Her debut album was See Red (1999), a collection of early demos, was critically-acclaimed for its smart and quirky lyrics. It was nominated for the LA Music Awards Indie Pop Album of the Year in 1999.
The follow-up, 2003's Smash, had a harder, more urgent rock sound. It was also nominated for the LA Music Awards Album of the Year. In 2004 Cindy also received a number of awards: Indie Pop Artist of the Year at the LA Music Awards, Songwriter of the Year at the Just Plain Folks Awards, and Best Female Vocalist from All Access Magazine.
Her third album was Angels and Demons in 2005, followed in 2007 with an album entitled Wobble With the World. After a hiatus of five years, 2012 saw the release of Every Rise and Fall, a much more personal album with a more introspective feel.
Cindy's music has also been featured on a number of movie soundtracks (Sugar and Spice, Here on Earth) and compilation albums (Eclectic Cafe).
The Piano
Cindy Alexander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With story after story just waiting for a friend
It passed three generations 'til it sat in front of me
And said Play me outta here let the ghost go free
So, I closed my eyes and let my fingers glide upon the ivory
And she said
Sing it out for the ones who love you
Play it all for the world around you
Some will get it, some just won't
Let it go cuz you can't contain it
Let the feeling flow right through
You're right where you belong
Sing and I will sing along
Every note was paid for by Grandma's sweat and tears
She'd seen it in the Grinnell storefront window for some years
She worked the extra hours teaching kids the Do Re Mi
So, she could play a lullaby and sing my dad to sleep
So, I close my eyes and listen to the angels in my head
Sing it out for the ones who can't and
Sing it out for the ones who won't
Let your heart go heed a call that
No one hears except your soul
Spread the love cuz you can't contain it
Let the feeling flow right through
You're right where you belong
Sing and I will sing along
I played it for some 20 years as she channeled through the songs
Then I passed it to a child cause was time that she move on
To yet another soul who had the music in her blood
You see God gives us a gift if we listen close enough
So, close your eyes and let your fingers glide upon the ivory
Sing it out for the ones who love you
Sing it out for the ones who don't
Play it all for the world around you
Some will get it some just won't
Let it go cuz you can't contain it
Let the feeling flow right through
you're right where you belong
Sing and I will sing along
Sing it out for the ones who can't and
Sing it out for the ones who don't
Let your heart go heed a call that
No one hears except your soul
Spread the love cuz you can't contain it
Let the feeling flow right through
You're right where you belong
Sing and I will sing along with you
The lyrics of Cindy Alexander's song "The Piano" depict a beautiful and touching narrative that revolves around the significance of an antique upright piano that carries a rich history and emotional depth. The piano is portrayed as a vessel for stories and emotions, having been passed down through generations until it reaches the singer. It is described as having a soul of its own, urging the singer to play and release the emotions trapped within its wooden frame.
The first stanza sets the stage by introducing the piano as an antique upright from Detroit, Michigan, laden with tales and memories waiting to be shared. As the singer plays the piano, it speaks to her, encouraging her to sing and play for those who love her as well as those who may not understand her artistry. It conveys a message of letting go and allowing emotions to flow freely through music, reminding the singer that she is in her element when she sings and plays.
The second stanza delves deeper into the history of the piano, revealing that it was purchased through sacrifices made by the singer's grandmother. The piano carries a legacy of love and dedication, symbolizing the bond between generations and the importance of passing on musical gifts. The singer feels a connection to her ancestors as she plays the piano, channeling their spirits and carrying on the tradition of music-making.
The third stanza reflects on the passage of time and the cyclical nature of passing on the piano to a new generation. The singer acknowledges the divine gift of music and the responsibility to nurture and share it with others. The piano becomes a symbol of legacy and continuity, bridging past, present, and future through the power of music and storytelling.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Piano" convey a message of connection, love, and the transformative power of music. The piano serves as a conduit for emotions and memories, guiding the singer to share her musical gifts with the world. Through the act of singing and playing, the singer finds her place in the universe, offering a poignant reminder of the universal language of music that transcends barriers and speaks to the depths of the soul.
Line by Line Meaning
Got an antique upright from Detroit, Michigan
Received a vintage piano from Detroit, Michigan
With story after story just waiting for a friend
Full of history, waiting for someone to appreciate it
It passed three generations 'til it sat in front of me
Held by three generations before it came to me
And said Play me outta here let the ghost go free
Encouraged me to play it and let the past go
So, I closed my eyes and let my fingers glide upon the ivory
Closed my eyes and played the keys smoothly
Sing it out for the ones who love you
Express your emotions for those who care about you
Sing it out for the ones who don't
Express your emotions even to those who don't understand
Play it all for the world around you
Share your music with everyone around you
Some will get it, some just won't
Some will understand, while others may not
Let it go cuz you can't contain it
Release your emotions through music
Let the feeling flow right through
Let your emotions flow freely
You're right where you belong
You are where you are supposed to be
Sing and I will sing along
I will join you in expressing yourself
Every note was paid for by Grandma's sweat and tears
Each key played means a lot from Grandma's hard work
She'd seen it in the Grinnell storefront window for some years
Grandma saw the piano in the window for years before buying it
She worked the extra hours teaching kids the Do Re Mi
She put in extra effort teaching music to children
So, she could play a lullaby and sing my dad to sleep
To be able to play soothing music for her son
So, I close my eyes and listen to the angels in my head
I listen to the music in my mind with my eyes closed
Spread the love cuz you can't contain it
Share your love through your music
Let the feeling flow right through
Let your emotions come out freely
I played it for some 20 years as she channeled through the songs
Played the piano for 20 years, feeling the music
Then I passed it to a child cause was time that she move on
Passed the piano to a child as it was time to pass it on
To yet another soul who had the music in her blood
To someone with a natural talent for music
You see God gives us a gift if we listen close enough
We receive gifts from God if we pay attention
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Cindy Alexander, Dave Darling
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jolee Holtz
Beautiful song. Made me want to sing along. Love the animations. Your music brings so many feelings in me. All my love to you always 🤗 ❤️
Aaron Bock
The fact that this is all true takes it to a whole other level!
Tommy Adair
This is one of the best songs I have heard in a long while! Beautiful!
Cindy Alexander
Thank you so much, Tommy!
Kacy Swain
Beautifully done!!
Srimi camuk
This song is legendary
Cindy Alexander
Thank you so much!
Donald Gardner
Interesting, creative video. Added bonus: great vocal performance by the lovely young singer.
Cindy Alexander
Thanks so much, Don! XO
Holly Montgomery
Love this story - I had to sell my upright at one point and I know I'll be thinking about that piano until the end. xo