Track Description
Shinneh means "years". This poignant closure ballad was the last song Robin worked on with his late father Awimalk Haider. Sometimes wistful, sometimes angry, the piano grounds the song, with a roller coaster of emotion conveyed by trumpet and sax. Lyrics in Assyrian look back at a failed relationship with the benefit of hindsight, accepting that it's still painful but eventually finding closure.
Official Music Video
For this music video we used a theme of water to symbolise emotion, as it does in dreams. Sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent, deep or shallow, clear or murky, water was the perfect metaphor to illustrate the waves of emotion that "Shinneh" elicits. We start with Robin watching the raindrops fall like tears, while our dancers prepare to meet up. Andy waits as the rain subsides, Ali discards the umbrella that has given her protection. Sparkles on the surface of the water disguise unfathomable depth. The dance illustrates the conflicting sentiments in a breakup, while water on the ground gives us a means for reflection. Puddle splashes reveal stirred up anger. Robin sits by the bay contemplating the calm that has settled. Ali shelters again under her umbrella, anticipating the storm that's about to roll in. While the rain pours down like a flood of memory, Robin thinks about his lost love. Night falls and Robin walks through the cleansing rain, reflecting on his failed relationship. Indoors at rehearsal, the girl is still on his mind, but Robin has reconciled himself with the break-up. He recounts the story with the band as they play through the song.
Track Credits
Music and lyrics by Robin Zirwanda
Song produced and mixed by Tom Kazas
Robin Zirwanda - Vocals and percussion
Daniel Dydey - Guitar
Vashti Sivell - Piano
Stuart Vandegraaff - Sax
Marty Farrugia - Trumpet
Paris Freed - Backing vocals
Ben Wild - Bass
Steve Marin - Drums
Recorded at Free Energy Device studios with Richard Belkner
Mastered by William Bowden
Video Credits
Video produced by Diorama Pictures
Directed and edited by Cristina Dio
DOP - Rowan Du Boisee
Colourist - Tim Wreyford
Choreographer - Carly Landa
Dancers - Ali Benstead and Andy Irwin
Pianist - Holly Champion
Featuring Robin Zirwanda, Stuart Vandegraaff, Zac Haider Keene, David Romancini and Charles Casson, with a cameo by Elle Zirwanda :)
Lyrics
What can I do about the years that came between us?
We didn’t know our separation would still be so painful.
I want you to know how much I loved you,
Your sweet beauty haunts me constantly.
Don’t leave me alone in poisonous misery,
I’ve come to terms with inevitable devastation.
Come give me strength so I can reach out to you,
I will tell you of my heartache.
What can I do without you, what can I do?
I will tell you of my heartache.
The kindness in your heart can’t be forgotten,
I want to see you every day and night.
Maybe you’ll regret, and return to me,
That sweet beauty you’ll leave with me.
Don’t say goodbye in poisonous misery,
I’ve come to terms with inevitable devastation.
Come give me strength so I can reach out to you,
I will tell you of my heartache.
Even though you were not my destiny,
Through bitter misery I accept my responsibility
How many years have passed between us,
We didn’t know our separation would still be so painful.
You have a very kind nature,
I will never be distant from you.
Until today I love you,
I won’t forget your kind heart.
Don’t say goodbye in poisonous misery,
I’ve come to terms with inevitable devastation.
Come give me strength so I can reach out to you
I will tell you of my heartache.
Even though you were not my destiny,
Through bitter misery I accept my responsibility.
How many years have passed between us,
We didn’t know our separation would still be so painful
What can I do for you, what can I do?
I will tell you of my heartache.
What can I do without you, what can I do?
I will let you know about my heartache