Possessing both the introspective nature of Tracy Chapman and the unbridled spunk of Chrissie Hynde, Myers excels at weaving poetic narratives around starkly honest portraits of her life experiences “reassuringly long on singer-songwriting talent” (The London times).
The story of Myers’ discovery by record producer Peter Q. Harris (Will Smith) has become one of legend in the music industry. “I was dancing around being goofy, and Pete came up and said, “If you sing as good as you dance, we should work on some songs together.” Myers’ giggles, “It’s kind of an embarrassing story. Everybody thinks it happened at a strip joint or something, which of course it didn’t!”. Soon after, Myers entered the studio with world-famed record producer Desmond Child (Aerosmith, Ricky Martin, Cher, Robbie Williams). While working on some tracks in 1997, Doug Morris, president of Universal Music, dropped by to visit his pal Child. After hearing Myers, he quickly offered the flabbergasted singer a recording deal. “I was simply lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time” says Myers.
Her debut album “Growing, pains” spawned the infectious, hit single, “Kiss The Rain.” Carving out a spectacular niche on airwaves around the globe, “Kiss The Rain” stayed on Billboard’s Top 100 for over six months, reached the top ten internationally and the dance remix became a club-land classic. “Growing, pains” was certified gold in both the US and Canada.
The success of “Kiss The Rain” set off a lengthy period of worldwide touring. Driven by a need to entertain, not only perform, Myers astounded crowds with high energy, emotionally driven performances described as “electrifying” by Rolling Stone Magazin and support slots on tours with Bob Dylan and Savage Garden.
Myers made waves with performances at Lilith Fair, for which she handpicked by organzer and fellow musician, Sarah McLachlan. Her videos for "Tell Me" and "Kiss the Rain" had frequent rotation on VH1 and The Box.
Along the way Myers appeared on numerous television shows including: “The Tonight Show,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “Good Morning America,” “VH-1’s Crossroads”, “The List”, and the “How To...” special. It wasn’t long after, that requests for Myers’ vocals came pouring in eventually landing her on several TV soundtracks including: “Dawson’s Creek,” “Melrose Place,” “The Real World” as well as numerous European programs.
Über -songwriter/producer Diane Warren asked Myers to lend vocals to her latest gem. The song, “It All Comes Down to You” was featured on the soundtrack and in the movie of the same name. Myers got a taste of Hollywood while shooting the video with the stars of the movie, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Julia Styles. Myers clearly enjoyed her time during the shoot because it wasn’t long before she was acting herself and featured on “Wasteland” and “Purpose.”
“Vertigo,” her highly anticipated sophomore release yielded across the board critical praise. Vibe heralded the album stating, “… She has developed an ear for consistently potent, often provocative lyrics. It’s apparent she’s weighed every word carefully and the lyrics fuel her performance… leaving you hungry for more.” Co-produced by David Tyson (Tina Arena, Amanda Marshall, and Alannah Myles), “Vertigo” tackled issues that were even more personal to Myers this time around such as racism, sexism and religious dogmatism. “Am I Here Yet,” reflected Myers’ uncertainty that sudden success brought to the singer. Fans reacted strongly, as did legendary producer/DJ Junior Vasquez who remixed the single into a dance floor anthem and once again Myers found herself at the top the Billboard Dance Charts.
After a four -year break, Myers returned with a pulsating and provocative new record, ”Just sex”. Exploring sexuality with her renowned, often-controversial directness, Billboard magazine declared “Its delicious verses gambol across a melodic carnival imprint topped only by a chorus so intuitive that one would swear this is a remake of a song heard a thousand times before.” Remixed by Eddie Baez, “Just Sex” became an instant #10 smash on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart which brought Myers back on stage, where as always, she both stunned and delighted audiences in venues across the U.S. and abroad.
Myers' third studio album, “Tea & sympathy”, includes collaborations with such highly acclaimed songwriters as Peter Vale, (Lemar, Beverly Knight) Marcella Detroit, (Shakespeare’s Sister, Eric Clapton) and Kristen Hall, (Sugarland). While staying true to the expressive vocals and incisive lyrics that have earned her a loyal fan base and ongoing critical acclaim, Myers has broken new ground musically. Working with UK producer Dee Adam, Myers has fashioned a unique collage of sound that intertwines electronica, trip-hop beats, and bluesy guitars around her live acoustic/rock roots. “I have to confess,” says Myers “Dee pushed me creatively, to experiment beyond my usual comfort level, but hopefully the end result speaks for itself”
While staying true to the expressive vocals and incisive lyrics that have earned her a loyal fan base and ongoing critical acclaim, Myers has broken new ground musically. Working with UK producer Dee Adam, she has fashioned a collage of sound that intertwines electronica, trip-hop beats, and bluesy guitars around her live acoustic/rock roots.
Honest to the point of painful, Myers pulls no punches as she lays bare, bruising portrayals of her struggles with self worth (“Anonymous”), midnight losses of faith (“Send Me An Angel ...Is God Dead?”), infidelity (“You Send Me Flying”), and defeated Hollywood dreams (“Lady Jane”).
The first single, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” is a cathartic ode to an ex- lover. Hitting you where it hurts, lines such as “Another lover in my bed, wishing you were here instead” express the lonely frustration of an unwanted break- up. Luring the listener with its infectious hook and melancholy melody, its universal relatability ensures the listener feels that they are part of a highly intimate conversation.
Ever self- deprecating, Myers says “there’s even one moment of misguided optimistic romanticism (“Wonderful”) where I wonder what a lover, so seemingly perfect, sees in me but don’t be fooled - on “Not Another Love Song” (written about the same person), the answer becomes clear, NOT A LOT!”.
Sleeping Beauty
Billie Myers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To see your mother's eyes in you, a smile he knew
Everyday was a year to him
He felt to helpless, he felt you kicking
Did you hear his voice- so gentle, so calming
He placed his hand where he thought you would be
He called you Sleeping Beauty
Behind the child, a father's pride
I'd never seen a grown man cry
He said 'I've never felt this way before
Sleeping Beauty sleeps no more'
Your first breath was your last breath
He heard it all before
The silence of an unheard cry
The day stood still, his mouth ran dry
When nothing moved, he felt so helpless
'What have I done, do we really deserve this'
He pressed his palms and he begged forgiveness
'I'd give my life to save hers'
Chorus
You sleep beyond the reach of dreams
In a room that has no door
So if I kissed you now, would I be your prince charming
Or just an ordinary man who tried to kiss you back, back to life
Don't turn your back now, turn around
Turn around if you're lost, I'll find you
Turn around, I'm still here beside you
You know my name when you see my face
Your memories are my crowd in a lonely place
Second Chorus
Behind the child, a mother cries
Her tears would never ever dry
She said 'I've never felt this way before
Sleeping Beauty sleeps no more'
On the stone house remains:
I love you and your name
The song "Sleeping Beauty" by Billie Myers tells a heartbreaking story of a father's love for his child who didn't make it to the world, leaving him to grieve and suffer. The first verse conveys his anxieties and anticipation during the pregnancy, waiting to see the child's eyes and smile, even feeling the baby kicking. He calls the baby "Sleeping Beauty," expressing his adoration and love, signaling his deep connection.
The chorus portrays his sense of loss and devastation when he saw the stillborn baby. He had never felt such emotions before, and it was hard to watch a grown man cry. He regrets the situation, feeling responsible and begging for mercy, wishing he could bring her back, even offering to give his life in exchange. He can't escape the haunting memories of his sleeping beauty, and his pain remains constant.
The second verse comes from a different perspective, describing the mother's sorrow and despair, which never seems to subside. She cries constantly, and her tears never dry, expressing her intense love for her child. The song's end is touching, questioning whether the Sleeping Beauty revival scene is possible or not. The lyrics poetically ask, "If I kissed you now, would I be your prince charming or just an ordinary man"? The song ends with a message of hope and love, saying "your memories are my crowd in a lonely place."
Overall, the song speaks to the emotions and struggles of losing someone you love, wishing to bring them back and the pain of constant remembrance.
Line by Line Meaning
He waited, he counted the days
The father eagerly awaited the birth of his child, marking off each day on the calendar in anticipation.
To see your mother's eyes in you, a smile he knew
The father was hoping to see his partner's features in their child and to see them happy.
Everyday was a year to him
The waiting was so difficult that each day felt like a never-ending year to the father.
He felt to helpless, he felt you kicking
Despite feeling his child move inside the womb, the father felt powerless to protect them.
Did you hear his voice- so gentle, so calming
The father spoke to his unborn child in a soothing manner, hoping to comfort them.
He placed his hand where he thought you would be
The father touched his partner's belly where he believed his child was located.
He called you Sleeping Beauty
The father affectionately referred to his unborn child as Sleeping Beauty.
Behind the child, a father's pride
The father felt immense pride in his child's existence and birth.
I'd never seen a grown man cry
The artist had never witnessed a grown man cry before seeing the father's emotional reaction to his child's birth.
He said 'I've never felt this way before
The father expressed that he had never experienced such intense emotions before the birth of his child.
Sleeping Beauty sleeps no more'
The child is no longer in a state of unknowing, suspended animation and has joined the living world. They have a chance to grow up and make memories.
Your first breath was your last breath
The child struggled to take their first breath and passed away shortly after being born.
He heard it all before
The father was familiar with this outcome as the same occurred with previous children.
The silence of an unheard cry
The child was too weak to cry and hunger for their mother's attention, leaving the father with an empty feeling within himself.
The day stood still, his mouth ran dry
The death of the child impacted the world around the father and left him unable to speak or consume anything.
When nothing moved, he felt so helpless
The stillness of the world was a constant reminder of what the father had lost and he felt powerless to change anything.
'What have I done, do we really deserve this'
The father questioned himself and his life choices, wondering if he or his partner had done anything to deserve this pain and suffering
He pressed his palms and he begged forgiveness
The father asked for forgiveness from a higher power for what had happened and hoped for a way to console his pain.
'I'd give my life to save hers'
The father would have traded places with his child if it would have saved them from perishing.
You sleep beyond the reach of dreams
The child has passed away, and dreaming cannot bring them back.
In a room that has no door
The child is gone, but what remains is the hope that they are alright and the memories of them.
So if I kissed you now, would I be your prince charming
The artist asks if their love for the child could bring them back from the dead.
Or just an ordinary man who tried to kiss you back, back to life
The singer worries that their love is not strong enough to bring the child back from the other side.
Don't turn your back now, turn around
The artist encourages others to face their pain and loss.
Turn around if you're lost, I'll find you
The singer will be there to support those who are struggling with their grief or loss.
Turn around, I'm still here beside you
The singer is giving emotional support and consciousness to those who are feeling lost or empty.
You know my name when you see my face
Through love and memories, they will always remember and recognize the singer's support.
Your memories are my crowd in a lonely place
The memories of the child give the artist comfort and company in times of loneliness.
Behind the child, a mother cries
The mother is consumed with grief and sorrow in the wake of her child's death.
Her tears would never ever dry
The mother would always grieve for her child and would not stop crying.
She said 'I've never felt this way before
The mother is expressing that she has never experienced the type of intense pain she is feeling now.
Sleeping Beauty sleeps no more'
The child's passing is mourned by both parents, but now the child is free from the confines and torment of a physical body.
I love you and your name
The artist affirms their love for this child and their name will not be forgotten.
Contributed by Wyatt D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@toriaemma5795
Omg I loved this b side
@sallyqueen8336
Beautiful xx
@insanadam5876
Super đź‘Ť