Upon recording a few songs at a local studio, she decided to send the demos to three record companies, with no special expectations. Soon Sony Sweden gave her a phone call and offered her a record deal. At this stage, she had never played in front of an audience. Sophie started to record her self-titled debut album in 1995. The album was produced and arranged by Lars Halapi, a long time collaborator who has subsequently worked on all her material.
She was awarded a Grammy at the Swedish Grammy awards as Best Newcomer in 1995, she was also nominated for Best Female Pop Singer. Her album managed Gold status both in Sweden and Japan. After promoting her debut in the US, she finally started to work on her new album in the Autumn of 1997. This second effort entitled Precious Burden came the following year. Since the turbulence of the first album release, Zelmani has started saying no to interviews and only embarks on tour for short periods of time.
The third, fourth and fifth albums, Time to Kill (1999), Sing and Dance (2002) and Love Affair (2003) quickly followed. Ten years after her debut she released a best-of album titled A Decade Of Dreams which also included two new tracks.
Further albums released after this 'best of' are: Memory Loves You (2007), The Ocean and Me (2008), I'm The Rain, (2010), Soul (2011).
Zelmani has also contributed music to the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Dawson's Creek". Her cover of Bob Dylan's "Most Of The Time" appears on the soundtrack to "Masked and Anonymous", and also on the album Cohen - The Scandinavian Report.
Her song "Stand By" appeared in the film "Independence Day" (1996). Her song "Always You" appeared in the film "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997).
Going Home
Sophie Zelmani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the music's been too bad
Can only sense happiness
if the music is sad
So, I'm going home
I must hurry home
Where a life goes on
We're too old to make a mess
Dreams will keep me young
Old enough to stress
Only mirrors tell the time
So, I'm going home
I must hurry home
So will my life go on
Yes, I'm going home
Going home alone
And your life goes on
So, I'm going home
I must hurry home
So will my life go on
Yes, I'm going home
Going home alone
And your life goes on
Sophie Zelmani's "Going Home" is a melancholic and introspective song that reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of finding happiness amidst it all. The opening lines suggest a sense of disappointment and disconnect - "Not very often have we met / But the music's been too bad" - indicating a desire for something meaningful and uplifting in life. The chorus further emphasizes this longing for warmth and joy, as the singer sings: "Can only sense happiness / if the music is sad / So, I'm going home / I must hurry home / Where a life goes on." The repetition of "going home" reinforces the idea of finding solace and comfort in the familiarity of one's roots, even in the face of life's unpredictability.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of growing older. "We're too old to make a mess / Dreams will keep me young / Old enough to stress / Only mirrors tell the time" suggests a sense of resignation and sadness, tempered by a hopefulness for the future. The closing cadence - "Yes, I'm going home / Going home alone / And your life goes on" - reinforces the fleeting and solitary nature of life, while suggesting that the pursuit of happiness and joy is ultimately worth it.
Overall, "Going Home" is a beautifully crafted song that highlights Sophie Zelmani's lyrical prowess and musical talent. The poignant message of finding meaning and happiness in the midst of life's challenges is universal and relatable, making this song a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Not very often have we met
We haven't met each other frequently
But the music's been too bad
Whenever we met, the music was not good
Can only sense happiness
I can feel happiness
if the music is sad
when I listen to sad music
So, I'm going home
I am leaving this place
I must hurry home
I need to leave quickly
Where a life goes on
Where my life continues
We're too old to make a mess
We are too old to make mistakes
Dreams will keep me young
My dreams will keep me youthful
Old enough to stress
I am old enough to experience stress
Only mirrors tell the time
Only looking at the mirror can tell me the time
Yes, I'm going home
Yes, I am leaving this place
Going home alone
I am leaving alone
And your life goes on
Your life will continue too
So will my life go on
My life will continue also
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LARS HALAPI, SOPHIE ZELMANI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind