Attending music camps and studying the art of singing since childhood, (“I’d sing for whoever was willing to listen…at school, in clubs and bars…anywhere I could”), whilst getting wrapped up in old soul records, the only thing as big as Florence’s love of music was her voice. With a remarkably fresh but mature delivery Florence’s enormous voice swoops and soars through an impressive vocal range taking inspiration and style from legendary vocalists such as Aretha Franklin, Eva Cassidy and Martha Reeves.
On completing her A level exams Florence signed to Dramatico (Katie Melua, Marianne Faithfull, Carla Bruni, Gurrumul) and put those years of musical apprenticeship to good use recording, with Mike Batt, her debut album ‘A Fool In Love’. An impressive debut of authentic soul, raw grooves and rhythm & blues the album was described by Music Week as “a blend that could elevate her to the similar heady heights Melua enjoys. Classy stuff.” The cool, after-dark Motown feel of Florence Rawlings’ first single ‘Hard To Get’ serves as a perfect introduction to this charismatic singer and her debut album of gritty arrangements, soulful melodies and vibrant brass work complemented by gospel vocals and addictive rhythms that culminate in a blend of raw soul that has been off the airwaves for far too long.
As well as singing a collection of powerful original songs penned by Mike Batt himself - including the gorgeous and moving ‘Love Can Be A Battlefield’, the cool, after-dark Motown feel of ‘Hard To Get’ and the debut single - Florence has discovered gems from days gone by and transformed them with her own charismatic soul style.
No Gladys Knight fan would deny that Florence makes the song ‘Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me’ completely her own. Meanwhile Allen Toussaint’s long forgotten ‘Riverboat’ has been rescued from obscurity and reinvented with vigorous production, uplifting horns and sleek dark overtones that give the song a lavish, ominous edge. Florence even performs a version of Chuck Berry’s ‘You Can’t Catch Me’ - following in the potentially daunting footsteps of The Rolling Stones and John Lennon she manages to make the song her own just as convincingly as rock and roll’s elite.
Equally at home in the studio or in concert, the 20 year-old Londoner is a natural performer – as was evident when she took to the stage at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival and stunned the crowds when she performed her songs for the first time. Afterwards the festival’s promoter John Giddings declared “Florence Rawlings rocked the Big Top - a certain star of the future” and other festival promoters have been extraordinarily quick off the mark in booking the 20 year old South Londoner, before a note of music has even been released, for some key spots including the main stage at Guilfest and Tuborg Stage at O2 Wireless in Hyde Park.
Little Richard’s description of his own sound sums up Florence’s electrifying style perfectly, “Rock n’ rollin’, rhythm & blues soulin’”. Florence Rawlings is set to be a modern soul star. In the words of the song - “jump on the wagon and join the dance.”
can't hold your hand
florence rawlings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I can't hold your hand
And I can′t call your name
And baby, it's so cold
Since you blew out the flame
'Cause I can′t hold your hand
And I can′t call your name
(Can't hold your hand, can′t call your name)
The good times stopped rolling
When you went away
Birds stopped singing on that hopeless day
Oh darling, won't you bring me back my soul
Let the birds start singing
And let the good times roll again
You and me, baby
We had our whole life planned
Now it′s all in the past
And I can't understand
And baby, it′s so cold
Since you blew out the flame
'Cause I can't hold your hand
And I can′t call your name
(Can′t hold your hand, can't call your name)
And I can′t call your name
The song "Can't Hold Your Hand" by Florence Rawlings is a heart-wrenching ballad that explores the feelings of loneliness and despair that come with the end of a romantic relationship. Throughout the song, the singer longs for the return of the one who they once loved deeply, who has now gone away. The opening lines describe how the streets feel empty and unfamiliar without their love's hand to hold and their name to call out. The following lines transition to a mournful reflection on how everything has changed since the relationship ended, and how the singer is struggling to adjust to this new reality.
One of the most powerful elements of the song is how it captures the sense of hopelessness and loss that comes with a breakup. The singer cannot understand why their love has gone, and appears to be lost without them. The lyrics are poignant and resonant, bringing to life the emotional turmoil that comes with the end of a relationship.
Overall, "Can't Hold Your Hand" is a beautifully crafted song that shows off Florence Rawlings' talent as a songwriter and performer. It touches on themes of love, loss, and sadness, and captures the depth of feeling that can come with the end of a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
These lonely streets just ain′t the same
The streets that were once lively and exciting are now dull and unappealing now that you are not with me, making me feel lonely.
When I can't hold your hand
I miss the comfort and affection that holding your hand provided, and without you, it feels like something essential is missing.
And I can′t call your name
Not being able to call your name out loud reminds me of the fact that you are not here, and the realization of that is painful.
And baby, it's so cold
The metaphorical 'cold' that I feel inside is representative of the emotional absence that is a result of your departure.
Since you blew out the flame
Your absence extinguished the 'flame' or passion in my life, making everything feel a little less bright.
The good times stopped rolling
The happy times that we used to share came to a halt when you left, and my life just isn't the same without them.
When you went away
Your departure marked a significant change in my life, and the void you left has yet to be filled.
Birds stopped singing on that hopeless day
The sense of despair and hopelessness that I felt when you left is so all-encompassing that even the birds stopped singing, magnifying the sense of emptiness I feel now.
Oh darling, won't you bring me back my soul
You were such an integral part of my life that, without you, I feel like my soul is incomplete and searching for something that only you can provide.
Let the birds start singing
If only you could return to my life, the world would feel alive and invigorating again, as if we were so happy that the birds themselves would start singing for us.
And let the good times roll again
Returning to a happy and fulfilling life with you would allow not only the return of your comforting presence but also of the fun and joy we shared together.
You and me, baby
You and I were such an unbreakable pair, and it's difficult to conceptualize my life without you now that you've left.
We had our whole life planned
We had such grand plans for the future, none of which seem possible without you here with me.
Now it's all in the past
The potential for our future together seems distant and unattainable now that you are no longer part of my life.
And I can't understand
The reasons for your departure and the subsequent transformation of my life are unfathomable to me, making it even more difficult to come to terms with your absence.
Writer(s): Mike Batt
Contributed by Alexis F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nusikam Balogh
Gyönyörű dal! Köszönet érte! Wonderful song! Thanks.
citybreezes
Great singer and video. thank you:)