She is the daughte… Read Full Bio ↴Alice Russell (b. 1975) is a British soul singer.
She is the daughter of an organist, and grew up in Framlingham in Suffolk. At the age of nine, following in her father's and sisters' musical footsteps, Russell began taking lessons on cello, and sang in choirs, before studying art and music in Brighton from 1994.
As well as the classical influences of her father, and formal music lessons, Russell listened to gospel music and soul artists such as Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin from an early age, which played a big part in the shaping of her style. Other artists such as Minnie Ripperton, Eva Cassidy, Chaka Khan, and Jill Scott are listed by Russell as influences.
She began making a name for herself in the early 2000s, contributing to recordings by Bah Samba, Quantic, TM Juke, Kushti and Nostalgia 77. Her work with Bah Samba sees Russell fusing Latin sounds with tinges of house, jazz and funk, whereas her material with the band Kushti involved a more laid back, hip-hop and soul inspired sound. Her debut album, Under the Munka Moon (2004), was an amalgamation of various singles, remixes, and collaborations.
It was followed by My Favourite Letters in 2005, her debut studio album, created in collaboration with co-writer, producer, and guitarist Alex Cowan (a.k.a. TM Juke). Her third release, Under the Munka Moon II (2006), compiled her most recent collaborations, remixes, and cover versions, including her popular interpretation of The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army. The Alice Russell – Live in Paris DVD also came out in 2006.
Russell and TM Juke have been touring together since 2006 in the U.K, Europe, Australia, the U.S., and other countries. In summer 2006, Grant Marshall (a.k.a. Daddy G of Massive Attack) asked Russell to play the main stage at The Big Chill music festival. Russell has also supported Lonnie Liston Smith, Femi Kuti and De La Soul, and has appeared on the bill with Amy Winehouse for the British showcase at the Midem Music Conference in Cannes 2007.
Living The Life Of A Dreamer
Alice Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before the sweets passed through your teeth
Before the games you learnt weren't there
Before your mama would soap up your hair
Where did you learn to snatch those toys
And tell me where did you learn to make that noise
Screaming seemed to get you far
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Greedy greedy greedy, take take take
Then its kissy smiley, fake fake fake, Like a cake
A, BC, DEF greedy, do you think that you can change
Up yourself, so you can stand on your friends heads, I said
Chocolate's on the pillows are complimentary
Thatâ
€™s what they all say, but nothing's ever free
You burned your bridges, now you swim the sea
Alice Russell's song "Living The Life Of A Dreamer" is a soulful exploration of the identity and evolution of a person. The lyrics start with a question about one's origin - who were you before you became who you are? It then goes on to describe the process of growing up and learning, from the innocent pleasures and games of childhood to the more ruthless and competitive behavior of adulthood. The reference to "snatching toys" and "making noise" suggests a primal desire to assert oneself and claim what one desires, while "spitting your dummy out" conveys a rejection of authority and conformity. Overall, the song seems to suggest that living the life of a dreamer means staying true to one's inner self and resisting the pressures of social conformity and materialism.
Line by Line Meaning
Who were you before you were?
Reflecting on your past self and who you were before certain experiences shaped you.
Before the sweets passed through your teeth
Before indulging in pleasures and temptations that may have influenced you.
Before the games you learnt weren't there
Thinking back to a time where you were content with what you had and didn't know what you were missing out on.
Before your mama would soap up your hair
A reminiscence of being cared for and the memories attached to childhood routines.
Where did you learn to snatch those toys
Questioning where certain actions and behaviors originated from.
And tell me where did you learn to make that noise
Reflecting on the influences that shaped your personality and the way you express yourself.
Screaming seemed to get you far
Recalling that certain actions may have led to some desired outcomes.
Spitting your dummy out of your cart
A metaphor for letting go of something that no longer serves you or doesn't define you anymore.
Living the life of a dreamer
Do you know what it means, do you know what it means
Living life with imagination, aspirations and creativity, but acknowledging that not everyone understands or shares the same vision.
Greedy greedy greedy, take take take
Being consumed by materialism and relentlessly pursuing self gain and pleasure.
Then its kissy smiley, fake fake fake, Like a cake
Relationships and interactions may be superficial or insincere, often masking true intentions.
A, BC, DEF greedy, do you think that you can change
Noticing our own flaws and questioning if we can better ourselves or if we're too consumed by selfish thoughts and actions to make a positive change.
Up yourself, so you can stand on your friends heads, I said
Taking advantage of peers or relationships for personal gain and status, at the expense of others.
Chocolate's on the pillows are complimentary
Seeing past material gifts or luxuries and valuing the experiences and connections that can't be bought or measured by wealth.
Writer(s): Alice Emily Russell, Alex Cowan Copyright: Five Missions More
Contributed by Alaina C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.