4 Non Blondes had a huge hit single in 1993 with "What's Up". A year later, DJ Miko remixed the track as a dance song, and it became a hit again, on radio and in clubs. The original version of the song overshadowed the groups' other work, with them being labeled as a 'one hit wonder', but they scored significant underground success, particularly with listeners drawn to their feminist political themes.
In 1995, 4 Non Blondes contributed the song "Misty Mountain Hop" to the Encomium tribute album to Led Zeppelin. The group also covered Van Halen's "I'm The One" for the popular slacker comedy 'Airheads'. Linda Perry went solo in 1996, and the band disbanded after recording, but not releasing, their second album.
Pleasantly Blue
4 Non Blondes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you start to cry
And I figure there's something up baby
But you don't tell me why
And I know that's why I call you blue
Cause I figure something baby
That's why I call you pleasantly blue
Hush hush you walk on by
Talk to me baby, talk to me baby
What haven't I heard
And I know that's why I call you blue
Cause I figure something baby
That's why I call you pleasantly blue
Oh no, here we go
What's wrong with you
Come here baby, come to me baby
What can I do
Yea I know that's why I call you blue
Cause I figure something baby
That's why I call you pleasantly blue
Cause I figure something baby
That's why I call you pleasantly blue
The song "Pleasantly Blue" by 4 Non Blondes tells the story of a person who seems to be struggling with some sort of emotional issue, but won't talk about it with the people around them. The lyrics talk about the singer's attempts to reach out to this person, to figure out what's wrong and how they can help. The repeated refrain of "that's why I call you blue" is a nod to the idea of feeling blue, or sad, but also hints at something deeper and more complex going on.
The verses describe the frustration of trying to connect with someone who won't open up. The singer sees that the person is crying in the morning, but doesn't know why. They try to get this person to talk to them, but they remain silent. The chorus, with its catchy melody and repetition of the phrase "pleasantly blue," adds a layer of ambiguity to the song. Is the singer calling the person "blue" because they are sad, or because there is some other reason why they are emotionally complicated? The song leaves this question unanswered, but conveys a sense of empathy for the person who is struggling.
Overall, "Pleasantly Blue" is a powerful and emotional song about trying to connect with someone who is going through a difficult time. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it a standout track on 4 Non Blondes' debut album.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time you wake in the morning
Whenever you wake up every morning
And you start to cry
And tears roll down your cheeks
And I figure there's something up baby
I realize that something is bothering you, my dear
But you don't tell me why
But you don't express or explain what's wrong
And I know that's why I call you blue
And that's why I refer to you as "blue" (sad/depressed)
Cause I figure something baby
Because I speculate that there is something troubling you
That's why I call you pleasantly blue
That's why I refer to your sadness as being bearable or possibly even a little beautiful
Hush hush you walk on by
You silently and quickly pass by me
You don't say a word
You choose not to speak
Talk to me baby, talk to me baby
Please communicate with me, my dear
What haven't I heard
What am I missing or unaware of?
Oh no, here we go
Oh dear, it seems we are about to face a problem or challenge
What's wrong with you
What is troubling you?
Come here baby, come to me baby
Please come closer to me, my dear
What can I do
How can I assist or support you?
Yea I know that's why I call you blue
Yes, I understand this is why I refer to you as "blue" (sad/depressed)
Cause I figure something baby
Because I speculate that there is something troubling you
That's why I call you pleasantly blue
That's why I refer to your sadness as being bearable or possibly even a little beautiful
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LINDA PERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
blade0954
great album,luv this song
Jonathan Gianguzzo
In the songwriter's hall of fame, but my god what a voice...
TheGoldstrings
LU-UUUUV THIS SONG! I used to sing it with a blues/funk/r&b band I used to sing with! LOOOOOOOVE IT!
arkayo arkayo
Her vocal change-ups from soft lyrics to belting words.
Non parallel.
SkullCrusher
Linda Perry has such an iconic voice its sad 4 non blondes broke up in 1994
R107
I totally agree. Everytime I come back to this album I'm blown away by the power and passion that lies behind her voice
TheRexmoon
wonderfull voice...!!!
lupe barron
i love all of there songs
juan francisco de la paz barbosa
woowww!! super rola y super voz, i love you Linda Perry
Tim
I love this song more actually..