Julia was inspired by the day I did the heartbreaking “stuff exchange” with my ex at Cobble Hill Park in Brooklyn. I had just washed my hair with a new conditioner that had dragons blood (a plant extract) and currents (the berry) in it- and the first line of the song goes “I remember walking there, dragon’s blood and currents in my hair.” Smell is such a powerful sense for memory, and whenever I get a whiff of that fragrance, it takes me right back to that moment. I had always been jealous of my ex’s best friend, Julia, because she knew him better than I ever would. But the song is really about forgiveness, and knowing that there are no villains or martyrs, only flawed humans doing their best. “His love was consuming, touch was my flame, burned me so bright I know you feel the same. But I was enticing enough to forget, it’s you he was made for, and your love he kept. Julia, I guess I’m just like you.”
Despite Julia’s heavy lyrics, the instrumentation and arrangement of Julia has a contemplative, breezy energy to it. I see this as a Road Trip song, windows down, easy drive.
lyrics
I remember walking there,
dragon’s blood and currents in my hair
You didn’t know better, didn’t know what to do,
didn’t have the right words, but I am sorry too.
Julia, I swore I’d forget you.
You said grow up babe, you don’t know a thing,
She's just an old friend and some sweet company.
But I am much wiser than you’ll ever know,
I have the ocean’s ebbs and its woes
Julia, I knew I’d regret you.
His love was consuming, touch was my flame,
burned me so bright I know you feel the same.
But I was enticing enough to forget,
it’s you he was made for, and your love he kept.
Julia, I guess I am just like you.
credits
released August 22, 2023
Music, Lyrics, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar: Hallie Spoor
Produced by: Stephen Chen
Mixed by: Ted Young
Mastered by: Jessica Thompson
Bass by: Noah Evan Wilson
Drums by: Nicholas Baker
Cello by: Elisa Winter
Violin by: Lily Desmond
Album Art by: Sierra Voss
"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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