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.
Sugar
Julia Fordham Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It is what it is what it is what it is what it is
And that would be that
And I give and I give and I give and I give and I give
And I want some back
Where do I sign?
Did I miss a page?
I don't know
Sifting through the sand for sugar
Digging deep like a wise old Buddha
No more I really wish I shoulda
Sifting through the sand for sugar
It's the same old the same old the same old the same old the same old
The same old story
And I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know
I don't know what's come over me
Holding my breath
Staying afloat
Thought I had it made
But I don't
Sifting through the sand for sugar
Digging deep like a wise old Buddha
No more I really wish I woulda
Sifting through the sand for sugar
Slipping through my fingers
So sweet to hold
Sifting sifting sifting sifting
For grains of gold
Sugar
Gotta find me some gold
Gotta fine me someone to hold
The main theme of the song "Sugar" by Julia Fordham is about the difficulties of searching for love and validation in this world. The lyrics are deep and insightful as they discuss the yearning for reciprocation and appreciation for one's efforts. The repetition of the phrase 'It is what it is what it is what it is what it is' tries to tell listeners that things are what they are, and we have to accept them as they are. Julia expresses the feeling of being taken for granted, after all the efforts put into relationships, and now seeking something back in return. The singer asks 'Where do I sign?' implying that she would be willing to put in more effort if she received some reciprocation.
The second verse seems to be about the general apathy in the world, and the feeling of not knowing anything despite all efforts invested. It is a metaphor for seeking meaning in this world, which is hard but necessary. In the chorus, she shifts her focus to something more tangible, looking for sugar, a metaphor for love or something sweet in life. This is described as akin to sifting through sand, blazing through tough terrain to find whatever is worth treasuring, whether it is love, meaning, or happiness. Fordham describes herself as slipping through fingers and wanting to find someone supportive and long-term to hold onto.
Line by Line Meaning
It is what it is what it is what it is what it is
Accepting the present reality in all its forms
And that would be that
Referring to the outcome of a situation
And I give and I give and I give and I give and I give
Referring to the act of giving beyond the limit
And I want some back
Expecting something in return for the effort made
Where do I sign?
Referring to a contract or an agreement to be made
Where do I go?
Feeling lost or confused about the situation
Did I miss a page?
Feeling like something is overlooked or not fully understood
I don't know
Expressing confusion or uncertainty
Sifting through the sand for sugar
The search for something valuable (like sugar) through hard work
Digging deep like a wise old Buddha
Making an effort to find the truth or meaning of life
No more I really wish I shoulda
Regretting missed opportunities in the past
It's the same old the same old the same old the same old the same old
Referring to a repetitive or unchanging situation/situation
The same old story
Referring to a story with a predictable outcome
And I don't know I don't know I don't know I don't know
Expressing confusion or uncertainty
What's come over me
Asking what has caused the current state of mind or situation
Holding my breath
Being nervous or anxious
Staying afloat
Keeping oneself going or surviving
Thought I had it made
Believing that all the hard work has paid off
But I don't
Realizing that the situation is not as good as expected or hoped for
Slipping through my fingers
Something valuable is slipping away or disappearing
So sweet to hold
Something desirable or pleasant to have
Sifting sifting sifting sifting
Continuing to work hard in the search for something valuable
For grains of gold
Looking for small but valuable things
Sugar
Metaphorically referring to something sweet or valuable
Gotta find me some gold
Determined to find something valuable
Gotta find me someone to hold
Looking for someone to care for or share experiences with
Lyrics © DistroKid, CONSALAD CO., Ltd., BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EDNA ALEXANDER, SIDNEY MITCHELL, SIDNEY D MITCHELL, MACEO PINKARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind