Would he have loved you, and not let you down/
And would he be stronger than his father.

Isobel is a friend who had an abortion and, in her sorrow, may have skipped town because she felt ashamed. I am sure of the former part, not certain about the later.  Dido’s lyrics rarely provide a complete picture, but they usually provide a hint, with the listener left to fill in the blanks.

What is amazing about this song is the live performance.  Dido’s “Isobel” live version is a much different song than the the album version. The energy and production are completely different. Jam songs can get boring, but Dido and her band riff for a couple minutes at the end and it is heavenly.

If you like Dido, or great live concerts, or singer-songwriters, you owe it to yourself to buy Dido’s Live from Brighton Academy. It is one of the best concerts I have ever seen. It is also visually stunning. I go to a concert for the sound, but this experience is something else with the visual production and just seeing the beautiful Dido in her prime, singing.

Another interesting thing about this song is the number of melodies that come out of it. The verses into “…Isobel I hope you’re well” are pretty rocking, and sound great. Even better is the refrain, “I’m helping it past by loving, loving you more.” That line is great, and the melody of that line is so special.

Isobel Lyrics

I thought it was funny when you missed the train
When I rang you at home they said you left yesterday
I thought it was strange when your car was found
By the tree in Ennis where we used to hang around

Dear Isobel
I hope you’re well and what you’ve done is right
Oh it’s been such hell
I wish you well I hope you’re safe tonight

It’s been a long day coming and long will it last
When it’s last day leaving, and I’m helping it pass by loving you more

And who he would become, all the things he’d have done
Would he have loved you, and not let you down
And would he be stronger than his father
Don’t punish yourself, leave it well alone

Dear Isobel
I hope you’re well and what you’ve done is right
Oh it’s been such hell
I wish you well I hope you’re safe tonight

It’s been a long day coming and long will it last
When it’s last day leaving, and I’m helping it pass by loving you more
It’s been a long day coming and long will it last
When it’s last day leaving, and I’m helping it pass by loving, loving you more.

written by Dido