Heidi signed to 4AD, and initially appeared on the Blood album by This Mortal Coil, lending her vocals to the track Til I Gain Control Again. She also had three solo albums released via 4AD; Love (1991), Heidi Berry (1993) and Miracle (1996). A compilation of her works, Pomegranate (2001), is also available. Pomegranate contains tracks from Heidi's Creation and 4AD releases.
Heidi Berry is the owner of one of the most emotive voices to ever record, and her songwriting has her ranking up there with Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, John Martyn and the miniscule few others who share her mastery of this art. The fact that she is not far more successful than she is can come as a bit of a shock after listening to just one of her many songs. If ever a singer deserves wider acclaim during their lifetime, it is Heidi.
Gloria
Heidi Berry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For today, all the offers I would make I'll withdraw
As I stand and I'll watch
As they burrow their way into the ground
When my words have become just a bark or a bay
A meaningless sound
They could sing Gloria
Gloria
I am
And onto every face a little rain will fall
To trickle through and bathe their empty eyes
Are they not yet aware, would they care if they knew
That they have the power
No they don't move an inch, no they don't raise a hand
To seize their hour
They could sing Gloria
Oh that I am
Gloria
I am
The song Gloria by Heidi Berry is a poignant and haunting exploration of the human condition. The first stanza speaks to the frustration and exhaustion that comes with trying to communicate with people who are not receptive to what we have to say. The singer has reached the end of their rope and can do nothing but watch as others go about their business, oblivious to the deeper meaning behind their actions. The second stanza takes a broader view, commenting on the tendency of people to be passive and complacent in the face of injustice. The singer asks whether or not others could "sing Gloria," acknowledging that there is power in joining together and standing up for what is right.
Overall, the tone of the song is melancholy yet hopeful. It is a call to action for those who are willing to listen, a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference in the world. The repetition of the phrase "I am Gloria" is a way of affirming one's own identity and power, a reminder that we are all capable of greatness if we are willing to step up and speak out.
Line by Line Meaning
It's taken all my strength away this time
This situation has completely exhausted me
For today, all the offers I would make I'll withdraw
I have decided not to offer any help or support today
As I stand and I'll watch
I am simply observing without taking any action
As they burrow their way into the ground
They are burying themselves deeper into their problems
When my words have become just a bark or a bay
My words have lost their meaning and are ineffective
A meaningless sound
My words have no impact or significance
They could sing Gloria
They have the potential to experience joy and success
Oh that I am
I am capable of achieving success and happiness as well
And onto every face a little rain will fall
Everyone will experience some difficulties in life
To trickle through and bathe their empty eyes
These difficulties will eventually impact their emotions and feelings
Are they not yet aware, would they care if they knew
Do they not realize the situation they are in, and would they make changes if they did?
That they have the power
They have the ability to change their circumstances
No they don't move an inch, no they don't raise a hand
Despite having the power, they are not taking action to change their situation
To seize their hour
To take advantage of their opportunity to improve their circumstances
Gloria
A moment of triumph or joy
I am
I am capable of achieving this moment of triumph or joy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Mute Song Limited
Written by: BERRY, MAYE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind