Combining elements of jazz, pop and funk, this New York City-based group creates a singular sound with memorable melodies and unique, sophisticated harmonies. Fronted by the clear sultry voice of singer songwriter Elizabeth Ziman, they are attracting a buzz from the music press.
Ziman wrote her first song at age six, banging out melodies on an old upright in a Greenwich Village laundry room. A born romantic, Ziman transformed the music of Debussy, molding it to the driving rhythms of the washer and dryer. With Debussy and Bach on her left and the Beatles just to her right, Elizabeth quickly developed a sound all her own. Her “Baroque” pop songs have frequently been compared to those of Rufus Wainright, Fiona Apple and Laura Nyro. Elizabeth received the ASCAP Leiber and Stoller award in 2001 for her song “Like Water is to Sand”. From two years, she toured across the U.S. with soul queen Patti Austin, who kicked off her tour at Lincoln Center in 2003. Ziman has also performed with Enya, singing with her on Regis and Kelly as well as the CBS Morning Show. Comprised of Elizabeth Ziman (vocals, keys), Danny Molad (drums), and Peter Lalish (guitar), Elizabeth and the Catapult came into existence in 2004.
Ziman has performed extensively in New York City and Boston (The Knitting Factory, The Living Room, Rockwood Music Hall, The Cutting Room, The Middle East, T.T. The Bears). They completed their S-T EP and promoted the album on ‘soundcheck’ with John Shaefer(WNYC) in April. They have opened for national headliners like Jessie Harris, Kirk Kirkwood (of Meat Puppets fame), The Wood Brothers (featuring Chris Wood of Medeski, Martin, and Wood), and Amanda Palmer. They were spotlighted in the fall issue of Northeast Performer and the featured Billboard Underground Artist in October 2006.
Hit The Wall
Elizabeth & The Catapult Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I’d rather laugh it off then go and make a mess
Got a whole lotta demons acting up in my head
But I refuse to cut a deal just yet
Oh no, when the world is dragging me down again
Yes I know, yes I know I can turn things around my friends
But I hit the wall again
No more imagining, think I hit the wall again
I don’t know how it started or how it’s gonna end
But I feel it rising, rising, rising
And I got no more money for the penny arcade
It never stopped me from playing
I haven’t found my way across this wild parade
It never stopped me from dreaming
Oh no, when the world is dragging me down again
Yes I know, yes I know I can turn things around my friends
But I hit the wall again
I hit the wall again
No more imagining, I hit the wall again
The lyrics of Elizabeth & The Catapult's song "Hit The Wall" describe the singer's struggles and frustrations as she feels like the world is dragging her down. She acknowledges that there are plenty of reasons to be upset, but instead of dwelling on them, she prefers to laugh them off and avoid making a mess. Despite this, she can feel her demons acting up in her head, and she refuses to make any deals with them just yet. The chorus repeats the phrase "hit the wall again" as the singer expresses a sense of exhaustion and defeat. She feels like she has no more energy left to imagine and dream, and she is uncertain about how her situation will end.
Overall, "Hit The Wall" is a song about the challenges of staying optimistic and hopeful when everything seems to be going wrong. The lyrics suggest that the singer has been struggling for a while and that she has reached a breaking point. However, she maintains a sense of determination and resilience, refusing to give up or give in to her demons.
Line by Line Meaning
I’ve got 500 reasons to get upset
Despite having a plethora of reasons to be upset, I choose not to dwell on them.
But I’d rather laugh it off then go and make a mess
Instead of letting things get to me, I prefer to laugh about them and not make a bigger problem out of it.
Got a whole lotta demons acting up in my head
There are many negative thoughts and emotions haunting me mentally.
But I refuse to cut a deal just yet
I am unwilling to compromise or give up just yet in dealing with my inner demons.
Oh no, when the world is dragging me down again
When I am feeling overwhelmed and burdened by external factors out of my control.
Yes I know, yes I know I can turn things around my friends
I am optimistic that I can change my circumstances and outlook with the help of my friends and own willpower.
But I hit the wall again
Despite my efforts, I have once again encountered an obstacle or reached a breaking point.
No more imagining, think I hit the wall again
I am no longer in denial or fantasizing about my situation, realizing the severity of my current struggle.
I don’t know how it started or how it’s gonna end
I am unsure of how my situation came to be or what the outcome will be.
But I feel it rising, rising, rising
My emotions and stress levels are building up and becoming more intense.
And I got no more money for the penny arcade
I am financially struggling and unable to afford simple pleasures.
It never stopped me from playing
Despite my financial hardship, I still find ways to enjoy life and have fun.
I haven’t found my way across this wild parade
I have not discovered my true path or purpose in life or have suffered through chaotic experiences.
It never stopped me from dreaming
Regardless of my struggles, I still have hope and ambition to achieve my dreams.
Contributed by Sebastian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.