After this initial success with this first EP, Lelia began work on the new project (lil-yah) (also the proper pronunciation of her first name) which shows Lelia’s versatility as a vocalist, diverse songwriter, and producer. At the same time, she made her first appearance at the legendary Bitter End in NYC (where she is a regular featured artist), and was immediately embraced and continues to be strongly supported by owner Kenny Gorka. “I knew right away there was something very special about Lelia.” From her most recent appearance in NYC: “It was apparent once again that Lelia does not perform; she inhabits her music. Each song emerges from her as if she is suddenly compelled to tell its story or release its feelings. No movement seems calculated; no gesture planned. The result is an exhibition of musical integrity that would make any venue, large or small, feel intimate.” says Robbie Merkin, critically acclaimed composer.
(lil-yah) shows the diverse spectrum of Broussard's writing styles. Influenced by the music of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and others in that genre, Lelia knew she wanted her album to have an old soulful vibe, but with a new pop flair. Moving from jazz to soul, and even hip-hop, Broussard shows a mature understanding of her many influences without ever sounding forced. Recorded with an unrivaled group of musicians, this first rate group of seasoned pros quickly discovered that this would not be "another recording session" as they came to learn and appreciate Lelia's music. "It's scary how talented the young lady is. I couldn't believe the sound coming from this petite little thing. We were all blown away by her," says Jef Lee Johnson (Mariah Carey, Billy Joel). “Lelia is a creative genius” says Joel Bryant, (Harry Connick Jr, Aretha Franklin). Chico Huff (James Taylor) says, "Lelia seems to already have a strong musical vision and great love for music that comes across tenfold. Her singing and writing are very fresh and contemporary to my ears without being derivative.
On putting (lil-yah) into a genre, Lelia says it best when she explains, "People are hearing the CD and saying, 'wow, you have all these different types of music on one CD- jazz, pop, rock, blues, rap, R&B, how do you even classify yourself? My answer is not any one genre is more me than the other. My goal is to be a diverse artist and performer that does many styles equally well.”
Lelia recently went back into the studio to make some improvements on the CD and will re-release it in the Spring of 2007 re-titled as “Rise”. This remixed and re-mastered CD has the addition of a couple of new tracks, and new vocals and arrangements on others. The title song, “Rise” has already been picked up by the MTV show “The Hills”. Lelia recently completed a national tour for the Heinz Corporation’s TGIFriday/Wal Mart Tour where she headlined along with major label artists.
What’s next for Lelia? “Well, I am continuing to grow my fan base by touring in and around the Philadelphia and New York areas, where I recently moved and back home in Louisiana. I’ve also recently started doing some co-writing with Rob Fusari, and I love the direction my songs are taking. And I’m going to be in LA early this year doing some co-writing with various songwriters, so it’s a busy time for me. I’ve remained an independent artist by choice, because I always felt it would be better for the longevity of my career if I stayed independent while I was so young. I think I have proven that I am a serious musician and songwriter, not a flavor of the month, but someone with musical integrity, at least that’s my goal . . . now that I’m a little older, I’m ready to move on to the next level of my career.”
Philadelphia Magazine, in a feature article on Lelia, speculated about her being “the next big thing”. Is she? Listen and we think you just might agree.
Masquerade
Lelia Broussard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You will smell my fear,
Hold on to my slippery heart
Don't press too hard
You crush like a tidal wave
I know I had the words to say
Put your tail between your legs
You never say what you really mean
You masquerade like you're unique
Like you've got a lot to say,
Like there's something underneath
You masquerade like you're unique
Like there's another you,
Like there's someone else to blame
Our chemicals reacting like darts
Teeth are shaking but it's not love
I'm electric and you're a plug
You aren't my friend, I'm not so friendly anymore
Put your tail between your legs
Tell me what you really mean
You never say what you really mean
You masquerade like you're unique
Like you've got a lot to say,
Like there's something underneath
You masquerade like you're unique
Like there's another you,
Like there's someone else to blame
You want to rewrite our history
You want to the bend the truth
Looks like you wrote it too
You masquerade like you're unique
Like you've got a lot to say,
Like there's something underneath
You masquerade like you're unique
Like there's another you,
Like there's someone else to blame
[X2]
In Lelia Broussard's song Masquerade, the singer speaks to someone they are afraid to look straight at because of the fear that person will smell it. The singer implores the other person not to press too hard because they are fragile, comparing the feeling to getting crushed by a tidal wave. The singer acknowledges that they once had the words to say but now they cannot find them. The other person, according to the singer, never says what they really mean, and they masquerade like they are unique and have something to say. The singer feels as though there is something hidden underneath, like there is another person there, and it feels like there is someone else to blame.
The singer seems to be in a relationship that is causing them a lot of anxiety and frustration. They describe their teeth shaking, but they know it isn't love. The other person is depicted as an electric plug, and the singer is no longer friendly. The other person appears to be trying to rewrite their history and bend the truth to their advantage. The singer accuses them of writing their own version of the relationship's history. The song ends with the singer's frustration and confusion over the other person's masquerade.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't look straight at you, my dear
I am afraid to face you directly
You will smell my fear
I am fearful of your judgement
Hold on to my slippery heart
Please be gentle with my fragile emotions
Don't press too hard
Please be careful not to hurt me
You crush like a tidal wave
Your actions can be overwhelming
I know I had the words to say
I regret not speaking up sooner
Put your tail between your legs
Admit your mistakes
Tell me what you really mean
Be honest with me
You never say what you really mean
You are not truthful
You masquerade like you're unique
You pretend to be different from others
Like you've got a lot to say
You act like you have important things to share
Like there's something underneath
You hide your true motives or feelings
Like there's another you,
You have a hidden identity
Like there's someone else to blame
You try to shift responsibility
Our chemicals reacting like darts
Our emotions are intense and unpredictable
Teeth are shaking but it's not love
There's tension between us, but it's not romantic
I'm electric and you're a plug
My energy affects you
You aren't my friend, I'm not so friendly anymore
Our relationship has changed for the worse
You want to rewrite our history
You want to change the past to suit your narrative
You want to the bend the truth
You manipulate the facts to your advantage
Looks like you wrote it too
You are responsible for the negative events in our relationship
Contributed by Colin N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jor dan
I love this song :)
Jacqueline Jones
Did anyone see her audition for The Voice tonight? Or was it just me?
daxotaa
i love this song so much words couldnt really describe it :D
Woozworld skylar-grey
This song is amazing <3
Rosie mary
love this song so much❤❤❤❤❤❤
Sydney D
great video and great song
Emily Kay
Thank you Naydene for leading me to this song!
Bill Nye
thank you nayders07 for leading me to this song!!!! i listen to it every day
Ipodtouch23190
I was looking for this song like crazy
Jesal
THANK YOU WINTERSPRINGPRO FOR SHOWING ME THIS WONDERFUL SONG AND SINGER!!