She cites Dolly Parton, Madonna, Cher, and Barbra Streisand as some of her influences among others. Rossum offers that, "I was inspired to cut this album because I'm so frustrated listening to the radio these days. There is so little emotional honesty.” Her own songs are reflective of her inner thoughts, often about relationships and “getting hurt, wanting the other person back, not wanting to be the first person to go back.”
She joined Counting Crows, Augustana, and Michael Franti & Spearhead as a "special guest" for select performances of the "Traveling Circus and Medicine Show" tour in the summer of 2009. In 2010, Rossum sang a song called "Cruel One" on singer Alex Band's debut solo album We've All Been There. On the track she sings with Band and Chantal Kreviazuk. The song is available on the album's deluxe edition.
In November 2012, Rossum announced that her second album would be released on Warner Bros.. Sentimental Journey was released on January 29, 2013. Unlike Inside Out on which Rossum wrote the songs herself, Sentimental Journey is a collection of covers of classic songs that span the ‘20s to the ‘60s. Rossum selected these songs because "Classics, jazz, and standards really infused my childhood and so it felt quite natural to finally make this record.” Rossum designed the album as a musical calendar that takes the listener through an emotional journey over all the months of a year - “Each song needed to either lyrically or emotionally reflect the corresponding month.” Sentimental Journey peaked at 92 on the U.S. Charts. It also hit number one on the US Billboard Charts Top Jazz Albums.
Rossum does not consider herself an opera singer, but she has described herself as a light lyric soprano, though she admits her voice is still developing.
She currently stars on the Showtime dramedy Shameless, as Fiona Gallagher.
Barbara Allen
Emmy Rossum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sweet William on his death bed lay for the love of Barbary Allen
He sent his severant to the town, he sent him to her dwelling
Sayin' Master's sick and very sick and for your sake he's dying
The lyrics to Emmy Rossum's song "Barbara Allen" are a classic example of a ballad. The tale recounts the story of Sweet William, who is near death because of his unrequited love for Barbara Allen. Sweet William's servant goes to Barbara Allen's house to let her know that her lover is dying because of her. However, Barbara Allen is cold-hearted and dismissive, telling the servant that she does not care about William and that he can die for all she cares. William dies shortly after this encounter, and Barbara Allen realizes the depth of her love for William, which is now too late.
The lyrics beautifully exemplify the heartbreak and the pain of unrequited love, along with the regret of not realizing the importance of someone until it's too late. The lyrics are simple but have a depth that touches the soul of those who have experienced the pain of love in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Twas in the merry month of May, when all gay flowers were bloomin'
It was during the pleasant month of May, when colorful flowers were flourishing.
Sweet William on his death bed lay for the love of Barbary Allen
William was now lying on his deathbed due to his love for Barbara Allen.
He sent his servant to the town, he sent him to her dwelling
He dispatched his servant to town and ordered him to go to her house.
Sayin' Master's sick and very sick and for your sake he's dying
He informed her that Master was gravely ill and on the verge of death for the sake of her love.
Contributed by Joshua B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@morganmay1
Speaking as a 55 year old, native from the hills of Appalachia. I first heard Barbara Allen as a young child, sung by my paternal grandmother who died in her nineties as well as my maternal grandfather "Nimrod Workman" who was a well known Appalachian Singer/Storyteller, who passed away in his 99 th year.
@giacoleman7390
Wow! That's awesome! 💖
@dkewlguy
Honestly when she said “granny give it to me” makes so much sense. I’ve recently been learning to speak Irish and that’s how you would say it. In Irish you don’t say “do you speak Irish” you say “do you have Irish?”
It’s live a giving and receiving thing when you pass an idea/song with someone else. It really is a beautiful language
@mtstate1
I wish she would do a full version of the song. It has to be my favorite make of it. The song is Barbara Allen for those of you that have asked. Or 'Barbie Allen' depending on what part of the area you are in. As for her accent, as a person from WV and having family and friends in the back areas of VA and TN. She nailed the accent. I was actually blown away when I found out what she really sounded like. For the ones of you that said you worked with her on this movie, please suggest she record this in the full version.
@rustyshackleford9027
Barbry Ellen here in upper ky
@stephaniejunkins9674
As much as I loooove Emmy, I feel she didnt nail the accent.😬🤷🏻♀️Sounds very forced & overly dramatic to me.Even as a kid, I knew it was not the way she spoke. Js
@dwightschrute4560
@Stephanie Junkins I disagree
@kenlavinlol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbuVYTNotZg
@seadawg93
I love it, I wish she had sung the whole song. I have the Songcatcher soundtrack and they have this track, but it's only 43 seconds long and then it goes to a different version by Emmylou Harris. That version is fine, but this is the one I really like.
@baritonebynight
This is the best she's ever sounded.