Perri grew up in Bensalem, Pennsylvania (a suburb of Philadelphia) with her older brother, Nick Perri, who formerly played guitar with Shinedown, among other artists. She attended Archbishop Ryan High School, and at age 16 taught herself how to play guitar by watching a videotape of Shannon Hoon from the group Blind Melon performing on VH1.
On her 21st birthday, Perri moved to Los Angeles. Later that year she got married and began to produce music videos. She divorced 18 months later and moved back to Philadelphia toward the end of 2009. During this time, she wrote her first song, "Jar of Hearts." She moved back to Los Angeles, where she spent her time waitressing at the Melrose Cafe during the day and recording music at night.
Perri's song "Jar of Hearts" was featured on "So You Think You Can Dance" during the June 30, 2010 broadcast. The song was featured in a performance by Billy Bell and Kathryn McCormick. Perri's friend Keltie Colleen passed the song to show choreographer Stacey Tookey, and later Perri and Colleen watched the performance in the audience. Following its exposure on the show, "Jar of Hearts" sold 48,000 digital copies, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 at #63 and reaching #28 on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs. Within a month, it sold more than 100,000 copies. Then, her music video for "Jar of Hearts" landed on the VH1 top 20 music video countdown.
Shortly after, Perri made her debut on national day time and prime time television, performing the song live on the July 10, 2010 episode of "The Early Show" on CBS as well as the July 15, 2010 episode of "So You Think You Can Dance." Perri signed a deal with Atlantic Records in July 2010. Perri recorded a five-single EP named "The Ocean Way Sessions," recorded live and released in November 2010.
Perri's debut album is titled "Lovestrong" and was released on May 10, 2011. It followed the release of its lead single, "Arms."
stay awake
Christina Perri Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't lie down upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the skies
Stay awake, don't close your eyes
Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow's soft and deep
You're not sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
In Christina Perri's song "Stay Awake," the lyrics convey a sense of desperation and the need to stay alert, both literally and metaphorically. The repeated phrase "Stay awake, don't rest your head" serves as a reminder to the listener to remain vigilant and not succumb to the comforts of sleep. The idea of not lying down upon the bed and not closing the eyes suggests a resistance against letting go and embracing rest.
The mention of the moon drifting in the skies adds to the dreamlike atmosphere of the song. It signifies the passage of time and the contrast between the peacefulness of the night and the urgency to stay awake. The world being fast asleep emphasizes a feeling of isolation, as if the singer is the only one who is awake and aware of their surroundings. The soft and deep pillow symbolizes the temptation to give in to sleep, but the assertion that "You're not sleepy as you seem" suggests that there is an inner restlessness and reluctance to let go.
Overall, "Stay Awake" portrays a struggle to stay present and engaged, to resist the pull of sleep and dreams, and to stay conscious of the realities of life. It captures a sense of anxiety and a desire to remain in control, even when confronted with weariness.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay awake, don't rest your head
Stay alert and vigilant, resist the urge to relax and let go of your worries
Don't lie down upon your bed
Avoid surrendering to comfort and tranquility, stay active and engaged
While the moon drifts in the skies
Even as the serene moon moves through the celestial expanse
Stay awake, don't close your eyes
Remain conscious and present, don't succumb to obliviousness
Though the world is fast asleep
Although the whole world is soundly in slumber
Though your pillow's soft and deep
Despite the comforting allure of your soft and plush pillow
You're not sleepy as you seem
Your appearance of weariness is deceiving, there is more to your wakefulness
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Maintain consciousness, refrain from drifting into a state of reverie
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yousaf
on A Thousand Years, Pt. 2 (Feat. Steve Kazee) - www.SongsLover.pk
Nice song
Lerato
on A Thousand Years
i don't know why but it's like the more i listen to this song it moves something in my heart and it relates to my life somehow and all i can say is that Christina Perri is amazing and i will always love her forever