Beginning in 2002, she released two EPs prior to her full-length debut, If You Were for Me, in 2006. The album garnered her a nomination for best solo artist at the Canadian Folk Music Awards. She was also a winner in the 2007 Mountain Stage Newsong Contest, as well as winning best folk recording from both the Nova Scotia Music Awards and the PEI Music Awards, and Female Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards in 2008.
She followed up with The Send Off in 2009. The Send Off was produced by Luke Doucet, and features guest musicians including Kathleen Edwards, Melissa McClelland, David Myles, Jenn Grant and Tom Wilson.
In 2012, Rose released We Have Made a Spark. The album has 9 tracks, including 2 bonus tracks. It was produced by Zachariah Hickman and engineered by Matt Malikowski, Sean Cahalin and Roni Pillischer. The album was released on her own label, Old Farm Pony Records, the same label that houses her last two albums The Send Off and Miles to go.
Cousins has also appeared as a guest musician on albums by Grant, Joel Plaskett, In-Flight Safety, Two Hours Traffic, Matt Mays, Catherine MacLellan, Jill Barber, Matt Epp, Old Man Luedecke, Ruth Minnikin, The Olympic Symphonium and Craig Cardiff, and has performed live with Royal Wood, Daniel Ledwell, Rose Polenzani, Anne Heaton and Laura Cortese.
Official website: www.rosecousins.com
Stray Birds
Rose Cousins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
oh I have turned
I have heard your heart yearn
and you and I are stray birds
all I have known
all I have known
into the sky we have flown
and by the sun we will not burn
promise in the dark
promise in the dark
we are here near or far
the seeds will fall, the earth be turned
and you and I are stray birds
to the road I'm bound
to the road I'm bound
but love will travel all around
of nothing are we ever sure
but you and I are stray birds
feather on a wing
I learn the hard way, I learn to sing
the pleasure of the setting sun
so soon a new day has begun
I'm happy as the wandering one
may my heart be forever stirred
and music be the holy word
and you and I be stray birds
In Rose Cousins's song "Stray Birds," the singer reflects on her journey as a wanderer, alongside someone who is also a stray bird. The repetition of the line "oh I have turned" emphasizes the singer's constant movement and her ability to adapt to new surroundings. She acknowledges the heart's yearning and the sense of restlessness that comes with being a stray bird, disconnected from a steady sense of home. Despite this, the singer finds solace in the fact that she and her companion are journeying together, a shared experience that reinforces their connection as stray birds.
The chorus, "promise in the dark, we are here near or far, the seeds will fall, the earth be turned, and you and I are stray birds," captures the essence of the song. The singer speaks of the beauty and uncertainty of the world they inhabit, acknowledging that nothing is certain, but that they are committed to each other and to the journey they're on. The imagery of seeds falling and earth turning reinforce the cyclical nature of life and how people are just a small part of a bigger picture. The closing lines, "may my heart be forever stirred, and music be the holy word, and you and I be stray birds" suggest that the singer will continue to be a wanderer, taking comfort in the companionship of her fellow traveler and the beauty of the world around them.
Line by Line Meaning
oh I have turned
I have taken a different path in life
I have heard your heart yearn
I have listened to your deepest desires
and you and I are stray birds
We are wandering souls, not tied to one place
all I have known
Everything I have experienced
into the sky we have flown
We have sought freedom in our own way
and by the sun we will not burn
We will not succumb to what others expect of us
promise in the dark
We make commitments even when things are uncertain
we are here near or far
Our connection transcends distance and time
the seeds will fall, the earth be turned
Life cycles through growth and change
and you and I are stray birds
We continue to wander and explore
to the road I'm bound
I am committed to my journey
but love will travel all around
Love is not tied to any one person or place
of nothing are we ever sure
Certainty is fleeting in life
but you and I are stray birds
We embrace the unknown and unpredictable
feather on a wing
We learn from our experiences, even the difficult ones
I learn the hard way, I learn to sing
Our struggles have helped us find our voice and strength
the pleasure of the setting sun
We find beauty in the simple things and moments
so soon a new day has begun
Life keeps moving forward, regardless of what happens
I'm happy as the wandering one
We find joy and peace in our free-spirited nature
may my heart be forever stirred
May my soul always be moved by life's wonders
and music be the holy word
Music is a powerful force that touches our souls
and you and I be stray birds
We will continue to explore and embrace life's adventures
Writer(s): Rose Cousins
Contributed by Sophie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TheRycooder
What a VOICE Rose, OMG.....Your talent is HUGE!
@verygood7155
Lets see now, the last time I was at the Levis pub the lovely sisters were still alive. Julia was serving and Nels was where she usually was at the kitchen table handing out cookies to children and entertaining friends. I also remember Jeremy Irons asked something about if anyone knew if the banks were still exchanging punts for Euros? because he just arrived from LA or something like to that effect. Well I knew both the lovely sisters had passed away since and then something came into my head tonight and I wanted to know what ever became of their pub? I was glad to see it has remained much as it was but has become a place for talented musicians to perform and I clicked on a video by someone I'm not familiar with as I left Eire before the crash. Oh yes her name is Rose Collins. What an extraordinary talent!!! Caught me completely off guard! then I looked to see if she had other music videos and sure enough there were and some how my search brought me here. Now I'm a fan! ;o}
@andynorth7595
Absolutely awesome. What a voice.
@arihector3552
I am her biggest fan! I went to her consert the other night!
@StringsAndGoat
Dang Beautiful, Miss Rose.
@beccajohnson7355
this reminds me of the some of the great down home Cape Breton music♥
@rhymepays
Great song! Love Taylor, too!
@prncedegas9691
such a wonderful talent!!! keep up the great work!!!
@jeffstrack1143
Great talent
@Ubikey_
I Like...Greets from Germany !