Shawn Colvin — Diamond in the Rough
Album: Steady OnAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1740
Length: 4:44
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As a little girl I came down to the water
With a little stone in my hand
It would shimmer and sing
And we knew everything
As a little girl I came down
But in a little while I got steeped in authority
Heaven only knows what went wrong
And there is nothing so cruel
Than to bury that jewel
It was mine all along
I'm gonna find it
You're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
I'm holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Every now and then I can see
That I'm getting somewhere
Where I have to go is so deep
I was angry back then
And you know I still am
I have lost too much sleep
But I'm gonna find it
You're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
I'm holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
In my dreams I go down by the water
With a little girl in my arms
And we shimmer and sing
And we know everything, everything
In my dreams I go down, I go down
You're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
And I'm holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
And you're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
I am holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
With a little stone in my hand
It would shimmer and sing
And we knew everything
As a little girl I came down
But in a little while I got steeped in authority
Heaven only knows what went wrong
And there is nothing so cruel
Than to bury that jewel
It was mine all along
I'm gonna find it
You're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
I'm holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Every now and then I can see
That I'm getting somewhere
Where I have to go is so deep
I was angry back then
And you know I still am
I have lost too much sleep
But I'm gonna find it
You're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
I'm holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
In my dreams I go down by the water
With a little girl in my arms
And we shimmer and sing
And we know everything, everything
In my dreams I go down, I go down
You're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
And I'm holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
And you're shining I can see you
You're smiling that's enough
I am holding on to you
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Like a diamond in the rough
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
Snakes in the grass got to step on the gas
Comments (126)add comment
Pound33 wrote:
That must have been awesome.
Saw her open for Richard Thompson and then play with him for his set, many years ago. I've been a SC fan ever since that night.
That must have been awesome.
Saw her open for Richard Thompson and then play with him for his set, many years ago. I've been a SC fan ever since that night.
Fuck yes - I love SC…
arserocket wrote:
YUM YUM ... INDEED
what ya got genst rinds?
YUM YUM ... INDEED
what ya got genst rinds?
She's talented for sure. Compare this track to the tired old mainstream country music from 1989.
Good tune! Great voice!
une p... de belle voix et de mélodie !!!
Jeffrey wrote:
Yes indeed. So happy and uplifting.
There's just something about her voice and phrasing that really appeals to me.
Yes indeed. So happy and uplifting.
I really like it 9/10
Somewhere there's a video of her doing this solo, fabulous performance.
Rings a distant bell, Animal Logic’ish:
I kind of miss Deborah Holland
Boy oh boy, does this song transport me back to a special time in my past. I haven't listened to it in a very long time. Thank you for sharing, RP!
Shmelo wrote:
YUM YUM ... INDEED
Music to buy pork rinds at Walmart to.
1/10 is generous.
1/10 is generous.
YUM YUM ... INDEED
"She knew everything".... when she put out this precious first LP.
"You're shining, I can see you..."
Austere, lovely diamond collection of songs.
"You're shining, I can see you..."
Austere, lovely diamond collection of songs.
Shmelo wrote:
You do a lot of that, I take it?
Music to buy pork rinds at Walmart to.
You do a lot of that, I take it?
Music to buy pork rinds at Walmart to.
1/10 is generous.
One of my fave songs by her. Saw her in Nashville last year. A great show and a nice bonus when Emily Lou Harris came out for the whole third set.
One of her best songs!
birdland wrote:
One definition of "art."
This entire release is an amazing piece of art. From the production to the writing to the performance. Amazing. Another cut worth mentioning "Shotgun Down the Avalanche". Brilliant.
One definition of "art."
The entire CD is haunting, stark, gorgeous.
A time piece.
A time piece.
Her first two albums (Steady On & Fat City) are her strongest, IMO.
"A Few Small Repairs" with "Sunny comes home"
was the beginning of the end for me.
Check out the first two–really great records all the way through.
"A Few Small Repairs" with "Sunny comes home"
was the beginning of the end for me. Check out the first two–really great records all the way through.
Such a great collection of songs....no filler in this CD
Great choice.
There's just something about her voice and phrasing that really appeals to me.
dingusbother wrote:
I'll 2nd the Motion!
Awesome to hear Shawn Colvin on RP!! ... more please!
I'll 2nd the Motion!
Oh - now I remember Shawn Colvin
Beautiful guitar riffs on this one
Awesome to hear Shawn Colvin on RP!! ... more please!
bev wrote:
I thought I heard Suzanne Vega in there.
This original version, which features some lovely background vocals (including Suzanne Vega) and pretty bare and deceptively simple sounding guitar is simply lovely. The album is a stellar effort.
I thought I heard Suzanne Vega in there.
She sounds so much alike Ahinoam Nini -I couldn't tell between the two! - or is it the other way round?
I am going to see Shawn tonight at a relatively small venue. I am stoked.
TerryS wrote:
are we related some how ? good
Well, I know why I avoid Neanderthal, my mother-in-law hails from just south of there.
are we related some how ? good
Shawn is outstanding.
I've decided to sign up for NaNoWriMo again this year - 50,000 words in a month. Shawn Colvin will be on my playlist while I'm ignoring all my household chores so I can meet that quota. It'll be a pleasure - she's been my muse for years.
I played this one at a gig earlier today. Always make sure the audience knows who wrote it in the hopes they go out and buy one of her discs.
WonderLizard wrote:
I'll bet that you spent a real long time writing and rewriting that little jewel—to get it juuuuuuuuuuust right. And then you go and forget to capitalize the first letter of each sentence. Gotta drive you crazy.
Have I told you lately that I adore you, WonderLizard? This was the first CD I ever bought by Shawn Colvin, and it was because of this song. Once I fell into the music, my muse would not shut up. I wrote short stories, I kept a notebook by my bed and woke up to write my dreams and music...
Of all the music I have, I think there are only about five CDs that can cause me to write in a fever - this is one of them. Doesn't matter whether my results are poetry, music, or absolute crap - she inspires me to write, and that's a huge thing these days.
I love Shawn Colvin's music.
I still wonder why all these great artists avoid the west coast like it's a leper colony. There's more to us than L.A. and Las Vegas. It must be the money...
I'll bet that you spent a real long time writing and rewriting that little jewel—to get it juuuuuuuuuuust right. And then you go and forget to capitalize the first letter of each sentence. Gotta drive you crazy.
Have I told you lately that I adore you, WonderLizard? This was the first CD I ever bought by Shawn Colvin, and it was because of this song. Once I fell into the music, my muse would not shut up. I wrote short stories, I kept a notebook by my bed and woke up to write my dreams and music...
Of all the music I have, I think there are only about five CDs that can cause me to write in a fever - this is one of them. Doesn't matter whether my results are poetry, music, or absolute crap - she inspires me to write, and that's a huge thing these days.
I love Shawn Colvin's music.
I still wonder why all these great artists avoid the west coast like it's a leper colony. There's more to us than L.A. and Las Vegas. It must be the money... xkolibuul wrote:
This song and "Shotgun Down the Avalanche" introduced to me her amazing talent! Simply fantastic
https://www.shawncolvin.com
From Shawn's first album, and still her best. Great to hear this again after lots of years.
This song and "Shotgun Down the Avalanche" introduced to me her amazing talent! Simply fantastic
https://www.shawncolvin.com
Lighten up - try to have a nice day....
gclement wrote:
gclement wrote:
by far the worst song I've heard today. sounded like someone wrote the lyrics on a napkin, used the napkin to blow their nose and light a fire, forgot about it for a month and then recorded the song using only what they had remembered.
From Shawn's first album, and still her best. Great to hear this again after lots of years.
gclement wrote:
WonderLizard wrote:
I'll bet that you spent a real long time writing and rewriting that little jewel—to get it juuuuuuuuuuust right. And then you go and forget to capitalize the first letter of each sentence. Gotta drive you crazy.
Good one, WonderLizard.
by far the worst song I've heard today. sounded like someone wrote the lyrics on a napkin, used the napkin to blow their nose and light a fire, forgot about it for a month and then recorded the song using only what they had remembered.
WonderLizard wrote:
I'll bet that you spent a real long time writing and rewriting that little jewel—to get it juuuuuuuuuuust right. And then you go and forget to capitalize the first letter of each sentence. Gotta drive you crazy.
Good one, WonderLizard. gclement wrote:
I'll bet that you spent a real long time writing and rewriting that little jewel—to get it juuuuuuuuuuust right. And then you go and forget to capitalize the first letter of each sentence. Gotta drive you crazy.
by far the worst song I've heard today. sounded like someone wrote the lyrics on a napkin, used the napkin to blow their nose and light a fire, forgot about it for a month and then recorded the song using only what they had remembered.
I'll bet that you spent a real long time writing and rewriting that little jewel—to get it juuuuuuuuuuust right. And then you go and forget to capitalize the first letter of each sentence. Gotta drive you crazy.
thirded
kilroyjoe3 wrote:
kilroyjoe3 wrote:
ditto
denizenusa wrote:
denizenusa wrote:
I usaully don't like SC. But this ain't bad.
ditto
denizenusa wrote:
denizenusa wrote:
I usaully don't like SC. But this ain't bad.
I usaully don't like SC. But this ain't bad.
omg.
The founding document of Great Folk Beauty and Revelation !
Every note, every word, every aspect ~ perfect.
I fell in love to this CD. 1991.
The founding document of Great Folk Beauty and Revelation !
Every note, every word, every aspect ~ perfect.
I fell in love to this CD. 1991.
Damn, haven't heard this in a while. Have the disc and haven't played it much since I got it. Got to go look for it and give it another listen.
The best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C13urVMYBw
This is the video I mentioned some time back... the quality is "ok" but you can get an idea about what I was talking about. The interplay between the three of them is perfect and inspired. Its not always true that live is better... some musicians just really can't hack it live. These folks can. Hopefully the video doesn't get yanked so you can see what I mean :)
Talented lady! I love the way she sounds like she is kind of choaking back a tear at key moments in some of her songs - like "The Facts about Jimmy" Hey, Bill - play that one sometime!
My dad who is 78 loves Shawn Colvin, Elvis, and Johnney Cash. He loves this song.
Rock on Dad!!!!!!!
Rock on Dad!!!!!!!
First time I hear her, and I like it.
no comment - 8.
go_ski_mully wrote:
I love Shawn! 
...what is it about her voice and talent and suredness that is soooo DAMN sexy! ...I had heard she was gay ...I see that there is a note below that perhaps she is not? ...this rumor has chased her around for years, it doesn't seem to bother her devoted following, of which I count myself as one. Saw her live at Teluride Folk Fest a number of years ago and now own pretty much every recording she has made! ...straight - gay - whatever keep on keepin' on Shawn!
I'm a big fan of her's, I think she is a mother of three. I saw her on that famous talk show hosted by that large African-American lady and the subject line was how she balances a music career and being a mom. She also talked about her struggle with depression. Which I hope she has overcome.
...what is it about her voice and talent and suredness that is soooo DAMN sexy! ...I had heard she was gay ...I see that there is a note below that perhaps she is not? ...this rumor has chased her around for years, it doesn't seem to bother her devoted following, of which I count myself as one. Saw her live at Teluride Folk Fest a number of years ago and now own pretty much every recording she has made! ...straight - gay - whatever keep on keepin' on Shawn!gclement wrote:
by far the worst song I've heard today. sounded like someone wrote the lyrics on a napkin, used the napkin to blow their nose and light a fire, forgot about it for a month and then recorded the song using only what they had remembered.
by far the lamest comment that I have read today.
Sweeeet!!
by far the worst song I've heard today. sounded like someone wrote the lyrics on a napkin, used the napkin to blow their nose and light a fire, forgot about it for a month and then recorded the song using only what they had remembered.
eskles wrote:
Couldn't care less about her sexual orientation - the music, like most of hers I've heard, is weak and boring.
Hells yeah!
Kristi wrote:
Love this song. Also love Shawn.
Love this song. Also love Shawn.
If you are referring to the one she did on Sessions at West 54th, I agree. In fact, its so good this version was disappointing. The guitar player really stretches it out. This one plods in comparison.
Anyway, more praise for the live version than dislike for this one.
There's a great live version of this song -- if anyone has it please upload! 
I like it. Reminds me of my man.
Couldn't care less about her sexual orientation - the music, like most of hers I've heard, is weak and boring.
birdland wrote:
This entire release is an amazing piece of art. From the production to the writing to the performance. Amazing.
Another cut worth mentioning "Shotgun Down the Avalanche".
Brilliant.
You are totally right!! I love her!!
go_ski_mully wrote:
I love Shawn! ...what is it about her voice and talent and suredness that is soooo DAMN sexy! ...I had heard she was gay ...I see that there is a note below that perhaps she is not? ...this rumor has chased her around for years, it doesn't seem to bother her devoted following, of which I count myself as one. Saw her live at Teluride Folk Fest a number of years ago and now own pretty much every recording she has made! ...straight - gay - whatever keep on keepin' on Shawn!
Shawn responds candidly on her own website to comments sent to her. Check it out. She says: ''Everyone thinks I'm gay--even though I'm not.''
...what is it about her voice and talent and suredness that is soooo DAMN sexy! ...I had heard she was gay ...I see that there is a note below that perhaps she is not? ...this rumor has chased her around for years, it doesn't seem to bother her devoted following, of which I count myself as one. Saw her live at Teluride Folk Fest a number of years ago and now own pretty much every recording she has made! ...straight - gay - whatever keep on keepin' on Shawn!I love Shawn! ...what is it about her voice and talent and suredness that is soooo DAMN sexy! ...I had heard she was gay ...I see that there is a note below that perhaps she is not? ...this rumor has chased her around for years, it doesn't seem to bother her devoted following, of which I count myself as one. Saw her live at Teluride Folk Fest a number of years ago and now own pretty much every recording she has made! ...straight - gay - whatever keep on keepin' on Shawn!
...what is it about her voice and talent and suredness that is soooo DAMN sexy! ...I had heard she was gay ...I see that there is a note below that perhaps she is not? ...this rumor has chased her around for years, it doesn't seem to bother her devoted following, of which I count myself as one. Saw her live at Teluride Folk Fest a number of years ago and now own pretty much every recording she has made! ...straight - gay - whatever keep on keepin' on Shawn!This entire release is an amazing piece of art. From the production to the writing to the performance. Amazing.
Another cut worth mentioning "Shotgun Down the Avalanche".
Brilliant.
jberko wrote:
Can I make love to her voice? Is it possible?
you just did, ala the expression of love.
CanuckBeaker wrote:
Love Love Shawn.
A friend of mine says I just like the music from angry lesbian singers. Heh. Guess they need to think again.
You could tell your friend that you really prefer slightly perturbed asexual singers from the Arctic Circle if you want to really send him/her for a loop.
A friend of mine says I just like the music from angry lesbian singers. Heh. Guess they need to think again.
Can I make love to her voice? Is it possible?
Can never get enough Shawn Colvin.
ThePoose wrote:
Not that it matters, but she's not a lesbian. Shawn says on her website, ''Everyone thinks I am, but I'm not.''
Right. But don't tell her live audiences that. I've been to a few shows and the crowd vibe was very "L". Not quite Indigo Girls (now that was an unusual audience to be in the middle of).
Maybe it has to do with her look - those well-defined arms. She does triathlons.
Wow. She's just turned 50 .. and is wrapping up a new album: "These 4 Walls"
JGD wrote:
Weak sauce. Typical lady rock indeed.
She goes down... On nasty country muff.
I think your Chinese zodiac sign says it all.
Not that it matters, but she's not a lesbian. Shawn says on her website, ''Everyone thinks I am, but I'm not.''
tiddalick wrote:
Clearly this is going to fly somewhat in the face of most of the fawning praise in this thread, but I think this is crap. Typical ladyrock. Who gives these dried-up old trouts recording contracts?
Seriously, lose the mysogyny. Get therapy.
JGD wrote:
Weak sauce. Typical lady rock indeed.
She goes down... On nasty country muff.
Typical mysogyny.
Misogyny (/m?s?d?ni/) is hatred of or strong prejudice against women. Compared with anti-woman sexism or misandry (hatred of or strong prejudice against men), misogyny is usually regarded as directed against women by some men, though women can also hold misogynistic views. In feminist theory, misogyny is recognized as a political ideology - similar to racism or anti-Semitism - that justifies and maintains the subordination of women by men. The word comes from the Greek misos "hatred" + gyne "woman".
Thanks - love Shawn!
I was among the lucky people who got to see her with Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornesby and Jackson Browne all one one stage in Saratoga NY. They did solos, mixed and matched each others songs and all played together. It was a magic night.
cattgirl813 wrote:
Were you intentionally being mean or is your case of 
one that can be cured?
Personally I think they have issues with their mommies one that can be cured?
JGD wrote: one that can be cured?
Weak sauce. Typical lady rock indeed.
She goes down... On nasty country muff.
Were you intentionally being mean or is your case of one that can be cured?
JGD wrote:
She goes down... On nasty country muff.
Oh, c'mon, no need to go there. . .
Weak sauce. Typical lady rock indeed.
She goes down... On nasty country muff.
tiddalick wrote:
Clearly this is going to fly somewhat in the face of most of the fawning praise in this thread, but I think this is crap. Typical ladyrock. Who gives these dried-up old trouts recording contracts?
Whoa dude...just say you don't like it.. better reflection on you without insulting an entire genre of artists.
Good stuff, nice fade from the Peter G.
Thank you RP!!!!
tiddalick wrote:
Clearly this is going to fly somewhat in the face of most of the fawning praise in this thread, but I think this is crap. Typical ladyrock. Who gives these dried-up old trouts recording contracts?
Hey its a free world..rock on man!
Clearly this is going to fly somewhat in the face of most of the fawning praise in this thread, but I think this is crap. Typical ladyrock. Who gives these dried-up old trouts recording contracts?
A goddess walks on Earth.
This album changed my life.
It rings, every note, with me fifteen years on.
Yeah, this is just OK. For a real treat, check out her "Cover Girl", an album of covers. Her take on Dylan's "You're Gonna Make Me Loneseom When You Go" is amazing.
I really like Shawn Colvin, but I have to say I do like Jennifer Knapp's version much better.
Notelrac wrote:
Shawn had an acoustic/demo tape that got a lot of air on WERS Boston in the two years before the release. I was flabbergasted at how overproduced the album was. Why toss in all those background tracks, when they distract from her voice and the lyrics?
This is one of my favorite albums but I agree that production wise it is a bit over cooked. John Leventhal (sp?) produced this and other albums and plays several of the instruments so you perhaps blame him for the lavish studio-isms.
Shawn had an acoustic/demo tape that got a lot of air on WERS Boston in the two years before the release. I was flabbergasted at how overproduced the album was. Why toss in all those background tracks, when they distract from her voice and the lyrics?
Leslie wrote:
I can't even begin to fathom why a few people here say this song has no tune. What the hell are they talking about? This song still sounds fresh 15 years after its release. This is one of the best CDs that has been produced in the last 15 years and an incredible debut album by Ms. Colvin.
Cyber high five, Leslie. :highfive:
Steady On may in fact be one of the greatest singer-songwriter debut albums ever. At the time, and even since, how many singers had won a Grammy for their debuts? Yeah, exactly. Good thing I bought the CD or I'd have worn it out...
That said, this isn't my favorite from the album (I really dig "Something to Believe In"), but it's still a solid 7.
Enrique wrote:
I saw her several times live. Zzzzzzzz.
Which time did you realize you were falling asleep? Lotta $ to spend for a nap...
She a 9!
I've only heard this one of Colvin's takes of this song, but i have to say Knapp's album take floors me. this one's not bad, but it doesn't seem to have the intensity or power of the other. i've heard a lot of Colvin tracks i really like, though. could someone sort me out which albums have the other takes of this song referenced below? thanks.
I like the Celtic lilt to this song.
I saw her several times live. Zzzzzzzz.
I can't even begin to fathom why a few people here say this song has no tune. What the hell are they talking about? This song still sounds fresh 15 years after its release. This is one of the best CDs that has been produced in the last 15 years and an incredible debut album by Ms. Colvin.
Praise Shawn! 
speargirl wrote:
Jennifer Knapp's version is FAR better, and actually seems to have purpose.
:-s Sorry, but I seriously doubt it.
Also, I think Shawn gives this tune plenty of "purpose". She wrote it, she sings it with gusto and heart and it is plenty meaningful as are so many of her beautiful lyrics.
This original version, which features some lovely background vocals (including Suzanne Vega) and pretty bare and deceptively simple sounding guitar is simply lovely. The album is a stellar effort.
Steady On, Fat City and Covergirl are some of the best albums I own. I love her voice, her emotion, her writing and choice of covers. Her last couple of releases have lost something, but I still love the girl.
speargirl wrote:
Jennifer Knapp's version is FAR better, and actually seems to have purpose.
I like Jennifer Knapp's version too, but it doesn't mean Shawn's version here pales in comparison at all. I enjoy hearing different takes and interpretations of good songs. Both JK's and SC's are wonderful!
nmueller wrote:
Seriously man. This song is entirely cliche, and meaningless. If I met Claudia Schiffer while listening to this song and she agreed to share with me all I think the song would remain herendously unmotivating.
Neal
I don't like it either. You didn't get what I was saying at all.
Shawn Colvins voice is worth the listen
The acoustic versions of this song sound much better. This version is overproduced. The Sessions at W.54th version mentioned below is good, but when she does it solo - and uses her guitar to add percussion - it's fantastic.
a toe tapper, that's about it for me. To each its own!
Jennifer Knapp's version is FAR better, and actually seems to have purpose.
Originally Posted by ScottFromWyoming:
Hmm. What about that part with the singing and the notes?
There is singing, there is notes. Just spend a couple of seconds trying a few notes and words out and you will find that it is possible to come up with something untuneful; Channel Shawn.
Originally Posted by strangechord:
This is a perfect example of all of the bland singer/songwriter music out there. There is no real discernible tune and the sound is nothing unique or grabbing. Ugh.
Hmm. What about that part with the singing and the notes?
Originally Posted by strangechord:
This is a perfect example of all of the bland singer/songwriter music out there. There is no real discernible tune and the sound is nothing unique or grabbing. Ugh.
This is a perfect example of all of the bland singer/songwriter music out there. There is no real discernible tune and the sound is nothing unique or grabbing. Ugh.
Interesting that you should say that it has no discernible tune. I turned this song up twice just now because I couldn't believe that there wasn't a tune. But you're right; there isn't one.This is a perfect example of all of the bland singer/songwriter music out there. There is no real discernible tune and the sound is nothing unique or grabbing. Ugh.
My favorite Shawn Colvin song. Peformed even better on tv. \'Sessions at West 54th\' I think it was just her playing acoustic and somebody else playing electric.
I cheer up everytime this comes on, thinking about my little \"diamond\". 2 more hours until the weekend together with no work and no school!
Originally Posted by sabernar:
more dross...this song sucks. It's so.....blah. It has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
well, it has redeeming qualities to me. and u don't!
:p
i......love.........this........song
This is one of the songs that has made it on 90% of the mix tapes I\'ve made in this life.
Like noladq's Mom, it is how I feel about my 4 year old daughter. It's one of her favorite songs too and she just came skipping ito my study beaming to hear it on RP. Thanks Bill.
Rob I agree. This is definitely Shawn\'s best work to date. And to think it was her very first album 
I've decided to sign up for NaNoWriMo again this year - 50,000 words in a month. Shawn Colvin will be on my playlist while I'm ignoring all my household chores so I can meet that quota. It'll be a pleasure - she's been my muse for years.
Always upvote Cynaera. RIP, dear one.