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.
I'll Wait
Katrina Carlson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can the sun keep on burnin' strong?
How can the birds sing their songs?
And the children laugh and play with you gone?
How can I find some solace?
I'm restless, I'm racing the halls at night
I feel like I'm dying inside
(Chorus)
I'll Wait for you
I'll Wait with no time to waste
And pray for you
It's all I can do when I'm losing my faith
I'll Wait
How could you say forever
And then walk away like we never were?
You say you're losing control
You're not used to feeling vulnerable
But have you no reason to trust me?
I've weathered the seasons, the gusty chill
I promised to love and to cherish
And I have and you know I will
(Chorus)
Every night and every day
In every wish and word I say
I set you free, so you can be all that you dream
So I'll Wait
(Chorus)
The lyrics of Katrina Carlson's song "I'll Wait" seem to be a plea of a person who has been left alone by their lover. The lyrics seemingly reflect the anguish and helplessness felt by this person in the absence of their lover. The person seems to be in a state of disbelief and despair, finding it hard to comprehend the fact that everything around them is continuing as usual, while their world has come to a standstill.
The lyrics question the very basic aspects of the world such as the sun, the birds, and the children, questioning how they can carry on with their routine without the presence of their loved one. The lyrics convey a sense of restlessness and anxiety, symbolized by the phrase "racing the halls at night," as the person finds themselves unable to sleep or find any kind of solace.
In the chorus, the person expresses their determination to wait for their loved one, with no time to waste, and to pray for them when they are losing faith. The lyrics portray a sense of unconditional love, in spite of the pain that accompanies it, and the profound emotional turmoil that the person is undergoing.
Overall, the song "I'll Wait" is a poignant expression of the anguish felt by someone left behind by a lover, and their unwavering determination to wait for them, no matter what the cost.
Line by Line Meaning
How can the world keep turnin'?
Despite the pain of losing a loved one, life still goes on around us and it can be difficult to understand how the world can continue to operate as normal.
How can the sun keep on burnin' strong?
Even though we may feel weak and broken, the world keeps spinning and the sun keeps shining, which can be hard to accept.
How can the birds sing their songs?
The natural world carries on, oblivious to our individual struggles, and it can be tough to hear the cheerful sounds of birds when our hearts are heavy.
And the children laugh and play with you gone?
Witnessing the happiness of others, especially children, can be particularly painful when we are grieving and may wonder how they can continue to find joy without our loved one.
How can I find some solace?
When we are in emotional pain, it can feel impossible to find any comfort or relief.
I'm restless, I'm racing the halls at night
Grief can disrupt our sleep patterns, causing us to feel restless and anxious, leading to pacing and racing thoughts that keep us up at night.
I feel like I'm dying inside
Grief can be overwhelming and make us feel like a part of us has died along with the person we have lost.
As I wake at the break of light
The early morning hours can be particularly difficult for those grieving, as we are faced with a new day without our loved one.
I'll Wait for you
Despite everything, the artist remains committed to waiting for their loved one, even though they are gone.
I'll Wait with no time to waste
The artist recognizes that time is precious and finite, and they are choosing to wait for their loved one despite the fleeting nature of life.
And pray for you
Although waiting may be all they can do, the singer also chooses to pray for their loved one during this difficult time.
It's all I can do when I'm losing my faith
When going through intense emotional pain, it can be hard to hold onto one's faith or beliefs, and prayer may be the only thing that feels meaningful.
How could you say forever
The singer is reflecting on the promises made by their loved one, and how those promises ultimately fell short.
And then walk away like we never were?
Despite the promises made, the loved one still left, causing the singer to question the validity of their past relationship and experiences together.
You say you're losing control
The loved one has offered an explanation for their departure, citing a loss of control that led them to leave.
You're not used to feeling vulnerable
The loved one is acknowledging a difficulty with vulnerability, perhaps as a reason for not being able to stay in the relationship.
But have you no reason to trust me?
The artist is questioning whether their loved one could have found trust and security in their relationship, despite feeling out of control and vulnerable.
I've weathered the seasons, the gusty chill
The singer has been through difficult times and challenges before, but has remained steadfast and committed to their relationship.
I promised to love and to cherish
The singer made promises to their loved one that they still intend to keep, despite their loved one leaving.
And I have and you know I will
The artist has followed through on their promises in the past, and they will keep doing so in the future.
Every night and every day
The artist is committed to waiting, praying for, and remembering their loved one each and every day.
In every wish and word I say
The artist thinks of their loved one in all aspects of their life, and tries to incorporate their memory into everything they do and say.
I set you free, so you can be all that you dream
Despite their own pain, the singer wishes freedom and happiness for their loved one, hoping that they can fulfill their own dreams and desires.
So I'll Wait
In spite of everything, the artist remains committed to waiting for their loved one, even if it takes a long time or they never return.
Contributed by Tristan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.