Brenda's greatest success came in 1988 with the release of her third album, "Get Here". It featured the hit singles "Get Here" and "Piano In The Dark". At the 31st Grammy Awards, Brenda was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Female for "Get Here". "Piano In The Dark" was nominated for Song of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (there was a duet? -- duet vocal was by Joe Esposito of Brooklyn Dreams). "Get Here" was later a huge hit covered by Oleta Adams.
Nearly all of her songs were written by herself. Some of her compositions are also performed by others like Roberta Flack, Diana Ross, Patrice Rushen, Patti Austin, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Justin Guarini, and very successfully by the aforementioned Luther Vandross and Oleta Adams.
Russell is also a chief songwriter and lyricist for the hit Broadway musical "The Color Purple". In 2005 she saw a Broadway musical version of Alice Walker's The Color Purple. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, the show's score is written by Russell and lyricists-composers Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Russell and her co-writers were nominated for a Tony Award (for Best Score) and a Grammy Award (in the Best Musical Show Album category).
Matters Of The Heart
Brenda Russell Lyrics
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Who knew another love was somewhere wakin'
I had to learn to stop, the ground from shakin'
Well, all I know is very hard to measure
'Cause it keeps changin' with the changin' weather
I only know it's only getting better
And when it comes to matters of the heart
Who you belong to, holdn' on to
It's the deepest point of view in anyone
Just when it comes to matters of the heart
Just keep listenin'
To the little voice there in the glistening
It will surely be uplifting
I don't want to worry 'bout tomorrow
Or become a prisoner to the sorrow
I'll be the lender if you need to borrow
And what it is, is life
And when it comes to matters of the heart
Who you belong to, holdn' on to
It's the deepest point of view in anyone
Just when it comes to matters of the heart
The song "Matters Of The Heart" by Brenda Russell is a beautiful and insightful piece that talks about love, healing, and the importance of listening to your heart. The first line, "I stared at walls and I was almost breakin'," paints a picture of a person who is feeling overwhelmed and close to the verge of a breakdown. However, the following lines "Who knew another love was somewhere wakin'" and "I had to learn to stop, the ground from shakin'" suggest that the person realizes that there is hope and someone out there who will love them unconditionally.
The chorus of the song, "And when it comes to matters of the heart, who you belong to, holdn' on to, it's the deepest point of view in anyone," highlights the idea that love is the most important thing in life and that we should cherish and treasure it. The lines, "Just keep listenin' to the little voice there in the glistening, it will surely be uplifting" provide hope and encouragement to the audience to follow their heart and listen to their inner voice that guides them towards what they truly desire. The song ends on a positive and uplifting note, "I don't want to worry 'bout tomorrow, or become a prisoner to the sorrow, I'll be the lender if you need to borrow", suggesting that the singer is open to help and support others.
Line by Line Meaning
I stared at walls and I was almost breakin'
I was distressed and struggling to cope.
Who knew another love was somewhere wakin'
I didn't expect to fall in love again.
I had to learn to stop, the ground from shakin'
I had to learn how to manage my emotions.
Well, all I know is very hard to measure
The value of love is immeasurable and subjective.
'Cause it keeps changin' with the changin' weather
The nature of love is unpredictable and changing.
I only know it's only getting better
My love is growing and improving over time.
And what it is, is life
Love is a fundamental part of human existence.
And when it comes to matters of the heart
Love is a deeply personal and emotional experience.
Who you belong to, holdn' on to
Love involves a sense of belonging and commitment.
It's the deepest point of view in anyone
Love is a fundamental aspect of human identity and perception.
Just when it comes to matters of the heart
Love is uniquely important and powerful.
Just keep listenin'
Pay attention to your emotions and intuition.
To the little voice there in the glistening
Your inner voice can offer guidance and insight.
It will surely be uplifting
Trusting yourself will bring positivity and encouragement.
I don't want to worry 'bout tomorrow
I don't want to be consumed by anxiety or fear.
Or become a prisoner to the sorrow
I don't want to be trapped by negative emotions.
I'll be the lender if you need to borrow
I'm willing to offer support and help if needed.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRENDA GORDON RUSSELL, LARRY E. EUGENE WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind