Marshall studied music extensively in childhood, attending the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, but she first grabbed attention while attending high school at Jarvis Collegiate, often performing as an 'opening act' for other local bands performing cover songs by artists like Janis Joplin at venues like The Concert Hall, The Horseshoe Tavern, and Lee's Palace. While performing on the Queen Street West bar scene she eventually met guitarist Jeff Healey, who was struck by her powerful voice and took her on tour. She was subsequently signed to a management contract by Jeff's drummer, Tom Stephen, who had formed Forte Management and Forte Records to handle Jeff's career, and Tom successfully negotiated a record deal with Sony's Epic Records.
In 1995, Marshall released her self-titled debut album, and it was a massive hit in Canada, spawning six Top 40 hits -- "Let It Rain", "Beautiful Goodbye", "Dark Horse", "Fall From Grace", "Sitting on Top of the World" and "Birmingham". Unfortunately, it was not immediately released in the USA, and it did not receive the same radio attention when it eventually hit the shelves; although it did crack Billboard's Heatseekers Chart for several months. The album remains her biggest hit internationally. Elton John described Amanda as "his favourite new American artist" while being interviewed on Late Night with David Letterman, when asked who he's listening to.
In 1999, she released her follow-up album, Tuesday's Child, which was produced by Don Was (B-52's, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Michael McDonald, Iggy Pop, Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones), and features collaborations by songwriting heavyweights Carole King and Eric Bazilian. It followed in the same vein as her debut, with a mix of soulful pop songs and ballads, highlighting her powerful voice. Her song "Ride" would be featured in the film The Replacements and on its soundtrack. Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi was the guest guitarist on the track called "Why Don't You Love Me". Another one of the CD's hit singles, "Believe In You," which she co-wrote with Eric Bazilian, was featured on the TV show `Touched By An Angel` and its official soundtrack, and the song is currently on the Believe fund-raising compilation marketed by CharityCDs.com.
In 2001, she released her third album, Everybody's Got A Story, which was produced by Peter Asher (Cher, Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Chantal Kreviazuk, Bonnie Raitt, Diana Ross, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor). It marked a change in style and sound for Marshall, with a more noticeable R&B direction. Her singles "Everybody's Got a Story" and "Sunday Morning After" received major Canadian airplay.
In 2003, Sony released a 16 song singles compilation entitled Intermission - The Singles Collection. Unfortunately, shortly after this release Sony BMG did not renew Amanda's contract, and she has been without the support of a major record label. On November 28, 2006, Sony BMG released another greatest hits "anthology" entitled Collections.
Amanda is currently in a legal dispute with her former management that has prevented her from releasing new material.
Fans of Amanda Marshall can join her fan group at Last.fm by clicking this link:
http://www.last.fm/group/Amanda+Marshall
Cross My Heart
Amanda Marshall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's what the note said
5th grade
He's in her row two seats behind
Ten years old, the torture never ends
One day at recess she pulls him aside
She's taking his hand, She looks in his eyes
She's steppin' in close, So no one can hear
She says
Tell me all your secrets
And I won't tell anybody
Pinky swear that I'm the one you love
When the world is dark
And you could swear you have no body
Look to the sky, it's written in the stars
Cross my heart
Time flies to graduation
They leave the party
Take a drive
She keeps asking where they're going
He laughs and looks away, it's a surprise
Out on the playground, right where they stood
Down on one knee he asks if she would
He gives her the ring, She starts to cry
It's the first night of the rest of their lives
Tell me all your secrets
And I won't tell anybody
Pinky swear that I'm the one you love
When the world is dark
And you could swear you have no body
Look to the sky, it's written in the stars
Cross my heart
Young love gets old
Real fast, In a small town
When you think your life is passing you by
It kills him to let her go
But she wants to fly
So he gives her the wings
And tells her goodbye
Baby Goodbye
The train enters the station
Track 11 on the Philadelphia line
He was early now he's waiting
And the people rush the doors
Some are laughing
Some are crying
Up on the platform
He scans the crowd
He doesn't see her
He looks all around
But damned disappointment hangs like a shroud
Suddenly a voice rings out
Says
Tell me all your secrets
And I won't tell anybody
Pinky swear that I'm the one you love
When the world gets dark
And you think you have no body
Look to the sky, it's written in the stars
Cross my heart
Tell me all your secrets
And I won't tell anybody
Pinky swear that I'm the one you love
When the world is dark
And you could swear you have no body
Look to the sky, it's written in the stars
Cross my heart
The song "Cross My Heart" by Amanda Marshall tells a story of young love that grows and matures over time, eventually leading to a heartbreaking separation but with the promise of a forever love. The first verse speaks of childhood crushes and the tyranny of small school environments, where children learn to navigate love and the unseemly consequences of it. The chorus speaks of promises and trust, of secrets kept and a love that can weather even the darkest times. The second verse moves the story forward to later in life, where Joey D proposes to Lucy A, sealing the love they've shared since childhood. However, the third verse speaks of change and growth, and how it's necessary for young love to move on and evolve with time.
This song captures the essence of first loves, revealing them as a bittersweet experience – full of potential but also full of pain. It plays out the range of emotions one goes through in a long-standing relationship, highlighting the struggles of distance and the eventual acceptance of transformation. It speaks of the necessity of letting go, but also the importance of the memories that bind.
Line by Line Meaning
Joey D loves Lucy A
Introducing the main characters of the song: Joey D and Lucy A, who are in love with each other.
That's what the note said
The note is a proof that Joey and Lucy have feelings for each other and want to share their secret love.
5th grade
Joey and Lucy are only ten years old, still in elementary school.
He's in her row two seats behind
Joey is sitting behind Lucy in their classroom, probably admiring her from a distance.
Ten years old, the torture never ends
Being young and in love can be tough, especially when you have to keep it a secret in a small town.
One day at recess she pulls him aside
Lucy finally gets the chance to talk to Joey in private during their lunch break.
She's taking his hand, She looks in his eyes
Lucy is making a move on Joey, showing him her interest and affection.
She's steppin' in close, So no one can hear
Lucy wants to keep their conversation private and away from prying ears.
Then she whispers in his ear
Lucy shares a secret with Joey, something that only they know.
She says
Lucy is about to make a promise to Joey, one that she intends to keep.
Tell me all your secrets
Lucy wants Joey to trust her and share his deepest thoughts and feelings with her, no matter what they are.
And I won't tell anybody
Lucy will keep Joey's secrets safe and never betray his trust.
Pinky swear that I'm the one you love
Lucy wants Joey to pinky swear that he loves her and only her, ensuring their romance is exclusive.
When the world is dark
Lucy promises to be there for Joey in his darkest moments, offering him comfort and support.
And you could swear you have no body
In moments of loneliness and despair, Lucy will remind Joey that he is not alone and that she loves him.
Look to the sky, it's written in the stars
Lucy believes that their love is destined to be and that the universe is working in their favor.
Cross my heart
Lucy is making a solemn oath and promising to keep her word, no matter what.
Time flies to graduation
Joey and Lucy have grown up and are about to graduate from high school.
They leave the party
After the graduation party, Joey and Lucy decide to go on a drive together.
Take a drive
Joey and Lucy are enjoying a romantic date, driving around town together.
She keeps asking where they're going
Lucy is curious and excited about their destination, hoping for a surprise.
He laughs and looks away, it's a surprise
Joey is hiding a secret from Lucy, a surprise that he has planned for her.
Out on the playground, right where they stood
Joey and Lucy return to the place where they first fell in love, the playground of their elementary school.
Down on one knee he asks if she would
Joey proposes to Lucy, asking her to marry him and spend the rest of their lives together.
He gives her the ring, She starts to cry
Lucy is overwhelmed with emotions, happy and moved by the love of her life.
It's the first night of the rest of their lives
Joey and Lucy are embarking on a new journey together, starting a new chapter in their lives as a married couple.
Young love gets old
Joey and Lucy's love has grown and matured over the years, no longer the same youthful passion they once shared.
Real fast, In a small town
Their small town is a reminder that time flies and that change comes whether they're ready for it or not.
When you think your life is passing you by
Joey and Lucy are feeling the pressures of adulthood and the fear that their life may become mundane and unfulfilling.
It kills him to let her go
Joey loves Lucy deeply, and the thought of losing her pains him greatly.
But she wants to fly
Lucy's goals and aspirations are different from Joey's, and she wants to pursue her own dreams.
So he gives her the wings
Joey supports Lucy's decision to chase her dreams and gives her the encouragement she needs to fly.
And tells her goodbye
Joey and Lucy must part ways for a time, but they promise to stay in each other's hearts and minds forever.
Baby Goodbye
A final farewell to their young love and the memories they shared together.
The train enters the station
Joey is waiting for Lucy at the train station, hoping to see her once more.
Track 11 on the Philadelphia line
The specifics of where Joey is waiting for Lucy, adding detail to the story.
He was early now he's waiting
Joey arrived early to the station and is waiting for Lucy.
And the people rush the doors
The train has arrived, and people are rushing to disembark.
Some are laughing
People are happy and in good spirits after their train ride.
Some are crying
Others are emotional, perhaps saying goodbye or reuniting with loved ones.
Up on the platform
Joey is on the train platform, waiting for Lucy to arrive.
He scans the crowd
Joey is looking for Lucy among the throngs of people.
He doesn't see her
Joey is disappointed that he can't find Lucy in the crowd.
He looks all around
Joey is thorough in his search, hoping to spot Lucy in the crowd.
But damned disappointment hangs like a shroud
Joey is disheartened that he can't find Lucy and feels a sense of sadness.
Suddenly a voice rings out
Lucy appears out of nowhere and surprises Joey with her sudden appearance.
Says
Lucy is about to speak and resolve the mystery of her whereabouts.
Tell me all your secrets
Lucy is reminding Joey of the promise she made years ago to keep his secrets.
And I won't tell anybody
Lucy is reaffirming her promise to Joey and letting him know that she has kept his secrets safe all these years.
When the world gets dark
Lucy is reminding Joey that she will always be there for him in moments of darkness and despair.
And you think you have no body
Joey may feel lonely or lost at times, but Lucy is reminding him that he has someone who loves him deeply.
Look to the sky, it's written in the stars
Lucy still believes that their love is meant to be and that the universe is working to bring them together.
Cross my heart
Lucy is reaffirming her promise to Joey and pledging her eternal love and devotion to him.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind