Daniel J. Cartier is a musician and visual artist residing in Nash… Read Full Bio ↴bout:
Daniel J. Cartier is a musician and visual artist residing in Nashville Tennessee.
History:
Daniel got his start in New York City, singing on subway platforms and street corners in the dead of winter. Discovered by Elton John - quite literally while singing for his supper - Daniel was signed to Elton’s label Rocket Records. Daniel’s first disc, “Live From New York: The Subway Sessions” was recorded live on a New York City subway platform, and proceeds were donated to various homeless organizations. Says Daniel, “Many people who fall through the cracks of our society have no other place to rest their heads except the subway. Seeing as I was recording an album in essentially what was their home - I felt it was important to give something back to them.”
Daniel was then paired with legendary producer Fred Maher (10,000 Maniacs, Matthew Sweet, Lou Reed) to record his major label studio debut for Elton’s label. The resulting album, “Avenue A”, was a critical smash, receiving 5-star reviews in various publications and landing on many “best of” lists at the year’s end.
Daniel toured throughout America and Europe and made several television appearances (MTV, VH1, NY1 News, FX) as well as local radio spots in cities throughout the U.S, appeared in numerous magazines (Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Interview, HITS, PAPER, Vogue, Spin, New York Times, Boston Globe, etc.)
Writers have compared him to artists as diverse as Al Green, Cat Stevens, Donovan, Sonic Youth, the late Jeff Buckley, and “a kinder, gentler Prince.” He has also been called “the James Taylor of the Lollapalooza Generation.”
Daniel’s music has been featured on numerous film soundtracks and television shows. His song “Stumbling Home” is featured on a CD for the benefit of ILGHCF, a non-profit human rights campaign fund. Daniel appears on the CD with U2, Throwing Muses, Melissa Ferrick, Indigo Girls, Everything But The Girl, and Billy Bragg among others. His song “She” was featured on the nationally released Rock the Vote CD, PROPAGANDA.
The accompanying “She” video, directed by talented filmmaker Steven Christopher, received the “Visions of U.S. Video Award” from the American Film Institute. In addition, the “She” video received a Silver Award at the WorldFest International Film Festival, and was entered into 200 other international film festivals by the WorldFest Organization.
As an openly gay artist, Daniel has never shied away from speaking out on subjects of equality and justice. At the Twenty Fifth Anniversary of The Stonewall rebellion that marked a turning point in the LGBT fight for acceptance, Daniel received a standing ovation from an estimated half a million people after performing his song, “Pushing Back Life.”
Daniel educated himself on the art of sound engineering and music production, recording CDs for himself and others in the process. His organic approach to songwriting has resulted in a catalog of 800+ songs. When not recording, Daniel spends his time creating gigantic works of installation art, which have been shown in galleries around America. He also began his acting career, landing roles in many films.
His most recent album, “Redemption”, produced by TONY® AWARD winning producer Joe McGinnis (Spring Awakening, Best Musical) and Derek Garten (Parachute Musical, Jewel, Band Of Horses) blends Daniel’s voice with symphonic elements — strings, horns, and woodwinds — that weave through a landscape of thundering guitars, and electronic machinery. Members of the current Lynyrd Skynyrd lineup (Peter Keys), The Wallflowers & Sheryl Crow’s backup band (Fred Eltringham) and The Nashville Symphony appear.
Daniel has hosted countless fundraisers for animal shelters and donates his time and talent to both human- and animal-related charities.
Daniel is currently working on four solo albums spanning four different music genres, as well as accumulating tracks for his collaborative side project Calling Occupants.
Bliss
Daniel J. Cartier Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could you let it fall away?
Would you let the snow fall?
But will you
Will you stay?
Could we
Could we let the sky
The snow could fall
The snow could fall
Would you stay?
This is bliss
Oh
This is bliss today
This kiss
Oh this bliss
Is all I need
All I need this Christmas Day
This Christmas Day
Let the snow fall
Let the snow fall
If you stay
Let the snow fall
Let the snow fall outside and blow away
Let the snow fall
Let the snow fall on Christmas Day
But will you stay?
Will you stay?
Will you stay?
In Daniel J. Cartier's song "Bliss," the lyrics revolve around the idea of finding joy and contentment in the present moment, particularly during the holiday season. The repeated phrase "let the snow fall" can be interpreted symbolically as a metaphor for letting go and allowing things to unfold naturally. It suggests embracing the beauty and purity of the moment, regardless of external circumstances.
The lyrics pose a question: "Could you let it fall away? Would you let the snow fall?" This can be understood as an invitation to release any worries or burdens and instead focus on experiencing the present moment fully. The repetition of the line "Would you stay?" further emphasizes the desire for connection and presence with someone else in this state of bliss. It suggests that being fully present in the moment can be even more fulfilling when shared with a loved one.
The chorus expresses the joy and fulfillment found in this state of bliss. It highlights the simplicity and completeness of this feeling, stating, "This is bliss today, this kiss, oh this bliss, is all I need this Christmas Day." The lyrics suggest that true happiness lies not in material possessions or external circumstances, but in finding contentment within oneself and in connection with others.
Overall, "Bliss" encourages listeners to let go of expectations, embrace the beauty of the present moment, and find joy in simplicity and human connection during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Let the snow fall
Allow yourself to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the snowfall
Could you let it fall away?
Are you willing to let go of any worries or burdens that may dampen your joy?
Would you let the snow fall?
Do you have the courage to embrace the purity and magic of the snow?
But will you
However, are you willing?
Will you stay?
Will you remain present and engaged in this moment of bliss?
Could we
Is it possible for us?
Could we let the sky
Can we allow the natural elements and surroundings to influence our emotions?
Could we let it be lost and grey?
Can we find beauty and joy even in bleak or uncertain circumstances?
The snow could fall
Snow has the potential to bring enchantment and serenity
The snow could fall
The snowfall can inspire a sense of wonder and awe
Would you stay?
Will you remain present and connected, regardless of external conditions?
This is bliss
This moment is a state of pure happiness and contentment
Oh
Expressing a heightened emotional response
This is bliss today
This present moment offers a profound sense of joy and fulfillment
This kiss
This act of affection
Oh this bliss
Oh, this overwhelming happiness and pleasure
Is all I need
Nothing else matters as long as I have this blissful feeling
All I need this Christmas Day
This state of bliss is the only thing I desire on Christmas Day
Let the snow fall
Allow yourself to experience the snowfall
Let the snow fall
Let the snow gently descend from the sky
If you stay
If you choose to remain with me
Let the snow fall
Allow the snow to create a picturesque scene and blow away any negativity
Let the snow fall on Christmas Day
May the snowfall on this special day bring joy and enchantment
But will you stay?
However, are you willing to remain by my side?
Will you stay?
Will you choose to be present and committed?
Will you stay?
Will you continue to be with me?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lorenzo Russo
Incredible track and love the chord progressions, Daniel -- thank you!!
thegaragedancer
It's a really amazing song
#Coffee#Conversation#Carl
Marvelous wall of sound!!!!! Amazing.
joel tutwiler
In the beginning of my recovery from addiction and this song is so hopeful.
seejay67
Dani, this is Amazing. I can’t believe I haven’t heard this until just now. I really miss you and nyc.
Joseph R. Grych
Beautiful!
Chuck Jarvis
I liked the music in the film "Getting Go, the Go Doc Project. First time i remember hearing Daniel J. Cartier.
shane young
finally find this
Chuck Jarvis
Beauty Full!
Stevesummersvideos
In the film Getting Go, the Go Doc Project (2013)