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.
Sparkle
Holly Conlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Elbows scrapped up,
Head is sore,
I don't think I got the sparkle you are looking for.
I don't know where I am going.
I lost my way, I lost the heart,
I don't think I got the patience to play this part.
I don't know how to follow,
I asleep at the wheel now,
I don't know why I am here,
But I'll keep running around 'till you see me.
All dressed up the night is waiting,
But I can't see to find my feet,
I could finish all your stories, we'd never be complete.
I don't know how to follow,
But I don't think I should steer.
I am asleep at the wheel now,
I don't know why I am here.
But I'll keep running around 'till you see me.
All of the calls are wasted, all of the calls have dulled,
I have got too many pieces wasting away,
Getting cold.
I don't know how to follow,
But I don't think I should steer.
I am asleep at the wheel now,
I don't know why I am here.
But I'll keep running around
But I'll keep running around
I'll keep running around 'till you see me.
The lyrics of Holly Conlan's song "Sparkle" convey a sense of confusion and disorientation. The singer is lost and unsure of themselves. They feel like they are not meeting the expectations of someone else who is looking for "sparkle." The singer is physically and emotionally hurt, evidenced by the "scuffed up" shoes and "scrapped up" elbows. They are tired of "running around," trying to please this person.
The singer doesn't know where they are going or how to follow, and they don't think they should take control of the situation. They are "asleep at the wheel" and don't know why they are even there. The image of being asleep at the wheel suggests that the singer is in danger, and that they are not taking responsibility for their own life. The second verse reinforces this feeling of being lost and incomplete. The singer can't seem to get their footing, and they feel like they are not living up to their potential. All of their efforts are futile, and they are wasting away.
Despite all of this, the singer is still trying to be seen, to be recognized by someone. They are running around, trying to find their place in the world. The repeated line "I'll keep running around 'till you see me" is poignant and powerful. It speaks to the human desire for validation and acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
Shoes scuffed up at the edges,
My shoes are old and worn out, showing signs of rough usage.
Elbows scrapped up,
My elbows are bruised, indicating that I've been through rough situations.
Head is sore,
I have faced challenges that have left me mentally exhausted and stressed out.
I don't think I got the sparkle you are looking for.
I am not able to meet your high expectations or fulfill your desires.
I don't know where I am going.
I am lost and without direction in life.
I lost my way, I lost the heart,
I am feeling lost, hopeless and without a sense of purpose.
I don't think I got the patience to play this part.
I do not have the endurance to fulfill what is expected of me.
I don't know how to follow,
I am uncertain on how to continue or which path to take.
I don't think I should steer.
I am not capable of leading or directing my life at the moment.
I asleep at the wheel now,
I am not in control of my own life and am just going through the motions.
I don't know why I am here,
I am feeling lost and without purpose in life.
But I'll keep running around 'till you see me.
I will continue to search for purpose and direction, hoping that others will notice and acknowledge me.
All dressed up the night is waiting,
I am prepared and ready to face challenges, but I don't know what those challenges may be.
But I can't see to find my feet,
I do not have a clear vision or understanding of my situation or where I am headed.
I could finish all your stories, we'd never be complete.
I am capable of fulfilling other people's expectations, but that doesnt fulfill me or give me purpose.
All of the calls are wasted, all of the calls have dulled,
I have received many opportunities to succeed, but I have lost interest and am not motivated anymore.
I have got too many pieces wasting away, getting cold.
I have plenty of potential and ability, but I am not putting them to good use.
But I'll keep running around
I will keep searching for my true purpose and my place in life.
I'll keep running around 'till you see me.
I will keep trying to fulfill others' expectations and seeking validation until I find my own true purpose and direction in life.
Contributed by Tristan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.