Geraldine

from Heart Like Thunder by Hallie Spoor

/

about

I started writing to Geraldine on a hike in Colorado near my family’s cabin. This cabin was built by my grandfather, Donald, and my grandmother Geraldine, in the 70’s. I was quarantining for 14 days in isolation after flying back to Colorado from NYC during peak pandemic (April 2020). During this time, I learned a few things about myself, most notably, that I deeply enjoyed solitude. I went for daily hikes, and I brought my grandmother’s wildflower book- trying to learn all the names of the flowers, just like my Nanny.

During a hike one day, I actually thought about what a lost skill that was, and how different my life was from hers. I started singing the mantra “And I know you think of me everyday, but I say, I’m gonna be ok” over and over. This became the chorus of Geraldine. The song starts with an homage to her- “and I don’t know the birds that sing, or the names of the stars that gleam, not like sweet Geraldine ''. And ends with my realization that even though I am happy, I am still alone. It ends with a bittersweet feeling that is brought on by a minor chord- leaving the audience questioning the narrator.

Geraldine is the first song I actually wrote in an alternate tuning called DADF#AD- and that is what makes the guitar sound so rich and full. The arrangement is just me and my guitar, and I think that allows the story of the song to be the main focus, no frills.

lyrics

And I don’t know the birds that sing
Or the names of the stars that gleam
Not like sweet Geraldine

She said, you know, life can be hard.
There’s salt inside every smile.
But the tears, my dear, make it all worthwhile.

And I know things don’t always go our way
God laughs at all of the plans we make
And I know you think of me every day, but I say,
I’m gonna be ok

And the boys she loved fell to their knees
When they heard her laugh, light like the breeze
It’s not that easy for me
Not like Geraldine

And I know things don’t always go our way
God laughs at all of the plans we make
And I know you think of me every day, but I say,
I’m gonna be ok

A year ago he left with the snow
And the memories melt all on their own
And I’m happy now
Happy and alone.

credits

from Heart Like Thunder, released October 17, 2023

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Hallie Spoor Brooklyn, New York

"If you’re a fan of confessional lyrics and a strong, powerful voice,” writes 303 Magazine, “then Spoor is your girl." Based in Brooklyn, indie-folk singer-songwriter Hallie Spoor has often been described as an old soul. Her compelling vocals and emotional storytelling has led to her nickname, “The Adele of Americana". ... more

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