Northern Sky

Nick Drake

About Northern Sky

"Northern Sky" is a song from the English singer-songwriter Nick Drake's 1970 album Bryter Layter, produced by John Cale. During the recording sessions for the album, the chronically shy and withdrawn songwriter formed a friendship and a mentorship of sorts with producer Joe Boyd, an early supporter of Drake. Boyd saw commercial potential in the acoustic and unaccompanied demo version of the song, and recruited former Velvet Underground member John Cale as producer. Cale added piano, organ and celesta arrangements, initially against Drake's wishes. The song marked a strong redirection in Drake's sound. He was pleased with Cale's production, and anticipated that the song would be his commercially successful break through. However, Island Records decided against releasing it as a single, and the accompanying album, like its predecessor, did not receive marketing support, and so failed to sell. Having tried lush arrangements, Drake's following album Pink Moon is characterised by bleak vocals and sparse guitar parts, but again only received limited release. 


Year:
2001
3:44
76 
#1

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I never felt magic crazy as this
I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea
I never held emotion in the palm of my hand
Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree
But now you're here
Brighten my northern sky.

I've been a long time that I'm waiting
Been a long that I'm blown
I've been a long time that I've wandered
Through the people I have known
Oh, if you would and you could
Straighten my new mind's eye.

Would you love me for my money
Would you love me for my head
Would you love me through the winter
Would you love me 'til I'm dead
Oh, if you would and you could
Come blow your horn on high.

I never felt magic crazy as this
I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea
I never held emotion in the palm of my hand
Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree
But now you're here
Brighten my northern sky.

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Nick Drake

Nicholas Rodney "Nick" Drake (19 June 1948 – 25 November 1974) was an English singer-songwriter and musician, known for his gentle guitar-based songs. He failed to find a wide audience during his lifetime but his work has gradually achieved wider notice and recognition. Drake signed to Island Records when he was 20 years old and a student at the University of Cambridge, and released his debut album, Five Leaves Left, in 1969. By 1972, he had recorded two more albums—Bryter Layter and Pink Moon. Neither sold more than 5,000 copies on initial release. Drake's reluctance to perform live, or be interviewed, contributed to his lack of commercial success. more »

4 fans

Written by: Nick Drake

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Northern Sky" is a song by English singer-songwriter and musician Nick Drake. He is an influential artist in folk music and beyond, despite being commercially unsuccessful in his short career during the late 1960s to early 70s.
Album Information
The song "Northern Sky" is one of the prime highlights of Drake's second album "Bryter Layter". The album was released in 1970 and is considered one of the most acclaimed albums of his career.
Music Composition
"Northern Sky" includes use of celesta and Mellotron, an early synth-type keyboard that adds a striking musical backdrop. This was unusual for Nick Drake's typical acoustic work and shows a sense of experimentalism in his music composition.
Reception
Despite Drake's overall lack of commercial success during his lifetime, "Northern Sky" has since been highly praised by music critics. In 2004, it was ranked at 377 in NME magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Guests Appearance
The song features former Velvet Underground member John Cale playing harpsichord and celesta.
Lyrics Insight
The song lyrics convey a longing and appreciation for the change brought by a loved one, depicted through the imageries of nature and changing seasons.
Posthumous Recognition
Though undervalued during his life, Nick Drake's work - and "Northern Sky" in particular - has grown in esteem over time. The song is often considered one of the greatest songs in English folk music.
Interesting Covers
"Northern Sky" has been covered by various artists, most notably by English indie rock act I Am Kloot for their 2001 debut album.
Inspired Music
The song has been recognized as a major influence for several musicians, including Robert Smith of The Cure. He has cited "Northern Sky" as one of his favorite love songs.
Personal Connection
Drake's close friend, Brian Wells, stated that "Northern Sky" was written about ballet dancer Geneviève Waïte, with whom Drake was infatuated at the time.

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