Influenced heavily by the sounds of MBV, Ride, Spaceman 3, Lush, and the Cocteau Twins, the band soon developed a following. After a few early line-up changes they drafted in one of Portland's most amazing voices, Kaitlyn ni Donovan. Having an extremely successful solo career of her own, Kaitlyn immediately added the lush vocals and beautiful melodies the band needed. One self-released EP later, the band were in the studio recording their debut album "44 Down." Released in 2002 on independent label Reverb Records, the album was singled out by Under the Radar and Magnet magazines with full page features, noting its influence.
The High Violets followed up their debut with the album "To Where You Are," which was released in 2006 (Reverb). Produced, engineered, and mixed by Tony Lash (Dandy Warhols, Elliott Smith, Tahiti 80) and Jeff S. Saltzman (Sleater Kinnery, Stephen Malkamus), it took over three years to create and was well worth the wait. Press releases proclaimed Clint Sargent's layered guitars the standout feature and Kaitlyn ni Donovan's watercolor vocals the crowning jewel on the CD's shimmering sounds -- "well crafted songs giving fans new and old a healthy dose of their soft and hard sides expertly mixed together." Portland's KINK radio showcased the album on its Local Music Spotlight and Seattle's KEXP invited the band to perform a live broadcast prior to their CD release.
The band completed a successful nationwide tour in 2006 along with performances at the SXSW Music Festival and Musicfest NW. While in Austin they met Emmy-winning producer, director, and editor, Dutch Rall, who worked with the band to produce a fantastic video of "Invitation," and a mini documentary that recently aired on PBS. Check out the video on www.myspace.com/thehighviolets.
Angela
The High Violets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who knows what you're going through
You're a part of me
And I've seen where you've been
Long gone a girl so shy
Juggling men you've got it down to a style
Breaking hearts is your martial art
And I'll wait for spring
I'll wait another year
For whatever will be
There's a delicate balance here
Alaska oh so shy
She was a girl with boyfriends and curls
Eyes behind hair now everyone stares
As we hug goodbye
Talk so fast when we speak
It's a guarantee
By the end of the week
You're going to leave
Chorus Repeat
The High Violets’ song "Angela" is an introspective piece that seems to be written from the perspective of a close friend or lover of a woman named Angela. The singer contemplates the complexities of Angela’s inner world, acknowledging that he may not fully understand what she’s going through. Despite this, he believes that she is a part of him, a connection that seems to be reinforced by their shared experiences.
The song goes on to describe Angela as a woman who is aloof and hard to pin down. The lyrics suggest that she has perfected the art of juggling men and breaking hearts, comparing her skills to those of Bruce Lee in martial arts. This juxtaposition of seemingly contradictory elements – the delicate and the forceful – speaks to the song’s larger theme of a balance, the singer acknowledging that while he may not have it all figured out, he recognizes that there is a delicate balance at work in their lives.
Throughout the song, there are references to other characters as well, such as Alaska, a girl with boyfriends and curls, whom the singer is saying goodbye to. It becomes clear that the singer is constantly surrounded by people who are always one step ahead, always moving on. The song finally closes with the singer repeating the chorus, suggesting that he is still waiting and wondering about what the future holds.
Line by Line Meaning
Angela how are you
Asking how Angela is doing.
Who knows what you're going through
Wondering about the challenges Angela may be facing.
You're a part of me
Feeling close to Angela on a personal level.
And I've seen where you've been
Having knowledge of Angela's past experiences and struggles.
Long gone a girl so shy
Recalling a past version of Angela who was introverted.
Juggling men you've got it down to a style
Recognizing Angela's successful ability to balance multiple romantic relationships at once.
Breaking hearts is your martial art
Noting how skillful Angela is at causing emotional pain to others.
Look out Bruce Lee
Comparing Angela's heartbreak abilities to those of a famous martial artist.
And I'll wait for spring
Choosing to delay a decision or action, specifically until springtime.
I'll wait another year
Extending the delay until another year passes.
For whatever will be
Being open to any outcome or possibility.
There's a delicate balance here
Recognizing that there is a fragile equilibrium that must be maintained.
Alaska oh so shy
Referring to another individual, named Alaska, who used to be incredibly timid.
She was a girl with boyfriends and curls
Describing Alaska's romantic life and physical appearance.
Eyes behind hair now everyone stares
Noting how Alaska's hairstyle draws attention to her eyes, which were previously hidden.
As we hug goodbye
Saying farewell to Alaska and sharing a moment of physical contact (a hug).
Talk so fast when we speak
Commenting on how Angela tends to talk quickly in conversation.
It's a guarantee
Expressing confidence in the outcome.
By the end of the week
Within a specific time frame (the week's end).
You're going to leave
Expecting that Angela will depart or end a relationship.
Chorus Repeat
Repeating the song's chorus, which has already been explained in previous lines.
Contributed by Caroline M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.