A member of the Billboard-charting folk supergroup The Wailin’ Jennys, Heather has performed at the top venues, sharing the stage with the world’s most acclaimed pop, classical and jazz acts, including Elvis Costello, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow and the Boston Pops Orchestra. She has been a frequest guest on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, both as a solo performer and as a member of The Jennys. Heather has performed with the renowned contemporary bluegrass band The Wayfaring Strangers and in 2006, recorded an eponymous album with Joy Kills Sorrow, a contemporary stringband from Boston. She also released Tell Me Tonight with the Brooklyn-based collaboration Heather & the Barbarians.
In 2008, Heather released Many Moons, an EP of jazz-inspired folk duets with pianist Jed Wilson. Now releasing her first full-length album, she delivers Bird Song -- her solo debut on Red House Records. Showcasing her luscious alto voice and her superb songwriting, the CD is acoustic pop music at its best -- thoughtful and soulful and sure to be a hit with fans of Norah Jones and Alison Krauss.
Hollywood
Heather Masse Lyrics
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Who and what can you call your own?
What is life? What does it mean?
When greed leads us to take when we don't need?
We live alone surrounded by people
Stuck in our houses fenced in and fit
Can't love look different than Hollywood?
Can't love look different than Hollywood?
Why do we all wear this sad face?
Why can't we live in our own chosen place?
Why can't we open like light on a hill?
Why do we fight and fear our free will?
I'll wear a color if you change your shade
Then we'll be different and all look the same
I'll talk with new words if you change your prayer
Then we'll find heaven and not know we're there
Then we'll find heaven and not know we're there
The song "Hollywood" by Heather Masse is a melancholy reflection on people's search for identity and love in a society that values fame and material possessions above all else. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where people are alone, yet surrounded by others, living in houses that are fenced in and confined. The opening lines, "Who and what is home when you live on the road? / Who and what can you call your own?" express the feeling of rootlessness and a longing for a place to belong.
The second verse highlights a sense of disillusionment with life, as the singer questions the meaning of it all when greed leads people to take more than what they need. The chorus then offers the poignant question, "Can't love look different than Hollywood?" suggesting that true love is not about the grand gestures and superficial displays often associated with the glamour of Hollywood, but rather something simple, genuine and authentic.
The final verse laments the lack of connection between people and their struggle to let go of their fears and open themselves up to others. The last two lines of the song offer a glimmer of hope, as the singer suggests that by embracing diversity and finding common ground, people can create a sense of unity that transcends differences and brings them closer to heaven.
Line by Line Meaning
Who and what is home when you live on the road?
What gives a person a sense of belonging when they are constantly traveling?
Who and what can you call your own?
What possessions or relationships can a person truly claim as their own when their life is in constant flux?
What is life? What does it mean?
What is the definition and purpose of existence?
When greed leads us to take when we don't need?
What drives us to consume more than we require, particularly when it comes at the expense of others?
We live alone surrounded by people
Despite being in close proximity to others, individuals may feel isolated and disconnected from their community.
Stuck in our houses fenced in and fit
Society may condition people to conform and remain complacent within their own self-imposed limitations.
Why can't I love you the way that I want to?
What societal or personal barriers are preventing an individual from expressing their love as they desire?
Can't love look different than Hollywood?
Is there a more authentic and genuine way to express love that is not influenced by superficial cultural ideals and expectations?
Why do we all wear this sad face?
What is causing widespread feelings of unhappiness or dissatisfaction among individuals within society?
Why can't we live in our own chosen place?
What prevents people from living in a location or community that aligns with their personal values and aspirations?
Why can't we open like light on a hill?
Why is it difficult for individuals to be open and transparent in their communication and interactions with others?
Why do we fight and fear our free will?
What motivates people to resist or fear embracing their own individuality and freedom of choice?
I'll wear a color if you change your shade
If others are willing to make a small change or compromise, it may inspire someone to make a similar effort towards mutual cooperation and understanding.
Then we'll be different and all look the same
Through embracing our unique differences, we may ultimately discover the commonalities that bind us together as humans.
I'll talk with new words if you change your prayer
By making an effort to understand and empathize with others, individuals can find common ground and facilitate meaningful communication and connection.
Then we'll find heaven and not know we're there
When we let go of societal expectations and embrace our true selves and connections with others, we may experience a sense of fulfillment and contentment without even realizing it.
Contributed by Juliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.