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
What I See
Rose Cousins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did you find that string of hearts in a star formation
Did you write words that you could sing, but barely stand on
You can fly as high as you ever wanted
Be as you may, fearless, and slightly haunted
Show them baby, this is your time to flaunt it
They can't see what I see
But they can be what you want them to be
Your heart will never not be
In constant motion
Did you ever sense the whisper
Of a distant devotion
It's right about now I lose my urge for waiting
Loving you alone yeah it takes some debating
You draw me out but I still need some shading
I still need some shading
You can't see what I see
You can't be what I want you to be
The song "What I See" by Rose Cousins is a reflective song about the complexity of relationships and the idea that people can't always see things from the same perspective. It starts with a question about someone going on a journey and whether they found what they were looking for. The metaphor of the "string of hearts in a star formation" adds a sense of wonder and beauty, but also suggests something temporary and fragile. The following line about writing songs that can be sung but not stood on is a nod to the difficulty of putting one's emotions into words and the vulnerability that comes with sharing them.
The chorus is an expression of support and encouragement. The first two lines describe a sense of liberation and empowerment, while the last line suggests that others might not understand or appreciate that freedom. This is a common feeling among artists who are driven to create, but also vulnerable to criticism and rejection. The second verse continues this theme by describing the ups and downs of a relationship. The image of a heart in constant motion suggests a restlessness or uncertainty, while the reference to a distant devotion hints at a desire for something more stable and complete.
The bridge of the song is where the singer's own feelings come into focus. She admits that loving someone can be challenging and that she struggles with the idea of exposing herself to hurt or disappointment. The line "you draw me out but I still need some shading" suggests that she is still figuring out how much of herself to reveal and how much to keep hidden.
Overall, "What I See" is a thoughtful and introspective song that explores the complexities of love and creativity. It is a nuanced reflection on the highs and lows of human relationships, and a reminder that everyone sees the world in their own way.
Line by Line Meaning
When you went south for sun and inspiration
When you traveled to the south seeking sunshine and inspiration
Did you find that string of hearts in a star formation
Did you come across a group of people that shared your passion as if they were arranged in the shape of a star?
Did you write words that you could sing, but barely stand on
Did you create lyrics that you could perform but still find difficult to fully believe or stand behind?
You can fly as high as you ever wanted
You have the potential to achieve anything you set your mind to
Be as you may, fearless, and slightly haunted
Be yourself, unafraid, but carry with you the experiences of your past
Show them baby, this is your time to flaunt it
Demonstrate your talents to the world, this is the moment to shine
They can't see what I see
Others may not fully understand what you are capable of, like I do
They can't see what I see
Others may not fully understand what you are capable of, like I do
But they can be what you want them to be
Although they may not see your potential, they can still become what you envision them to be
Your heart will never not be
Your heart will always be in motion, continuously searching
In constant motion
Always seeking, always moving forward
Did you ever sense the whisper
Could you ever hear the faint call or suggestion
Of a distant devotion
From something far off, but still deeply committed
It's right about now I lose my urge for waiting
I am impatient for results at this moment
Loving you alone yeah it takes some debating
Only loving you is not an easy decision and requires some consideration
You draw me out but I still need some shading
You inspire me, but I still need to process my emotions
You can't see what I see
You may not fully understand me or see things the way I do
You can't be what I want you to be
You cannot become who I hope you will be or fulfill my vision for you
Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Terra Spencer
I accidentally slipped into a stream of Rose Cousins videos this morning and really wasn't prepared for all this feeling
Woman with the Tattooed Hands
Rose Cousins...your music makes me feel alive. Thank you. Thank you.
Kristin Baker
So far, my favorite works of yours or that you have been a part of: All The Time It Takes To Wait, Say Say Say, Lonesome Polecat and Book of Love. You are so fantastic AND you look like so much fun to hangout & jam with!
fdask2007
this sounds so fantastic. such a lovely contrast to the album version.
Jim Parsons
Wow, this is so good, there is so much talent on the east coast and Rose is a fine example.
MaddenMedia
almost sounds too good to be live! (but i know it is) just lovely
A. M. Schneider
Does anyone know the chords to this? Love this version of the song so much! I’ve been watching this video on repeat.
Michael Holland
What amazing talent!
Barry Nelson
God, music to crack open with...
Kevin Malone
im now in love with this woman. lol. amazing idea for such an organic sound, all the backing vocals and everything...just fukin eh beautiful.