Aldous Harding is a New Zealand singer-songwriter known for her distinct blend of folk, indie, and experimental music. She began her career with her self-titled debut album in 2014.
She gained critical acclaim for her haunting voice and thoughtful lyrics. Harding’s music is often described as emotionally raw, blending poetic storytelling with minimalist arrangements.
She won praise for her album Party (2017) and continued to grow her fan base with her 2019 album Designer.
About the Song
The Barrel is a song that shows complex emotions. The song effortlessly blends folk elements with minimalist production, allowing Harding’s distinctive voice and poetic lyrics to take center stage.
Its haunting melody complements the song’s deeper themes, creating a feeling of sensitivity and raw honesty.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Released | February 19, 2019 |
| Album | Designer |
| Writers | Aldous Harding |
| Producers | John Parish |
The Barrel Lyrics by Aldous Harding
Verse 1
I feel your love
I feel time is up
When I was a child, I never knew enough
What that would do to me
The wave of love is a transient hut
Water’s the shell and we are the nut
But I saw a hand arch out of the barrel
Pre-Chorus 1
Look at all the peaches
How do you celebrate?
Can’t appear inside of nowhere
Chorus
It’s already dead
I know you have the dove
I’m not getting wet
Looks like a date is set
Show the ferret to the egg
I’m not getting led along
Verse 2
Rushed in to hold down your page
And now I sleep beside words you do not read with me
I hear a song from inside the maze
The very one you made
You shook at the ivory mantel
As a poet, I knew to be gentle
When you have a child, so begins the braiding
And in that braid you stay
Pre-Chorus 2
Look at all the peaches
I want to celebrate
I can’t appearance out of nowhere
Look at all the peaches
Chorus
It’s already dead
I know you have the dove
I’m not getting wet
Looks like a date is set
Show the ferret to the egg
I’m not getting led along
Bridge
The wave of love is a transient hut
Water’s the shell and we are the nut
But I saw a match struck outside the barrel
Outro
(The barrel)
It’s already dead
I know you have the dove
I’m not getting wet
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
Looks like a date is set
Show the ferret to the egg
I’m not getting led along
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
It’s already dead
I know you have the dove
I’m not getting wet
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
Looks like a date is set
Show the ferret to the egg
I’m not getting led along
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
(The barrel)
Similar Songs Like The Barrel
If you like Aldous Harding’s The Barrel, check out these similar tracks from her distinct catalog of music:
- Imagining My Man: This song is about the complexity of emotions and relationships, blending folk and experimental styles.
- “Party” : It is a song with a raw, emotional undertone, speaking to the complexities of love and self-awareness, all wrapped in Aldous’ unique style.
- Swell Does the Skull: With poetic, cryptic lyrics, this track reflects Aldous’ deep songwriting as she goes through inner conflict and the layers of self-perception.
- Horizon: A beautiful yet somber track captures Aldous Harding’s storytelling style as she crafts vivid imagery of longing and quiet reflection.
- What If Birds Aren’t Singing They’re Screaming: It is a blend of folk and experimental styles, with poetic lyrics that are open to interpretation.
Similar Artists Like Aldous Harding
If you enjoy Aldous Harding’s haunting voice and unique folk-indie blend, here are some artists you may like:
- Marika Hackman
Genres: Indie Folk, Alternative Rock
Top Albums: We Slept at Last (2015), I’m Not Your Man (2017), Any Human Friend (2019) - Sharon Van Etten
Genres: Indie Rock, Folk
Top Albums: Remind Me Tomorrow (2019), Are We There (2014), Tramp (2012) - Phoebe Bridgers
Genres: Indie Rock, Folk
Top Albums: Stranger in the Alps (2017), Punisher (2020), Boygenius (2018) - Angel Olsen
Genres: Indie Rock, Folk
Top Albums: All Mirrors (2019), Burn Your Fire for No Witness (2014), Halfway Home (2012) - Jessica Pratt
Genres: Folk, Indie Rock
Top Albums: Quiet Signs (2019), On Your Own Love Again (2015), Jessica Pratt (2012)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Record Label Released The Barrel?
The Barrel was released by 4AD, an independent British record label known for supporting creative and artistic musicians.
How Does Harding’s New Zealand Background Influence The Barrel?
Her Kiwi heritage informs her outsider perspective and independent approach, blending folk traditions with edgy sensibilities in unique ways.
How Does the Barrel Represent Harding’s Artistic Persona?
It showcases her commitment to artistic integrity over commercial appeal, willingness to be misunderstood, and creation of her own musical language.
