Having played guitar and piano as a young girl, she was moved to write her first song, "Remember The Day", after taking a road trip with a friend across the Alps to Genoa, via Strasbourg. She appeared in Wim Wenders' 1973 film Alice in the Cities, and her music also featured in Umarmungen und andere Sachen (1975), a German Jochen Richter film set in Bavaria about three romantically involved bank robbers. Baier opted not to pursue an acting or singing career, and moved to America where she concentrated on raising a family.
The songs that went on to make up her album Colour Green were home reel-to-reel tape recordings Baier had made in Germany between 1970 and 1973. Some thirty years later her son Robby compiled a CD from these recordings to give to family members as presents. He also gave a copy to Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis, who in turn passed it along to the Orange Twin label. Orange Twin released the album in February 2006. She is expected to release a second studio album. She performs the song "Let Us Know" in Wim Wenders' movie Palermo Shooting (2008).
www.sibyllebaier.com/
Driving
Sibylle Baier Lyrics
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With you sitting by my side
First class blue
Sky and a melody brand new
Almost makes me cry
Don't know why
Smile at your smile
Time is one past eleven
You're passing me a piece of apple pie
Oh, it almost makes us cry
Don't know why
Go make a sign in your car
It's the place where I've been happy
Make a sign in your car
It's the place where I've been happy
Driving to Flight Number 107
With you sitting by my side
Nine miles are not too long for a farewell
With you and I close my eyes
Hold you fast
And when you ask me woman
Don't be sad
Oh, it really makes me cry
Don't know why
Go make a sign in your car
It's the place where I've been happy
Make a sign in your car
It's the place where I've been happy
The song "Driving" by Sibylle Baier is a melancholic yet sweet reflection on a significant moment in the singer's life. The lyrics describe the experience of driving to an airport with a beloved person beside her, presumably to say goodbye. The lyrics are ambiguous, leaving the listener to speculate about the nature of the relationship and the reasons for the separation. The opening verse sets the scene of the journey, with the singer noting that she and her companion are "driving to flight number 107, with you sitting by my side." The image of the "first class blue sky" adds a touch of glamour to the otherwise bittersweet moment.
The second verse reveals the enormity of the moment, with the singer admitting that the experience of being together is so emotional that "it almost makes me cry, don't know why." The sentiment is repeated later when the singer is passed a piece of apple pie, and the sweetness of the gesture also almost moves her to tears. These small moments of tenderness are heightened by the sense of impending separation.
The chorus repeats the phrase "go make a sign in your car, it's the place where I've been happy," which gives the impression of wanting to capture the memory of the moment and hold onto it forever. The final verse depicts the singer holding her companion close and reassuring her not to be sad, while admitting that the situation brings her to tears again, but once more with no clear explanation. The ambiguity of the lyrics combined with the tender but poignant melody create a deeply moving experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Driving to Flight Number 107
Heading towards Flight Number 107
With you sitting by my side
You're next to me in the car
First class blue
Looking at the sky, it's a beautiful blue
Sky and a melody brand new
Taking in the view while listening to a new song
Almost makes me cry
Feeling emotional, almost to the point of tears
Don't know why
Not sure why the emotions are so strong
Smile at your smile
Smiling because you're smiling
Time is one past eleven
It's 11:01
You're passing me a piece of apple pie
You're offering me a slice of pie
Oh, it almost makes us cry
The act of sharing a slice of pie together feels emotionally significant
Don't know why
Unsure why it's so emotional
Go make a sign in your car
Suggesting to make a special memory together in the car
It's the place where I've been happy
The car has been a source of happiness in the past
Nine miles are not too long for a farewell
Even though the distance is short, it's difficult to say goodbye
With you and I close my eyes
Clinging to the moment with eyes closed
Hold you fast
Holding onto you tightly
And when you ask me woman
When you ask me a question
Don't be sad
Encouraging you not to be sad
Oh, it really makes me cry
Still feeling emotional despite the encouragement
Don't know why
Unclear why emotions are so strong
Go make a sign in your car
Reiterating the desire to make a special memory in the car
It's the place where I've been happy
Reiterating how the car has been a source of happiness in the past
Contributed by Logan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.