Barlow's first album, Sings, was released in 1998. She has received seven nominations for Canada's Juno Awards with her album Seule ce soir winning for best Jazz Vocal Recording in 2013 and Clear Day winning the same award in 2016. Seule ce soir also won Album of the Year – Jazz Interpretation at the 2013 ADISQ Awards. Barlow was also nominated for the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award at the 2016 Juno Awards.
Barlow was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 National Jazz Awards. She has named as influences Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Stevie Wonder.
Barlow has voiced various characters for animated television series, including Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus in Sailor Moon, Courtney, Laurie and Ellody in the Total Drama series, Chrissy in 6teen, Mrs. Ridgemount in Stoked, Bunny in Almost Naked Animals and Theresa Falcone (MacDougall) in Fugget About It.
Born in Toronto to parents who were professional musicians, Barlow grew up in recording studios and by age seven had begun a career singing television and radio commercials.
She was encouraged by her parents to sing and study several instruments including piano, cello, clarinet, and violin. Barlow studied voice at the Etobicoke School of Arts and music theory and arranging at Humber College.
Barlow's grandfathers were ventriloquist Cy Leonard and actor Bob Homme (who played The Friendly Giant). Her father is award-winning jazz drummer Brian Barlow (aka Brian Leonard). Her mother, Judy Tate, is a composer, arranger and singer. Her uncle was Richard Homme, a Canadian jazz bassist who died 6 May 2011.
Bird of Beauty
Emilie-Claire Barlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Free it to join in fun and plenty recreation
There awaits you a ticket
At "Please Have A Good Time" Station
'Cause what is, is gonna stay
'Til ole Father Time decides to change
Simon says that your mind is requesting furlough
That you've always wanted to know
There's a tour of many places
That you've always wanted to go
And to me that sure sounds best
'Cause it means happiness for you
There is so much in life for you to feel
Unfound in white, red, or yellow pills
A mind excursion can be such a thrill
You please satisfy
Take a chance and ride
The bird of beauty of the sky
The bird of beauty of the sky
Tudo bem voce deve descansar a sua mente
Não faz mal o qu vai acontecer daqui pra frente
Vai cantar a alegria que chegou tão de repente, oooh
Voce coracao assim, ta feliz ja vai cantar carnaval
There is so much in life for you to feel
Unfound in white, red, or yellow pills
A mind excursion can be such a thrill
You please satisfy
Take a chance and ride
The bird of beauty of the sky
The bird of beauty of the sky
The bird of beauty of the sky
The lyrics to Emilie-Claire Barlow's song "Bird of Beauty" convey a message of embracing life's pleasures and seeking happiness through new experiences and self-discovery. The song begins with the singer, represented by the character Simon, encouraging the listener to give their mind a break and indulge in fun and recreation. Simon suggests that there is a ticket awaiting them at the "Please Have A Good Time" Station, implying that there are opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation just waiting to be explored. The lyrics also highlight the idea that life is constantly changing and evolving, as expressed by the line "'Cause what is, is gonna stay 'Til ole Father Time decides to change." This emphasizes the impermanence of circumstances and the need to seize the present moment.
The second verse continues with Simon advising the listener to seek answers to their long-held questions and embark on a journey to places they have always wanted to visit. This reinforces the theme of self-discovery and personal growth, as the singer believes that finding happiness in new experiences and exploration is the best course of action. The lyrics convey a sense of optimism and motivation, encouraging the listener to step outside their comfort zone and pursue a fulfilling life.
Overall, "Bird of Beauty" urges the listener to prioritize their well-being, embrace new adventures, and find joy in the beauty of life. The song champions the idea that happiness lies in self-discovery, exploration, and experiences that cannot be found in material possessions or temporary fixes.
Line by Line Meaning
Simon says that now your mind desires a vacation
Someone named Simon is telling you that your mind is in need of a break from your daily routine and responsibilities
Free it to join in fun and plenty recreation
Allow your mind to relax and engage in enjoyable activities and leisure
There awaits you a ticket at 'Please Have A Good Time' Station
There is an opportunity waiting for you to have a good time and enjoy yourself
'Cause what is, is gonna stay, 'Til ole Father Time decides to change
The current situation will remain as it is until time brings about a change
Simon says that your mind is requesting furlough
Simon is again suggesting that your mind wants a break or time off
Let it find the answers to things, That you've always wanted to know
Allow your mind to explore and discover the answers to the questions you've had for a long time
There's a tour of many places, That you've always wanted to go
There are numerous destinations and experiences that you have always desired to explore
And to me that sure sounds best, 'Cause it means happiness for you
In my opinion, taking this opportunity for exploration and enjoyment is the best choice because it will bring you happiness
There is so much in life for you to feel, Unfound in white, red, or yellow pills
Life offers an abundance of experiences and emotions that cannot be obtained through medication or substances
A mind excursion can be such a thrill
Exploring and expanding your mind can be an exciting and exhilarating adventure
You please satisfy, Take a chance and ride, The bird of beauty of the sky
Indulge yourself and find fulfillment by taking a risk and embracing the opportunities presented by the beautiful and enticing experiences in life
Tudo bem voce deve descansar a sua mente
It's alright, you should rest your mind
Não faz mal o qu vai acontecer daqui pra frente
It doesn't matter what will happen in the future
Vai cantar a alegria que chegou tão de repente, oooh
Sing out the joy that arrived so suddenly
Voce coracao assim, ta feliz ja vai cantar carnaval
Your heart feels this way, you're already happy and ready to celebrate carnival
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Stevie Wonder, Steve Webster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind