Anderson was raised by her paternal grandparents in Houston, Texas during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Her mother was Vicki Anderson, a soul singer who was the featured singer with James Brown during the 1960s and 1970s, and Brown is Anderson's godfather. Anderson briefly married in 1978 and had a son, but the marriage did not last and for most of the 1980s she was living as a single parent in California and attempting to launch her singing career. Her only major success was recording vocals for a song by her step-father Bobby Byrd in 1988, and so in June 1990, she decided to relocate with her son to England to try her luck at starting a career there.
Anderson quickly formed an Acid jazz band with Marc Nelson and Femi Williams called the Young Disciples. The group's only album, Road to Freedom (Talkin' Loud, 1991), was a great success and contained the break-out single Apparently Nothin' (Talkin' Loud, 1992). Anderson received a lot of attention as the lead singer (and keyboardist) of the group, and used her heightened profile to negotiate a new, solo recording contract with Virgin Records in 1992.
1992 saw Anderson record backing vocals for Paul Weller's eponimous solo album, which was the start of a long friendship and working relationship between the two. Weller helped Anderson with her production and songwriting, which led to the release of her first solo work, The Dusky Sapho EP (Circa/Virgin, 1993). Throughout this period, Anderson also continued to supply backing and guest vocals for a wide variety of other artists from Galliano to Bryan Ferry to the first volume of Guru's Jazzmatazz project.
Her first solo album - True Spirit (Circa/Virgin, 1994) - followed, and was a moderate critical and sales success. Anderson cemented her working relationship with Paul Weller by providing backing vocals (with her sister, Pamela) on his legendary Stanley Road (Polygram, 1995) record, and the follow up Heavy Soul (Polygram, 1997). To return the favour he worked with her on her second solo album, Blessed Burden (Circa/Virgin, 1998). The album continued her professional development, but was to be her final one for Virgin.
Following her departure from Virgin, Anderson briefly filled in as lead vocalist for the Brand New Heavies following the departure of their lead singer N'Dea Davenport - ironic, considering both were American singers who found their fame in British Acid jazz groups. Anderson also continued to provide guest and backing vocals for other artists whilst working on her first independently produced album, Alberta's Granddaughter (Dusky Sappho Music, 2002), which was followed by greatist hits album Up To Now: The Best Of (Virgin, 2004).
Following this, Anderson moved to Dome records to release Soul Providence (Dome, 2005), and 2006 is mostly to be spent touring to promote the album.
Burning Bridges
Carleen Anderson Lyrics
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Light at the end of the tunnel, leads us into night
When I got to my station, praying for grace
Fate got impatient and time would not wait
Oh, time would not wait
All my bridges burnin' up ahead
Ain't no use in turnin' around instead
Out of mere desire, each chance I take
Life's just a walk on the wire
Time will not wait
All my bridges burnin' up ahead
Ain't no use in turnin' around instead
I walk the line, through warning signs
But I won't look back, cos I'm takin' steps
And I'm marking tmie
Wading deep in the water, trying to keep still
Every son and daughter, climbin' up life's hill
Out of mere desire, each chance I take
Life's just a walk on the wire
Time will not wait
Oh, time will not wait
Oh, time will not wait
Oh, time will not wait
All my bridges burnin' up ahead
Ain't no use in turnin'around instead
See the bridges burnin'
See the Burnin' Bridges
The song "Burning Bridges" by Carleen Anderson is a powerful and reflective piece about the challenges of life and the need to keep moving forward, even when faced with obstacles. The lyrics describe the journey of the singer, who has faced difficult and seemingly insurmountable obstacles in the past, but has managed to overcome them and continue on her path. The opening lines of the song, "How did I ever get over, mountains so high/Light at the end of the tunnel, leads us into night" set the tone for the rest of the piece, as it speaks to the struggles and uncertainties of life, and the need to keep pushing through them.
As the song progresses, the theme of forward momentum is reiterated with lines such as "Life's just a walk on the wire/Time will not wait" and "I walk the line, through warning signs/But I won't look back, 'cos I'm taking steps/And I'm marking time." These lyrics speak to the idea that life is challenging and uncertain, but that it is important to keep moving forward and taking chances, even in the face of danger or uncertainty.
The chorus of the song, "All my Bridges Burnin' up ahead/Ain't no use in turnin' around instead/See the Bridges Burnin'/See the Burnin' Bridges" reinforces this theme of moving forward, even when the past seems to be in flames. It suggests that there is no use in trying to go back or hold onto what has already been lost, and that the only way forward is to embrace change and take risks.
Overall, "Burning Bridges" is a powerful and inspiring song about the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. It encourages listeners to stay the course, even when the path ahead seems uncertain, and to keep pushing forward towards their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
How did I ever get over, mountains so high
Reflecting on overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Light at the end of the tunnel, leads us into night
Despite seeing a way out of struggles, sometimes things get worse before they get better.
When I got to my station, praying for grace
Seeking divine assistance during difficult times.
Fate got impatient and time would not wait
Despite hoping for a better outcome, sometimes circumstances work against us and time is unforgiving.
All my Bridges Burnin´ up ahead
Acknowledging the consequences of one's choices and actions, leading to irreversible outcomes.
Ain´t no use in turnin´ around instead
Accepting the situation and recognizing that going back is not an option.
Out of mere desire, each chance I take
Having a strong drive to pursue opportunities and take risks, regardless of the outcome.
Life´s just a walk on the wire
Life is unpredictable and can be dangerous, much like walking a tightrope.
Time will not wait
Emphasizing the importance of taking action and making the most of the present moment, as time is fleeting.
I walk the line, through warning signs
Acknowledging the risks and potential consequences of one's choices and actions.
But I won´t look back, cos I´m takin´ steps
Remaining committed to moving forward and making progress, despite challenges and setbacks.
And I´m marking time
Making the most of each moment and creating memories along the way.
Wading deep in the water, trying to keep still
Struggling to maintain composure and remain calm during difficult times.
Every son and daughter, climbin´ up life´s hill
Everyone faces their own uphill battles and struggles in life.
See the Bridges Burnin´
Visualizing the irreversible consequences of one's choices and actions.
See the Burnin´ Bridges
Acknowledging and accepting the outcomes of one's decisions and actions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Carleen Anderson, Paul John Weller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind