She started writing songs and music at a young. A former student of the Rotterdam Conservatory, she first gained prominence in 2004, as she triumphed in the Singer/Songwriter category of Holland's number one competition for musical talent, the Grote Prijs van Nederland ('Grand Prize of The Netherlands') with the song If I Ever Knew. In 2006 she also won an Essent Award (a talent award in The Netherlands).
2006 saw the release of her début album Where Do Girls Come From, to good reviews and numerous comparisons to singer/songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones and Carole King.
Charlie Dée toured The Netherlands extensively in support of the album, with a four-piece band consisting of Martijn van Agt (guitars), Chris Grem (bass), Johan Hendrikse (keys) and Joeri Rook (drums).
Love Your Life (2007), Charlie Dée's second album, had more of a live feel. Another tour of The Netherlands followed, included a support-act slot for Joe Cocker. Ten Thousand Times, a track from the Love Your Life album, was released as a single in 2008, but (unlike the album version) the single version is a duet with Huub van der Lubbe, frontman of legendary Dutch (and Dutch-language) rockers De Dijk.
Charlie Dée embarked on a special project in 2008: a very well-received live tribute to the songbook of Joni Mitchell. Charlie and her band toured theatres throughout The Netherlands with this show, of which the A Tribute To Joni Mitchell: Live At Kriterion is a warm registration.
That same summer Dée contributed guest vocals to two songs on a balladeer's album Where Are You, Bambi Woods?. She also accompanied them on their early 2009 club tour.
In 2010 Charlie Dée went into the studio to work on her third studio album (and fourth album in total), a heartfelt 'break-up' album (described by Charlier as "my personal Blood On The Tracks") entitled Husbands And Wives and set for a 03 September 2010 release. The album was preceded by a single from the album: Have It All.
Simple Life
Charlie Dée Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything seems brighter than my faith
Than my faith
Life can be so simple, dear
Feel my kisses blowing in your ear
In your ear
Simple life
Can you be my home sweet home?
When the rain's coming down
And you're black and I'm blue
And all the bands are playing lonesome blues
Oh, you're lifting me up
You're dusting me off
Let everybody listen
How the heartbeat of a kissing
Fills me up
I'm coming home
Simple life
Can you be my home sweet home?
Too-to-de-bee
I wanted a floor
The sun's coming up
You're in the back of my mind
I'm giving it time
When the rain's coming down
And you're black and I'm blue
And all the bands are playing lonesome blues
Oh, you're lifting me up
You're dusting me off
Let everybody listen
How the heartbeat of a kissing
Fills me up
I'mma coming home
Simple life
Can you be my home sweet home?
In "Simple Life," Charlie Dée sings about a desire to live a simpler life. The song begins with Dée questioning her decision to "dress up" for the day, suggesting that the daily routines she engages in don't leave her feeling fulfilled. She struggles with finding her faith and wonders if there's more to life than what she's currently experiencing. However, as the song progresses, she finds solace in the comfort of a loved one, indicated by the lyrics, "Life can be so simple, dear. Feel my kisses blowing in your ear." She hopes to find a home in this simplicity and love.
The chorus, "I am coming home, Simple life. Can you be my home sweet home?" is a plea for the simple life that she longs for to become permanent in her life. She wants to find peace in love and the little things in life. The song's conclusion reinforces this message, as Dée repeats the chorus, stating, "I'm coming home, Simple life. Can you be my home sweet home?" This emotional song shows that sometimes it takes love and a simpler way of living to find true happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Why did I dress up today?
I am questioning why I bothered to make myself look nice today
Everything seems brighter than my faith
I am feeling like everything around me is more vibrant and lively than my own belief in things
Than my faith
I am emphasizing that my current experiences and surroundings are overshadowing my faith
Life can be so simple, dear
I believe that life has the potential to be easily manageable and enjoyable, my dear
Feel my kisses blowing in your ear
I want you to feel the affection and love that I am expressing towards you
In your ear
I am emphasizing the intimacy and closeness of this moment
I am coming home
I am returning to a place that brings me comfort and familiarity
Simple life
I am seeking a life that is straightforward and free from chaos
Can you be my home sweet home?
I am asking if you can be the source of stability and happiness that I need in my life
When the rain's coming down
In times of hardship and struggle
And you're black and I'm blue
When you are feeling low and I am too
And all the bands are playing lonesome blues
In moments that are universally sad and emotionally draining
Oh, you're lifting me up
You are providing me with the emotional support that I need in this moment
You're dusting me off
You are helping me to recover and move forward
Let everybody listen
I want everyone to hear
How the heartbeat of a kissing
The sound of two people deeply in love expressing their physical affection for one another
Fills me up
It brings me happiness and lights up my life
I'm coming home
I am reassuring myself that I am returning to a place of comfort
Too-to-de-bee
I am using a nonsensical phrase to express a feeling of spontaneity and creativity
I wanted a floor
I desired a sense of stability and grounding
The sun's coming up
I am feeling more positive and optimistic about the current moment
You're in the back of my mind
I am constantly thinking of you, even if you are not physically present
I'm giving it time
I am being patient and trusting that things will work themselves out in due time
I'mmma coming home
I am eagerly anticipating my return to a place of comfort and stability
Simple life
I am seeking a life that is straightforward and free from chaos
Can you be my home sweet home?
I am asking if you can be the source of stability and happiness that I need in my life
Contributed by Matthew A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.