When she was sixteen, Cairo entered the Rozentuin Festival competition. Nothing too big but enough to keep the flow going. After winning the first price she searched for more ways to perform. Now she has played at many venues in Amsterdam like Paradiso, Sugar Factory, Badcuyp, Sappho, and Rozentheater.
After a couple op EPs, Cairo launched her debut album "Free Fire" in 2016. The album was recorded in Los Angeles and produced by Bill Lefler, who also worked with Dotan and Laura Jansen.
Holy War
Celine Cairo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't think you know that with you everything changed
you built me a fortress and we called it home
till you changed all the rules and I could not keep up with you
and now we're strangers
we don't speak like we used to
tongue tied, are we losing this holy war
how far till we find love
long lost in the ruins of this holy war
this holy war, this holy war
I sunk into a dark dream of walking out on you
left behind the cold walls and everything I knew
oh in the barren wasteland I could barely breathe
as we watched the night slowly fall on you and me
and now we're strangers
we don't speak like we used to
tongue tied, are we losing this holy war
this holy war
how far till we find love
long lost in the ruins of this holy war
this holy war, this holy war
we don't speak like we used to
tongue tied, are we losing this holy war
this holy war
how far till we find love
long lost in the ruins of this holy war
this holy war, this holy war
The lyrics of Celine Cairo's song "Holy War" explore the emotional journey of a relationship that has deteriorated over time, causing the once strong connection between the two individuals to become strained and distant. The singer reflects on a love that was once a source of stability and comfort, suggesting that it kept them "sane." However, as the dynamics in the relationship shifted and the other person began to change the rules, the singer found themselves struggling to keep up, eventually leading to a sense of alienation and becoming strangers to each other.
The chorus highlights the communication breakdown between the two individuals, as they now struggle to speak as they used to, feeling "tongue tied" and possibly at a loss in what the future holds for their once cherished love. The repeated mention of a "holy war" suggests a conflict or battle within the relationship, with both parties seemingly at odds with each other, creating a sense of tension and strife in their interactions. The quest for love and connection is depicted as being lost amidst the ruins of this internal struggle, emphasizing the emotional toll that the falling apart of the relationship has taken on both individuals.
The imagery of sinking into a "dark dream" of leaving behind the familiar walls and environment symbolizes a sense of loss and despair as the relationship unravels. The mention of a "barren wasteland" and the difficulty in breathing within this desolate emotional landscape further emphasizes the sense of suffocation and isolation experienced by the singer as the relationship crumbles. The night falling on them signifies a sense of darkness and closure, suggesting a bleak future as they become further estranged from each other.
Overall, the lyrics of "Holy War" poignantly capture the complex emotions and struggles that accompany the breakdown of a once strong and loving relationship. The feelings of loss, alienation, and longing for a reconnection are beautifully conveyed through the poignant imagery and evocative language, painting a vivid picture of a relationship that has been consumed by conflict and disconnection. The repeated questioning of how far they are from finding love again underscores the uncertainty and hope for reconciliation, while also acknowledging the harsh reality of the current state of their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I had never known a love that kept me sane
I had never experienced a love that provided me with stability and peace of mind
I don't think you know that with you everything changed
I don't believe you realize how significantly my life shifted when I met you
you built me a fortress and we called it home
You created a sense of security and belonging for us in a metaphorical fortress
till you changed all the rules and I could not keep up with you
Until you altered the dynamics of our relationship, causing me to struggle to adapt
and now we're strangers
And now we no longer have the intimacy and connection we once shared
I sunk into a dark dream of walking out on you
I found myself contemplating leaving you in a troubling and despairing daydream
left behind the cold walls and everything I knew
Abandoning the familiar surroundings and patterns of my life as I considered leaving
oh in the barren wasteland I could barely breathe
In a desolate and empty place, I struggled to find strength to continue
as we watched the night slowly fall on you and me
Together, we observed the darkness and challenges enveloping our relationship
we don't speak like we used to
Our communication has changed from how it was before
tongue tied, are we losing this holy war
Feeling unable to express ourselves freely, are we losing in this sacred battle of love
how far till we find love
How much distance must we traverse before rediscovering love
long lost in the ruins of this holy war
Love has been buried and forgotten amidst the destruction of our once sacred bond
this holy war, this holy war
Emphasizing the ongoing and intense nature of the conflict within our relationship
Lyrics © Cloud9
Written by: CELINE CARMEN CAIRO, ERWIN A M BIE DE, MART JENINGA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Scott Berry
So beautiful! This is the first song I heard her play live and it remains my favorite!
Celine Cairo
Thanks Scott!
Steve Hughes
Lovely imigary and a beautiful performance. Loved it.
Erison S. Lima
Beautiful. Lindo demais.
Anri vanToor
Heerlijk... prachtig klassiek entourage, mooi licht in de video
Junp
Beautiful! Always love these live versions... Thank you for the wonderful music! <3
Celine Cairo
Thank you.. I love making them ♡
Lydie Hal
Prachtig 💖💖💖
Celine Cairo
Dank je wel!
Suh Lobo
Beautiful!!! Music to my ears! I love you so much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍 🇧🇷