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Carlson grew up in Paradise Valley, Ariz., the youngest of 11 children. Β By the age of 12 she was playing both piano and guitar, and composing songs to entertain her family. Β Her early talents for songwriting and performance set the stage for Carlson's bright future.
Initially, Carlson did not formally pursue a musical career. Β She attended Brown University, where she majored in international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy. Β After graduation, Carlson found herself at a crossroads. Β 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." Β Carlson earned admission into the Manhattan School of Music and Brooklyn College's opera program. Β During this time, she expanded her creative repertoire and joined an Off-Broadway Cole Porter review amongst many other musical productions. Β 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. Β Soon after, Carlson's music started to spread its way throughout American culture. Β Her music graced the soundtracks of television shows Dawson's Creek, Lost and Passions, as well as the feature film Go Tigers!. Β 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. Β 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." Β 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. Β
After releasing Untucked, Carlson continued her sonic diversity by expanding her 1970s-era, soft-rock sound to include a deeper, edgier pop-rock sound. Β This creative evolution has shaped Carlson's latest effort, Here and Now. Β Produced by Ron Aniello (Barenaked Ladies, Guster, Lifehouse), the new record offers a lush collection of sweeping power ballads and upbeat pop tunes. Β 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. Β In Carlson's words, "I look for the beauty in the good, the bad and the ugly alike. Β 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. Β 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. Β This growth is equally evident in the diversity of Carlson's live performances. Β While on tour, she has opened for such artists as Kenny Loggins, Chicago, Eddie Money and Rick Springfield. Β 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. Β "Lately, I've been throwing in snippets of opera!" Carlson added, laughing. Β 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. Β 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. Β Many of the songs included on her new album lend themselves to use in film and television. Β "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." Β 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. Β "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. Β This new album reflects that inner clarity that, for Katrina Carlson, truly is Here and Now.
No One is to Blame
Katrina Carlson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can feel the cushion, but you can't have a seat
You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can't have a swim
You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
You can build a mansion, but you just can't live in it
You're the fastest runner but you're not allowed to win
Some break the rules, and let you cut the cost
The insecurity is the thing that won't get lost
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can see the summit but you can't reach it
It's the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit
Doctor says you're cured but you still feel the pain
Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain
And you want her, and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
The lyrics of Katrina Carlson's "No One is to Blame" convey a feeling of helplessness that people sometimes feel when they are unable to obtain their desires. You can look at the menu but just cannot eat, refers to a situation where a person may not have enough money to buy what one desires. The next line, "You can feel the cushion, but you can't have a seat" refers to having to wait to take a seat, despite the cushion being warm and comfortable. The lines, "You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can't have a swim / You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin," are talking about being able to sense an experience, without actually having the fulfillment of the experience, such as having only one foot in the pool without a complete swim or feeling the effects of punishment without deserving it.
The lyrics then move on to the concept of unattainable goals, where someone can build a mansion but not live in it, or being the fastest runner but unable to win. Despite some rules being broken, there are still consequences of not being able to achieve certain objectives. The stanza, "You can see the summit but you can't reach it / It's the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit," talks about a person's limitations despite having a clear vision of what they want to accomplish or what they need to do. Lastly, the lyrics describe feeling a sense of loss over dreams that may not come to fruition, "Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain."
Overall, the song expresses the ideas of frustration, unfulfilled desires, and unattainable goals, and advises that no one is to blame for these things.
Line by Line Meaning
You can look at the menu, but you just can't eat
You can see what you want, but unfortunately, you can't have it.
You can feel the cushion, but you can't have a seat
You can experience some things but not all, and you'll be forced to just stand by and watch others have it.
You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can't have a swim
You can experience a taste of something, but you can't get the full experience.
You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin
You can know the consequences of something, but still be unable to stop someone else from committing that wrong deed.
And you want her, and she wants you
There is a desired attraction between two people.
We want everyone
It is natural that we desire to be loved by everyone.
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
The problems in a relationship are not necessarily anyoneβs fault.
You can build a mansion, but you just can't live in it
Having many possessions doesn't mean you necessarily get to enjoy them.
You're the fastest runner but you're not allowed to win
You may work hard for something, but external factors may make it impossible for you to succeed.
Some break the rules, and let you cut the cost
Sometimes people in higher positions help others with power to succeed even if it means bending the law.
The insecurity is the thing that won't get lost
Insecurity is a constant factor that can affect relationships and how people view themselves.
You can see the summit but you can't reach it
You may have a clear view of what you want to achieve, but it doesn't necessarily mean you can attain it.
It's the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit
You may have everything you need except one final thing that will complete the puzzle which appears difficult to attain.
Doctor says you're cured but you still feel the pain
People may say you've overcome something, but the emotional pain may linger.
Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain
Despite having high hopes and aspirations, external circumstances may prevent you from achieving your dreams.
No one ever is to blame
It's important to understand that sometimes things go wrong, and sometimes it's no one's fault.
Lyrics Β© Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Howard Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Kasat
Best cover of this song I've heard! Very surprised it doesn't have waaaay more views!
Artemis The Huntress
Been searching for this song for a long long time.....thanks for posting! πππππ
Katrina Carlson
Thanks so much! So glad you like it πππ»ππ»
ElvisPelvis0
Ok... so I worked at Kroger (grocery store) in 2015 and this was my favorite song on the store radio. I have been looking for this song ever since, and just found it tonight after 3 days of constantly searching google. I have a vivid memory of stocking spaghetti sauce and humming along to this song. Not the most memorable moment of my life, but it nagged me for years that I couldn't remember it. I knew it was a duet including the original artist, finally found it when I recognized your name on a Kroger Radio playlist. So thank you, this song is really spectacular.