Her debut album, Cheers to the Fall, was released on August 28, 2015. The album was produced by Adrian Gurvitz and Raphael Saadiq.
She was also featured in Rolling Stone's "10 New Artists You Need to Know" for July 2015. NPR's Katie Presley has praised her singing by saying it has "Eartha Kitt's unflappable confidence, Amy Winehouse's effortless grasp of classic jazz, Billie Holiday's access to raw emotion and Adele's range and pop sensibility."
On December 7, 2015 Day received two nominations at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards including Best R&B Performance for "Rise Up" and Best R&B Album for "Cheers to the Fall".
Cheers To The Fall
Andra Day Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When the right way was left
Don't draw inside the lines
Because the scribbles look so sick
And who says you can't win them all
If you try
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
'Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall, hey
I can't pretend to be perfect
Or fit into some made up roll
But I can make the hand I'm dealt work if
I decide to never fold
And who says you can't win them all
If you try
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
'Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
Thanks for all your sound advice
That I didn't ask for
I'll take all of it in stride
And now I know
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the further that you climb
Then when you fall you won't survive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
'Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall, tey
I'll learn my lesson but I'll try
I'll take the climb
Cheers to the fall
Cheers to the fall, hoo!
The lyrics of Andra Day's "Cheers To The Fall" tell the story of someone who is not afraid to take risks, even if it means going against the norm. The singer admits to making mistakes and going the wrong way, but it doesn't discourage them from continuing on their path. The lyrics advocate for not being constrained by societal norms, such as following the rules and living a closed life. Andra Day encourages listeners to celebrate the potential for failure as much as success, with the phrase "Cheers to the fall" becoming a motif throughout the song.
The line, "They say the higher that you climb/The further when you take the dive" suggests that the singer acknowledges the potential risk of failure when attempting to reach greater heights. However, they choose to focus on the excitement and opportunity that comes with taking risks. The line "Thanks for all your sound advice/That I didn't ask for" is a nod to societal pressure to conform, but the singer rejects it and chooses to take things in stride.
The song's chorus features Day's signature powerhouse vocals, with the repetition of the phrase "Cheers to the fall" driving home the idea of celebrating the journey, not just the destination. Ultimately, "Cheers To The Fall" is an anthem for those who are not afraid to take risks and embrace the ups and downs that come with pursuing their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I go right
When the right way was left
I may take a wrong turn or make a mistake in life, but that doesn't mean I won't eventually find my way.
Don't draw inside the lines
Because the scribbles look so sick
I don't want to conform to societal norms and expectations because I believe my uniqueness is beautiful.
And who says you can't win them all
If you try
I refuse to believe in limitations and will continue to strive for success and happiness, even if it means taking risks.
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
Some people may caution that the higher I aim, the greater my potential failure, but I refuse to live a life of fear and inactivity.
'Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall, hey
I don't want to regret not taking chances in life or wonder 'what if?', so I will embrace the risks and challenges that come with trying.
I can't pretend to be perfect
Or fit into some made up roll
But I can make the hand I'm dealt work if
I decide to never fold
I am not interested in pretending to be something or someone I'm not in order to fit in. Instead, I will use my unique strengths and qualities to my advantage and never give up.
Thanks for all your sound advice
That I didn't ask for
I'll take all of it in stride
And now I know
I appreciate the advice and guidance of others, but ultimately, I will make my own decisions and take responsibility for my choices.
They say the further that you climb
Then when you fall you won't survive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
Others may believe that the higher I go, the harder I will fall, but I am not afraid of failure and will not let that fear control my life.
I'll learn my lesson but I'll try
I'll take the climb
Cheers to the fall
Cheers to the fall, hoo!
I will always keep trying, even if I stumble along the way. Here's to taking risks and embracing the journey, no matter the outcome.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management
Written by: RAPHAEL SAADIQ, CASSANDRA MONIQUE BATIE, ADRIAN ISRAEL GURVITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shangyne Colston
"Cheers To The Fall"
[Verse 1:]
Sometimes I go right
When the right way was left
Don't draw inside the lines
Because the scribbles look so sick
[Pre-Chorus:]
And who says you can't win them all
If you try
[Chorus:]
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
[Verse 2:]
I can't pretend to be perfect
Or fit into some made up roll
But I can make the hand I'm dealt work if
I decide to never fold
[Pre-Chorus]
[Chorus]
[Bridge:]
Thanks for all your sound advice
That I didn't ask for
I'll take all of it in stride
And now I know
[Chorus:]
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the further that you climb
Then when you fall you won't survive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
I'll learn my lesson but I'll try
I'll take the climb
Cheers to the fall
Cheers to the fall
Leo Munoz
Sometimes I go right
When the right way was left
Don't draw inside the lines
Because the scribbles look so sick
And who says you can't win them all
If you try
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the higher that you climb
Then when you fall you won’t survive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
’Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
I can pretend to be perfect
Or fit into some made up roll
But I can make the hand I'm dealt work if
I decide to never fold
And who says you can't win them all
If you try
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the higher that you climb
Then when you fall you won’t survive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
’Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
Thanks for all your sound advice
That I didn't ask for
I'll take all of it in stride
And now I know
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the further that you climb
Then when you fall you won't survive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
’Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
I'll learn my lesson but I'll try
I'll take the climb
Cheers to the fall
Cheers to the fall
TheColorOfCaramel
I wish folks would stop comparing her to Amy Winehouse, it's almost not fair to the artist who's trying to find her place in the music biz. She's simply a wonderful artist with a wonderful eclectic style.
C Nomura
no offense to any Amy diehards on here (I love Amy's sound & agree the very first verse of this song is a touch "Valerie"), but there is really NO comparison between these two artists... Andra has more substantial meaning 🙌 ... yea, I said it 💞🤙
Makhel Jones
Yeah
Carol Hoffman
much better than AW
tyree wilson
I know right..most probably never jammed Amy when she was in her prime anyway
Kay Hill
YEEEESSSSS...WELL SAID!!
Nyasha Walters
her voice is amazing, it has that old school jazz feel with hip twist
David Draper
Normally some albums have maybe 1-3 decent songs, this album is simply incredible and this is a star being born right in front of us...
grn_ appls7
Her album is fantastic! There isn't a single "bad" song. It's all beautiful, and soulful, and wonderful, and thoughtful and just...full. I'm a fan.
Shangyne Colston
"Cheers To The Fall"
[Verse 1:]
Sometimes I go right
When the right way was left
Don't draw inside the lines
Because the scribbles look so sick
[Pre-Chorus:]
And who says you can't win them all
If you try
[Chorus:]
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
[Verse 2:]
I can't pretend to be perfect
Or fit into some made up roll
But I can make the hand I'm dealt work if
I decide to never fold
[Pre-Chorus]
[Chorus]
[Bridge:]
Thanks for all your sound advice
That I didn't ask for
I'll take all of it in stride
And now I know
[Chorus:]
They say the higher that you climb
The further when you take the dive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
They say the further that you climb
Then when you fall you won't survive
But it's comatose
And I can't live that closed
Cause I don't know how to never try at all
So cheers to the fall
I'll learn my lesson but I'll try
I'll take the climb
Cheers to the fall
Cheers to the fall