Laura Veirs — Sun Song
Album: Warp and WeftAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1910
Length: 4:10
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First rays of light are coming through
Been seven months since I saw that much blue
Water rushing in the banks
Freed from the ice, it has the sun, the sun to thank
It has the sun, the sun to thank
Matches inside your golden hair
Catch all the light, I fight to death, I swear
As all the other mothers would remember
Stalked by winter solace in a small, warm hand
We got the sun, the sun to thank
We got the sun, the sun to thank
Every morning rising to the East
Shadows fall behind me, shining never sleep
Till it'll be what I'm asking, no regret
That you pin the arrows in the wheel
Sun, the sun to thank
We've got the sun, the sun to thank
We got the sun, the sun to thank
We've got the sun, the sun to thank
Been seven months since I saw that much blue
Water rushing in the banks
Freed from the ice, it has the sun, the sun to thank
It has the sun, the sun to thank
Matches inside your golden hair
Catch all the light, I fight to death, I swear
As all the other mothers would remember
Stalked by winter solace in a small, warm hand
We got the sun, the sun to thank
We got the sun, the sun to thank
Every morning rising to the East
Shadows fall behind me, shining never sleep
Till it'll be what I'm asking, no regret
That you pin the arrows in the wheel
Sun, the sun to thank
We've got the sun, the sun to thank
We got the sun, the sun to thank
We've got the sun, the sun to thank
Comments (75)add comment
Loving the guitar work on this song. 😃
Interesting, from Wikipedia. Looks like the Decemberists were involved, too. Wonder whatever happened to her... it's been over 10 years now since this song was recorded. I am guessing the pressures of family life made it difficult to continue her career.
On February 2, 2013, Laura Veirs announced on her official Facebook page that she was working her next full-length record in her husband Tucker Martine's studio, and also specified she would work with "new and old friends". Several hours before, she had announced her pregnancy, saying the child would be born in April.
Teaming up with American singer-songwriter Neko Case for the first time, and with some members of The Decemberists, Veirs recorded the album in a basement studio, as she was still pregnant with her second child. pcicatar wrote:
Yes, it is her.
Sounds like Neko Case on the background vocals! 
Yes, it is her.
First time I have heard her. Love it!
Love those sweeping strings.
Laura Veirs has recently released her version of Mountains of the Moon, a wonderful and largely obscure Dead song that has always shown for me as a transcendent piece of music. She has good tastes as well as being a good songwriter. I can't wait for the return of touring musicians so the less well-known can appear as magic locally.
Thanks bill and Rebecca for more tasty tunes
Theres more Neko in this song that just her voice.
Why does Neko's contribution always sneek up on me? A nice surprise, to be sure. Love the guitar too.
Sounds like Neko Case on the background vocals!
This song is pretty damned good.
Stephen_Phillips wrote: album cover art its similar also
BillG, another inspired segue from Nick Drake's Behind The Sun. The acoustic guitar sound and downbeat vibe are a continuum.
an inscopicious 10 - beautiful
I love the song - and the album cover!
And another epiphany from Bill and Rebecca 
Thanks guys, this is sweeeeeet
Thanks guys, this is sweeeeeet
digging that crunchy slithery guitar; lovely cover art as well
BillG, another inspired segue from Nick Drake's Behind The Sun. The acoustic guitar sound and downbeat vibe are a continuum.
Laura Veirs has so many nice songs, she is really underrated. Carbon Glacier is also a very nice album
coloradojohn wrote:
What he said!
I dig that mad, bad-assed guitar! Like Jesse Sykes, Lucinda Williams, Susan Tedecshi, and Michelle Malone all rolled into one. Love it!
What he said!
Fantastic song. Sounds like an old 60's classic! Nice.
LOVE IT
Beautiful Song in the middle of a work day,Thank You DJ
Hope you all have lots of Joy (especially WonderLizard : )
Hope you all have lots of Joy (especially WonderLizard : )
This is a perfect song to welcome a glorious sunny day here in rural Hertfordshire - not a cloud to spoil the blue, and the wheat (not to mention the oats and barley) is looking very healthy in the fields. A great cheerful and optimistic song.
I dig that mad, bad-assed guitar! Like Jesse Sykes, Lucinda Williams, Susan Tedecshi, and Michelle Malone all rolled into one. Love it!
WonderLizard wrote:
beautiful observation
a found poem
Last week I lost my best friend of 50+ years to cancer, and I find songs like this with their unrestrained glee and unbridled optimism the very best tonic for a heavy heart. This is one of those times when the older among us take refuge in the energy and creativity of the young. It is the irresistible, inexorable cycle.
beautiful observation
a found poem
I saw the Case / lang / Veirs show last week.
Each of them did a few of their own songs. I was a little surprised that she didn't do this one since it's the opening song from her most recent CD - and a damned good song in my opinion.
Each of them did a few of their own songs. I was a little surprised that she didn't do this one since it's the opening song from her most recent CD - and a damned good song in my opinion.
ick wrote:
Actually, that is Neko Case singing back-up on this song.
Did not know that. Just about any Neko is good Neko.
Laura occasionally has a flat twang—like on the line "Shadows fall behind me, shining never sleep"—that reminds me of Iris Dement. Iris can be an acquired taste, but generally she's wonderful.
Actually, that is Neko Case singing back-up on this song.
Did not know that. Just about any Neko is good Neko.
Laura occasionally has a flat twang—like on the line "Shadows fall behind me, shining never sleep"—that reminds me of Iris Dement. Iris can be an acquired taste, but generally she's wonderful.
Love the guitar. Like an old Neil Young sound
I've always been intrigued by her voice; that tune about "Japanese fishing float..." years ago, and now this — an instant favorite swoon!
Outstanding Artist
4merdj wrote:
Actually, that is Neko Case singing back-up on this song.
She sounds a little like Neko Case. Nice tune! 
Actually, that is Neko Case singing back-up on this song.
She sounds a little like Neko Case. Nice tune!
pankman wrote:
Very well said. 100 % agree!
Here hear!!
Very well said. 100 % agree!
Here hear!!
WonderLizard wrote:
I'm so sorry, WonderLizard. I hope the pain subsides with time so that you can remember the good times with your friend again.
Last week I lost my best friend of 50+ years to cancer, and I find songs like this with their unrestrained glee and unbridled optimism the very best tonic for a heavy heart. This is one of those times when the older among us take refuge in the energy and creativity of the young. It is the irresistible, inexorable cycle.
I'm so sorry, WonderLizard. I hope the pain subsides with time so that you can remember the good times with your friend again.
WonderLizard wrote:
Very well said. 100 % agree!
Last week I lost my best friend of 50+ years to cancer, and I find songs like this with their unrestrained glee and unbridled optimism the very best tonic for a heavy heart. This is one of those times when the older among us take refuge in the energy and creativity of the young. It is the irresistible, inexorable cycle.
Very well said. 100 % agree!
Last week I lost my best friend of 50+ years to cancer, and I find songs like this with their unrestrained glee and unbridled optimism the very best tonic for a heavy heart. This is one of those times when the older among us take refuge in the energy and creativity of the young. It is the irresistible, inexorable cycle.
What's not to like?
Fabulous tune and execution, and an enjoyable voice.
Between 8 - 9, so I gave it a 9.
Fabulous tune and execution, and an enjoyable voice.
Between 8 - 9, so I gave it a 9.
I really love this song.
grazie wrote:
Post good songs
So much good stuff today...you've excelled yourselves.
Post good songs
So much good stuff today...you've excelled yourselves.
Wow! This song completely blows me away!
10
thank you Sun, Laura & Neko 
DearDM wrote:
That's Neko belting out those two lines? Wow! Had no idea. Reminds me of Iris Dement. Iris has a strange way of singing—she sounds like a hillbilly from Appalachia with loads of talent but no voice training.
Calypsus_1, thanks for the great pic and info about Laura.
When Neko pipes up, at that moment you know who is queen....
That's Neko belting out those two lines? Wow! Had no idea. Reminds me of Iris Dement. Iris has a strange way of singing—she sounds like a hillbilly from Appalachia with loads of talent but no voice training.
Calypsus_1, thanks for the great pic and info about Laura.
Don't know what you are smoking but that's very poetic...
Moak wrote:
Moak wrote:
I have to share this fleeting thought. I think of Bill as a mystery...a legend. Just like Wolfman Jack in American Graffiti...is he live, or is the man on tape. Camped out in the desert somewhere with a broken freezer full of melting popsicles. But it doesn't matter, because the music keeps coming thru...satisfying the sweet tooth cravings of all who have stumbled upon the trailer at dawn on a Saturday morning.
I have to share this fleeting thought. I think of Bill as a mystery...a legend. Just like Wolfman Jack in American Graffiti...is he live, or is the man on tape. Camped out in the desert somewhere with a broken freezer full of melting popsicles. But it doesn't matter, because the music keeps coming thru...satisfying the sweet tooth cravings of all who have stumbled upon the trailer at dawn on a Saturday morning.
really like this ....
...thanks!
...thanks!Laura Veirs is from Portland and this song has Portland written all over it. The first line:
"First rays of light are coming through, been several months since I saw that much blue"
are words utterly by most Portlanders when our 8 months of rain finally stops in May.
"First rays of light are coming through, been several months since I saw that much blue"
are words utterly by most Portlanders when our 8 months of rain finally stops in May.
DearDM wrote:
It becomes obvious how different her voice is from Ms. Veirs'.
Musically, it reminds me a lot of Calexico.
When Neko pipes up, at that moment you know who is queen....
It becomes obvious how different her voice is from Ms. Veirs'.
Musically, it reminds me a lot of Calexico.
When Neko pipes up, at that moment you know who is queen....
Great to be in my garden and hear this song
Laura Veirs sings folk songs for children on her 2011 album "Tumble Bee"
"Portland singer-songwriter Laura Veirs has been known to draw inspiration from her immediate family. Early on, memories of summertime camping trips powered her lyrics. More recently, the birth of her son, Tennessee, pushed her to record an album of classic folk songs for children, aptly titled Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children.
The record's 13 tracks, produced by Veirs' Grammy-winning husband Tucker Martine, cover a wide range of songs from the past century in a way that children and parents alike should enjoy. Veirs' vocals bring out the best in older pieces by Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie and Harry Belfonte. In addition, Tumble Bee features guest appearances from Bela Fleck on the banjo, as well as vocals from The Decemberists' Colin Meloy and My Morning Jacket's Jim James." by npr-music - world cafe - essential and emerging artists
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"Most new parents are a bit lost when faced with the dilemma of weeding out the good children’s music from the bad. For musician couples, like singer/songwriter Laura Viers and her producer/husband Tucker Martine, the solution is simple; make your own. On the appropriately titled Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children, Viers and Martine, along with special guests Béla Fleck, Basia Bulat, Colin Meloy (Decemberists), and Jim James (My Morning Jacket), explore some of the genre’s oldest tunes, including work songs (“Jump Down Spin Around”), Civil War tunes (“Soldier’s Joy”), and even a calypso (“Jamaica Farewell”). Each cut is tastefully arranged and never cloying (kudos for allowing “All the Pretty Little Horses” to retain its subtle darkness), and Viers' simple, honest delivery helps to keep the mood fun, yet stable and sweet, without the inevitable sugar rush."
Review by James Christopher Monger/allmusic
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That Alice
Nuance wrote:
Now that's a combo!
Incidentally, Neko Case is on her CD.
Thought it was First Aid Kit, with Neko Case!
Now that's a combo!
Incidentally, Neko Case is on her CD.
Heard this for the first time on RP and my ears perked up. Then I searched for some of her other music and found it very good. So presto--I am fan of Laura Veirs, an artist who I would never have found without RP. Thanks Bill.
Plus she's from my town, so its the daily double.
Plus she's from my town, so its the daily double.
fredriley wrote:
we dont have accents, you do
I thought that this was Anna Ternheim at first, then I heard the faint American accent and the country-ish backing so thought again. Ver' nahce, though. 8 from the entranced Nottingham jury.
we dont have accents, you do
Peter_Bradshaw wrote:
...... both me and my wife thought the same - v nice
I liked the music straight away and knew I would like it when I saw these comments
...... both me and my wife thought the same - v nice
I liked the music straight away and knew I would like it when I saw these comments
Nuance wrote:
...... both me and my wife thought the same - v nice
Thought it was First Aid Kit, with Neko Case!
...... both me and my wife thought the same - v nice
govna wrote:
Really? I'm a huge asshole and even I like it.
Heh... can't quite tell if you're saying this makes me an asshole or not, but yeah, the song's just decidedly not for me.
Really? I'm a huge asshole and even I like it.
Heh... can't quite tell if you're saying this makes me an asshole or not, but yeah, the song's just decidedly not for me.
aaronm wrote:
Really? I'm a huge asshole and even I like it.
That chorus... I just can't get behind it.
Really? I'm a huge asshole and even I like it.
That chorus... I just can't get behind it.
Thought it was First Aid Kit, with Neko Case!
AndyJ wrote:
Yes, it does flow well; nice production, very cool electric guitar sound.
Arrangement and back-up are attention grabbing...
Nice flow...
Yes, it does flow well; nice production, very cool electric guitar sound.
I thought that this was Anna Ternheim at first, then I heard the faint American accent and the country-ish backing so thought again. Ver' nahce, though. 8 from the entranced Nottingham jury.
Arrangement and back-up are attention grabbing...
Nice flow...
Laura Veirs is very good but Laura Marling would be even better.
NeuroGeek wrote:
I love those leaps. They make me aware, make me listen, make me hear the words.
Not bad, but that one wide vocal interval leap drives me bonkers. Too many female vocalists have a "one-interval trick". I don't know if that's the case here, but it's still grating.
I love those leaps. They make me aware, make me listen, make me hear the words.
Not bad, but that one wide vocal interval leap drives me bonkers. Too many female vocalists have a "one-interval trick". I don't know if that's the case here, but it's still grating.
dc_zee wrote:
You're not mistaken, Neko does backing vocals on three songs on the album including this one.
Could swear I heard Nico Case chiming in on this? Guess that's not a swear but a question...
You're not mistaken, Neko does backing vocals on three songs on the album including this one.
Could swear I heard Nico Case chiming in on this? Guess that's not a swear but a question...
not bad. harmonies remind me of those first aid chicks.
wonderful album, like all of Laura's albums; unique, intriguing, beguiling, highly enjoyable, thanx Bill! 
Pretty
This song is soooo good for the ears... sigh...
It's warm.
That's why I came to the comments – I thought I recognized her voice. I never noticed her vocal in this song before.