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.
Upside Down
Holly Conlan Lyrics
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In Holly Conlan's song "Upside Down," the lyrics convey a sense of determination and resilience in the face of pain and adversity. The opening lines "I'll numb the pain, I'll stop the hunger | I'll bare the stain, and push it under" suggest a willingness to confront and overcome inner struggles. The singer is determined to find ways to escape or suppress the pain, whether it be through distraction or denial. They are willing to lock themselves away, shutting out any external influences that might exacerbate their hardship. The lyrics imply a desire to change their perspective and take the longer, perhaps more difficult path towards healing.
The chorus of the song, "Let's shake it up, turn it around | And let it burn, we'll burn the whole thing down | Let's shake it up, turn it around | And light a fire, and turn the whole thing upside-down | Upside-down," encapsulates the theme of transformation and resilience. There is a recognition that the current state of things is not ideal or pleasant, but the singer is determined to make a change. They want to shake up their circumstances, burn away what is holding them back, and embrace a new perspective. The repetition of "upside-down" reinforces the idea of starting fresh and turning things around.
Overall, "Upside Down" is a song about perseverance and taking control of one's own destiny. It encourages listeners to confront their pain and seek change, even if it means going against the norm or taking a more challenging path.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll numb the pain, I'll stop the hunger
I will suppress the emotional and physical pain, I will satisfy the yearning
I'll bare the stain, and push it under
I will expose the burden and conceal it, pretending it doesn't exist
I'll lock the door, I'll block the light out
I will close off the outside world, shutting out any positivity
I'll change direction, ill take the long route
I will alter my path, deliberately making it longer and more difficult
Lets shake it up, turn it around
Let's disrupt the current state, completely reverse it
and let it burn, we'll burn the whole thing down
And allow everything to ignite and consume, destroying it entirely
and light a fire, and turn the whole thing upside-down
And ignite a flame, flipping the entire situation into chaos and disorder
It isn't nice, it isn't new
It isn't pleasant, it isn't fresh
it isn't pretty, but it's for you
It isn't beautiful, but it's done for your sake
this isn't magic, and there's no price
This isn't a mystical act, and it comes without a cost
we gotta move this, before it dies
We must act swiftly and change this before it fades away
Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP
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