Braden cultivated her craft under mentorships with Dave Barduhn (former arranger for Stan Kenton and director of Mount Hood Community College's renown vocal jazz group Genesis) in Oregon, legendary jazz musician Louise Rose (student of Duke Ellington and Oscar Peterson protege) in Victoria, BC, and New York pianist Misha Piatigorsky. Supporting internationally acclaimed artist Harry Manx, she recorded on multiple award-winning albums and performed for packed houses across Canada. She currently lives in New York City.
Braden's debut album Soul Walk truly showcases the clarity and flexibility of Braden's voice and the intense passion behind that voice.
Producer/composer/pianist for Soul Walk, Misha Piatigorsky testifies, "As a singer, Emily has no boundaries. She gives me goosebumps." Soul Walk is a colorful collection of originals and 'flipped out' jazz standards that also mark Braden's debut as an outstanding bilingual song-writer. With its fervent gospel spirit, jazz heart and superior production, Soul Walk is more than a debut - it's a landmark recording.
Of her life-long passion, she says" "Music is that one thing for me. It alters me chemically, rewrites my reality, enhances and romances me, cleanses and connects me, drugs, heals and soothes me, forgives and accepts me, intensifies and satisfies me. Such a hold it has - and I am lucky to be wrapped up in such a love affair." To see her live is to feel the heat, and you will leave believing.
Braden is a big bad beauty - smokin, smokin hot.
Testify
Emily Braden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waitin' to see what the cat dragged in
If you need a dollar, maybe I got a dime
I'm all yours if what's yours is mine
So lend me your ear, mine's yours to borrow
Let's talk until sorrow comes knockin' tomorrow
Gonna gnaw on the gristle, chew the fat
Gotta get down to where the marrow's at
C'mon, can you hear me callin' you
C'mon, I'm just speakin' my truth
Just a drop in the bucket, that's what they say
But I'm too thirsty to think that way
Rather wade in the water, fill up my cup
I'm gonna down to where the truth wells up
And when it hits your lips, it's like a holy hymn
Two, three sips you wanna learn to swim
Mercy, mercy, so deep and wide
Well it feels so good I gotta testify
Oh my god, I gotta testify
Sounds good mama testify
Oh my god, I gotta testify
Sounds good, mama take us high
Oh my god, I gotta testify
Sounds good, mama light my fire
Oh my god, I gotta testify
Sounds good mama, testify
Just a spoonful of honey, to sweeten the pot
Ain't no use for sugar with the stuff you got
Just a plum in the sun, a roll in the hay
My pleasure is simple, I like it that way
So I sing in the kitchen, shout in the halls
House is full of folks who don't mind at all
Yeh, I got a holla', just as big as a wail
The song I sing'll make you shake your
body like a third rail
In Emily Braden's song Testify, the lyrics tell a story of someone who may be struggling financially, but is willing to lend a helping hand to others in need. The line "Belly is empty, chances are slim" suggests that the person may not have much themselves, but is still willing to help others. The repetition of the phrase "I gotta testify" throughout the song emphasizes the idea of speaking one's truth and sharing experiences with others.
The lyrics also speak to the idea of finding joy in simple pleasures, such as singing in the kitchen or enjoying a spoonful of honey. The line "My pleasure is simple, I like it that way" highlights the importance of appreciating the small things in life. The song encourages listeners to find happiness in what they have and to share that joy with others.
Overall, the lyrics of Testify convey a message of generosity, gratitude, and finding joy in the little things. The use of repetition and vivid imagery helps to emphasize these themes and make the song memorable.
Line by Line Meaning
Belly is empty, chances are slim
I am in a difficult situation where there is a lack of both resources and hope.
Waitin' to see what the cat dragged in
I am waiting idly to see any change or improvement in my situation.
If you need a dollar, maybe I got a dime
If you are in need of help, I will lend you whatever little help I can provide.
I'm all yours if what's yours is mine
I am willing to share and support you in any way, as long as you reciprocate the same way towards me.
So lend me your ear, mine's yours to borrow
Let us connect and share our thoughts and feelings with each other without any inhibitions.
Let's talk until sorrow comes knockin' tomorrow
We will continue to communicate with each other until we find solace and happiness, despite any troubles that may arise in the future.
Gonna gnaw on the gristle, chew the fat
We will delve into the complexities of life and discuss our struggles without holding back.
Gotta get down to where the marrow's at
We must explore the depths of our feelings and emotions where the truth lies.
C'mon, can you hear me callin' you
I am reaching out to you, hoping that you will hear me and understand me.
C'mon, I'm just speakin' my truth
I am simply expressing my honest and genuine feelings, without any pretenses or hidden agendas.
Just a drop in the bucket, that's what they say
People may think that my efforts or contributions are insignificant, but I believe that every little thing counts.
But I'm too thirsty to think that way
I am too determined and motivated to let other people's opinions discourage me or affect my mindset.
Rather wade in the water, fill up my cup
I would rather confront and embrace the challenges of life and emerge stronger from them, than avoid them altogether.
I'm gonna down to where the truth wells up
I will delve into the depths of my being and confront my true self, which may contain harsh truths and difficult emotions.
And when it hits your lips, it's like a holy hymn
When you finally understand and accept the truth, it will bring a sense of relief and fulfillment, like a spiritual revelation.
Two, three sips you wanna learn to swim
Once you start to experience the beauty and richness of life, you will want to immerse yourself completely in it and become a part of it.
Mercy, mercy, so deep and wide
The love and compassion that I feel towards others are boundless and all-encompassing.
Well it feels so good I gotta testify
I feel so grateful and blessed for the love and kindness in my life that I must share my joy and happiness with others.
Just a spoonful of honey, to sweeten the pot
Sometimes, all it takes is a small gesture of kindness and love to make a difference in someone's life.
Ain't no use for sugar with the stuff you got
When you already have love and happiness in your life, material possessions become meaningless and insignificant.
Just a plum in the sun, a roll in the hay
I find pleasure in simple and natural things, without any need for extravagant or complicated pleasures.
My pleasure is simple, I like it that way
I derive my happiness and satisfaction from the simple and genuine things in life, without any need for unnecessary complexity or extravagance.
So I sing in the kitchen, shout in the halls
I express my joy and happiness openly and fearlessly, regardless of where I am or who is around me.
House is full of folks who don't mind at all
The people in my life understand and appreciate my emotions and feelings, and support me wholeheartedly.
Yeh, I got a holla', just as big as a wail
I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, and cannot contain my exuberance and excitement in expressing myself.
The song I sing'll make you shake your
My happiness and joy are contagious and will spread to others in my vicinity, making them feel alive and happy.
Contributed by Kaelyn K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.