In 2004, Dennen released his first self-titled album, Brett Dennen. His second album was So Much More, which includes the singles "Ain't No Reason", "She's Mine", and "Darlin' Do Not Fear". A few songs charted as iTunes top downloads in the days following the album's release in November 2006. [1] Dennen also contributed a cover of "Private Life" to the 2006 tribute album Drink To Bones That Turn To Dust: A Toast To Oingo Boingo.
Dennen's music has been featured in several television shows, including"Roadtrip Nation" on PBS, Grey's Anatomy, the House episode "Family", The Unit episode "Freefall", and the Scrubs episode "My No Good Reason". In addition to television series, Dennen's music has also been used in national advertising campaigns for companies such as Hilton Hotels.
He has toured extensively across the U.S. with his band (including drummer Randy Schwartz), supporting such musicians as John Mayer and guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. As of fall 2007, he is currently touring with Guster and singer-songwriters Meiko and Joshua James.
Dennen has been a part of The Mosaic Project, San Francisco Bay Area based nonprofit, since its inception. The Mosaic Project works towards a peaceful future by uniting young children of diverse backgrounds, providing them with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly diverse society, and empowering them to strive for peace. As The Mosaic Project's Resident Rock Star, Dennen created an original musical curriculum for the program, which they released as an album called Children's Songs for Peace and a Better World, in 2003. It won a Children's Music Web 2004 Award and a Parent's Choice 2004 Approved Award.
In November, 2007, Dennen was named as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "10 Artists To Watch."
Discography
* Children's Songs for Peace and a Better World (2003)
* Brett Dennen (2004)
* So Much More (2006)
* Hope for the Hopeless (2008)
Smoke and Mirrors
Brett Dennen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're thinking about leaving, yeah,
you're thinking about leaving
You wonder what you're missing
You don't see me, yeah you're looking right through me.
And please, be wise, it's easy to be fooled by your own eyes baby, your eyes
Don't let smoke and mirrors make it crowded,
If you think you're better off without me
Remember what we have before you leave it all behind
Love is blind when it's new-your eyes play tricks on you,
yeah, your heart plays tricks on you.
Soon, your dream gets played out.
Baby it's real now, yeah it's real now, the pain we show,
think about how much it makes me hurt baby, be sure
Don't let smoke and mirrors make it crowded,
The truth you cannot see is hard to find
If you think you're better off without me
remember what we have before you leave it all behind
In Brett Dennen's song Smoke and Mirrors, the singer is speaking to a lover who is contemplating leaving their relationship. The opening lines reveal that the singer is aware of the lover's thoughts, but they are pleading with them not to make a rash decision. The lover is described as not seeing the singer, looking right through them, and only seeing the illusion of smoke and mirrors. The singer warns them to be wise and not to be fooled by what they see, as it is easy to be deceived by one's own eyes.
The chorus emphasizes the need to seek the truth, as it can be challenging to do so amidst the illusionary confusion of smoke and mirrors. The singer pleads with their love not to let this sense of confusion make the decision for them, reminding them that the truth they seek is hard to come by. The second verse echoes this sentiment, as the singer acknowledges that love can be blinding when it's new. They warn their lover that the dream may be over, and the reality of the situation is setting in. The singer expresses their hurt and expresses the urgency of their lover to be sure before they make a decision that could leave them both behind.
Overall, the song is a plea for honesty and for the lover to see through the smoke and mirrors to make a sound decision about their relationship. It describes the pain of love and the deception that can come with it, but also the hope for a clear truth that can guide their way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
I know what you're thinking,
I understand that you are considering leaving me.
You're thinking about leaving, yeah,
You are contemplating ending our relationship.
you're thinking about leaving
You are seriously considering breaking up with me.
You wonder what you're missing
You are questioning if there is something better out there for you.
You don't see me, yeah you're looking right through me.
You are not recognizing my value in your life.
And please, be wise, it's easy to be fooled by your own eyes baby, your eyes
You should not let your perceptions deceive you.
Don't let smoke and mirrors make it crowded,
Don't let illusions cloud your judgment.
The truth you cannot see is hard to find
It can be difficult to recognize reality when it is covered up by appearances.
If you think you're better off without me
If you believe you will be happier without me.
Remember what we have before you leave it all behind
Consider the value of our relationship before you end it.
Love is blind when it's new-your eyes play tricks on you,
In the beginning of a relationship, emotions can distort your perception.
yeah, your heart plays tricks on you.
Your emotions can influence your judgment.
Soon, your dream gets played out.
Eventually reality sets in and you see things objectively.
Baby it's real now, yeah it's real now, the pain we show,
The challenges we face in our relationship are genuine.
think about how much it makes me hurt baby, be sure
Consider how breaking up would affect me before you make a decision.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: BRETT DENNEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
chenesoio eh
This is such a beautiful song. It touches my soul and I really thank you Brett for all the stunning music you make.
shomari180
Real music that will make it watered down and eventual played on the radio. This song is amazing. What music should be!
Allison Gui
Amazing Song! this is what I call MUSIC!
Good Job!
Hugs From Brasil!
Joe Gariano
One of the best tunes from one of today's best singer/songwriters. Impeccable if you ask me.
Melanie Meleekah Villegas
I love this song so much. Every time I listen to it I go deeper into my thoughts and get new insight. Thank you!!!
jim catalfamo
Smoke and mirrors & See The world are 2 Fabulous Albums!!!! there are many artist that can write a good song but an album is a whole different ball game.
Lynda Howard
So much talent. You're amazing!
Kodo Kodo
Amazing unexplored artist for me....
Until now. Thank you for singing what i feel!!
freerider37
I really love this song... true music
Pauline Opemo
Stumbled on this artist when watching Covert Affairs. I love the music!!!