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).
masterpiece
Cindy Alexander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please ignore the mess around
I've been meaning to clean it up for quite sometime
Built on rock
I'm just run down
A fixer upper
I just need some sound advise from someone with an open mind
To think creatively of all the possibilities
See the smile of Mona Lisa
Think the leaning Tower of Pisa
Tilt your head and see the way it stands up tall
Find the beauty in graffiti
The right of Spring by I. Stravinsky
Close your eyes and listen to the beauty of it all
Could you be the one to see
The Masterpiece in me.
Lights are broken in the hall
A crack runs down my bedroom wall
But character is priceless now or so they say
It suddenly occurs to me while polishing my personality
To leave some roughness there around the edge
Some things don't fit perfectly
That's just called Reality
See the smile of Mona Lisa
Think the leaning Tower of Pisa
Tilt your head and see the way it stands up tall
Find the beauty in graffiti
The right of Spring by I. Stravinsky
Close your eyes and listen to the beauty of it all
Could you be the one to see
The Masterpiece in me.
I've got a hunch that you could be
The perfect harmony
To my Unfinished Symphony
I've got a hunch that you could be
The perfect harmony
To my Unfinished Symphony
The lyrics in Cindy Alexander's song "Masterpiece" speak to the idea that people may not always appear perfect, but there is something beautiful and unique about everyone. The beginning of the song sets the scene, inviting the listener into the "open house" of the singer's life, which at the time is a bit messy and in need of some cleaning up. However, the overall message of the song is that this "fixer upper" of a person is built on a solid foundation ("built on rock") and has the potential for greatness with creative thinking.
The chorus encourages the listener to see the potential in even the most unexpected places, using vivid examples such as Mona Lisa's smile, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the beauty in graffiti. This sentiment is reinforced in the second verse, where the singer acknowledges the imperfections in her life (lights are broken, a crack in the wall) but emphasizes that these flaws are what make her unique and valuable. The idea of polishing her personality and leaving roughness around the edges gives the listener a sense that the singer is embracing her flaws and using them as part of her journey towards becoming a masterpiece.
The repeated phrase "could you be the one to see the masterpiece in me" serves to tie the song together thematically, emphasizing that it takes a compassionate and open-minded person to see the potential and beauty in someone who may not seem initially impressive. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer is still seeking the perfect person to bring out the best in her - the "perfect harmony" to her "unfinished symphony."
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to my open house
Welcome to my vulnerable side that is open for anyone to see.
Please ignore the mess around
Please do not judge me based on what is broken, unglamorous or unfinished around me.
I've been meaning to clean it up for quite sometime
I have been wanting to fix my flaws and mistakes but I can’t seem to manage it.
Built on rock
I have a strong foundation that has the potential to provide stability.
I'm just run down
I am exhausted from tirelessly trying to keep up with being perfect and sometimes feel like giving up.
A fixer upper
I need some help, support, and guidance in order to improve.
I just need some sound advise from someone with an open mind
I need someone to provide me with constructive feedback, from a positive and impartial place, to help me grow.
To think creatively of all the possibilities
To think outside the box, and not simply rely on the conventional thoughts and approaches, in order to find new solutions.
See the smile of Mona Lisa
An example of a hidden beauty and meaning that can only be discovered when truly observed.
Think the leaning Tower of Pisa
An example of an architectural flaw that creates a unique and memorable characteristic, rather than being seen as a failure.
Tilt your head and see the way it stands up tall
Sometimes, changing your perspective can alter how you view a situation, and you can see that something might be strong and impressive, despite not appearing that way at first glance.
Find the beauty in graffiti
Seeing past the surface-level meaning of something and finding value in the creative expression within.
The right of Spring by I. Stravinsky
An unconventional and groundbreaking classical music piece that broke conventions and challenged the status quo to create something beautiful.
Close your eyes and listen to the beauty of it all
Sometimes, distancing yourself from the visual and focusing on other senses, such as hearing or touch, can reveal more beauty than we initially realized.
Could you be the one to see
I hope that someone will be able to see what I am truly capable of beneath the flaws, and appreciate me for who I really am.
The Masterpiece in me.
The potential for greatness that lies within, waiting to be discovered and cultivated.
Lights are broken in the hall
There are some aspects of my life that are not perfect and may even be broken or need fixing.
A crack runs down my bedroom wall
There are areas of my life that need repair, but the process of repairing can reveal more character and personality.
But character is priceless now or so they say
Although superficial beauty and perfection may be desirable, true character is something that is invaluable and cannot be bought or created through outside efforts alone.
It suddenly occurs to me while polishing my personality
Reflecting on oneself and actively making positive changes can boost self-esteem and reveal areas of strength within that were previously unrealized.
To leave some roughness there around the edge
Perfection is not realistic nor necessary, and it is important to maintain some of the roughness or flaws in order to remain authentic.
Some things don't fit perfectly
Life is not always perfect nor does it always go as planned; it is important to develop resilience and adaptability in order to navigate challenges.
That's just called Reality
This is the nature of life and accepting the inevitable imperfect nature of life is necessary for growth and personal development.
I've got a hunch that you could be
I believe that you may possess the qualities necessary to help provide me with guidance and support that I need in order to realize my full potential.
The perfect harmony
Our partnership may be the perfect way to create something beautiful and impactful together.
To my Unfinished Symphony
I see myself as a work-in-progress, and hopefully, our partnership will help me complete the piece and achieve my goals.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Cindy Alexander, Dennis Joseph Matkosky
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind