Sarah Harmer — Lodestar
Album: You Were HereAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1737
Length: 5:26
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Out of the night, into the water,
We push the boat from shore.
Breaking the air in the stillness of the bay.
Intensity of stars reflected in the harbour,
Silently ignite.
The oar dips in to oil like water and we,
Are away.
Your hand won't write, not tonight,
But your mind may wander.
Into those deep lagoons that you know.
And your boat will go, by starlight alone.
"Da da da da da da da da"
You sang to the moon.
In the great black night with no lodestar,
In sight.
Out in the night, out on the water,
We pull the boat back to shore.
Breathing the air in the stillness of the bay.
Intensity of stars reflected in the water,
Silently ignite.
The oar dips in to oil like water and we,
Are away.
Under the moon,
In the great black night with no lodestar,
In sight.
And wait for it,
There are only two things now.
This great black night,
And the fire glow.
Listen, the darkness rings,
The darkness.
Listen, the darkness rings.
And wait for it,
There are only two of us now.
This great black night scooped out,
And this fire glow.
Listen, the darkess rings,
The darkness,
Listen, the darkness rings.
Take off your things,
And listen, the darkness rings.
We push the boat from shore.
Breaking the air in the stillness of the bay.
Intensity of stars reflected in the harbour,
Silently ignite.
The oar dips in to oil like water and we,
Are away.
Your hand won't write, not tonight,
But your mind may wander.
Into those deep lagoons that you know.
And your boat will go, by starlight alone.
"Da da da da da da da da"
You sang to the moon.
In the great black night with no lodestar,
In sight.
Out in the night, out on the water,
We pull the boat back to shore.
Breathing the air in the stillness of the bay.
Intensity of stars reflected in the water,
Silently ignite.
The oar dips in to oil like water and we,
Are away.
Under the moon,
In the great black night with no lodestar,
In sight.
And wait for it,
There are only two things now.
This great black night,
And the fire glow.
Listen, the darkness rings,
The darkness.
Listen, the darkness rings.
And wait for it,
There are only two of us now.
This great black night scooped out,
And this fire glow.
Listen, the darkess rings,
The darkness,
Listen, the darkness rings.
Take off your things,
And listen, the darkness rings.
Comments (248)add comment
coloradojohn wrote:
I think that statement was used by J Peterman on a Seinfeld episode
This was one of the first things I remember hearing when I first got wired into RP...I believe it was Fall of 2001; I was back in Boulder after an 8-year stint in Noto Hanto, teaching and writing locally but restless to be abroad again; my marriage was in an unknown state; I was the only one who cared, and Life itself was at a crossroads...I remember making a night hike up into The Flatirons and thinking that the darkness can indeed ring out fairly loud and clear if you give it a chance to. I followed the urgings of The Universe, went back to update the Fodor's Japan I'd done, and snagged a Uni gig in Tokyo on the way through; wound up staying 10 years. It is a place where one cannot often see the stars, and the darkness has a lot more than a ring to it; more like a roar... A few years later, while on a month-long meditation vacation on the white sand shores of Ngapali Beach in Burma, I heard this lovely song again on my iTunes just as I saw and heard the squid and tuna fishermen going out into the Bay of Bengal from JakeTaw village on a moonless night, their boats and oars making dull thudding sounds and phosphorescent swirls in the oil-dark water, and I knew that my LodeStar would always guide me somehow, and well it has, and well shall it continue, I hope and pray, and RP's a part!
I think that statement was used by J Peterman on a Seinfeld episode
More Weeping Tile!
Just such a beautiful sound!
7 —> 8
7 —> 8
first time i heard this lady, got a 7.
Soothing, comforting voice
pure maritime poetry
coloradojohn wrote:
Great story, thanks!!
This was one of the first things I remember hearing when I first got wired into RP...I believe it was Fall of 2001; I was back in Boulder after an 8-year stint in Noto Hanto, teaching and writing locally but restless to be abroad again; my marriage was in an unknown state; I was the only one who cared, and Life itself was at a crossroads...I remember making a night hike up into The Flatirons and thinking that the darkness can indeed ring out fairly loud and clear if you give it a chance to. I followed the urgings of The Universe, went back to update the Fodor's Japan I'd done, and snagged a Uni gig in Tokyo on the way through; wound up staying 10 years. It is a place where one cannot often see the stars, and the darkness has a lot more than a ring to it; more like a roar... A few years later, while on a month-long meditation vacation on the white sand shores of Ngapali Beach in Burma, I heard this lovely song again on my iTunes just as I saw and heard the squid and tuna fishermen going out into the Bay of Bengal from JakeTaw village on a moonless night, their boats and oars making dull thudding sounds and phosphorescent swirls in the oil-dark water, and I knew that my LodeStar would always guide me somehow, and well it has, and well shall it continue, I hope and pray, and RP's a part!
Great story, thanks!!
Just when I was about to PSD this song picked up
I love the way this song builds. Even better live. I saw her with her band perform this song life a lifetime ago, and I remember it still. They extended it out, and slowly worked it into a screaming frenzy. Loved it.
One of my favorite songwriters. Immensely talented.
Not my favourite of Sarah Harmer, but still this is a wonderful album.
Anybody notice the beginning of the song the chord progressions sound just like if I by Pink Floyd?
coloradojohn wrote: I first heard Sarah Harmer on Peter Gzoski's Sunday morning show on CBC.. Lovin it.. John from Colorado.. you have had an interesting life. Did we meet in a cherry orchard in Cawston many many years ago?
This was one of the first things I remember hearing when I first got wired into RP...I believe it was Fall of 2001; I was back in Boulder after a 7-year stint in Noto Hanto, teaching and writing locally but restless to be abroad again; my marriage was in an unknown state; I was the only one who cared, and Life itself was at a crossroads...I remember making a night hike up into The Flatirons and thinking that the darkness can indeed ring out fairly loud and clear if you give it a chance to. I followed the urgings of The Universe, went back to update the Fodor's Japan I'd done, and snagged a gig in Tokyo on the way through. It is a place where one cannot often see the stars, and the darkness has a lot more than a ring to it; more like a roar... A few years later, while on a meditation vacation on the white sand shores of Ngapali Beach in Burma, I heard this lovely song again on my iPod just as I saw and heard the squid and tuna fishermen going out from JakeTaw village on a moonless night, their boats and oars making dull thudding sounds and phosphorescent swirls in the oil-dark water, and I knew that my LodeStar would always guide me somehow, and well it has, and well shall it continue, I hope and pray, and RP's a part!
The second "movement" always feels so jarring in this quiet magical song.
She sings "wait for it, there are only two things now. This great black night, and the fire glow" ...but an entire orchestra has crowded through the door and they're all going full tilt like some sudden mariachi band at a birthday party, knocking out the lovely hushed lyrics. Still, the first part is the kind of song where you just have to stop what you're doing so you can be there.
She sings "wait for it, there are only two things now. This great black night, and the fire glow" ...but an entire orchestra has crowded through the door and they're all going full tilt like some sudden mariachi band at a birthday party, knocking out the lovely hushed lyrics. Still, the first part is the kind of song where you just have to stop what you're doing so you can be there.
Betka wrote:
And she is giving a presentation at a public forum on the health of the Great Lakes at the University of Windsor tomorrow night.
Yes Sarah's a Canadian. She's also an environmental activist, and established a group called PERL Protecting Escarpment Rural Lands. A beautiful part of Canada (Ontario) with some surviving natural escarpment land (flora, fauna, and wildlife) that need protecting.
And she is giving a presentation at a public forum on the health of the Great Lakes at the University of Windsor tomorrow night.
Very sweet,thanks for playing this.Love it
Thanks for sharing ColoradoJohn, I love that music can remind you of places past and inspire you to places future. Would love to visit the Burmese coast, I love the far east but I imagine Burma is particularly special, albeit for some pretty tragic reasons...
12 years on, hopefully you are past your crossroads now
coloradojohn wrote:
12 years on, hopefully you are past your crossroads now
coloradojohn wrote:
This was one of the first things I remember hearing when I first got wired into RP...I believe it was Fall of 2001; I was back in Boulder after a 7-year stint in Noto Hanto, teaching and writing locally but restless to be abroad again; my marriage was in an unknown state; I was the only one who cared, and Life itself was at a crossroads...I remember making a night hike up into The Flatirons and thinking that the darkness can indeed ring out fairly loud and clear if you give it a chance to. I followed the urgings of The Universe, went back to update the Fodor's Japan I'd done, and snagged a gig in Tokyo on the way through. It is a place where one cannot often see the stars, and the darkness has a lot more than a ring to it; more like a roar... A few years later, while on a meditation vacation on the white sand shores of Ngapali Beach in Burma, I heard this lovely song again on my iPod just as I saw and heard the squid and tuna fishermen going out from JakeTaw village on a moonless night, their boats and oars making dull thudding sounds and phosphorescent swirls in the oil-dark water, and I knew that my LodeStar would always guide me somehow, and well it has, and well shall it continue, I hope and pray, and RP's a part!
Canadeh wrote:
Kingston is also the home of the Tragically Hip. Just thought you might want to know, eh.
For those interested...the lodestar of the title is the name of the driers at the coin laundry. A nice song about the simple details of life in Kingston, Ontario.
Kingston is also the home of the Tragically Hip. Just thought you might want to know, eh.
I seldom if ever comment here, but I'd like to request a set to celebrate the blizzard taking place today on the east coast...good tune btw
This magnificent song was one of the first things I remember hearing when I first got wired into RP...I believe it was Fall of 2001; I was back in Boulder after an 8-year stint in Noto Hanto. It blew me away, and I bought it, happy to celebrate the soaring heart it gives me every time I hear it, A few years later, on vacation in my bungalow on the white sand shores of Ngapali Beach in Burma, this song came on my MacBook iTunes just as I saw and heard the squid and tuna fishermen going out into the Bay of Bengal on a moonless night, their boats and oars making dull thudding sounds and phosphorescent swirls in the oil-dark water, and I knew that my LodeStar would always guide me somehow, and well it has, and well shall it continue, I hope and pray, and RP's a big part of it all!
scadawizard wrote:
That was lovely. Thank you!
Reading comments here can be fascinating. So many different voices, memories and opinions.
Love Sarah--there's a quiet desperate yearning in her voice and lyrics. "Almost" is a perfect example.
This song reminds me of hot summer nights in the 1950s, we're at a resort at Clear Lake California, we would get in the rowboat late at night, sometimes the moon would be high in the starlight sky, we would drift in the reeds, nearby there would be grebes silently swimming, we'd take off our clothes and slip into the warm water for a surreal swim, every time I hear that song I can re-live those wonderful times again.
That was lovely. Thank you!
Reading comments here can be fascinating. So many different voices, memories and opinions.
Love Sarah--there's a quiet desperate yearning in her voice and lyrics. "Almost" is a perfect example.
Yes Sarah's a Canadian. She's also an environmental activist, and established a group called PERL Protecting Escarpment Rural Lands. A beautiful part of Canada (Ontario) with some surviving natural escarpment land (flora, fauna, and wildlife) that need protecting.
christopherwoods wrote:
'sfar as I know, Sarah Harmer is a Canadian, and the accent hmmmm, Oi tork loik that orlreddy, so Oi w'nt notice.
Had to double take and see if this wasn't actually my superduperfave KT Tunstall singing in an English accent. It wasn't, but nonetheless because of this Ms. Harmer gets One Free Pass to Tentown. (And it's a lovely little song to boot)
My ears also want to say that they like this song!
My ears also want to say that they like this song!
'sfar as I know, Sarah Harmer is a Canadian, and the accent hmmmm, Oi tork loik that orlreddy, so Oi w'nt notice.
This song reminds me of hot summer nights in the 1950s, we're at a resort at Clear Lake California, we would get in the rowboat late at night, sometimes the moon would be high in the starlight sky, we would drift in the reeds, nearby there would be grebes silently swimming, we'd take off our clothes and slip into the warm water for a surreal swim, every time I hear that song I can re-live those wonderful times again.
Canadeh wrote:
Ah yes, the joy of laundromats. And I thought it was about having no guiding star/controlling principle.
For those interested...the lodestar of the title is the name of the driers at the coin laundry. A nice song about the simple details of life in Kingston, Ontario.
Ah yes, the joy of laundromats. And I thought it was about having no guiding star/controlling principle.
gave it a 10 when I first heard it. still a 10. maybe even an 11.
Had to double take and see if this wasn't actually my superduperfave KT Tunstall singing in an English accent. It wasn't, but nonetheless because of this Ms. Harmer gets One Free Pass to Tentown. (And it's a lovely little song to boot)
My ears also want to say that they like this song!
My ears also want to say that they like this song!
Oh, I was headed out to lunch when I heard the opening notes, now I need to sit and relax for a moment, listing to this lovely voice.
I heart this song! Completely served as one of the reasons I fell in love w/ the randomness that is Radio Paradise!
Sarah Harmer touches my heart like no one other than another Sarah, MacLachlan.
I can listen to her all day!
I can listen to her all day!
What a wonderful, warm voice. It's like sitting and talking with a friend.
12:30 am in Melbourne - Monday morning - Working bleary eyed at PC....
...Nice. Just the chill pill I needed. Thanks B&R
...Nice. Just the chill pill I needed. Thanks B&R
Really like her unhurried and sweet style. Nice arrangement too.
Axeman wrote:
True!
BNL and now Sarah. Thanks Bill for consistently playing quality Canadian music. Something we don't hear much of on mainstream radio up here, despite the CRTC.
True!
"you put the lime in the coconut"
A great song. Thanks for playing something from the Great White North. Not sure if Blue Rodeo is anywhere on your playlist but they are another worthy addition.
Watching the dark turn to dawn, getting ready for the roadtrip to New Orleans to march with St.Ann's in the Marigny. Perfect.
it sounds like a slowed down version of Sia's "Academia". . .
I love this song.
We saw Sarah play last night and she said that she has a new album being release this June. Sarah is amazing! 
We are going down to the boat this weekend. Can't wait. On a boat at night is magical.
Axeman wrote:
Axeman, you sliced through bark and got to the heart of the matter!
BNL and now Sarah. Thanks Bill for consistently playing quality Canadian music. Something we don't hear much of on mainstream radio up here, despite the CRTC.
Axeman, you sliced through bark and got to the heart of the matter!No thanks. Don't like her voice or the rather predictable music
I dig this song more every time I hear it. Maybe it's 'cuz I'm half Canadian?
Waaait for it....
BNL and now Sarah. Thanks Bill for consistently playing quality Canadian music. Something we don't hear much of on mainstream radio up here, despite the CRTC.
Arowana wrote:
As opposed to American shit?
Poor. Too much canadian shit right now.
As opposed to American shit?
Blah, blah, blah.................
My favorite song from this album. And, she sounds like Jill Barber.
Fantastic song. And... I'd like to leave work, but the playlist has been too great! Wilco, Dead, Big Head Todd, Alice in Chains...
For those interested...the lodestar of the title is the name of the driers at the coin laundry. A nice song about the simple details of life in Kingston, Ontario.
This album is really terrific.
lmic wrote:
Yes! Has the same texture to me too!
Like k.d. lang + Deb Talan. Nice
Yes! Has the same texture to me too!
I forgot how much I like this album. Thanks!
Art_Carnage wrote:
ditto
One of those few songs where I stop whatever I'm doing so I can actually listen to it, rather than just hear it.
ditto
Like k.d. lang + Deb Talan. Nice
subtlety is not boring
dunno wrote:
dunno wrote:
starts a bit boring, but gets better at the end.
These lyrics paint a beautiful picture. Boating at night. Brings special memories, and dreams, for me. I'm gonna spend .99 and get this tune from itunes.
I'm such a big spender.
crowhog2000 wrote:
this would be good like at 4:45am when I'm asleep.
starts a bit boring, but gets better at the end.
Good, eh?
Arowana wrote:
What a moron...
Poor. Too much canadian shit right now.
You really think the quality of a song depends on the artist's origin?
What a moron...
Yeah, rilly quite nice indeedy.....
One of those few songs where I stop whatever I'm doing so I can actually listen to it, rather than just hear it.
I disagree. Two Canadian songs in a row= wonderful! Especially when they're both so good.
Poor. Too much canadian shit right now.
this would be good like at 4:45am when I'm asleep.
SinBlossom wrote:
Warm and liquid, so soothing!
Good description. I also saw a Mama Cass comparison which fits. Wonderful song. I'll set this aside for my next itunes purchace.
Thanks Bill!
Very pleasant early morning music!
Nice voice, like the cello, makes me want to buy an old
Chevy and drive
Jamunca wrote:
Two songs for the price of one. Giggity.
love the giggity
Wow - Sarah draws positive comments from both the loafmaster and the trekkie. Truly, she has the music that soothes the savage beast, I'm thinkin'.
I sometimes get itchy for the second part to kick in, but I'm always psyched by the end of the tune.
algrif wrote:
Continues to be one of the most delightful songs on the RP playlist.
We certainly agree on this point.
Continues to be one of the most delightful songs on the RP playlist.
Jamunca wrote:
Two songs for the price of one. Giggity.
Not sure what giggity means. However, the tempo change and the introduction the cello into the second part of the tune is great!!!
This song is so lame. Too feminine for this cat. I love the rest of the album tho' and have enjoyed her live in concert too.
Two songs for the price of one. Giggity.
freddyfender wrote:
I also didn't like it the first time, and over time it has grown on me like a bad foot fungus.
Does that mean there are good foot fungi then?
lowelltr wrote: 
GODLIKE - is there an "11" I could use?
This is one of my top ten songs of all time, I shit you not...
If they gave you the 11, they'd have to give me a negative 11.
GODLIKE - is there an "11" I could use?
This is one of my top ten songs of all time, I shit you not... 99 wrote:
fantabulous.
Super fantabulous. Exactly.
This is my first time, and I don't like it. Its putting me to sleep.
she has a beautiful voice. reminds me of mama cass.
freddyfender wrote:
I also didn't like it the first time, and over time it has grown on me like a bad foot fungus.
I've never heard that one before. Thank you.
Perfect Monday song. Thanks Bill!
fantabulous.
dogpound wrote:
didn't like it the first time, it's grown on me
I also didn't like it the first time, and over time it has grown on me like a bad foot fungus.
didn't like it the first time, it's grown on me
GODLIKE - is there an "11" I could use?
This is one of my top ten songs of all time, I shit you not... I'm a sucker for string accompaniment.
Starts off a bit slow but has a nice groove by the end.
Just bumped from a 7 to an 8...
That voice is excellent, and the cello and trumpet work so well with her singing.
And I love the sort of "unplugged alt-rock" sound at the end as well.
Very nice.
"listen...the darkness rings.."
more canadian music...yay...
This is one I probably should not buy.
I like hearing it on here so much!
Sometimes is the best part of special.
I know what to get me mum for Christmas now.
Good god - is she still going on??
Warm and liquid, so soothing!
Just raised my rating from 8 to 9. I love it.
I came back to raise my rating to 9, but found I'd already done that. Heh.
Huey wrote:
it sucks
yes yes?
it sucks yes yes?
Kite_Flyer wrote:
That is just awful.
I have to agree.
That is just awful.
1guppy wrote:
Love this song, and just about every one of Sarah's songs. Great singer/songwriter from Kingston, Ontario!
Kingston - also the home of The Tragically Hip
Love this song, and just about every one of Sarah's songs. Great singer/songwriter from Kingston, Ontario!
Cut out the first 2 minutes of this song and it would be tremendously better...
This has to be an RP staple, cuz it's played waaaaayyy too much.
Art_Carnage wrote:
Here's the D.H.Lawrence poem that inspired parts of this song (which Sarah acknowledges in the liner notes):
There are only two things now,
The great black night scooped out
And this fire-glow.
This fire-glow, the core,
And we the two ripe pips
That are held in store.
Listen, the darkness rings
As it circulates round our fire.
Take off your things.
Your shoulders, your bruised throat!
Your breasts, your nakedness!
This fiery coat!
As the darkness flickers and dips,
As the firelight falls and leaps
From your feet to your lips!
D. H. Lawrence
Ohh, that is lovely! Thank you for posting that. Makes me like this song all the more! As well as wish that my fellow wasn't so far away. SIGH.
it sucks I think I like the whole one
ndfan75 wrote:
not bad. I like the 1st half of the song
and I like the second half!
not bad. I like the 1st half of the song
ZzZzZzZzZzZzZ
I was just thinking about this one this morning, and then Bill pulls it out of the hat !! Thanks Bill.
So if you really like this song, what would you want to hear afterwards?
meghan89 wrote:
Oh no, no, no
The comments page are for reading comments. Thought, ideas, opinions.
There are links to find the lyrics, if need be.
There is plenty wrong with having all the lyrics to all the songs on every page.
Seriously, it sucks.
A link is cool yeah, but I agree with the suckage.
meghan89 wrote:
I would like to listen this while swinging on hammock in a warm afternoon.
I'll bring the wine!
Luna2 wrote:
MUST YOU LIST LYRICS TO EVERY SONG.
I know Im lashing out at you.
But its gotta stop
Just for the record, a song = lyrics + music. Now, what exactly is wrong with listing lyrics? I sorta enjoy someone who takes the time, energy, and effort to post them. Saves lazy ol' me the trouble of having to look 'em up.
meghan89 wrote:
Oh no, no, no
The comments page are for reading comments. Thought, ideas, opinions.
There are links to find the lyrics, if need be.
There is plenty wrong with having all the lyrics to all the songs on every page.
Seriously, it sucks.
I guess my point is that if you want to discuss the lyrics in your comment it's easier to have them in one place where everyone can reference them as they are commenting. It really doesn't take up that much room...far less than the room we're taking up by arguing this issue.
This sounds like some chick singing in a hoffbrow during WW II. I'm waiting for Colonel Hogan to slide in and schmooze her; followed closely behind by Sergeant Shultz and Colonel Klink.
More Weeping Tile!