Carlson grew up in Paradise Valley, Ariz., the youngest of 11 children. By the age of 12 she was playing both piano and guitar, and composing songs to entertain her family. Her early talents for songwriting and performance set the stage for Carlson's bright future.
Initially, Carlson did not formally pursue a musical career. She attended Brown University, where she majored in international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy. After graduation, Carlson found herself at a crossroads. Dealing with a recent family tragedy and feeling disillusioned by the political climate in Washington, D.C., she moved to New York for some "musical therapy." Carlson earned admission into the Manhattan School of Music and Brooklyn College's opera program. During this time, she expanded her creative repertoire and joined an Off-Broadway Cole Porter review amongst many other musical productions. Carlson also appeared in the 1999 indie romantic comedy Special Delivery, and contributed two songs to the film's soundtrack.
In September 2001, Carlson released her debut record, Apples for Eve, with songs co-written and produced by Emmy winner Ron Cohen. Soon after, Carlson's music started to spread its way throughout American culture. Her music graced the soundtracks of television shows Dawson's Creek, Lost and Passions, as well as the feature film Go Tigers!. As a result of these successes, Carlson was selected as a 2002 finalist in the Rolling Stone/Jim Beam Emerging Artist series.
Carlson's second record, 2003's Untucked, contained four hit singles that spent a remarkable 18 combined months on the Billboard and R&R Adult Contemporary charts. The romantic pop ballad "I Know You by Heart" is a powerful and moving duet featuring Benny Mardones -- best known for his 1980s hit single "Into the Night." Follow-up tunes such as "Count on Me," "Suddenly Beautiful," and Carlson's skillful rendering of The Cars' classic "Drive" are musical gems that brought the album well-deserved praise including an award for "Best Independent Pop Album" at the 2003 Los Angeles Music Awards.
After releasing Untucked, Carlson continued her sonic diversity by expanding her 1970s-era, soft-rock sound to include a deeper, edgier pop-rock sound. This creative evolution has shaped Carlson's latest effort, Here and Now. Produced by Ron Aniello (Barenaked Ladies, Guster, Lifehouse), the new record offers a lush collection of sweeping power ballads and upbeat pop tunes. A major highlight is the title track, inspired by the moment Carlson first held her then-newborn baby, Ruby Rose, and mused over experiences and lessons learned in her own life. In Carlson's words, "I look for the beauty in the good, the bad and the ugly alike. I'm grateful and I count it all a blessing."
Here and Now's first single is a modern take on the Howard Jones classic "No One is to Blame," with a guest appearance by Jones himself on vocals and piano. With songs such as "Be the One," "First To Say Goodbye" and "Lost," Carlson again demonstrates her enrichment as both an individual and a professional musician. This growth is equally evident in the diversity of Carlson's live performances. While on tour, she has opened for such artists as Kenny Loggins, Chicago, Eddie Money and Rick Springfield. Priding herself in the ability to "mix it up" onstage, Carlson offers audiences everything from an unplugged acoustic show to a full rock band extravaganza. "Lately, I've been throwing in snippets of opera!" Carlson added, laughing. Carlson loves that her audiences include dancing teenagers, hip seniors and everything in between.
As a songwriter, the former actress explains that she envisions her songs as "mini-movies," complete with characters, storylines and plot resolutions. Much like contemporaries Sheryl Crow and Natalie Merchant, Carlson views herself in various shades, and by that standard, Here and Now is a rainbow of textured life stories. Many of the songs included on her new album lend themselves to use in film and television. "Feel For Me" has already been tapped by the N-Network's "South of Nowhere," and will be featured in the first two episodes including the season premiere.
Carlson says, "I believe in personal responsibility; you own what is yours that way." But she also realizes that behind every great musician is a dedicated team and a supportive family. Carlson has all of these gifts, which allow her to live life on her own terms. "I used to feel like I was always rushing to the finish line, now I'm really trying to savor each moment and recognize everyday is a gift." she says. This new album reflects that inner clarity that, for Katrina Carlson, truly is Here and Now.
Dive
Katrina Carlson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love's a random shooting that makes no sense
Incoming, I can hear them falling out of the sky
Here come those
Dive bombing babies dressed like Cupid
Coming for me coming for you too
Dive bombing babies make me all stupid
Love is like poison at a lemonade stand
Love speaks in tongues that you can't understand
Incoming, I can see them falling out of the sky
Here come those
Dive bombing babies dressed like Cupid
Coming for me coming for you too
Dive bombing babies make me all stupid
The kind of damage that they do, do, do
Dive bombing babies dressed like Cupid
Them little bitty arrows hurt like hell
Dive bombing babies make me all stupid
When I'm underneath their little spell
You better take cover
Better run and take cover
They're coming to get you like it or not
Dive bombing babies dressed like Cupid
Coming for me coming for you too
Dive bombing babies make me all stupid
The kind of damage that they do, do, do
Dive bombing babies dressed like Cupid
Them little bitty arrows hurt like hell
Dive bombing babies make me all stupid
When I'm underneath their little spell
The song "Dive In" by Katrina Carlson is a playful and energetic tune about the chaotic nature of falling in love. The lyrics liken love to a pit bull that breaks through a fence, a random shooting that makes no sense, poison at a lemonade stand, and dive-bombing babies dressed like Cupid. These comparisons show the unpredictable and sometimes painful aspects of falling in love, while also emphasizing the irresistible and all-consuming power of it.
The repetition of "dive bombing babies" throughout the chorus is especially clever because it ties together the contrast between the cute, innocent image of a baby with wings and a bow and arrow, and the painful reality of being hit by one of those arrows. While love may seem sweet and innocent at first, once it "hits" you, you're left feeling stupid and damaged.
The final lines of the song encourage listeners to take cover and run from these "dive bombing babies," but it's clear that Carlson is also reveling in the excitement of it all. Falling in love may be chaotic and unpredictable, but it's also thrilling and addictive.
Overall, "Dive In" is a clever and playful take on the highs and lows of falling in love. While the imagery is imaginative and fun, it also captures the messy, confusing, and sometimes painful aspects of this universal human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is a pit bull that broke through the fence
Love is powerful and uncontrollable, breaking through barriers and limitations.
Love's a random shooting that makes no sense
Love can strike unexpectedly and without reason, confusing and disorienting those who experience it.
Incoming, I can hear them falling out of the sky
The presence of love can be heard and felt, as if it were a physical force.
Dive bombing babies dressed like Cupid
The source of love is depicted as innocent and angelic, but also reckless and dangerous.
Coming for me coming for you too
Love is all-encompassing, affecting all who come in contact with it.
Dive bombing babies make me all stupid
Love can be overwhelming and reduce one's ability to think or act rationally.
The kind of damage that they do, do, do
Love has the power to cause harm and pain, even as it brings joy and happiness.
Love is like poison at a lemonade stand
Love can be unexpected and toxic, disrupting the normal order of things and upsetting the balance.
Love speaks in tongues that you can't understand
Love can be difficult to interpret or comprehend, with its own unique language and meaning.
You better take cover
The intensity of love requires a certain level of caution and protection.
Better run and take cover
The power of love can be overwhelming and may require one to flee or take refuge.
Them little bitty arrows hurt like hell
The effects of love can be painful and long-lasting, leaving a lasting impact on those affected.
When I'm underneath their little spell
Love can feel like a magical force or spell that takes hold of a person, enchanting them and rendering them helpless.
Contributed by Oliver A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.