Currently working as an independent artist, Annelle has partnered with Grammy-awarding winning producer Andrew Bergthold to release an acoustic musical project in March of 2020. Lyrically intimate and story-driven, the EP takes the listener on an emotional journey through the process of self-acceptance and love.
Annelle has a passion for the youth in her communities, and has led multiple workshops addressing music business and composition for elementary and middle school kids. With a passion for mental wellness and counseling programs, Annelle has partnered with Blue Ridge Hope and holds monthly concerts to raise money and awareness about mental illness.
Garden
Annelle Staal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My heart's on my sleeve
'Cause I've got flowers in my chest
Today is with me
And grey skies aside
I'll tell my story
And give away the ending every time
I'll be alright
An open heart survives
If it's vulnerable and kind
Oh oh my garden grows
When I let the sunlight in oh
When everybody knows they're not alone
Every evening the clouds, stars, and sea
Like the moon shapes the tide
I live I learn and
I shape me
Oh what a journey
What a design
Not the new or the old me
But the true me, with time
I'll be alright
An open heart survives
If it's vulnerable and kind
Oh oh my garden grows
When I let the sunlight in oh
When everybody knows
You might be listening
Would you still fit in
Wouldn't be the same
But the fear and shame
Ain't worth the joy
Or worth the peace
Authenticity is one hell of a seed
Oh a garden grows
When the love light shines
For you, for me, him and all mankind
I'm just one voice but we sing as one
If there's one truth under the sun it's that
You'll be alright
An open heart survives
If it's honest and it's kind
Oh oh my garden grows
When I let the sunlight in oh
When everybody knows they're not alone
The song “Garden” by Annelle Staal is a beautiful ballad that speaks of growth, self-discovery, and authenticity. The first verse talks about making a wish every 11:11 for someone’s well-being, while acknowledging one’s own vulnerability by saying her heart’s on her sleeve because she has flowers in her chest. The singer of the song is comfortable with sharing her story and giving away the ending because she knows she will be alright. An open heart survives if it is vulnerable and kind. The garden metaphor stands for flourishing and growth. She lets the sunlight in, and the openness of her heart allows her garden to grow.
The second verse talks about life being a journey and everyone designing themselves. She acknowledges that it is not about becoming the new person or the old person, but the true person with time. She knows she will be alright. The chorus talks about the garden that grows when the love light shines for everyone, and how an authentic self is worth the fear and shame that comes with it. The singer sings that one truth under the sun is that everyone will be alright. An open heart survives if it is honest and kind. Her garden grows when she lets the sunlight in and everyone knows they are not alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Every 11:11 I wish you the best
At every 11:11, I make a wish for your happiness
My heart's on my sleeve
I am openly emotional and vulnerable
'Cause I've got flowers in my chest
I have emotions blooming within me
Today is with me
I am living in the present moment
And grey skies aside
Despite obstacles and difficult times
I'll tell my story
I will share my experiences
And give away the ending every time
I reveal the outcome without hiding anything
I'll be alright
I will be okay
An open heart survives
Being emotionally vulnerable and compassionate helps one endure
If it's vulnerable and kind
Being emotionally honest and caring towards others
Oh oh my garden grows
My emotions and well-being thrive
When I let the sunlight in oh
By being open, positive and honest
When everybody knows they're not alone
When everyone realizes they have each other for support
Every evening the clouds, stars, and sea
The passing of time, with natural elements
Like the moon shapes the tide
Nature influencing one's life
I live I learn and
I grow and gain experience
I shape me
I am responsible for designing my own life
Oh what a journey
The path of life is full of experiences
What a design
My life is unique and purposeful
Not the new or the old me
I am not defined by my past, nor my future
But the true me, with time
I am continuously evolving and discovering my true self
You might be listening
Someone might be hearing this
Would you still fit in
Will I still be accepted by others
Wouldn't be the same
Things might change
But the fear and shame
Negative emotions that hold me back
Ain't worth the joy
Not worth sacrificing happiness for
Or worth the peace
Not worth sacrificing inner peace for
Authenticity is one hell of a seed
Being true to oneself is crucial for personal growth
When the love light shines
When love is present
For you, for me, him and all mankind
Love is universal and for everyone
I'm just one voice but we sing as one
Though one person, unity is found in shared experiences
If there's one truth under the sun it's that
One universal truth
An open heart survives
Being open and compassionate allows one to endure
If it's honest and it's kind
If we are genuine and caring towards others
When everybody knows they're not alone
When we all realize that we have each other for support
Writer(s): Annelle Staal
Contributed by Audrey T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@pacorubiko2980
Beautiful song. I love. I still have a lot to hear.
Thank you very much for sharing your talent.
@pacorubiko2980
Third time I hear it. I love.
@egilsdrups1486
i love this song
@jeanjonzz
I dig this!
@nabeelparkar4364
The beach shots were the best but everything else is a close second!! I LOVE IT! This song is the one I've been most excited for and it didn't disappoint ❤️❤️
@AndreBoomslang
Iz very nyce. Yes.
@Flotal1ty
Great work as always 🤩 and all the beautiful dresses <3
@lesliejohnson5888
amazing
@stefanschulz6934
Absolutely wonderful song and Video 😍❣️🔝💯
@linksamus3
Wonderful video, Annelle! And another good song. This looks like a lot of time and work went into it.