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.
Suddenly Beautiful
Katrina Carlson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a dirty pearl
Pray my soul to keep
Spirit is willing but cannot speak
(Chorus)
Suddenly you make me feel
Like I'm beautiful
Like I'm beautiful
I can see, see through eyes
That were dead and dull
I'm Suddenly Beautiful
You don't understand
No one understands me
I'm a fallen star
Sky gets so dark
You don't know where you are
(Chorus)
Chrysalis, tenderness
Can I get a witness?
Is this love, is this love?
Genesis, metamorphosis
Breaking through the surface
Is this love? Suddenly
Suddenly you make me feel
Like I'm beautiful
Suddenly you make me feel
Like I'm beautiful
I can see the sun rise
Light up the world
And I can see
It's beautiful
I can see
It's beautiful
Suddenly Beautiful
In Katrina Carlson's song Suddenly Beautiful, the singer reflects on her inner turmoil and feelings of inadequacy before experiencing a sudden change in perspective through a transformative encounter with another person. The first verse establishes her sense of self-loathing, as she acknowledges her flaws and implores for divine intervention to protect her soul. She then laments her inability to communicate her thoughts and emotions effectively, indicating a sense of isolation and frustration. However, the chorus presents a dramatic shift in tone and mood, as the singer describes the impact of the other person on her sense of self-worth. The sudden beauty she experiences is both inward and outward, as she can see herself and the world more clearly and appreciates their beauty.
The second verse further emphasizes the singer's feelings of isolation and alienation, as she asserts that nobody understands her. She compares herself to a fallen star and the sky to darkness, suggesting a sense of hopelessness and despair. However, the bridge introduces a note of optimism and hope, as the singer uses natural imagery to describe the transformative process she is undergoing. She refers to metamorphosis and breaking through the surface, invoking images of rebirth and growth. In the final chorus, the singer repeats the phrase "suddenly beautiful," underscoring the suddenness and intensity of her emotional and spiritual transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a bad girl
I have done things that are considered morally wrong
I'm a dirty pearl
I have imperfections, but that doesn't take away my value
Pray my soul to keep
I hope that my soul is saved from eternal damnation
Spirit is willing but cannot speak
I have a desire to express myself, but I feel limited in doing so
Suddenly you make me feel
Like I'm beautiful
Suddenly you make me feel
Like I'm beautiful
I can see, see through eyes
That were dead and dull
I'm Suddenly Beautiful
Being with you makes me feel attractive and confident, and you help me see the world in a new light
You don't understand
No one understands me
I'm a fallen star
Sky gets so dark
You don't know where you are
I feel misunderstood and lost, like a star that has fallen from the sky and doesn't know where it belongs
Chrysalis, tenderness
Can I get a witness?
Is this love, is this love?
Genesis, metamorphosis
Breaking through the surface
Is this love? Suddenly
I feel a sense of transformation and growth in myself, and I wonder if this feeling of love is what's driving it
I can see the sun rise
Light up the world
And I can see
It's beautiful
I can see
It's beautiful
Suddenly Beautiful
I can now appreciate the beauty of the world around me and how I fit into it because you've helped me see things in a different way
Contributed by Vivian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ciarasteina
I will be starting giveaways with my own money (I'm not monetized) to thank you guys! They'll happen when I hit milestones, 100, 1,000, 10,000, 100,000, and every 100,000 after that. Each giveaway will be worldwide (unless your country doesn't allow it) to subscribers who like and comment on the video that announces the giveaways. And... I'm working on increasing the rewards per tier. I just want to give back to the people who have supported me. Thank you guys!
Nigel Robinson
This is a very great song ,great lyrics Katrina Carlson at her best!!!!!!!!!!!
Abed Shapumba
a very romantic sad song hope you guys like this song like I do I'm crazy for this song###sad