From the recording The New Bright Children - 2012
Possibly my magnum opus for ambient layering of sounds - at least on this album. There are no less than 8 tracks dedicated to 'atmosphere' and sonic texture, in addition to the other 20 tracks of piano, bass, electric guitar, vocals, bells, percussion, tympani, strings, veena, and pump organ.
I find it haunting... But sometimes life can be a pretty dark, bittersweet and sobering.
I am especially happy with the melody (written on piano), the vocal harmonies, the bells, and the use of very, very long reverb times.
Arranged and sculpted through tons of patient experimentation - kinda like how I imagine Talk Talk created their last three albums.
Contender for the "Most Beautiful Song I'll Ever Write" award.
This song portrays a character named Anna who is depicted as a mysterious and melancholic figure. Anna is shown struggling with inner turmoil and loneliness, seeking solace and release from her pain through letting go of past burdens and finding hope in a higher power. The lyrics use metaphors to symbolize emotional baggage and the act of releasing them to a savior figure, reflecting themes of inner conflict, solitude, and the search for redemption.
Lyrics
Anna writes on secret leaflets
Had a schedule, couldn't keep it
Walks on leather floors with feathers
Sprouting from her wings
And whether she'll receive, or even need, you
Depends on everything
Or nothing at all
Anna sings in silent cities
Lifting spirits, sitting pretty
Darkness falling all around her
Shimmering, the stars abound
Her melancholy laced with laughter
Smiles darkened here and after by fear
Picking up the shards and pieces
She lets go and she releases
All the bitter loss that weighs her down
She gives it up to her savior
As we hold on we release
As we hold on we release
As we hold on we release
As we hold on
Lonely in the biggest places
People rushing through the spaces
All around her laughing, talking
Ignoring her they keep on walking
Graceful in her quiet sorrow
Convinced that there is no tomorrow
Or yesterday
Picking up the shards and pieces
She lets go and she releases all
The bitter loss that weighs her down
She gives it up to her savior
As we hold on we release
As we hold on we release
As we hold
Clutching at the past she's thinking
Grasping memories while sinking
Further down the realization that
Her dreams have left the station
Her white fingers caught red handed
Leaving her hope rather stranded
All alone
Picking up the shards and pieces
She lets go and she releases all
The bitter loss that weighs her down
She gives it up to her
Savior