Orange has been recording and performing since his teen years within the Phil Elverum, Kyle Field, Calvin Johnson social circle. His debut, "We Could Be Each Other's Evidence" on Vit! Vit! Records, was released in 2002 when he was 16. His earlier recordings were experimental folk music in which he often accompanying himself on guitar. At this time, he was self-recording his albums using analog equipment. While Thanksgiving is essentially a solo act, Orange often collaborates with other musicians in his recordings and performances.
Orange co-founded Marriage Records, which presses albums and prints books by Thanksgiving, YACHT, Lucky Dragons, White Rainbow, Watery Graves, Privacy, Adrian Orange, A John Henry Memorial, and other Portland artists.
During 2006-07, he recorded as Adrian Orange & Her Band and, in 2007, as AOK.
Welcome
Thanksgiving Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So you save me a place in that big black sky
Or that cold little stream
Or on your mountain side
Or in a bed thats as bright white as light
That I can get well in for a long time
While my whole life is true
And it's like all my dreams
And how now i will climb up my big destiny
And make myself welcome
Just keep on singing
(I'll be)
I want to be welcome
So I accept that
I live in the world that I'm living in
And as long as I'm
Under these bright shining heavens
I'll be good and I'll be welcome
I'll be welcome
You win
The lyrics of Thanksgiving's song "Welcome" speak to a desire for acceptance and a sense of belonging in the world. The singer wishes to be welcome in various places, including the afterlife ("that big black sky"), nature ("that cold little stream" and "your mountain side"), and a hospital bed ("a bed that's as bright white as light"). These places represent different aspects of the world and the singer's life, but the underlying message is the same: a longing for a sense of place and purpose.
The singer acknowledges that they don't really know anything, but they are determined to climb their "big destiny" and make themselves welcome. This suggests a desire for personal growth and achievement, as well as a hope for acceptance from others. The repeated line "just keep on singing" seems to reflect a belief in the power of music to help us connect with others and find meaning in life.
Overall, "Welcome" is a touching and introspective song that speaks to universal human desires for acceptance, purpose, and connection. The lyrics are open-ended enough to be interpreted in many different ways, making the song a powerful and deeply personal statement about the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to be welcome
The singer desires to be accepted and included in a welcoming environment.
So you save me a place in that big black sky
The singer requests that a place be reserved for them in a future location, evocative of the vast unknown of the infinite universe.
Or that cold little stream
Alternatively, the singer finds potential for a place of welcome and rest in a small, peaceful natural setting.
Or on your mountain side
Another option for welcome and comfort is in the rugged beauty and solitude of a mountainous terrain.
Or in a bed that's as bright white as light
The artist imagines a place of convalescence that is both pristine and curative, perhaps in a hospital or other facility with white, bright decor.
That I can get well in for a long time
The singer seeks a place of healing and restoration for an extended period.
While my whole life is true
During their stay in a welcoming haven, the singer wants to live truthfully and authentically.
And it's like all my dreams
While they are unsure of what the future holds, the artist hopes that their time in a welcoming place will resemble a dream come true.
Even though I don't really know anything
Despite uncertainty and limited knowledge, the artist hopes that they will find welcome and comfort in a foreign environment.
And how now I will climb up my big destiny
The artist feels empowered to seize their destiny and pursue a journey toward welcome and fulfillment.
And make myself welcome
In addition to seeking external acceptance, the singer resolves to cultivate an inner sense of welcoming confidence.
Just keep on singing (I'll be)
As encouragement to themselves, the artist vows to persevere and maintain a positive attitude during their search for welcome.
So I accept that I live in the world that I'm living in
Rather than dwelling on idealized versions of welcome, the singer acknowledges and accepts their current environment.
And as long as I'm under these bright shining heavens
The singer acknowledges the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and takes comfort in the persistent presence of the stars above.
I'll be good and I'll be welcome
Despite challenges and uncertainties, the singer remains confident and determined to find welcome and acceptance.
You win
The song concludes on a note of triumph and affirmation, declaring that the quest for welcome and belonging is ultimately a victorious one.
Contributed by Ethan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.