”My music is a reflection of my life,” says a matter-of-fact Elisabeth. “Through my work, I want people to know that with a strong self-love, work ethic and fearlessness, anything is possible.” Indeed, It Can Happen To Anyone makes its case for the Berklee School of Music and NYU graduate. It is uplifting and honest but it is also sensuous and passionate and at times seriously sexy, unpredictable and just plain infectious.
Fans of Elisabeth Withers’ Broadway work will be taken aback by the impressive range of her album, which mines everything from R&B, gospel and pop to old school cabaret and rock. Not surprising when you consider Elisabeth loves both Millie Jackson and Sheryl Crow.
The title track finds Elisabeth warning the object of her affection over a funked-up groove with such bold proclamations as, “When you are born until ya grow old, somewhere it’s blowing in the wind. Love don’t care because it comes on, it’s own time!” The church inflected track “Simple Things,” showcases Elisabeth’s deep timbre vocals as she encourages listeners to see the beauty in everyday life. “The World Ain’t Ready” showcases its message of female empowerment over an infectious reggae dancehall rhythm. And on the warm love letter feel of “Heartstrings,” she coos of a love that makes you “want to scream like Tina,” and “shine like the brightest star.”
At first glance, music seemed like an unlikely path for a young and confident Elisabeth. Raised in a middle class, Midwest household, where her mother excelled as a mathematical engineer and her father was a political powerbroker, an interest in anything remotely resembling the arts might have raised eyebrows. Luckily Withers, her sister and two brothers were supported by parents who created a loving environment where individuality was as much a premium as a discipline. At five-years-old, Elisabeth began singing along to her parents’ record collection.
”All of my brothers, including my dad, would laugh at me,” she muses. “Just picture a little me belting out some Natalie Cole or Gladys Knight over dinner, veins popping out of my neck, trying to reach all of these notes” it was too funny. But I remember my mom would get angry and say, “You guys will not laugh at your sister. She’s going to sing!”
Elisabeth saw the meaning of sacrifice first hand as mom placed her professional life on hold to raise the kids while her father worked extra hard to make sure all four kids had everything they needed to excel. By her early teens, performing at talent shows and social engagements had become the norm. The gifted singer saw her exceptional talents garner notice when, in 1993, she received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Four years later, Elisabeth did what virtually every aspiring singer-songwriter has done since the dawn of the jazz age: She set out to conquer New York. By the time she graduated NYU in 2000, Withers had caught the attention of respected producer, arranger and songwriter Tony Moran (Patti Labelle, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross).
A string of studio back-up sessions followed as Elisabeth began to cultivate a reputation as a first-rate vocalist; so much so that Moran recruited her to co-write the dance club classic “Rising” (2002), a track that reached the top 5 on the Billboard charts. Elisabeth Withers was now going under the diva alias Elle Patrice. Another hit single followed “Emotions”, and in 2005 Elisabeth received a call from industry friend and music legend Nick Ashford, who suggested the vocalist audition for the Oprah Winfrey-produced stage adaptation of The Color Purple. She was more than up for the challenge as she won over producers Quincy Jones and Winfrey. Elisabeth’s triumphant run on Broadway soon attracted the interest of record labels. With its rich musical heritage and underlining focus on the art, Blue Note was the perfect home.
“I’ve never been afraid to try anything. I guess that’s why I’ve had a chance to try so many different things,” Elisabeth says of her budding career. “The values that my parents taught me growing up allowed me to go into any situation, from being asked to sing for Paul McCartney to doing “The Color Purple” on Broadway in front of someone as iconic as Oprah and to recording an album for Blue Note, having an album of songs that I actually had the chance to write. It’s been a wild ride and a humbling experience.”
“I hope people will listen to the songs on the album and come away with the feeling that I have, which is why I called the album It Can Happen To Anyone. For that is truly what I believe.”
Dream
Elisabeth Withers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you won't let it go
Afraid they'll laugh about you
You let nobody know
So you keep imagining
That someone you look up to
Will someday
But nobody can dream your dream for you
Nobody can say it won't come true
Even if it seems impossible
With every breath you take you feel
That this is what you were born to do
Laughable, unthinkable
Even if no one believes in you, pull through
'Cause nobody can dream your dream for you
They say it's just a fantasy
Too big for even you
But when you close your eyes
At night the dream comes alive
And you feel invincible
Imagine all your friends
Wishing they could be
Just like you
But nobody can dream a dream for you
Nobody can say it won't come true
Even if it seems impossible
With every breath you take you feel
That this is what you were born to do
Laughable, unthinkable
Even if no one believes in you, pull through
'Cause nobody can dream your dream for you
One day you'll look back
And see how far you've come
Got back up when you'd fallen down
Cried a little when you left your hometown
Wonderin' where you found the strength
To push aside the embarrassment
And to stand tall
Through it all
Ooh, nobody can dream your dream for you
Nobody can say it won't come true
Even if it seems impossible
With every breath you take you feel
That this is what you were born to do
Laughable, unthinkable
Even if no one believes in you, pull through
'Cause nobody can dream your dream for you
Nobody
Mmm, mmm, mmm
Elisabeth Withers's song "Dream" is a powerful anthem about the importance of believing in oneself and holding on to one's dream no matter the circumstances. The song is centered around the message that no one can dream your dream for you, and that no matter how big or seemingly impossible your dream may be, it can become a reality if you believe in yourself and work towards it.
The song opens with the lyric "I know it seems unreachable but you won't let it go", indicating the struggle that many people face in holding onto their dreams amidst doubts and fears. Withers goes on to acknowledge the fear of being ridiculed for one's dreams, and the tendency to keep them hidden from others. However, the chorus repeats the uplifting message that nobody can dream your dream for you and that despite the challenges, with persistence, one can achieve their desires.
The second verse talks about how sometimes our dreams may seem like only a fantasy, too big for us to even fathom. However, Withers encourages us to embrace our dreams even when they appear unreachable. She ends the song by reminding listeners that one day they will look back and see the progression from where they began to where they are, and how by holding on to their dreams, they were able to push through the obstacles.
Overall, "Dream" is an inspiring and empowering song with a message that resonates with many people who have chased their dreams despite seemingly insurmountable barriers.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it seems unreachable
You are aware that your dream may seem impossible.
But you won't let it go
Despite the difficulty, you choose to hold on to your dream.
Afraid they'll laugh about you
You fear being ridiculed or judged for your dream.
You let nobody know
You keep your dream a secret from others.
So you keep imagining
You often visualize yourself achieving your dream.
That someone you look up to
You admire someone who has achieved success in a similar endeavor.
Will someday
You hope that one day you will also achieve your dream.
Be you
You aspire to follow in the footsteps of your role model.
But nobody can dream your dream for you
Your dream is unique, and only you can truly understand and pursue it.
They say it's just a fantasy
Others may dismiss your dream as unrealistic or impractical.
Too big for even you
At times, your dream may seem overwhelming or beyond your capability.
But when you close your eyes
You often visualize yourself achieving your dream.
At night the dream comes alive
Your dream feels more vivid and tangible at night.
And you feel invincible
The pursuit of your dream makes you feel powerful and unstoppable.
They say it's just a fantasy
Others may still doubt the feasibility of your dream.
One day you'll look back
In the future, you may reflect on your journey toward achieving your dream.
And see how far you've come
You will realize the progress you have made in pursuing your dream.
Got back up when you'd fallen down
You have faced setbacks while pursuing your dream, but you have persevered.
Cried a little when you left your hometown
The pursuit of your dream may have required you to leave behind familiar surroundings and loved ones, causing you emotional pain.
Wonderin' where you found the strength
At times, you question how you managed to summon the courage and resilience required to pursue your dream.
To push aside the embarrassment
You may have felt ashamed or embarrassed at times, but you refused to let those feelings deter you from pursuing your dream.
And to stand tall
Despite obstacles and setbacks, you remained resolute and determined in the pursuit of your dream.
Ooh, nobody can dream your dream for you
Your dream is uniquely yours, and it is up to you to pursue it.
Nobody
Ultimately, the pursuit of your dream rests solely on you.
Contributed by Tristan A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.