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.”
Soldier Of Hope
Roo Panes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So dry those eyes
Keep holding on for your dear life
Be a soldier of hope!
There's been many reasons for a
While to sit and cry
But now I know they're coming to an end
A soldier for the good times
Fighting for the freedom of my friends
My hands have felt suppression
A life of toil and blood
My heart has heard the soul cries of the poor
But now I'm coming home again
And I'm never going away my friend
I'm going to hold my head high ever more!
So I say
Oh no, don't cry, it's in your heart
So dry those eyes
Keep holding on for your dear life
Be a soldier of hope!
I hung up emotions for a
Campaign of the heart
But finally my heart has led me home
I leave the brutal truth behind
And follow with a lighter mind
A man of hope and glory I've become
So I say
Oh no, don't cry, it's in your heart
So dry those eyes
Keep holding on for your dear life
Be a soldier of hope!
So I say
Oh no, don't cry, it's in your heart
So dry those eyes
Keep holding on for your dear life
Be a soldier of hope!
Be a soldier of hope
In the song "Soldier of Hope" by Roo Panes, the lyrics convey a message of resilience, hope, and perseverance in the face of challenges and adversity. The opening lines, "Oh no, don't cry, it's in your heart / So dry those eyes / Keep holding on for your dear life / Be a soldier of hope!" encourage the listener to find strength within themselves and keep pushing forward, even when times are tough. The imagery of being a "soldier of hope" suggests a sense of duty and determination to maintain optimism and faith.
The verses talk about overcoming struggles and hardships while remaining resilient. The singer reflects on past difficulties that have caused tears and sorrow, but now sees an end to that chapter. The metaphorical reference to being on the front lines and fighting for the good times and freedom of loved ones emphasizes the powerful theme of perseverance and standing up for what is right. The lyrics convey a sense of empathy towards those who have experienced suppression and hardship, yet celebrate the courage to continue fighting for a better future.
As the song progresses, the singer talks about leaving behind the weight of past experiences and embracing a newfound sense of hope and optimism. The shift from suppressing emotions to following the heart and embracing a lighter mindset signifies a personal growth and transformation. The choice to let go of the brutal truth and become a man of hope and glory symbolizes a hopeful outlook on life and a commitment to positivity despite the challenges faced.
Ultimately, the lyrics reiterate the message of being a "soldier of hope" and urge the listener to hold on to faith and resilience in the face of adversity. The repetition of the lines "Oh no, don't cry, it's in your heart / So dry those eyes / Keep holding on for your dear life / Be a soldier of hope!" serves as a powerful reminder to stay strong, remain hopeful, and continue to strive for a brighter future. The song's message is one of encouragement and empowerment, inspiring listeners to embrace hope and optimism even in the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh no, don't cry, it's in your heart
Do not feel disheartened, for hope resides within you
So dry those eyes
Wipe away your tears and face the future with courage
Keep holding on for your dear life
Persist and cling to life with determination
Be a soldier of hope!
Embrace the role of a fighter for positivity and light
There's been many reasons for a
There have been numerous causes for
While to sit and cry
A moment to grieve and feel sorrow
But now I know they're coming to an end
But now I realize they are reaching a conclusion
I've been fighting on the front lines
I have been battling at the forefront
A soldier for the good times
A warrior for the moments of joy
Fighting for the freedom of my friends
Struggling for the liberation of my companions
My hands have felt suppression
I have experienced oppression in my hands
A life of toil and blood
A existence filled with hardship and struggle
My heart has heard the soul cries of the poor
My heart has listened to the cries of the impoverished souls
But now I'm coming home again
Yet now I am returning home once more
And I'm never going away my friend
And I will never leave again, my friend
I'm going to hold my head high ever more!
I will hold my head up proudly from now on!
I hung up emotions for a
I set aside emotions for a
Campaign of the heart
Battle for love and compassion
But finally my heart has led me home
But at last, my heart guided me back home
I leave the brutal truth behind
I leave the harsh reality in the past
And follow with a lighter mind
And proceed with a brighter outlook
A man of hope and glory I've become
I have transformed into a person of optimism and honor
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ANDREW PANES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DIMA_LIBRA
Roo, thank you for your music. Your songs are full of soul. Best wishes from Ukraine.
@MagiHristova
Roo Panes and Ben Howard are definitely my favourite artists. But... lovely Ben is sometimes quite dark and pessimistic, I never experience this with Roo. He is LIGHT. Love this beautiful soul! Keep on shining, Roo!
@Silluet88
Can we put your voice in a museum?
@_the_
I feel like we all could need a soldier of hope right now
@anjamarkovic2776
It seems that these lyrics are sent to you from Heaven... Amazing song, Roo! May blessings be with you...
@aliceimwunderland9079
Dear Roo,
you find the words to my thoughts and the melody to my feelings! Your music is with me everywhere I go and is keeping my heart warm. Thank you so much!! Greetings from a 'Soldier of Hope' from Germany
@ZuZiCkA413
Your music is so touching and beautiful, it fills me with peace. Thank you.
@ROCKANGELYA1995
Want to replay again, again and again !
@LittleRay30
all of your music is soul touching
@LovisaNiklasson
Well, I think I speak for everyone when I say we are TRULY GLAD you released this song! Amazing and as breathtaking as always 🌹🌹🌹