Born in Queens, New York to Swiss German-American Fred Lauper and Sicilian Italian-American Catrine Dominique, she began her career in a cover band, but soon began performing her own songs (though she almost quit singing altogether due to strained vocal chords in 1977). By 1980 she'd released a rockabilly album on Polydor with the band Blue Angel. Despite much critical acclaim, the album "went lead," as Lauper says, and the band split as Lauper filed for bankruptcy.
In 1983 she started dating her manager David Wolff with whom she released She's So Unusual, a worldwide hit album which made Lauper a household name. A mixture of teen-friendly pop-rock and edgier, almost punky sounds, the album's biggest hit, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, quickly established itself as a female anthem. Lauper won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards of 1984 for her work on the album. Lauper was the first female artist to have four consecutive Hot 100 Top 5 hits from one album.
Subsequent albums (such as True Colors, A Night to Remember, Hat Full of Stars) did not sell as well, but Lauper remains active to the present day and still retains a very strong fan base.
Lauper's latest album Memphis Blues was released in June 2011, premiering at #1 on the Billboard Blues Album Chart where it remained for 14 consecutive weeks. The album also reached #26 on the Billboard Top 200, and was later named the Billboard Blues Album of the year, also earning Lauper a Grammy nomination. This brought her total Grammy nominations to 13 with one win.
Lyfe
Cyndi Lauper Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lyfe, it can shake ya, it can make ya
It can bring ya to the brink of lyfe
It can shake ya,it can make ya
It can bring ya to the brink
But I'm learning to time myself
Turn it easy over
Like elevator buttons go on and on
Doors that open and shut without a cause
There's something greater than I dare to know
Look at me, pull the thread on this sweater
And watch it go
Lyfe, it can shake ya, it can make ya
It can bring ya to the brink of lyfe
It can shake ya, it can make ya
The struggle hard and deep
Of what I learn to keep along the way everyday
Little one, I take your hand
And wonder how I'm gonna help ya be a man
And how I'll help ya understand
[Chorus]
Two steps forward, one step back
Cover my mouth, choke
And pull down my hat
Into the seamless hope of an endless drive
Clinging to the rhythm of a lyfe like stride
White washing down trodden people
They're displayed like a grand masquerade
Making us feel better that we are brave
Like letters that fade into dust
Like harmony, kindness and trust
Wisdom eluding me, wise guys using me
Peace, peace in, peace out
That's right, what's it all about?
Huh?
[x4]
Lyfe, it can shake ya, it can make ya
It can bring ya to the brink of lyfe
Along the way
Everyday, lyfe
In the chorus of “Lyfe” by Cyndi Lauper, she acknowledges that life can be unpredictable, transformative and challenging. It can shake someone to their core, bring them to the brink of collapse, but simultaneously it can push them to be better and grow stronger as a result of facing those obstacles. The singer notes that they are learning to time themselves, implying that they are learning how to manage life’s difficulties and not let them control them completely. The lyrics reference the metaphor of an elevator, doors that open and shut without cause, and something greater than the singer is daring to know. These images touch on themes of uncertainty, confusion, and a sense of something beyond our control.
The second verse, however, speaks more to personal responsibility. The singer notes that there are moments where they feel like they are making progress, taking two steps forward, but then they take one step back, covering their mouth and choking. These images continue to highlight the challenges of life but also point towards the idea that sometimes we are our own worst enemy. The singer notes that they are clinging to the rhythm of life, and while others may feel like they have to put on a facade or wear a mask, the singer does not. Instead, she seems to be embracing the impermanence of life and is searching for peace, kindness, and harmony to guide her.
Overall, “Lyfe” by Cyndi Lauper feels like a song about resilience and acceptance when it comes to the challenges that life can bring. It encourages the listener to roll with the punches, tackle setbacks head-on, but also not forget about the beauty that can come out of those struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Lyfe, it can shake ya, it can make ya
Life is unpredictable and can bring challenges that can either break us or make us stronger.
It can bring ya to the brink of lyfe
These challenges can push us to our limits and test our resilience.
But I'm learning to time myself
I am learning to manage my time and pace myself to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Turn it easy over
I am learning to take things slowly and not rush into things.
Put some spice back on the shelf
I am learning to appreciate the simple things in life and not take things for granted.
Like elevator buttons go on and on
Life is a continuous journey with ups and downs.
Doors that open and shut without a cause
Things can happen for no apparent reason and we must learn to accept them.
There's something greater than I dare to know
There is a higher power or purpose that we may not fully understand.
Look at me, pull the thread on this sweater
I am trying to unravel the mysteries of life and find my place in the world.
And watch it go
I am observing and reflecting on my experiences to gain a better understanding of myself.
The struggle hard and deep
Life can be a challenging and difficult journey.
Of what I learn to keep along the way everyday
I am discovering what is truly important in life as I go through my daily experiences.
Little one, I take your hand
I want to guide and support others, especially the younger generation.
And wonder how I'm gonna help ya be a man
I am aware that it is my responsibility to help others grow and develop into responsible adults.
And how I'll help ya understand
I want to be a source of guidance and wisdom for others.
Two steps forward, one step back
Life can be full of setbacks and obstacles.
Cover my mouth, choke
Sometimes the challenges of life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and helpless.
And pull down my hat
I may try to hide my emotions and keep them to myself.
Into the seamless hope of an endless drive
I am embracing a positive outlook on life and striving to achieve my goals.
Clinging to the rhythm of a lyfe like stride
I am finding my own pace and rhythm in life and staying true to myself.
White washing down trodden people
Society may try to cover up or ignore those who are struggling or marginalized.
They're displayed like a grand masquerade
Those who are struggling may be forced to put on a facade and pretend that everything is okay.
Making us feel better that we are brave
We may try to convince ourselves that we are strong enough to handle anything that comes our way.
Like letters that fade into dust
Memories and experiences can fade away over time.
Like harmony, kindness and trust
Positive qualities such as harmony, kindness, and trust can be difficult to maintain in the face of life's challenges.
Wisdom eluding me, wise guys using me
I am struggling to find true wisdom and am wary of those who may try to take advantage of me.
Peace, peace in, peace out
I am striving to find inner peace and to spread peace and positivity to others.
That's right, what's it all about? Huh?
I am reflecting on the meaning and purpose of life and questioning what truly matters.
Lyfe, it can shake ya, it can make ya
Life can be both challenging and rewarding.
It can bring ya to the brink of lyfe
Life's challenges can push us to our limits and test our resilience.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: CYNDI LAUPER, M. GREENE, R. FIFE, S. MERENDINO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Cochran
on Time After Time
Philly's own - Hooter's song
Anonymous
on Time After Time
Time After Time - Lisa Wahlandt - Lyrics
Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick
And think of you
Caught up in circles
Confusion is nothing new
Flashback, warm nights
Almost left behind
Suitcases of memories
Time after
Sometimes you picture me
I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me, I can't hear
What you've said
Then you say, go slow
I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I will be waiting
Time after time
After my picture fades and darkness has
Turned to gray
I’m watching through windows
And you're wondering if I'm okay
Secrets stolen from deep inside
The drum beats out of time
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
Musical Interlude
If you're lost you can look and you will really, really really, really really find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I know that I will be waiting
Time after time
Time after time
Hold on, hold on…..
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time……..
Andra Arija
on He's so Unusual
Yeah ......