According to the Slow Songfacts, Sarah spent the early years of her life in Pakistan,having been born in Islamabad on 3rd June 1979, where her father was the chief-engineer of the enormous Tarbela Dam, 30 miles to the northwest of Islamabad. The youngest of seven children, living in an expat colony without TV or newspapers, Rumer and her family would often sing and write songs together. Her brother Rob gave Rumer her first guitar; which she taught herself to play, and on which, years later, she wrote all the songs on her debut album, Seasons of My Soul.
The singer/songwriter spent her teenage years in Carlisle at Newman School before leaving at 16 to pursue her ambition. It has been a hard slog but years later she is finally hitting the big time and gradually becoming a household name. She now hopes her success will inspire other young people to follow their dreams.
Having had her single listed ahead of its release on both Radio 2 and Magic FM, she is also preparing to support Jools Holland on his UK tour this autumn – the finale being a show at the Albert Hall.
She also has a celebrity fan in the form of easy listening legend Burt Bacharach, who invited her to sing for him when she visited California.
P.F. Sloan
Rumer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't sing this song
No, don't sing this song
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
It belongs to P.F. Sloan
I have been seeking P.F. Sloan
No one ever heard the song
That boy sent winging
Now you might sigh
And you might moan
And sweat about the skin and bone
And you just smiled
And read the Rolling Stone
While he continued singing
Now listen to him singing
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
No, don't sing this song
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
It belongs to P.F. Sloan
Oh, from now on
Nixon's come and bound to stay
He's taken all my sins away
I heard it on the news today
But it set my ears to ringing
Can't you hear the people singing
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
No, don't sing this song
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
It belongs to P.F. Sloan
Oh, from now on
Last time I saw P.F. Sloan
He was summer burned and winter blown
But he turned that corner all alone
And he was singing
Listen to him singing
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
No, don't sing this song
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
It belongs to P.F. Sloan
Oh, from now on
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
No, don't sing this song
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
It belongs to P.F. Sloan
Oh, from now on
The lyrics to Rumer's "P.F. Sloan" seem to be a tribute to the American songwriter and musician, P.F. Sloan, who was responsible for some well-known hits in the 60s, including "Eve of Destruction" and "Secret Agent Man." Rumer sings about how P.F. Sloan's songs are timeless and belong to him alone. She mentions seeking him out, but nobody knowing where he's gone. She also alludes to the political climate of the time, with mentions of Nixon, sins being taken away, and people singing.
The refrain of "No no no no no no no no, don't sing this song, it belongs to P.F. Sloan" seems to be a plea to not try to replicate Sloan's songs or style, but instead appreciate and respect his unique talents. The verses describe Sloan as a lone artist who continued singing despite the changing times and political climate.
Line by Line Meaning
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
No, don't sing this song
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
It belongs to P.F. Sloan
The song is reserved for P.F. Sloan and should not be sung by anyone else.
I have been seeking P.F. Sloan
But no one knows where he has gone
No one ever heard the song
That boy sent winging
The singer has been searching for P.F. Sloan, but has not been able to find him or hear the song he wrote.
Now you might sigh
And you might moan
And sweat about the skin and bone
And you just smiled
And read the Rolling Stone
While he continued singing
Now listen to him singing
While others read about music in magazines, P.F. Sloan was busy creating music and sharing it with the world, regardless of criticism or personal struggles.
Nixon's come and bound to stay
He's taken all my sins away
I heard it on the news today
But it set my ears to ringing
Can't you hear the people singing
Even though a powerful politician has brought change, the singer remains skeptical and feels uneasy as they witness this transformation.
Last time I saw P.F. Sloan
He was summer burned and winter blown
But he turned that corner all alone
And he was singing
Listen to him singing
The last memory of P.F. Sloan was seeing him overcome tough and challenging times, but continuing to sing and create music with passion.
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
No, don't sing this song
No no no no no no no no
Don't sing this song
It belongs to P.F. Sloan
Oh, from now on
The song is a tribute to P.F. Sloan and should remain associated with him only. It is a reminder to not attempt to take away from the original artist's contribution to music.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY WEBB
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jeffrey Ziebell
One of the best talents to come out of the UK in years.
Linda Jones
Aren't we lucky to be alive at the same time as such talent. Another cracking vocal. You would be on my desert island discs!
Phil N
Heard this wonderful voice on Graham Norton earlier this .... Awesome is all I can say. She can do more than carry a tune. Real depth to her tone, .... she moves Me!
Luis Ferreiro
A beautiful song written by Jimmy Webb. Many nice covers over the years, she gives it a nice spin here.
Paul Shaw
J Webb = best songwriter on God's earth.
ives100
Fantastic voice, great lady.
Jeff Morris
A great singer, group, & production doing a wonderful rendition by one of the greatest song writers of the late 20th century, Jimmy Webb.
YAMMAS
What more can you possibly ask for?
Mooninadewdrop
I love the colours your voice paints and the sound is sheer beauty.
jackhepherd1000
Thank you for the music, a singer who actually can sing (cheryl cole) and is not drowned out by the musicians.