Narrowly beaten by Bell Curve to being the oldest song on the album, Flowers on the Sill was originally written in the summer of 2016 as part of a cringingly lo-fi folk album I tracked on my dad’s old recording gear from his time as an alt-rocker in the 90s. It was one of those interesting songs where the meaning didn’t really open itself up to me until after I’d written it - I remember showing it to dad after I’d first recorded it, and he said “I’m trying to figure it out, is it about mum or your godfather?”. I hadn’t realised it until that point, but it absolutely was about both of them, and a few other people too. It’s a tribute to the people in my life who worked so hard when I was a kid to care for me and raise me, going through so much at the same time but always keeping a brave face and positive attitude whenever I saw them. I am truly blessed to have had, and to continue to have, so many wonderful people in my life.
lyrics
Place the flowers on the windowsill
And the sugar in the bowl
Fill the house with laughing photographs
But black the eyes and hide the soul
Carve your name into the fascia board
For future generations to behold
And never tell the one you love
They’re the one who makes you whole
Live quiet, live light, live long
Plant the seeds of brighter futures in the garden, give them love and make them strong
Hang lanterns from the lemon trees
Flood the flowerbeds with light
And lie to all your loved ones
Tell them “everything’s alright”
Let the spiders spin a minaret
In hallowed corners black and high
Fill the fireplace with lavender
Send your signal to the sky
Live quiet, live light, live long
Plant the seeds of brighter futures in the garden, give them love and make them strong
Live quiet, live light, live long
Plant the seeds of brighter futures in the garden, give them love and make them strong
Live quiet, live light, live long
Plant the seeds of brighter futures in the garden, give them love and make them strong
credits
from How Do You Think It Should Be?,
released June 4, 2021
Bryn Soden - Lead vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitar, harmonica, harmonium, add. percussion.
John Soden - Backing vocals.
Tarn Soden - Backing vocals.
Isaac Kerr - Bass guitar.
Bryce Lehmann - Drums.
Dave Thompson - Keys.
Ollie Patterson - Violin.
Sturt Avenue is the project of SCALA award winning singer/songwriter Bryn Soden. Drawing inspiration from folk artists such
as Conor Oberst, Elliott Smith, and John Darnielle, Bryn crafts melancholic indie folk tunes that aim to shine a soft light on the quiet sorrow and stubborn defiance that keeps the embers burning in the dead heart of the world....more
Introspective pop songs with transcendent melodies offer a joyful meditation on staying present in a world that often moves too fast. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 16, 2023
If you have a fondness for expertly wrought roots-rock with sharp lyrics and aching vocals, look no further—“Strangers” is for you. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 8, 2022
Collaborating remotely with 12 songwriters from all over the world, Kim Edgar emerged with a work of striking art pop. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 11, 2023