A 2008 release of the Bird EP saw Holly's first national exposure, with the languid piano and soaring cellos of "Winter" and the upbeat smirk of "OK" appearing in hit shows like One Tree Hill, 90210, Drop Dead Diva, Ghost Whisperer, The Ex List, and Privileged. That Summer, "You Are Goodbye" was awarded the coveted iTunes Single of the Week spot-- its heartbreaking lyric and haunting production garnering a slew of new fans. Soon the film world took notice, and Conlan was offered a spot on the soundtrack of Love and Other Impossible Pursuits starring Natalie Portman. Radio play followed in a nod from KCRW (Top Tune - "OK") and her addition to their 2009 pledge-drive giveaway package.
With the support of LA's famed Hotel Cafe, Holly has been lucky to share the stage with a number of notable performers including Sara Bareilles, Colbie Caillat, Katy Perry, and Butch Walker. As part of 2008's Hotel Cafe Tour, she traded sets with the likes of Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko, and Erin McCarley. Plus, her addition of "I'll be Home for Christmas" to their holiday compilation, Winter Songs, rounded out the Sony/Epic release.
2009 saw the independent release of her newest LP, Fascinator. A culmination of more than a year's work, the thirteen song offering retains the piano driven spirit of the Bird EP but delves deeper into instrumentation and arrangement, with lyrics that hypnotize. Produced by Al Sgro (Meiko, Gary Jules) and mixed by Darrel Thorp (Beck, Radiohead), Fascinator's mature realization is proof that Holly Conlan's journey is far from over.
New Song
Holly Conlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you said, "honey, you're just too proud"
But I've got something happening inside me
It's time to let go, turn it up nice and loud
'Cause I'm not who you thought I'd be
Don't waste your precious days for me
Don't slow me down, turn me around
'Cause I've got a lot to do
It doesn't have much to do with you
There's a fire burning down yesterday
But there's an old flame turning your head away
See, you've got something working against you
Call it tomorrow, call it at me all day
'Cause I'm not who you came to see
Don't waste your precious night on me
Don't slow me down, turn me around
'Cause I've got a lot to do
It doesn't have much to do with you
There's a new song I'm gonna sing out loud
It's a new now, you'll never know about
See, I've got something fighting inside me
Take it or leave it, love or believe it
'Cause I don't wanna show
I, I don't wanna show
I don't wanna show
In Holly Conlan's song "New Song", she expresses her desire to break free from the expectations of others and pursue her own passion. The lyrics speak to the internal struggle of wanting to pursue one's dreams despite the doubts and criticism of those around them. The line "But you said, 'honey, you're just too proud'" suggests that someone close to her has discouraged her from pursuing her musical aspirations. However, Holly refuses to let this person hold her back, saying "It's time to let go, turn it up nice and loud." She acknowledges that she is not the person they thought she would be and that they should not waste their time or energy on her. She is determined to move forward and not let anyone or anything slow her down.
The second verse implies that this person may have an ulterior motive, as there is an "old flame turning your head away." Holly sees this person as working against her, but she is not discouraged. She urges them to "call it tomorrow, call it at me all day." Again, her focus is on her own desires and not on pleasing anyone else. The chorus repeats the sentiment that she has "got a lot to do" and it doesn't have much to do with anyone else. Holly is fighting for her own creative expression and independence.
Overall, "New Song" is a declaration of personal freedom and a refusal to be held back by the expectations of others. It's a powerful message of self-determination and following one's dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a new song I wanna sing out loud
I have a new message to share with the world, and I want to express it boldly
But you said, 'honey, you're just too proud'
You have criticized me for being too confident and outspoken
But I've got something happening inside me
I am experiencing a significant change or growth internally
It's time to let go, turn it up nice and loud
It is time for me to release my inhibitions and let my voice be heard loud and clear
'Cause I'm not who you thought I'd be
I have changed or evolved in a way that is unexpected to you
Don't waste your precious days for me
Please do not spend your valuable time trying to change or influence me
Don't slow me down, turn me around
Please do not hinder or obstruct my progress, allow me to move forward as I am
'Cause I've got a lot to do
I have important work or goals that I need to accomplish
It doesn't have much to do with you
My path or mission does not directly involve or concern you
There's a fire burning down yesterday
I am rejecting and leaving behind my past experiences and limiting beliefs
But there's an old flame turning your head away
But you are still preoccupied by a former attachment or relationship
See, you've got something working against you
Your lingering attachment to the past is hindering your ability to support or understand me
Call it tomorrow, call it at me all day
Look towards the future with hope and optimism, and recognize that I am committed to my new direction
'Cause I'm not who you came to see
I may not match the expectations or desires you had for me
Don't waste your precious night on me
Do not spend your time or energy trying to change me, as it will not be fruitful
There's a new song I'm gonna sing out loud
I am excited and determined to express my new message to the world
It's a new now, you'll never know about
My current experience and path is unique and personal, and may not be fully understood by others
See, I've got something fighting inside me
I have a passionate drive or ambition pushing me forward
Take it or leave it, love or believe it
You may choose to accept or reject my new direction, but I am committed to it either way
'Cause I don't wanna show
I am not interested in seeking external validation or approval, and am determined to follow my own path
I, I don't wanna show
I am determined to maintain my own sense of identity and purpose, regardless of others' opinions
Contributed by Juliana T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.