As a child, Charlene practiced instruments such as clarinet, saxophone, classical piano, and violin. She started playing electrical guitar at the age of 14.
Kaye graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in English, in 2009.
Charlene Kaye has achieved success largely via the internet (Kaye is also known to be good friends with people such as Team Starkid and "Glee" star Darren Criss). She opened, and played guitar in the backing band, for Team Starkid on their national tour in November 2011.
Charlene has also done collaborations with Darren Criss, including the songs "Skin and Bones" and "Dress and Tie". The song "Dress and Tie" was also featured in a promo for the NBC series "Chuck".
Charlene is very involved with her fans, and she is near constantly travelling and touring. In the summer of 2011 she launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the album "Animal Love", setting a goal of $20.000, however enthusiastic fans made the net of $33.535.
A number of singles from the album were released, before the official release on May 1st, 2012.
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All the Life Around
Charlene Kaye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kids held sunburned hands into the ocean to cool
And we lapped up those days which seemed forever endless
And counted the ways we imagined we could make it last
So october rolled along and all the trees were changing colors
Squirrels outside my window stuck together like a band of brothers
We stood still, spellbound by nature's prowess
So december came a-knocking like a guest comes rudely uninvited
Icy winter snows prowled and possessed us
Saying: run but you can't hide
Head guarded, made plans while living in the maybe
Held our breath, held hands and hoped the sun would save me
So then april showed her face with bushes bearing sugar, musk and honey
New buds on the branches made me realize that loss is necessary
For new life, new joy, new memories to be made
So we threw up our hands and soaked up all the life around
Charlene Kaye's song "All the Life Around" takes us through the changing seasons of the year, using nature as a metaphor for the ebb and flow of life. The song opens with "July came in its glory and the sun claimed its rule," painting a picture of carefree summer days spent at the beach with friends and loved ones. As the seasons change, so do our experiences, and the lyrics shift to "October rolled along and all the trees were changing colors," marking the transition from summer to fall. The singer's contemplative mood is evident in the line, "We stood still, spellbound by nature's prowess," suggesting that even in the midst of change, there is beauty to be found in the natural world.
As winter brings its icy grip, the mood turns somber. "So December came a-knocking like a guest comes rudely uninvited," setting the stage for a challenging time. The singer acknowledges the difficulty of this season but chooses to focus on making plans for the future, saying "held our breath, held hands, and hoped the sun would save me." After the long winter months, spring arrives, bringing with it the promise of new growth and renewal. The final stanza of the song captures this sentiment perfectly: "So then April showed her face with bushes bearing sugar, musk, and honey, new buds on the branches made me realize that loss is necessary for new life, new joy, new memories to be made. So we threw up our hands and soaked up all the life around."
"All the Life Around" is a thoughtful and introspective song that speaks to the cyclical nature of life. It reminds us that change is inevitable, but also that we can find beauty and hope in the midst of difficult times. Through her lyrics, Charlene Kaye encourages us to embrace the changing seasons and all the life they bring.
Line by Line Meaning
So july came in its glory and the sun claimed its rule
The start of summer was bright and powerful as the sun took its place in the sky.
Kids held sunburned hands into the ocean to cool
Children held hands and went into the ocean to cool off from the hot sun and summer fun.
And we lapped up those days which seemed forever endless
We savored the summer days that seemed like they would last forever.
And counted the ways we imagined we could make it last
We thought of ways to make the summer last as long as possible.
So october rolled along and all the trees were changing colors
Fall arrived in October and the leaves on the trees were changing colors.
Squirrels outside my window stuck together like a band of brothers
I saw squirrels outside my window who were close and working together like a family.
We stood still, spellbound by nature's prowess
We were mesmerized by nature's power and beauty.
Lady fall was quick to swiftly envelope us
The brisk air of fall enveloped us quickly.
So december came a-knocking like a guest comes rudely uninvited
December arrived suddenly and unexpectedly like an unwelcome guest.
Icy winter snows prowled and possessed us
The cold winter snow surrounded and controlled us.
Saying: run but you can't hide
Winter seemed to warn us that we couldn't escape its icy grip.
Head guarded, made plans while living in the maybe
We cautiously made plans for the future uncertain of what may come.
Held our breath, held hands and hoped the sun would save me
We held hands and hoped for the warmth of the sun to return and save us from the cold winter.
So then april showed her face with bushes bearing sugar, musk and honey
April arrived and brought sweet smelling flowers and scents of honey.
New buds on the branches made me realize that loss is necessary
The sight of new buds on the trees made me realize that to make way for new life, old things must pass away.
For new life, new joy, new memories to be made
With the passing of the old, there is opportunity for new life, new joy and new memories to be created.
So we threw up our hands and soaked up all the life around
We embraced the newness of spring and appreciated every moment of life around us.
Contributed by Maya R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.