From her third album Swept, the beautiful ballad “Love Moves In Mysterious Ways” (penned by the stellar song writing team Dean Pitchford and Tom Snow) was featured as the end title in the Demi Moore movie, The Butchers Wife, and went Top 20 in the UK and reached the #1 spot in the Philippines.
In 2009, Julia self released her tenth record China Blue on Little Boo Records, exclusively available through CD Baby. This jazz record is comprised of original songs written by Julia and produced and arranged by the wonderfully talented multi-instrumentalist Grant Mitchell.
As there are so many jazz “standards” records – Julia longed to release an album of original songs. However, when she played some gigs, jazz songs were added to the set, including a version of Michael McDonald’s hit “I keep Forgettin.” Rearranged and produced for this record by Jon Gilutin (Linda Ronstadt), she was thrilled when the co-producer of this song Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Michael McDonald) played the track to Michael. Having always been a huge fan, Julia was delighted when immediately after hearing her rendition of his song, Michael added his remarkable voice to the track, blessing it with his rare and distinctive vocal sound.
After a long and illustrious career, selling millions of records worldwide on Virgin Records and three releases on Vanguard Records, including a live CD and accompanying DVD, That’s Live was recorded and filmed at the House of Blues in Hollywood and released in 2005. Produced by Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Madeline Peyroux), it included an all star band and featured a stunning duet on the song “Concrete Love” with Grammy Award winning artist India.Arie and trumpet player/composer (“Crash”) Mark Isham.
Also, available exclusively from iTunes, The Baby Love EP, an exquisite collection of songs that Julia wrote for her daughter Marley Rose.
Currently Julia is in the studio with actor/comedian and classically trained pianist Paul Reiser collaborating on a record of original songs which is expected to be released in the Fall.
Girlfriend
Julia Fordham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please just hold me while I do
Soothe me with your silence
And just cradle me to you
Don't push me for my reasons
Or expect me to explain
How can I in five minutes shift
A lifetime's hidden pain
Don't tell your girlfriend about me
'cause your girlfriend won't like girls like me
Don't tell your girlfriend about me
If you just hold me...hold me...hold me
I went to see a psychic and
I paid for good advice
He said "Forget a romance
'Til you've sorted out your life."
Be your own mother and your father
And your sister and brother
And even try to crack the art
Of being your own lover...
Don't tell your girlfriend about me
'cause your girlfriend won't like girls like me
Don't tell your girlfriend about me
If you just hold me...hold me...hold me
In my darkest hour you'd be mine
These wildest dreams
Are no crime or are they, Girlfriend?
Coming from a place of need
Not one of abundance
You see he told me, Girlfriend
Don't tell me to stop crying
Please just hold me while I do
Soothe me with your silence
And just cradle me to you
Don't push me for my reasons
Or expect me to explain
How come I say I'm happy
To be on my own again?
don't tell your girlfriend about me
'cause your girlfriend won't like girls like me
don't tell your girlfriend about me
'cause your girlfriend won't like girls like me
You don't have to tell your girlfriend about me
If you just hold me...hold me...hold me
The song Girlfriend by Julia Fordham is about a woman who is struggling to deal with her hidden pain, and she turns to a man for comfort, not to start a romantic relationship but to hold her while she cries. She asks him not to tell his girlfriend about her and not to push her to explain her reasons for feeling that way. She also talks about seeing a psychic who advised her to focus on sorting out her life instead of seeking romance.
The lyrics bring out the emotions of someone who is going through a tough time and needs someone to be with them in silence, to cradle them and soothe them. However, she is aware of the social stigma that comes with seeking comfort from someone who is not your partner, which is why she asks him not to tell his girlfriend about her. She questions the concept of relationships, the need for a partner, and the idea of being your own lover.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tell me to stop crying
Please don't instruct me to end my tears
Please just hold me while I do
Oppositely, support me as I continue to cry
Soothe me with your silence
Comfort me with your silence instead of words
And just cradle me to you
Hold me tightly, snuggled up to you
Don't push me for my reasons
Please don't force me to explain the reason for my emotions
Or expect me to explain
Please don't anticipate an explanation
How can I in five minutes shift
Why do you expect me to be able to get over years of pain in just minutes
A lifetime's hidden pain
My pain has been buried deep within for many years
Don't tell your girlfriend about me
Do not inform your girlfriend about our relationship
'cause your girlfriend won't like girls like me
Your girlfriend may not accept or appreciate someone like me
If you just hold me...hold me...hold me
But if you passionately embrace me, everything will be better
Be your own mother and your father
Assume the roles of all family members, including nurturing and providing for yourself
And your sister and brother
Treat yourself with the same care and love that siblings would treat each other
And even try to crack the art
Put forth your best effort to understand how to
Of being your own lover...
How to unconditionally love and celebrate yourself
In my darkest hour you'd be mine
During my difficult times, you'd be there for me
These wildest dreams
My deepest desires and hopes
Are no crime or are they, Girlfriend?
Is it wrong to have these dreams, or is it okay?
Coming from a place of need
These dreams are born from my insecurities and yearning
Not one of abundance
A lack of self-love and confidence fuels my desires
You see he told me, Girlfriend
A psychic advised me
How come I say I'm happy
Why is it that I claim I am content
To be on my own again?
Being single is good for me right now
You don't have to tell your girlfriend about me
You don't need to reveal me to your girlfriend
If you just hold me...hold me...hold me
Simply embracing me can make everything okay
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JULIA FORDHAM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind