The Elephants

by Charles James and the Rise

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

£1 GBP or more

about

The Elephants was inspired by the loss of my father in late 2020 and the journey that followed. The grief and hopelessness that follows an unexpected death is expressed throughout the song. The weight of the elephant on your chest is depression and anxiety and the paralysis you can feel on an almost daily basis. Anybody listening to the song will hopefully recognise that we may all have our Elephant at different points in our lives but there is always hope and you are not alone.

lyrics

I’ve been living like I wanna die
Broken hearted battle cry
Disregard the alibi
Afraid to go to sleep in case I dream

I never thought I’d get so low
Let me off the merry go-
Round and drown me ever slow
Gasp for breath as another day begins

Black dogs barking louder now
The elephants got my chest pinned down
Paralysed by nothing at all
I rise convinced that I’m bound to fall
This life, these dreams
It’s so much harder than it seems

We’ve all got our cross to bear
Hidden hurt or deep despair
Treading water, gasp for air
Its life’s sweet imperfections that give me hope

Black dogs barking louder now
The elephants got my chest pinned down
Paralysed by nothing at all
I rise convinced that I’m bound to fall
This life, these dreams
It’s so much harder than it seems

Black dogs barking louder now
The elephants got my chest pinned down
Paralysed by nothing at all
I rise convinced that I’m bound to fall
This life, these dreams
It’s so much harder than it seems

credits

released March 24, 2023
Guitar, Vocals - James O'Donnell
Piano, Vocals - Catherine O'Donnell
Cello - Laura McFadden
Electric Guitar - Orri McBrearty

Produced by Orri McBrearty

license

about

Charles James and the Rise Donegal, Ireland

Charles James & The Rise play ramblin’ atmospheric folk influenced by the sounds of early americana, roots and their home county of Donegal, Ireland.

Performing as a duo live they seek to expand their sound in the studio with the concept of The Rise allowing them to bring in a variety of musicians to explore all avenues within the songs and not be tied to a single genre or style. ... more

Facebook

contact / help

Contact Charles James and the Rise

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Charles James and the Rise, you may also like:

Dakota Blue Moon
by Jackson Harden

Gorgeous acoustic Americana from North Carolina, stripped-back and sublime. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 5, 2023
go to album
Caught Up On A Feeling
by Veronica Stanton

Stunningly beautiful orchestral folk songs with just a hint of country, delivered with heart-on-sleeve immediacy. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 19, 2022
go to album
Halcyon Days
by Kevin Farge

A vibrant vision of "Central Americana" from the Costa Rica-based artist, blending heartland devotionals with playful Tropicália grooves. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 27, 2022
go to album
Papa Bear Sings Baby Bear a Lullaby in a Bearhouse
by Hige Kuma

Raucous jams from this Austin artist with hooks so immediate, they bury themselves in your brain. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 28, 2021
go to album
Forever Only Idaho
by Harrison Lemke

Big, strummy songs that recall the heart-on-sleeve earnestness and lo-fi glory of early Mountain Goats. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 20, 2021
go to album
The Living Room Sessions
by John Prine

Funds from the sales of this single by John Prine, Margo Price, & Jason Isbell will benefit the ACLU. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 3, 2019
go to album
Tides of a Teardrop
by Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange)

The forthcoming album from Mandolin Orange blends rustic Americana melodies with aching, orchestral arrangements. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 27, 2018
go to album