Since taking out the US-based Harmony sweepstakes – becoming the first international group to take out the world’s largest open a cappella singing competition – The Idea of North has continued to go from strength to strength, capturing the attention of audiences, critics and industry colleagues.
Australian jazz legend James Morrison, who makes a guest appearance on Evidence playing on the Gershwin track But Not For Me, says they are “the best contemporary vocal group in the country”, and that “when you can sing & entertain like The Idea of North, a band would just get in the way!”
The Evidence track list includes covers of classic pop, jazz and gospel songs such as Isn't She Lovely, His Eye Is On The Sparrow, Corcovado, No More Blues, as well as stunning original tracks by original group member Trish Delaney-Brown, which herald her as an important young writing talent to emerge on the Australian music scene. Songs that appear on this album snared her nominations in three different categories in the Australian Songwriters Association Inc Awards.
Since recording Evidence, The Idea of North have recorded 'The Gospel Project' CD & 'Live at The Powerhouse' DVD, as well as producing an audio-only CD version of 'Live at The Powerhouse' .
Rachel
The Idea of North Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spring's here, are you near?
My eyes fill to overflowing
You're gone but life goes on
And it's hard at first
And I feel impatience growing
And there's anger still
Won't you take my hand?
Fill my heart and ease my hurting?
I am laid so low
Lift me to the sky
Rachel, can you see day dawning?
Leaves turn, hearts yearn
Rachel, I really must be going
Life's gone, but you go on
The song "Rachel" by The Idea of North is a heartfelt plea from a grieving soul for comfort and peace. The lyrics express a deep longing for the person named Rachel, now gone, who left an irreparable void and pain in the singer's heart. The opening lines, "Rachel, can you hear me calling? Spring's here, are you near?" suggest that the singer is looking for some sign or connection from Rachel, but to no avail. The subsequent line, "My eyes fill to overflowing", conveys the overwhelming sadness that the singer feels.
As the song progresses, the emotions become more intense. The singer admits to feeling impatience and anger, waiting for the axe to fall. The lines, "Won't you take my hand? Fill my heart and ease my hurting? I am laid so low, Lift me to the sky" reveal the singer's desperation for some relief from the pain.
The chorus of the song is a poignant reminder that life goes on, even in the absence of a loved one. The lyrics, "Rachel, can you see day dawning? Leaves turn, hearts yearn, Rachel, I really must be going, Life's gone, but you go on" suggest that the singer has come to terms with the inevitability of life moving forward, but still longs for the comfort of Rachel's presence.
Line by Line Meaning
Rachel, can you hear me calling?
Asking if Rachel, who is assumed to be dead, can hear the singer's words
Spring's here, are you near?
Wondering if Rachel is physically present during the season of Spring
My eyes fill to overflowing
The singer's eyes are brimming with tears
You're gone but life goes on
Acknowledging Rachel's death but also recognising the continuation of life for the living
And it's hard at first
Dealing with the initial shock and pain of losing someone like Rachel is difficult
And I feel impatience growing
The singer is becoming increasingly frustrated with the healing process
And there's anger still
There is still resentment and anger towards Rachel's death
I'm waiting for the axe to fall
Waiting for the moment when the artist finally falls apart and can no longer hold themselves together
Won't you take my hand?
Asking Rachel, even in death, to offer comfort and support
Fill my heart and ease my hurting?
Asking Rachel to alleviate the emotional pain caused by her death
I am laid so low
The singer is feeling incredibly low and helpless
Lift me to the sky
Desperately needing help to move past the pain and sorrow of losing Rachel
Rachel, can you see day dawning?
Asking if Rachel is aware of the new day beginning
Leaves turn, hearts yearn
Nature's change reminds people to miss and remember those who have passed
Rachel, I really must be going
The singer must move on, even though they don't want to leave Rachel behind
Life's gone, but you go on
Life may have ended for Rachel, but her legacy and memory will always go on
Contributed by Thomas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.