Her more recent release 'Restless Night' was produced by Ethan Johns (Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne, Kings of Leon) for his fledgling label 'Three Crows Music.' She has also written songs for Hollywood movie soundtracks including, 'Open Range' (2003) and Rod Lurie's 'Resurrecting The Champ' which is set to be released in August of 2007.
In everything Julianna does, she shows a spectrum of style and skill that portrays an image of someone who can't wait to get out in front of people and entertain. Currently she is in the studio once again with producer Ethan Johns working on a new EP, which she describes as "Bossa Nova meets Film Noire."
"Side By Side - Duets Vol. 1" features original tracks and two cover tunes performed with Meiko, Susie Suh, Julianna Raye, Buddy, Tina Dico and Rick Garcia. (5 Bonus tracks available at iTunes) "I'll Be Your Mirror" is a Bossa Nova gem performed Julianna Raye.
Nicola
Julianna Raye Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She left her homeland at 15
Uncertain she'd be back again
Following her father's dream
They came, all, to America...
Strangers on a foreign shore
Frightened was young Nicola
When they moved to Baltimore
They left their friends and relatives
They left the ones that needed them
Some understood, said
"Let them live"
Others, out of fear, condemned
They came, all, to America...
Land of the free and home of the brave
They found their independence
On the billow of a western wave
And now you're here
The past is like a dream
You're not free
You're somewhere in between
Oh, Nicola
Perhaps you need a change of scene
Your strength has traveled overseas
You've been around for
Those you love
Your spirit's like a salty breeze
A sadness you won't rise above
But don't hate those
Whose lives look pure...
They can't begin to realize
For emptiness there is no cure
Our only hope's to empathize
And you are true
To those who need you most
So don't be blue
The future's brighter than it seems
Oh Nicola
We all could use a change of scene
We all could use a change of scene
The song “Nicola” by Julianna Raye is a touching tribute to the life journey of her Scottish friend, Nicola. It begins with the story of how Nicola left her homeland at the age of fifteen with her family to follow her father’s dream in America. Adjusting to a new country was not easy for Nicola, and she was frightened when her family moved to Baltimore as strangers on a foreign shore. The lyrics convey the anxiety and uncertainty that Nicola must have felt.
The second verse talks about how Nicola and her family had to leave their friends and relatives behind in Scotland. While some understood and let them go, others condemned them out of fear. The family was in search of a better life, and America seemed to offer them the hope of freedom and independence. However, despite finding success in America, Nicola still feels a sense of longing for her home country.
In the chorus, Nicola’s friend is acknowledging her struggles and encourages her to consider a change of scene. She tells Nicola that she has been strong for those she loves and that even though the future may seem bleak, it’s brighter than it appears. The song is a beautiful reminder of how the journey of immigration can be challenging and that it takes courage to leave one’s homeland to pursue a new life in a foreign country.
Line by Line Meaning
A tribute to my Scottish friend
This song is dedicated to the singer's friend from Scotland.
She left her homeland at 15
Nicola left Scotland when she was 15 years old.
Uncertain she'd be back again
Nicola wasn't sure if she would ever return to Scotland.
Following her father's dream
She moved to America with her family to follow her father's dream.
They came, all, to America...
Nicola's family immigrated to America along with many other people looking for a new life.
Strangers on a foreign shore
As immigrants, they were strangers in a new and foreign land.
Frightened was young Nicola
Nicola was scared when they moved to Baltimore.
When they moved to Baltimore
Nicola's family settled in Baltimore, Maryland.
They left their friends and relatives
When they left Scotland, they had to leave behind their friends and relatives.
They left the ones that needed them
Some people criticized their decision to leave, saying they were needed back home.
Some understood, said "Let them live"
Others were more understanding and said they should be allowed to pursue their dreams.
Others, out of fear, condemned
Some people condemned them out of fear or misunderstanding.
Land of the free and home of the brave
America is often seen as a place where people can be free and brave.
They found their independence
Nicola's family found independence in America.
On the billow of a western wave
This may refer to the idea of them sailing across the Atlantic Ocean to America.
And now you're here
The song is addressing Nicola, who is now in America.
The past is like a dream
Nicola's past in Scotland likely feels distant and dreamlike now that she's in America.
You're not free
Nicola may feel constrained or limited in some way despite being in America.
You're somewhere in between
Nicola is in a transitional phase where she's not quite settled in America yet.
Perhaps you need a change of scene
The singer suggests that Nicola might benefit from a change of scenery or a fresh start.
Your strength has traveled overseas
Despite the challenges, Nicola has remained strong throughout her journey.
You've been around for those you love
Nicola has been there for her loved ones, even though she's far from home.
Your spirit's like a salty breeze
Nicola's spirit might be seen as refreshing or invigorating, like a cool ocean breeze.
A sadness you won't rise above
Despite her strength and spirit, Nicola may still feel a deep sadness or homesickness.
But don't hate those whose lives look pure...
The singer advises Nicola not to resent others who might seem to have easier or happier lives.
They can't begin to realize
People who haven't experienced the same struggles may not be able to understand the depth of Nicola's feelings.
For emptiness there is no cure
The feeling of emptiness or longing for home may be difficult to shake or cure.
Our only hope's to empathize
The best we can do is try to understand and relate to others' experiences, even if we haven't lived them ourselves.
And you are true to those who need you most
Nicola remains loyal and dedicated to those who rely on her.
So don't be blue
The singer encourages Nicola not to be too sad or downhearted.
The future's brighter than it seems
Although things might seem difficult now, the future holds promise and hope.
We all could use a change of scene
The song ends with the suggestion that everyone could use a fresh start or new perspective at times.
Contributed by Alexandra R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Pieter Meulendijks
Great album! Love her voice and nice production again Jeff!
lenardodivinci
+Pieter Meulendijks Julianna and Jeff were a great combination. She has moved from pop to jazz which leaves me scratching my head in wonder as to why she did that, but I can't fault her for doing what makes her happy. I just wish I could have seen where her career would have gone if she had stayed with pop
Steven Acevedo
Such beautiful lyrics.
P90goldtop
Thumbs up Julianna!
lenardodivinci
Since you visited two of Julianna's songs I hope you enjoyed her music and voice enough to try out the rest of her collection from Something Peculiar. Thanks for your comments
P90goldtop
@lenardodivinci I bought this album when it came out. Absolutely fantastic! Love Peach Window.
lenardodivinci
I love Peach Window also. I find the whole collection enjoyable. Taking Steps and Tell Me I’m Alright are great too. Thanks for being a fan
P90goldtop
@lenardodivinci Love the Rick 12 string through the album.
lenardodivinci
👍🏼