The band's 2003 album Up All Night reached the top five of the Australian Albums Chart, it achieved double platinum status and won four ARIA Awards in October. Two further top five albums were issued, Sun Dirt Water in 2007 and Temptation in 2011. The Waifs have three top fifty singles, "London Still" (2002), "Bridal Train" (2004) and "Sun Dirt Water". The band supported Bob Dylan on his 2003 Australian tour and then his 2003 North American tour, including a gig at the Newport Folk Festival.
The Waifs founded the independent label Jarrah Records in July 2002, co-owned with fellow musician John Butler, and their common manager Phil Stevens, which handles their Australian releases.
Gillian
The Waifs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've done a hundred things before half past nine
By the time most folk are up and gone
You'll be starting on one hundred and one
There's not enough hours in a day
To do all the things she's just got to do
When the daylight fades and the night invades
Weary as you lay at night waiting for the sun
Planning out tomorrow now before this day is done
'Gillian you work to hard'
But don't you try to slow her down
She'll tell you,
"Idleness is good for none
Works how I get my fun
Idleness is good for none
Works how I get things done"
Gillian you're the one you're the one
Shining in my life, you're my eternal sun
I'm trying to thank you now for what I've become
But I've only just begun
Your influence has been profound
And I'm proud to be your son
Your blood is my blood we are forever bound
You're the inspiration to the way I live my life
I'm singing,
"Gillian if you weren't my mother I would make you my wife
Gillian if you weren't my mother I'd make you my wife
Gillian if you weren't my mother I'd make you my wife
Gillian if you weren't my mother I would make you my wife"
The Waifs's song "Gillian" is a tribute to a person who is a strong, determined and hardworking individual. The song starts with a description of Gillian's routine, how she is up early and accomplishes many things before most people even wake up. She is constantly busy and always has something to do, not content to sit idle. The chorus is a celebration of her influence on the singer's life, describing Gillian as an eternal sun, shining light in their world, and the inspiration behind how they live.
As the song progresses, the singer acknowledges that sometimes people tell Gillian to slow down, that she works too hard. But Gillian responds that idleness is not for her, work is how she has fun and achieves things. The last verse of the song reveals that the singer is actually Gillian's son, thanking her for the profound influence she has had on their life. The lyrics are a testament to the strength and determination of an individual who never stops striving for what they want.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Gillian, you're up with the sun
Gillian wakes up very early in the morning.
You've done a hundred things before half past nine
Gillian is very productive and efficient, and completes many tasks before most people have even started their day.
By the time most folk are up and gone
Before most people have started their day and finished breakfast or left for work.
You'll be starting on one hundred and one
Gillian is always one step ahead and has many tasks planned for the day.
There's not enough hours in a day
Gillian has so many things to do that there is not enough time in a day to complete them all.
To do all the things she's just got to do
Gillian has many tasks that she feels are essential to complete, and they are all equally important to her.
When the daylight fades and the night invades
Even when the sun sets and darkness falls, Gillian continues to work and be productive.
She's only just begun
Gillian is never done with her work, and there is always something else she can do or improve upon.
Weary as you lay at night waiting for the sun
Even though Gillian is exhausted at the end of the day, she does not rest and instead starts planning for the next day.
Planning out tomorrow now before this day is done
Gillian does not waste any time and starts planning for the next day before the current day is even over.
'Gillian you work too hard'
People may be concerned about Gillian's workload and her tendency to constantly work, but she does not slow down.
But don't you try to slow her down
Despite others telling her to slow down, Gillian does not listen and continues to work at her own pace.
She'll tell you, 'Idleness is good for none
Gillian believes that being idle is not productive or useful for anyone, and that working hard is important.
Works how I get my fun
Gillian finds joy and fulfillment in working and being productive.
Gillian you're the one you're the one
The singer is expressing their admiration and appreciation for Gillian's hard-working nature.
Shining in my life, you're my eternal sun
Gillian is a constant source of light and inspiration in the singer's life.
I'm trying to thank you now for what I've become
The singer is expressing gratitude towards Gillian for influencing them and helping them become who they are.
But I've only just begun
The singer feels like they still have a lot to learn and accomplish with Gillian as their inspiration.
Your influence has been profound
Gillian's impact on the singer's life has been great and far-reaching.
And I'm proud to be your son
The singer feels a deep sense of pride and connection to Gillian as their mother.
Your blood is my blood we are forever bound
The singer feels a strong familial bond and sense of closeness to Gillian.
You're the inspiration to the way I live my life
Gillian has been a constant source of inspiration for the singer and has influenced the way they approach life.
I'm singing, 'Gillian if you weren't my mother I would make you my wife
The singer is expressing such admiration and appreciation for Gillian that they would want to marry her if they weren't related.
Gillian if you weren't my mother I'd make you my wife
Repetition of the singer's sentiment that they would want to marry Gillian if they weren't related.
Gillian if you weren't my mother I'd make you my wife
Repetition of the singer's sentiment that they would want to marry Gillian if they weren't related.
Gillian if you weren't my mother I would make you my wife'
Final repetition of the singer's sentiment that they would want to marry Gillian if they weren't related.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carsonstidom3521
This is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. I don’t know why music like this doesn’t get played on radio. If not for Pandora internet radio I doubt I would ever have this amazing song.,
@cryingcat4387
As someone named Gillian, I'm glad because this song is created ❤️
@suzannelane9931
It is Josh's mother. A song about her.
@valeriamaselli8277
my daughter 💛
@glennmcb4450
I’m from Northern Ireland, and that song woth the name and spelling suits, it’s a well put together song,
God Bless
@boclown100
I hear this wonderful song..of course it reminds me of my Mother long passed...Brings her right back..Her love never ever dwindles.This song is a brilliant ode to all Mothers..
@enigmajenn8682
Possibly the most beautiful song in the world...Gillian...you're my inspiration..
@hi-bu3lb
My mum loves this song❤😊
@cteater
Reminds me so much of my daughter's busy and loving life with her 3 sons and 1 daughter, who, when she was very young said she wanted to be her mother when she grew up! This song nails it!
@JamesDixonMusic
Lotte bubba, wherever you are and whatever you are doing and seeing, this song reminds me of you and I listen to it all the time. I miss you like I would miss a limb. x