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.
Dry Land
Tara MacLean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looks like there's gonna be a storm
Looks like everyone's running
Looks like everyone is torn
Hands to blades
As daylight fades
Hold this shaking hand
Swimming from dry land
Swimming from dry land
Looks like everyone's broken
Looks like everyone's lost
Look at all the money we're making
We don't even see what it's cost
Hands to guns
As night time comes
Hold this shaking hand
Swimming from dry land
Swimming from dry land
Looks like war in the valley
Looks like war in the sky
Looks like war on the playground
First thing you learn is to lie
Hands to skies
For morning's rise
Why can't we start again
Swimming from dry land
Swimming from dry land
Swimming from dry land
Tara MacLean's song "Dry Land" is a powerful commentary on the state of the world and how we, as individuals, are navigating through it. The lyrics paint a picture of a world on the brink of destruction, with storms and wars on the horizon. The chorus, "Swimming from dry land," is a metaphor for the struggle to survive in a world where everything is falling apart. The line "Looks like everyone is torn" speaks to the division and conflict that permeate every level of society.
The second verse, "Look at all the money we're making/We don't even see what it's cost," highlights the capitalist mindset that puts profits before people and the planet. The following line, "Hands to guns/As night time comes," suggests that violence is the inevitable conclusion of this way of thinking. The final verse, "Looks like war in the valley/Looks like war in the sky/Looks like war on the playground/First thing you learn is to lie," is a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the toll it takes on everyone, including children. The final plea, "Why can't we start again," is a powerful call for change and a better world.
Line by Line Meaning
Looks like something's coming
It appears that a situation is about to unfold
Looks like there's gonna be a storm
It seems like there is a difficult, tumultuous time ahead
Looks like everyone's running
It appears as though everyone is trying to escape from something or someone
Looks like everyone is torn
It appears that everyone is feeling conflicted, unsure of what to do
Hands to blades
People are preparing for conflict and violence
As daylight fades
As the day comes to an end
Hold this shaking hand
Someone is seeking comfort and reassurance from another person
Swimming from dry land
Trying to survive in a difficult and unfamiliar situation
Looks like everyone's broken
It appears that everyone is emotionally damaged and vulnerable
Looks like everyone's lost
People seem to have lost their way, unsure of where to go
Look at all the money we're making
Despite the difficult situation, people are still focused on making money
We don't even see what it's cost
People are blind to the true price that is being paid for their actions
Hands to guns
People are armed and preparing for violent conflict
As night time comes
As the day turns into night
Looks like war in the valley
It appears that there is conflict and violence happening nearby
Looks like war in the sky
There are signs of conflict and unrest in the world around us
Looks like war on the playground
Even in seemingly innocent places, there is aggression and conflict
First thing you learn is to lie
Dishonesty and deception are rampant, even from a young age
Hands to skies
People are crying out for help and guidance
For morning's rise
In anticipation of a new day and a fresh start
Why can't we start again
Why can't we put the past behind us and try to make things right?
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MACLEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind