Allison Russell 'Persephone'

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Allison Russell released her debut solo album in 2021, titled "Outside Child," which earned her three GRAMMY nominations. Here she is performing a song from that album, "Persephone."

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[AllisonRussell]

Thanks so much for having us on the show, Stephen & Co! Even remotely it's a dream come true 🙏🏾🌈 Larissa Maestro on cello & harmony vocals, Mahra Hem on vocals, Dan Knobler on electric guitar, Drew Lindsay on keys, Chris Merrill on bass, Jamie Dick on drums, me on lead vocals & clarinet. Audio recorded by Rachael Moore at Oceanway Studio in Nashville. Video captured by Cody Duncum.

Persephone (from my debut solo album #outsidechild )

An homage to my first love. We were just kids, 15 years old. Her loving kindness saved my sanity and my life on bitter winter nights when I was homeless and hanging on by a whisper. Her dark basement was a refuge and an oasis. - A

Blood on my shirt, two ripped buttons
Might’ve killed me that time oh if I’d let him
He’s slow when he’s drunk and he lost his grip on me
Now I’m running down la rue St. Paul
Trying to get out from the weight of it all
Can’t flag a cop ‘cause I know he won’t stop…
I go see Persephone

Tap tap tappin’ on your window screen
Gotta let me in Persephone
Got nowhere to go but I had to get away from him
My petals are bruised but I’m still a flower
Come runnin to you in the violet hour
Put your skinny arms around me, let me taste your skin

Mouth to mouth, mouth to flower
Salty sweet you give me power
I feel you shake under my lips
Your fingers tender find my secrets
Don’t make a sound, don’t cry out love
Your parents are sleeping just above
I kiss you once, I kiss you twice
Fall asleep looking in each other’s eyes

Tap tap tappin’ on your window screen
Gotta let me in Persephone
Got nowhere to go but I had to get away from him
My petals are bruised but I’m still a flower
Come runnin to you in the violet hour
Put your skinny arms around me, let me taste your skin

Light on your shoulder, light on your cheek
Light telling me it’s time to leave
The birds are calling to the morning
Your parents’ feet above us stirring
Kiss your belly before I go
Climb back outta your basement window
Back to the cold’s bite, back to the hard life
Back to the harsh bright street

Tap tap tappin’ on your window screen
Gotta let me in Persephone
Got nowhere to go but I had to get away from him
My petals are bruised but I’m still a flower
Come runnin to you in the violet hour
Put your skinny arms around me, let me taste your skin

[BlueSky-ktps]

"My pedals are bruised, but I'm still a flower' What an incredible song and performance. More people need to hear her.

[rmatson]

OMG, stop everything. What a touching song. What a compelling performance. What a singer, what a writer, what a band, what a recording.

[kenc]

First time I've heard this singer--what a voice! That was quite a performance.

[reidcushman]

I'd never heard of her or heard her before, but that's a deficit I plan to correct. What a lovely voice. Hope next time she can be in the same studio as SC, JB/Stay Human, and the live audience, because that added presence, of artists and audience, who recognize and show respect to others' talents, adds to the magic power.

[Kasino]

Those lyrics man! I'm blown away!

[DavidRodriguez-jzmi]

Also check out Allison‘s previous work with Birds of Chicago (a great band who I miss).

[raylivengood]

Glad I decided to listened to this. Very very nice indeed.

[Radiothomas]

How is it possible that Ihad never heard of Allison Russell until today. Persephone had me instantly choked up. I am full of gratitude for these stunning lyrics full of hope and raw honesty, beautiful harmonies, and an arrangement that is second to none. And I am moved when I think of a person very close to me who experienced much the same as a child so many decades ago. Thank you, Allison, from the bottom of my heart.

[msteaguer]

I have to seek more of this singer, Allison Russell.

[GoldenBarzTv]

I actually share great great grandparents with her. Unlikely to ever meet her but very proud of her all the same.

[scottgrenerth]

I am sooo eternally grateful to be introduced to you via Rhiannon Giddens! Every moment of Outside Child is amazing, and Persephone is my favorite song among an incredibly strong group of songs.

[davidcwitkin]

This is an AMAZING singer and a BRILLIANT song.

[vmurt]

Wow - just saw her at the vancouver folk fest. this song brings me to tears.

[HealingHut]

Wow what a treasure! Thanks for the morning smile.

[dreamlife]

Wow! She’s fabulous ❣️ I’m definitely going to buy her music. Beautiful voice, excellent control and a well written song.

[sharonzarka]

Multi talented. Can understand her words when she sings.

[linsawt]

Wow What a great talent! I’ve been following her for years and I’m so happy that she’s finally breaking through. She is one who totally deserves everything good. One of the most loving kind beautiful women I’ve ever known. A killer singer and a very meaningful songs.

[darquequeen]

That’s a nice song. Kinda makes the world not suck for a few moments.

[andrewhillhouse]

Congratulations on a wonderful Colbert Show debut Allison!