Armatrading has mixed eclectic musical styles over decades of recording and performing. She has had several British hit singles, the biggest of which were "Love & Affection", "Me Myself I", and "Drop the Pilot". Her music is generally pop, with forays into rock, folk, jazz, and even reggae. Her popularity is primarily as an album artist.
She gained a new audience following her writing and performing "The Flight of the Wild Geese", which was used during the opening and end titles for the 1978 film The Wild Geese.
Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16 (circa 1966). She only knew her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".[9] She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass and rhythm guitar at local clubs.
Blessed
Joan Armatrading Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Work is dirty
Friends plead poverty
Fame and fortune
Keeps it's own time
So don't wait up
But if you can feel the sun
Life can't be bad
If you've got food to eat
And all your dreams to dream
Life can't be bad
If you can walk away
And fight another day
Life can't be that bad
For all the things that I can do
How could I complain
I've got no broken wings
I've got a heart that sings
And I feel blessed
Joan Armatrading's song "Blessed" is a testament to the difficulties of life, but also to the simple joys that come with it. The verse "Life is hard, Work is dirty, Friends plead poverty, Fame and fortune, Keeps it's own time, So don't wait up" touches on the reality that life is hard, work can be a struggle, and friends may not always be able to help. There's also a recognition that fame and fortune may not come in the way we want them to.
But despite all this, the chorus emphasizes the beauty of the simple things in life, "If you can feel the sun, If you can feel the rain, Life can't be bad, If you've got food to eat, And all your dreams to dream, Life can't be bad, If you can walk away, And fight another day, Life can't be that bad". The lyrics remind us to appreciate the things we do have and to take joy in the mundane moments of life.
In the final verse, Armatrading counts her blessings, recognizing that she has much to be grateful for. "For all the things that I can do, How could I complain, I've got no broken wings, I've got a heart that sings, And I feel blessed". The song is a message of hope, reminding listeners to appreciate the good things in life and to keep going even when things aren't easy.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is hard
Life can present difficult challenges and obstacles to overcome
Work is dirty
Work can be a grueling and unpleasant experience
Friends plead poverty
Friends express their lack of financial resources and struggle to get by
Fame and fortune
The pursuit of popularity and wealth
Keeps it's own time
Success is unpredictable and not always obtained on the expected timeline
So don't wait up
Don't hold out hope for immediate success or rewards
But if you can feel the sun
Finding joy in even the simplest things can greatly improve one's outlook on life
If you can feel the rain
Feeling a connection to nature and the world around you can provide a sense of peace and contentment
Life can't be bad
Being able to appreciate the good things in life can make difficult times more bearable
If you've got food to eat
Having the basic necessities of life such as food can keep one grounded and grateful
And all your dreams to dream
Having hope and a desire to pursue one's goals is a valuable asset
If you can walk away
Being able to move past difficulties and not be held back by them can lead to personal growth
And fight another day
Choosing to not give up and to persevere through adversity
Life can't be that bad
Having a positive outlook and finding satisfaction in life can help combat negative thoughts and feelings
For all the things that I can do
Acknowledging one's abilities and strengths can foster feelings of pride and accomplishment
How could I complain
Having a sense of perspective can prevent one from complaining when they have much to be grateful for
I've got no broken wings
Feeling complete and whole without needing any major repairs or adjustments
I've got a heart that sings
Feeling joy and happiness that fills one's heart with positivity
And I feel blessed
Feeling grateful and appreciative of the good things in life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOAN ANITA BARBARA ARMATRADING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shirleyferrill4361
Covid19 brought me back
04242020
I feel Blessed
Thank you Joan
😷😷❤❤❤
@shirleyferrill1941
Thanksgiving 2022
Thanks Joan
@SolomonB111
One of the most underrated singer-songwriters, ever. She writes and sings like an angel.
@fearnotiamwiththee
Not by us. So many of us wiser older ones. Esp. artistic persons. Adore. And God.💘💘💘
@bennyjazzful
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
From a mad keen 75yo Aussie fan.
@roible
God I love this woman's music!
@fearnotiamwiththee
Last one
@jct19122
It is sad that others like Tracy Chapman have capitalized on JA style
@BahamaWynters
Not really. JA is still writing, singing, producing and thousands more still wait for what she does next. Rather remarkable since your comment here 9 years ago.
@bennyjazzful
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan
Julio,what the fuck is ' JA style ' ????????