MacLean is the daughter of accomplished actress, Sharlene MacLean and Danny Costain, a singer and dancer from British Columbia. She was also influenced greatly by her step father Marty Reno, a songwriter/guitarist, best known for his recording work with Canadian recording star Gene McLellan.
Nettwerk Records discovered MacLean singing on a ferry between Victoria, B.C. and Salt Spring Island. She signed to Nettwerk Records in April 1995 after moving to Vancouver to record her song "Let Her Feel the Rain" for Lit from Within, a Nettwerk Records benefit compilation for rape crisis centers. Her first live appearance in Vancouver was at Nettwerk Record's 10 Year Anniversary Show at the Vogue Theater.
In October 1995 MacLean went to San Francisco to record her debut album Silence at Brilliant Studios with producer Norm Kerner.
In 1997 MacLean released a five-song EP of live, remixed and re-recorded songs called "If You See Me".
MacLean's second full length album was called "Passenger". It was recorded in New Orleans and produced by Malcolm Burn (Daniel Lanois) and then husband Bill Bell (Tom Cochrane, Danko Jones). It was released in October 1999 by Nettwerk Records in Canada and Capitol Records in America.
From 2002-7 MacLean collaborated with fellow artists Kim Stockwood and Damhnait Doyle. The resulting group was named Shaye. Their debut album "The Bridge" was released in October 2003 on EMI Canada. "Happy Baby" the lead single, was nominated for Single of the Year at the 2004 Juno Awards and won the Canadian Radio music award
Tara MacLean's third full length release Wake was released on the 22nd April, 2008.
Divided
Tara MacLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't live here anyore
For a heart cannot repent
When it doesn't know it's spent
It's lifetime beating itself to death
There you are as still as stone
Stretching skin over bone
But I'm just standing still
In a world that swallows cowards
For the crime of killing time
I'll be checking out the scenery
From as high as I can be
Come let faith be your garden
Always changing always still
Still breathing
There you are in my mind
Pale from living underground
Divided and divided
Until no one can be found
Nothing left to break down
I'll be checking out the scenery
From as high as I can be
Come let faith be your garden
Always changing always still
Still breathing
The lyrics of Tara MacLean’s song “Divided” are a poignant reflection on the futility of life when one is weighed down by the burdens of the past. The opening lines, “check your weapons at the door, you don’t live here anymore” suggest that the singer is bidding farewell to a part of their life that was characterized by conflict and hurt. By urging the people to “check their weapons”, the singer is asking them to leave behind their grievances and bitterness, which cannot be undone by holding on to them.
The second verse delves deeper into the theme of stagnation and loss of identity. The lyrics “there you are as still as stone, stretching skin over bone” suggest an image of a person trapped in time, unable to move on or grow. The following line, “they say I’ve lost my will, but I’m just standing still” reinforces the idea that the singer is not defeated but is simply taking a moment to assess their surroundings before moving on. The metaphorical language of the song is particularly striking, with the heart being compared to a machine that beats itself to death unless it learns to stop and take a breath.
The final lines of the song are where the message of hope and resilience comes through. The image of “checking out the scenery from as high as I can be” suggests a renewed sense of perspective, as though the singer has stepped back from their problems and gained a new clarity of vision. The message that “faith be your garden” reinforces the idea that life is not stagnant but constantly changing, and that one must learn to adapt and grow in order to flourish.
Line by Line Meaning
Check your weapons at the door
Let go of your baggage and leave it behind
You don't live here anymore
Your old self is gone and your new self is arriving
For a heart cannot repent
You cannot change what you refuse to acknowledge
When it doesn't know it's spent
Until your heart is exhausted, you won't realize that you need to rest
It's lifetime beating itself to death
Your own heart can cause its own destruction over time
There you are as still as stone
You can be physically still, but mentally and emotionally unrested
Stretching skin over bone
Hiding behind a facade while your true self deteriorates
Well they say I've lost my will
Others may think you've lost your drive, but in reality, you're just taking a moment to rest
But I'm just standing still
You're taking a break to recharge and regain strength for the next adventure
In a world that swallows cowards
Society can often bring down those who appear weak and vulnerable
For the crime of killing time
We're often judged for taking a moment to pause and reflect
I'll be checking out the scenery
Appreciating the moment instead of rushing forward
From as high as I can be
Looking at things from a new perspective
Come let faith be your garden
Allow faith to guide you and be the foundation for your growth
Always changing always still
Growth and progress are never linear and can involve moments of stillness
Still breathing
Even in moments where everything comes to a standstill, you are still alive
There you are in my mind
Your memory lingers even when you're physically absent
Pale from living underground
Being emotionally buried can take a toll on your physical health
Divided and divided
Feeling torn between multiple aspects of your identity and life
Until no one can be found
Feeling lost and disconnected from yourself and others
Nothing left to break down
When everything has crumbled, the only way to go is up
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WILLIAM CHARLES BELL, TARA MARGARET CHARITY MACLEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dragoonseye76
This was the very first song I heard by her. And it was live in Boston at this tiny little bar called the Karma Club. She opened for Dido and it was amazing
@aaroncarson1770
This particular recording of the song seems to have more normal sounding instrumentation though. I love this song, but I would recommend hearing the album version.
@dragoonseye76
Just did. The album had some deeper tones for sure. It’s a great song tho
@Douchebigelow666
One of the hottest women in canada
@shfivefamily
Best song
@madison1840
she's gorgeous
@albertismawan6511
The haircut of the 2000's - this haircut is the same as Britney's haircut on "Born to make you happy" & "oops i did it again" music video
@llambert6951
Album version is better and longer
@JasonQiuMusic
Was this the Delerium remix?
@burgocis64
No.