There is a sense of wonderful innocence wrapped around timeless wisdom at the heart of Dawn Derow’s latest song, something very Zen, something obvious yet timeless. But despite “Float” regaling us in the benefits of the art of slowing down, taking time out, and allowing ourselves breathing space just to be, it seems that in the modern world we need to be reminded of such rejuvenating and recuperative actions more than ever.
And its simple message is delicately delivered by an elegantly simple musical form – deftly picked acoustic guitar, Derow’s warm, embracing, and eloquent voice, and, well, that’s it, nothing else gets in the way. Well, nothing except space to reflect and the silence of the real world drifting between the notes.
Ironically, it is this message of simple truth, one that is obvious in its message, gentle and understated in its sound, that speaks volumes. Not only do its restraint and reflectiveness create an oasis of calm in a world that never stops, but its words are beguiling in their intent, and Dawn Derow’s voice is engaging and hypnotic, charming us, holding us in its spell until the last words and the final notes drift away on the cool breeze.
It seems that somewhere along the way, we have forgotten to appreciate the wonder of the world and perhaps even what it means to be human. “Float” is the gentlest and most prescient of walk-up calls.
