Influenced by her father, a trumpet player and music teacher, Leslie became passionate about music during her early childhood. She starting singing some of her original music with Mother Freedom, a Long Island funk-rock combo with whom she recorded an album. Then, in the Spring of 2002, Leslie relocated to New York City beginning her songwriting career. There, she became a part of Manhattan’s downtown music scene and participated in the New York Songwriters Circle.
In 2005, she self-released her first solo CD Take It As You Will, attracting the help of jazz and R&B producer Joel Dorn, who helped record her next batch of demos. Dorn helped her win her current recording deal with Rykodisc.
Her newest album, Swan Feathers was released June 30, 2009 under Rykodisc. This debut album called upon producer/arranger Rob Mounsey, who has also worked with Madonna, Paul Simon, Diana Krall, Steely Dan and Brian Wilson. The album's supporting cast also includes songwriter Steve McEwan, who plays guitar and co-wrote several of the album's songs with Mendelson; James Maddock, leader of the English band Wood, who also contributed guitar work; bassist Rich Hammond, who's worked with the likes of Nellie McKay and Raul Midon; and drummers, ex-Spin Doctors sticksman Aaron Comess and freelance percussion player Ben Wittman.
Additionally, Leslie was iTunes’ featured artist for the Discovery Download program the week of June 30, 2009
www.myspace.com/lesliemendelson
Goodnight
Leslie Mendelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The music's beginning to fade
The last notes have been played
As we drift out of sight
From a young girl selling a rose
Where the neon lights' flicker were closed
On a street where nobody goes
Oh, but you and I
Well, our future looks bright
But for now, goodnight
It won't be long
There's something inside us so strong
And we both know we belong
And we'll hold on tight
Like a child with a big balloon
Like the earth holds on to the moon
Like Eve on a hot afternoon taking a bite
And if you don't go now we just might
So for now, goodnight
Sweet dreams, sweet dreams
Is that the time?
Just one more glass of wine
And I probably will make you mine
But it wouldn't be right
One day our flame will ignite
But for now, goodnight
Leslie Mendelson's song "Goodnight" is a poignant ballad exploring the rhythms of our everyday lives and the inescapable need to say goodnight. The song opens with a distinct image of the end of a concert, the perfect place to close another day. The crowd has dispersed, the music comes to a lulling end and the performers wind down into the night. The lyrics delve deeper into the night, imagining the quiet solitude in the heart of the city where street vendors sell roses to passersby before disappearing into bellows of neon lights, fading with the night. Amidst this sleepy backdrop, the singer's thoughts wander to the promise of the future, bright and full of possibilities, but it's not for now; it's for another day. The chorus repeats the words, "Goodnight" and emphasizes the fact that it won't be long before the two characters connected in the story will meet again.
The verses make use of several images to paint a picture of the potential connection between the singer and the person they address. At one point, the two characters are like a child with a big balloon, holding on tight to each other. The song suggests that there is something inside them that is so strong that they both belong together. And just like the earth holds on to the moon, they too will hold on tight to each other, never letting go. Yet, the song's final verse delves into a sense of longing and missed opportunities. The singer contemplates the possibility of making the person they address "mine" but in the end, decides it wouldn't be right. So, they say "goodnight" once more with the promise that one day, their "flame will ignite."
Line by Line Meaning
The crowd drifts away
The audience has begun to leave the venue as the event is coming to a close.
The music's beginning to fade
The last strains of the music being played are becoming fainter.
The last notes have been played
The music has come to an end.
As we drift out of sight
As we disappear from each other's view.
From a young girl selling a rose
A flower girl present near the venue.
Where the neon lights' flicker were closed
The lights of the business establishments around the venue have been switched off.
On a street where nobody goes
On an abandoned or desolate road.
When they turn out the lights
When the lights are extinguished.
Oh, but you and I
Addressing someone special.
Well, our future looks bright
We have a promising future ahead.
But for now, goodnight
It's time to say goodbye for now.
It won't be long
We'll meet again soon.
There's something inside us so strong
We possess a powerful connection.
And we both know we belong
We're certain that we're meant to be together.
And we'll hold on tight
We'll hold onto each other firmly.
Like a child with a big balloon
Referencing an individual holding onto something precious.
Like the earth holds on to the moon
Like gravity.
Like Eve on a hot afternoon taking a bite
Referencing the biblical event.
And if you don't go now we just might
Addressing the possibility of the singer and their companion becoming intimate.
So for now, goodnight
It's time to say goodbye for now.
Sweet dreams, sweet dreams
Wishing someone a peaceful sleep.
Is that the time?
Noticing the time.
Just one more glass of wine
Requesting for one last round of drinks.
And I probably will make you mine
Hinting at the possibility of becoming intimate with the other person.
But it wouldn't be right
Reconsidering the decision to become intimate at that moment.
One day our flame will ignite
Hopeful for the future of their relationship.
But for now, goodnight
It's time to say goodbye for now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEVE MC EWAN, LESLIE MENDELSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind