Known as the artist who "bridged the gap," Warwick's soulful blend of pop, gospel and R&B music transcended racial, cultural, national, and musical boundaries.
Throughout the 1980's and 1990's, Warwick collaborated with many of her musical peers, including Johnny Mathis, Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osbourne, Kashif and Stevie Wonder. Warwick was also host of the hit television music show, "Solid Gold." In addition, she recorded several theme songs, including "Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams," for the popular television series "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," and "The Love Boat," for the hit series from Aaron Spelling. More recently, Warwick recorded her first Christmas album entitled "My Favorite Time of the Year" featured jazzy interpretations of many holiday classics. In 2007, Rhino Records re-released the CD with new cover art, a critically acclaimed Gospel album, "Why We Sing," for Rhino/Warner Records, and a new jazz album, "Only Trust Your Heart," a collection of standards, celebrating the music of legendary composer Sammy Cahn for Sony Red/MPCA Records.
Dionne Warwick has won 5 Grammy Awards during her music career:
• 1969: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"
• 1971: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again"
• 1979: "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance" for the single, "Déjà Vu"
• 1979: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "I'll Never Love This Way Again"
• 1986: "Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal" for the single, "That's What Friends Are For"
Dionne Warwick was born in a musical family of which numerous superstars arose.
Warwick's sister Dee Dee Warwick had a successful singing career, Warwick's aunt is gospel singer Cissy Houston, and one of Warwick's cousins is Whitney Houston.
Fragile
Dionne Warwick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drying in the color of the evening sun
Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away
But something in our minds will always stay
Perhaps this final act was meant
To clinch a lifetime's argument
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
For all those born beneath an angry star
Lest we forget how fragile we are
On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star
Like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star
Like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
How fragile we are
Dionne Warwick's song "Fragile" speaks poignantly about the idea of the fragility of human life and the tragic nature of violence. The opening lines "If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one/Drying in the color of the evening sun/Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away/But something in our minds will always stay" speak of the inevitability of violence and its indelible impact on the mind. The subsequent lines "Perhaps this final act was meant/To clinch a lifetime's argument/That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could" suggests that the violence is the final culmination of an ongoing argument, but it is futile as violence begets violence and it does not provide a solution.
The refrain "On and on the rain will fall/Like tears from a star/How fragile we are/How fragile we are" reflects the idea that life is fleeting and it can end abruptly - whether it is due to violence or the natural process of aging. The rain is a metaphor for the tears that are shed when someone dies, and it is said to be falling "like tears from a star" to emphasise the ethereal and mysterious quality of life. The line "For all those born beneath an angry star/Lest we forget how fragile we are" reminds us that we are all human beings and that we are all susceptible to the fragility of life.
In summary, the lyrics of Dionne Warwick's "Fragile" is a poignant reflection on the fragility of life and the futility of violence. The song highlights the idea that violence can never provide a solution and that it leaves an indelible impact on the mind. The refrain, "On and on the rain will fall/Like tears from a star/How fragile we are/How fragile we are" underscores the idea that life is fleeting and can end abruptly.
Line by Line Meaning
If blood will flow when flesh and steel are one
When violence occurs, it leads to physical harm.
Drying in the color of the evening sun
The bloodshed will leave a lasting mark.
Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away
Over time, wounds may heal and physical traces may disappear.
But something in our minds will always stay
The emotional damage caused by violence will leave a lasting impact.
Perhaps this final act was meant
This final act of violence may be a result of something beyond our control.
To clinch a lifetime's argument
The act of violence may serve as a final point of contention in a long-standing disagreement.
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
Violence has never and will never bring about a positive outcome.
For all those born beneath an angry star
Those who face hardship at birth and throughout their lives.
Lest we forget how fragile we are
We must remember our vulnerability and lack of invincibility.
On and on the rain will fall
The rain serves as a metaphor for the continuous cycle of harm caused by violence.
Like tears from a star
Like tears falling from the sky.
On and on the rain will say
The continuous rain symbolizes the constant reminder of our fragility.
How fragile we are
Our vulnerability is a permanent part of our existence.
How fragile we are
Our vulnerability is a permanent part of our existence.
How fragile we are
Our vulnerability is a permanent part of our existence.
How fragile we are
Our vulnerability is a permanent part of our existence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Gordon Sumner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aline Dowd
on I Cry Alone
Brings back oh so many memories.