuates proceedings throughout Panesโ debut LP โ which is perhaps inevitable, as the collection was recorded there. Beside producer Rupert Coulson โ a man with numerous soundtrack credits, as well as experience of working on records by Portishead, Robbie Williams and Oasis โ Panes and his band captured the classic 12-string guitar sounds, rippling percussion and sweeping strings that decorate โLittle Giantโ in, says the singer, โthe music room, down at our house โ just a small, wooden-floored room. I thought, why not keep the recording close to where I write the songs?โ
He continues: โIโm a really big fan of the idea that you donโt need all the stuff you find in a big studio โ itโs 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 itโs good to have that extra, background noise on a record. Iโm sure thereโs an ambulance on the album, actually.โ
He was, briefly, the face of a Burberry campaign, something he describes as โrandomโ. โI was on tour,โ he says, โand 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. Itโs a short episode in my life, but one thatโs had some quite big repercussions.โ Indeed, a Google search pulls up many attractively composed black-and-white photographs of Panes sporting fine threads โ but itโs music that surges strongest in his veins, above all other passions.
And now that youโve separated your senses from social media for a while, closed your chattering inbox, just what does โLittle Giantโ 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 canโt 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, itโs 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 โTiger Striped Skyโ. Says Panes: โItโs about the idea where we can look at any situation ahead of us in two ways: either itโs challenging, and off-putting, or you can say that you love a challenge. Itโs about the idea that you chose your context, and if you put yourself into a negative context, youโre going to come out with stripes on you.โ
The title track is about addressing oneโs own shortcomings in order to better themselves. โItโs accepting that you have to realise your own vulnerabilities in order to become stronger,โ says Panes. โThatโs why thereโs the line, โHave the heart of a giant / But know youโre a man.โ You have to take things step by step. Itโs also got that message of hope, as well.โ
These songs are, says Panes, โpersonal, and vulnerable โ but expansive, too. Because I donโt want it to just be about me. Hereโs 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.โ
Nightjar And The Nightingale
Roo Panes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Ooh)
Nightjar and the nightingale
I'm still awake because of you
Well, I guess that's what her kisses do
Oh, we're sharing summers stories with the wide eyed moon
They sing to me life's mysteries
And like the keepsake of those memories
Of the long hot days and the honey bees
Well, tell tale nightingale
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
(Ooh)
(Ooh)
Well, quick somebody hold my glass
I can't let it pass, it fades so fast
And I just want today to last
Oh-oh, and that surprising little spell she cast
We walked a mile and sat a while
In tawny grass and we just laughed
And we listened to the summer birds
Oh-oh, they always seem to find the words
Well, tell tale nightingale
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
(Ooh)
The lyrics to Roo Panes's song "Nightjar and the Nightingale" depict a beautiful and nostalgic summer romance. The singer confesses that they are still awake because of the person they are with, suggesting that their presence keeps them captivated and unable to sleep. They attribute this effect to the person's kisses, indicating that their love and affection have a profound impact on the singer. They describe themselves and their companion as sharing stories with the wide-eyed moon, implying a sense of intimacy and connection.
The next lines introduce the idea of dreamers in chestnut trees, emphasizing the poetic and imaginative nature of the singer's experience. These dreamers sing the mysteries of life to the singer, serving as a source of inspiration and contemplation. The memories of long hot days and the buzzing of honey bees are like keepsakes, treasured moments that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
In the second verse, the singer implores someone to hold their glass, not wanting to let time slip away. They desperately desire for the present moment to last, a testament to the preciousness of their time together. They remark on the enchanting spell cast by their companion, hinting at the magic and allure of their connection.
The singer recalls walking together and sitting in the tawny grass, sharing laughter and enjoying the company. They listen to the summer birds, highlighting how these creatures always seem to find the perfect words to express the beauty and joy of the moment. Ultimately, the singer acknowledges the nightingale as the ultimate storyteller, recognizing that the bird has witnessed and can articulate their love story better than themselves.
Overall, "Nightjar and the Nightingale" is a lyrical celebration of a summer romance, filled with enchanting imagery and a sense of longing for the fleeting moments of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Nightjar and the nightingale
The juxtaposition of the nightjar and the nightingale represents the contrast between the dark and the light, just like the emotions present in this relationship.
I'm still awake because of you
The singer is unable to sleep because thoughts of the person they love keep them awake, showcasing the power this person has over their mind.
Well, I guess that's what her kisses do
The singer realizes that the kisses from their loved one have the ability to keep them awake and lost in their thoughts, highlighting the deep connection and longing they feel.
Oh, we're sharing summers stories with the wide eyed moon
The artist and their loved one are creating beautiful memories together, sharing stories and experiences under the watchful gaze of the moon.
There are dreamers in those chestnut trees
The chestnut trees symbolize a place where dreamers reside, representing the beauty and imagination that exists in the world.
They sing to me life's mysteries
The dreamers in the chestnut trees bring forth the secrets and wonders of life through their melodious songs, providing the singer with a glimpse into the unknown.
And like the keepsake of those memories
The memories created with the loved one are cherished and preserved like precious keepsakes, holding onto the joy and happiness experienced together.
Of the long hot days and the honey bees
The memories are reminiscent of sunny and warm days filled with the buzzing of bees, evoking a sense of nostalgia and contentment.
Well, tell tale nightingale
The artist addresses the nightingale, acknowledging its ability to witness and understand the complexities of life and love.
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
The nightingale, with its melodious voice, can express the emotions and experiences of life more beautifully and profoundly than the artist could ever articulate.
Well, quick somebody hold my glass
The singer urgently requests someone to hold their glass, signifying the desire to freeze and savor the fleeting moments of joy and happiness.
I can't let it pass, it fades so fast
The artist is fearful of the passing of time and the fading of the beautiful moments they are currently experiencing, emphasizing their longing for permanence.
And I just want today to last
The singer expresses their yearning for the current day, filled with love and joy, to extend indefinitely, resisting the inevitability of its end.
Oh-oh, and that surprising little spell she cast
The loved one has the power to enchant and captivate the singer with their presence and actions, leaving an unexpected and delightful impact on their heart.
We walked a mile and sat a while
The couple takes a leisurely stroll together, covering a significant distance and then settling down to spend quality time with each other, enjoying the simplicity of their companionship.
In tawny grass and we just laughed
Sitting in the golden-hued grass, the artist and their loved one find pure joy in each other's company, finding delight in moments of laughter shared.
And we listened to the summer birds
As they sat outdoors, the couple takes pleasure in the songs of the summer birds, finding solace and tranquility in the sounds of nature.
Oh-oh, they always seem to find the words
The summer birds, through their melodious tunes, express the emotions and thoughts that the singer and their loved one struggle to put into words, serving as messengers of their deepest sentiments.
Well, tell tale nightingale
Once again, the singer refers to the nightingale, recognizing its ability to witness and convey the profoundness of their experiences and emotions.
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
The nightingale, with its innate understanding and beautiful song, surpasses the artist in capturing and expressing the depth and complexity of their shared moments and emotions.
Lyrics ยฉ PFIVE Entertainment Mexico
Written by: Andrew David Panes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mhumamsafii3047
Nightjar And The Nightingale"
Nightjar and the nightingale
I'm still awake because of you
Well I guess that's what her kisses do
Oh we're sharing summers stories with the wide eyed moon
There are dreamers in those chestnut trees
They sing to me life's mysteries
And like the keepsake of those memories
Of the long hot days and the honey bees
Well tell tale nightingale
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
Well quick somebody hold my glass
I can't let it pass, it fades so fast
And I just want today to last
And that surprising little spell she cast
We walked a mile and sat a while
In tawny grass, and we just laughed
And we listened to the summer birds
Oh they always seem to find the words
Well tell tale nightingale
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
You've seen it all, you sing it better than me
@ocsieeanx1710
AAAAH THE VIBE OF THE SONG THE BANJO THE GUITAR THE PIANO THE VIOLIN
@Supess_
my reason for smiling today
@ioanaistrate5197
All your songs are a joy to discover! I haven't even had the chance to listen to all of them yet but all I've listened to proved so inspiring!!! Thank you for your music!
@suedashwood
the main purpose of art is catching nature and you are the best artist i heard.
@bardiabeygi3984
I was just listening to lolyby love and thinking why hasn't he sang any new song then I saw this video which was uploaded an hour ago. Awesome :D
@majherg
Yet another one to add to my favorites list โค๏ธ Thank you Roo!
@jiba6327
You are very humble! It is sure that the birds sing the best, however you are a very good singer too. Thanks again Roo for another beautiful song! The lyrics are so beautiful and the music is wonderful! Love to you from Poland!
@KaraNine
Breathtakingly beautiful ๐ท
@ocsieeanx1710
i liked the picture on the video it suits the song and how u choose the title i love the title smmm
@pascaleaubin-rheaume7719
Thanks again Roo for another beautiful song!