With a creation grant from the Ontario Arts Council in 2008, Lightfoot began making her debut record on Toronto Island with acclaimed engineer Dale Morningstar in spring of 2009. Members of the bands Huron and A Northern Chorus - Cam Malcolm (bass), Aaron Goldstein (pedal steel), Adam Melnik (keyboards), Alex McMaster (cello) and Pete Hall (drums) - guest on the album. Hall also co-produced alongside Morningstar. As of May 2010, the album is completed and awaiting release.
Lightfoot cites influences as Don Caballero, Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, Elliott Smith, Etta James, Wilco and Woody Guthrie. She has drawn comparisons to Sarah Harmer, Ani Defranco, Joanie Mitchell and Nick Drake.
The Truth
Terra Lightfoot Lyrics
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I replied so sweetly in the numbered months and days
I count 'em
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine
I count 'em
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine
Then you asked me how long it might take to see
You count 'em
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine
You count 'em
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine
And the truth of it is that you're the only one
Oh the truth of it is
You're the only one that I have wanted so
Yeah, You're the only one that I have wanted so
I'm sure that I echo all the sentiments
Of all those girls that you let into your apartment
Let's count 'em
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine
Count 'em
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight and nine
And the truth of it is that you're the only one
Oh the truth of it is
You're the only one that I have wanted so
Yeah, You're the only one that I have wanted so
And the truth of it is that you're the only one
Oh the truth of it is
You're the only one that I have wanted so
Yeah, you're the only one that I have wanted so
Oh you're the only one that I have wanted so
In Terra Lightfoot's song "The Truth", the lyrics suggest that the singer has feelings for someone and has been counting the days since they started feeling this way. The song's opening lines, "When you asked me how long I have felt this way / I replied so sweetly in the numbered months and days," showcase this sentiment. The singer has been counting the days and months of their feelings, expanding to a full nine months.
As the song progresses, the person they're talking to in the song asks how long it might take to see through the "glass of all these drinks you're pouring me." Here, it suggests that maybe the person has been trying to get the singer drunk to reveal their emotions, but there's uncertainty around whether they will reveal the truth. The counting of the numbers continues to eight and nine, potentially suggesting that the singer is reaching a breaking point with being coy about their feelings.
Then, the singer addresses all the other women that this person has let into their apartment. The numbers continue to suggest that this person has had numerous encounters with other women, but the singer ultimately reveals that "the truth of it is that you're the only one / You're the only one that I have wanted so." The repetition of this line emphasizes the singer's honesty in their feelings for this person and how they've fought to keep it concealed.
Overall, Terra Lightfoot's "The Truth" explores the complexity of feelings and how they're revealed over time. The counting of the days and the repetition of the chorus accentuate the singer's vulnerability in expressing their emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
When you asked me how long I have felt this way
You inquired about the length of time that I've had these emotions
I replied so sweetly in the numbered months and days
I gave you a precise answer with the amount of time I've felt this way
I count 'em
I am counting the months and days I've felt this way
Then you asked me how long it might take to see
You want to know how long it will take for me to realize something
Through the glass of all these drinks you're pouring me
Amidst all the alcohol you're giving me, you're asking about the progress of my realization
You count 'em
You are also counting the months and days I've felt this way
And the truth of it is that you're the only one
The honest reality is that you are the sole person I desire
I'm sure that I echo all the sentiments
I am probably not alone in feeling this way about you
Of all those girls that you let into your apartment
I'm referring to all the females you have invited to your dwelling
Let's count 'em
Let's keep tally of the number of girls who have been in your living quarters
Yeah, You're the only one that I have wanted so
There has only ever been one person I've desired in this way, and that's you
Oh you're the only one that I have wanted so
Out of everyone I've met, the only person I've desired is you
Lyrics © Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd
Written by: Terra Lightfoot
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind