Ford cites Rhythm and Blues singers Ann Peebles, Roberta Flack, and Donny Hathaway as influences, and this is evident in her debut album. Jenny Charlesworth of The Georgia Straight wrote that a few of the songs "swing with a mellow neo-soul beat enlivened by buttery vocals". Ford also credits her free spirited parents (her father was an American draft dodger who moved to Canada), and being a mother as strong influences on her songwriting.
Obadiah takes its name from Ford's middle name "Obadiah". When she was born, her parents asked her brothers to choose her middle name; they decided to name her after their pet cat Obadiah that had recently run away.
Ford was raised in the Kootenays in Southeastern British Columbia, and Toronto. She currently resides in Vancouver.
Firecracker
Frazey Ford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was a son of a gun, of a gun
I made it happen, down in the school yard
I was a firecracker explodin'
Hallelujah, the sparks flew up to heaven
They saw my smile, I was laughing so hard
Hallelujah, the sparks flew up to heaven
Sometimes there is someone
Someone who knows you
But when you are sad there is no one
But I'm a red bicycle
Rolling and rolling
I'm quick silver, I'm a deal maker
Don't you cross me once
Hallelujah, the sparks flew up to heaven
They saw my smile, I was laughing so hard
Hallelujah, the sparks flew up to heaven
And I left the sober people with their cold hearts
And nothing can hold me
To this earth that don't roll me
And I don't know if I'm dirty or clean
But I was a sailboat
I was a sailor and I was a firecracker explodin'
And oh why do you cry, sister cry?
I been talkin' with the angels, and it's gonna be fine
And hallelujah the sparks flew up to heaven
And I left the sober people with their cold hearts
Frazey Ford's "Firecracker" is a powerful song that conveys the essence of freedom and self-expression. In the first verse, the singer describes herself as a sailboat, a sailor, and a son of a gun, implying that she is not just a mere person, but someone who is free-spirited and adventurous. She goes on to explain how she made things happen down in the schoolyard, and how she was like a firecracker exploding.
The chorus of the song repeats the refrain "Hallelujah, the sparks flew up to heaven" with a tone of celebration as the singer sees the sparks from her explosion fly high up to the sky. She's ecstatic, and her laughter is heard as she left the sober people with their cold hearts.
The second verse is about someone who knows the singer but is never there when she needs him. She is a red bicycle, quicksilver, a deal maker, and sounds like she could outsmart anyone. The chorus follows with the same celebratory tone, the sparks flying up to heaven, and the sober people with their cold hearts left behind.
The last verse continues that the singer feels no connection to the earth that doesn't roll her, and stains, whether dirty or clean, don't matter to her. She finishes reminding her sister not to cry, instead talk to the angels, as everything is going to be alright. The chorus plays, and the song ends on a high note.
Line by Line Meaning
I was a sailboat, I was a sailor
I was a self-controlled person who could determine their direction.
I was a son of a gun, of a gun
I was optimistic, and ready to face challenges head-on.
I made it happen, down in the school yard
I was always determined, and my resolve helped me to succeed in life.
I was a firecracker explodin'
I was a passionate and enthusiastic person, always pushing myself to the limits.
Hallelujah, the sparks flew up to heaven
My success was so great, it was like a sign from the heavens for all to see.
They saw my smile, I was laughing so hard
I was so joyful and happy with my achievements that I couldn't contain my laughter.
And I left the sober people with their cold hearts
I inspired those around me to break free from their mundane lives and embrace their passion and enthusiasm.
Sometimes there is someone
Occasionally there is someone who truly understands you.
Someone who knows you
Someone who understands your needs and wants, and supports you in pursuing them.
But when you are sad there is no one
In moments of sadness, it can feel like nobody understands you.
But I'm a red bicycle
I'm unique and one-of-a-kind, just like a red bicycle.
Rolling and rolling
Continuing to move forward, always pushing towards my goals.
I'm quick silver, I'm a deal maker
I'm adaptable and quick-witted, able to negotiate for what I want.
Don't you cross me once
I'm not one to be taken advantage of, and won't be crossed or disrespected.
And nothing can hold me
My resolve and strength of character are unbreakable, and I won't be held back.
To this earth that don't roll me
I won't be held down by the constraints of society or normalcy.
And I don't know if I'm dirty or clean
I don't care about societal expectations of cleanliness or purity.
But I was a sailboat
My self-determination and control was as strong as a sailboat on the sea.
I was a sailor and I was a firecracker explodin'
As both a sailor and a firecracker, my passion, enthusiasm, and determination were unmatched.
And oh why do you cry, sister cry?
Why do you waste your time crying, when you could be out there living your life to the fullest?
I been talkin' with the angels, and it's gonna be fine
I have faith in a higher power, and know that everything will work out in the end.
Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frazey Ford
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Jefaves
[Verse 1]
I was a sailboat, I was a sailor
I was a son of a gun of a gun
I made it happen, down in the school yard
I was a firecracker explodin'
[Chorus]
Hallelulia, the sparks flew up to heaven
They saw my smile, I was laughing so hard
Hallelulia, the sparks flew up to heaven
And I left the sober people with their cold hearts
[Verse 2]
Sometimes there is someone
Someone who knows you
But when you are sad there is no one
But I'm a red bicycle
Rolling and rolling
I'm a quick silver, I'm a deal maker
Don't you cross me once
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
And nothing can hold me
To this earth that don't roll me
And I don't know if I'm dirty or clean
But I was a sailboat
I was a sailor and I was a firecracker explodin
[Chorus]
[Outro]
And oh why do you cry, sister cry?
I bin talkin with the angels and its gonna be fine
And hallelujah the sparks flew up to heaven
And I left the sober people with their cold hearts
@georgerarmstrong
If more people in the world understood what this beautiful woman is singing about, the world would be a better place. Thank you, Frazey. Regards, G. Armstong
@kathyhollenbach7413
@George Armstrong, love The Be Good Tanyas and Frazey Ford on her own. I've been reading your comments for a while now. You said if anyone knew what this song was about....you seem to know. Would you tell me? I think it might be a song about drugs, about her brother, possibly about his death?
@elainerumboll4292
Extraordinary extraordinary emotion, music and words. Humbled and proud to have discovered someone so unbelievably talented. Thank you for your gift.
@KyleButler82
Pure, raw, beautiful talent....Rarely seen these days. A girl and a guitar making beautiful music that shames the other "talent". A+++++
@Formerlyblind
This song entered my world right after a dear old friend died in a house fire, after a hard fall into addiction. I feel like she's him, telling me his story. Incredible! ❤
@EggNoggDreams
this is what true authentic talent looks like
@alissaclark4089
There just isn't anywhere else to go from here. Her voice and songwriting are pinnacle. I have been and will be playing anything with her angel voice for the whole of my existence!
@davesglass8911
You got that pretty spot on
@mindsigh4
good rhythm, soul
@_MrPink_
The muses go absolutely berserk with this one. This is the sort of work that if you aren't affected by it, you're not human. Absolutely magnificent, so genuine, so compelling. Love, love, love.