Greta is the oldest of the three sisters. She originally started on violin but now adds her guitar rhythm and sweet harmonies to the band's repertoire, as well as Irish dancing. She does most of the writing and arranging of the band's songs, and maintains their website. She also teaches violin students.
Willow is the middle sister. She still plays the violin the majority of the time, but also adds her bodhran and harmonies in, along with her flying Irish dancing. She does the band's hair before shows, and choreographs most of their dancing.
Solana is the youngest sister at age 14. She is the lead singer in the band, and plays violin as well as bodhran. She loves cookies, and at home can often be found baking sweet treats in the kitchen. Solana also designs their stage layouts.
Caledonia
The Gothard Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The changes that have come over me
In these last few days I′ve been afraid
That it might drift away...
So I've been telling old stories, singin′ songs
That make me think about where I came from
That's the reason, why I seem
Let me tell you that I love you
That I think about you all the time.
Caledonia, you're calling me
Now I′m going home.
Oh but if I should become a stranger
You know that it would make me more than sad
Caledonia′s been everything
I've ever had.
Now I′m sitting here, before the fire
The empty room and the forest choir
The flames that couldn't get any higher
They′ve withered now they've gone...
But I′m steady thinkin', my way is clear
And I know what I will do tomorrow
When the hands have shaken, the kisses flown,
Well I will disappear...
The lyrics of The Gothard Sisters' song "Caledonia" encapsulate a transformative experience and the longing for one's homeland. The singer expresses a sense of uncertainty and fear that the changes they have undergone might cause them to lose touch with their true self. They fear that their newfound identity might fade away, disconnecting them from who they truly are.
To counter this fear, the singer indulges in nostalgia and reminiscence. They tell old stories and sing songs that remind them of their roots and origins. The purpose of these tales and melodies is to anchor the singer to their past, to restore a sense of familiarity, and ultimately, to bring them closer to their true self. By revisiting where they came from, the singer hopes to find solace and clarity in their current situation.
In the next part of the lyrics, the singer directly addresses their beloved homeland, Caledonia. They express their unconditional love and constant thoughts towards it. Caledonia acts as a symbol of comfort and belonging for the singer. It represents everything that is familiar, meaningful, and dear to them. The longing for Caledonia serves as a motivation for the singer to return home and reconnect with their roots.
However, the singer acknowledges the possibility that they might become a stranger to Caledonia, which would deeply sadden them. It suggests that the changes they have undergone may have altered their connection with their homeland. Despite this fear, Caledonia remains an integral part of their identity and personal history. It has provided them with everything they have ever cherished and held dear. Caledonia is not only a physical place; it represents a deep emotional and spiritual connection to their past and true self.
As the lyrics continue, the singer finds themselves sitting alone in a quiet room, contemplating their journey and the passage of time. The empty room and the forest choir symbolize solitude and reflection. The singer acknowledges that some elements that once held significance in their life have faded away, much like the dying flames of a fire. Yet, amidst this introspection, their path becomes clear and certain. They know what they will do in the days to come.
The final lines evoke a sense of acceptance and determination. Once farewells have been exchanged and goodbyes have been said, the singer plans to disappear. This disappearance may not be a physical escape but rather an internal transformation, a shedding of the old self to make space for the new. The lyrics imply that the singer will embrace their newfound clarity and embark on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the lessons learned and the connection to their homeland, Caledonia.
Line by Line Meaning
I dunno if you can see
I am unsure if you can perceive
The changes that have come over me
The transformations that have occurred inside of me
In these last few days I've been afraid
Recently, I have been filled with fear
That it might drift away...
That these changes might fade away
So I've been telling old stories, singin' songs
Consequently, I have been recounting ancient tales, and singing melodies
That make me think about where I came from
These narratives evoke memories of my origins
That's the reason, why I seem
Hence, that is why I appear
So far away today...
To be distant in this moment
Let me tell you that I love you
Allow me to express my affection for you
That I think about you all the time.
To constantly have you on my mind
Caledonia, you're calling me
Caledonia, you beckon me
Now I'm going home.
Now I am returning to my place of origin
Oh but if I should become a stranger
However, if I were to become unfamiliar
You know that it would make me more than sad
Understand that it would greatly sadden me
Caledonia's been everything
Caledonia has encompassed everything
I've ever had.
I have ever possessed
Now I'm sitting here, before the fire
Currently, I am seated in front of the fireplace
The empty room and the forest choir
Within this vacant space, the woods sing in harmony
The flames that couldn't get any higher
The flames that could not grow any taller
They've withered now they've gone...
Now, they have deteriorated and vanished
But I'm steady thinkin', my way is clear
Nevertheless, I am resolutely contemplating, my path is evident
And I know what I will do tomorrow
And I am aware of what I shall accomplish the next day
When the hands have shaken, the kisses flown
After farewells have been exchanged, and affectionate gestures have dissipated
Well I will disappear...
Well, I will vanish
Writer(s): Douglas Menzies Mac Lean
Contributed by Joseph F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sormu16
The two last verses are usually omitted, but they are actually the whole beautiful point of the song.
Why asking all these things that just can't be done?
Because, if truly in love you must prove it by being willing to try.
Even impossible demands, as such are an essence of love itself.
- - -
If you say that you can't, then I shall reply
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Oh, Let me know that at least you will try
Or you'll never be a true love of mine
Love imposes impossible tasks
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
But none more than any heart would ask
I must know you're a true love of mine
@zetprivate
"Scarborough Fair"
Are you going to Scarborough fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
He once was a true love of mine
Tell him to make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Without no seam nor needlework
Then he'll be a true love of mine
Tell him to find me an acre of land
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Between the salt water and the sea strand
Then he'll be a true love of mine
Are you going to Scarborough fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Remember me to one who lives there
He once was a true love of mine
@diwenfan9957
parsley for comfort or to remove bitterness, sage for strength, thyme for courage, rosemary for love
@matthewseller3711
Sage keeps flys away too
@nicondo7373
Yes
@davidlavalleur4426
Natues gifts
@Zastanick
Parsley to cause abortion!
@PepeSnow
spot on x
@zillanimu
Props to the flute guy who doesn't seem to breathe ever
@wkdravenna
The way it's supposed to be!
@SpecimenB
He's using a technique called "circular breathing".
@csabasomogyi8141
@@FlickanIDetKroktaRummet OH MY... ... you ruined the perfect moment of the beauty with this comment.