Raised in a musical home – her father was a music teacher – Manning took to the form at a young age. Set to self-produce her first album at the age of 16, she was discovered by Honeymoon Suite keyboardist Ray Coburn at a showcase at Lee's Palace in Toronto; after two live performances for EMI executives, the label signed Manning to a record deal.
Volume 1, her debut album, was released by EMI in Canada and Nettwerk in the United States in 1997. Manning and Coburn produced and performed; other featured musicians included Melanie Doane, Sean Lennon, and Manning's parents, Darlene and David Manning, on clarinet and trumpet respectively. Stephen Drake, of Canadian rock band the Odds, mixed the album.
Her first single and video, "Half the Man," was downcast, mournful and heavily folk-inflected; nonetheless it became a strong hit on Canadian radio and MuchMusic, and the follow-up track, the uptempo pop number "My Addiction", matched or exceeded its success. Manning toured for more than two years, performing on the first season of Lilith Fair and with Radiohead, Lisa Loeb, Spirit of the West, Burton Cummings and others. She was nominated for the 1998 Juno Award for Best New Artist.
Shades, her second album with EMI, was released in late 2002. Recorded in Los Angeles with Red Hot Chili Peppers producer Jim Scott, the album was criticized in some reviews for a production-heavy, adult contemporary sound that took away from Manning's own voice and potential. Other reviews were far more favorable, praising the album's aural ambience and Manning's talent for introspective lyrics. A single and a video were released for the song "Miracle".
After eight years, Manning parted ways with EMI. Her third album, Folkyo, was released on August 22, 2006, and saw Manning write, co-produce and perform. She released the album on her own label, LeParc Records, and even raised funds to finish production by working on an oil and gas camp in Northern British Columbia for the Winter of 2006. Her recent collaborators include Gavin Brown and Danny Michel. Folkyo has received positive reviews, praising the album's musical intricacy and Manning's voice and writing, as well as its complex tones and clever lyrics.
Heather
Dayna Manning Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And Heather is worried he won't show
You will but you wont, you might but you don't
But he will love you for all that you are
And he will love you for all that you're not
And I'll be there 'till he smartens up
Oh Heather, you'll find your way around
Boys are scared of what they don't know
Open your heart dear, show them you glow
You shove it all down, to ward off your frown
But he will love you for all that you are
And he will love you for all that you're not
And I'll be there 'till he smartens up
Oh Heather's the prettiest girl in town, Oh Heather
Oh Heather, you'll find your way around Oh Heather
Oh Heather, prettiest girl I've found
The song "Heather" by Dayna Manning is about a girl named Heather who is worried about being rejected by the person she likes. The song is a message to Heather, that she is more than just her fears and insecurities, and that she should not hide her true self. The lyrics speak to the idea that boys might be scared of what they don't know, and that it is up to Heather to open her heart and show them her glow.
The chorus of the song is a reminder to Heather that she is loved for who she is, and who she is not. The singer of the song, the singer herself, promises to be there for Heather until the person she likes "smarters up".
The song is both a comforting message to a friend and a call to action, encouraging Heather to be confident in herself and her abilities. The lyrics acknowledge the pain that comes with rejection but also focus on the importance of taking risks and being vulnerable in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Heather is sorry she can't go
Heather regrets that she cannot attend
And Heather is worried he won't show
Heather is concerned that he may not appear
You will but you wont, you might but you don't
His intentions are unclear, he's inconsistent
But he will love you for all that you are
He will love you for who you are, flaws and all
And he will love you for all that you're not
He will accept and appreciate what you're not, too
And I'll be there 'till he smartens up
I'll be there for you until he realizes your worth
Oh Heather's the prettiest girl in town, Oh Heather
Heather is well-known for her beauty
Boys are scared of what they don't know
Boys fear the unknown and unfamiliar
Open your heart dear, show them you glow
Be vulnerable and let your inner beauty shine
You shove it all down, to ward off your frown
You suppress your emotions to conceal your sadness
Oh Heather, you'll find your way around
Heather will eventually overcome her obstacles
Oh Heather, prettiest girl I've found
Heather is the most beautiful girl he has ever met
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.