His first full-length album, Roll the Bones, which was self-released in 2011 and landed him a spot as the official busker of the Railroad Revival Tour with Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Mumford & Sons and Old Crow Medicine Show. Much more mellow than his current live performances, Roll the Bones highlights Rose-Garcia more as a lo-fi singer-songwriter, playing acoustic guitars and occasionally taming his growl to a whisper.
The son of artistic parents — his father was a longtime manager of the Paramount Theatre and his mother is an actress, director and writer — Rose-Garcia was always encouraged to pursue his musical and dramatic ambitions, and he clearly feeds off the wildly different personalities and talents of creative communities.
After his early stumbles in New York, he quickly earned respect in an inventive weirdo folk community; his stories of a Los Angeles scene centered in a garment warehouse converted into a loft/speakeasy have Moulin Rouge-level craziness. In Austin he’s connected with a community of musicians focused around Annie Street, while also bonding with indie bands such as Marmalakes, the Sour Notes, Wild Child, Hello Wheels, Whiskey Shivers and more.
Of course, none of those rock or country-influenced bands sound very much like Shakey Graves, and Rose-Garcia said their kinship is founded mostly on hard work and a desire to make the most of their talent in Austin and beyond.
For him that means a year that will be spent mostly on the road — he was among the first acts confirmed for South by Southwest 2013 and is booked for West Texas’ Utopia Fest and the Pickathon in Portland, Ore. — and weighing the biggest decisions of his still-young career.
A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
Shakey Graves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you′re fast asleep
In dreams you will lose your heartache
Whatever you wish for you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling through
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
The lyrics to Shakey Graves's interpretation of A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes conveys the message of having hope in one's dream and persevering through difficult times. It speaks to the idea of dreaming and wishing for something, although it may seem impossible or unattainable at present. The first line of the song sets the tone for the rest of the song by saying that a dream is a wish your heart makes when you are at rest, in a peaceful and uninterrupted state, wherein one can truly contemplate what they truly want in their heart.
The second line of the song enforces the idea that in dreams, one can let go of their heartaches and troubles, and experience pure bliss. Despite life's challenges, one can still have hope and hold on to their dreams. The song also shows that dreams are powerful, and when they come true, it can feel like a rainbow is smiling through. The final line reiterates that anything one wishes for can come true if they continue to believe even when the going gets tough and the heart is aching.
Overall, Shakey Graves's A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes is an uplifting and inspiring song. It encourages listeners to believe in themselves and to trust that their dreams and wishes can come true if they persist and keep the faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, a dream is a wish your heart makes
A dream is what your heart yearns for and desires.
When you're fast asleep
Dreams only come during sleep when your mind is relaxed and free.
In dreams you will lose your heartache
When you dream, you can escape from the sorrows and pains of reality.
Whatever you wish for you keep
When you dream, you can possess whatever your heart desires.
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Believing and trusting your dreams is crucial - and one day something magical may happen.
Your rainbow will come smiling through
Your desired outcome will eventually appear, shining and triumphant like a rainbow.
No matter how your heart is grieving
Even if you're suffering inside, you shouldn't ever give up on your dreams.
If you keep on believing
As long as you maintain your faith and hope, your dreams may eventually come true.
The dream that you wish will come true
If you stay true to yourself and keep dreaming without giving up, your heart's desire may become reality.
Writer(s): Al Hoffman, Jerry Livingston, Mack David
Contributed by Tristan I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.