LOVE LETTERS, finds the Canadian vocalist putting a contemporary spin on the Gospel genre, blending the smooth R/B styling of Toni Braxton with the modern edge of Destiny's Child. Londa distinguishes herself from those Pop-world divas, with an energizing message of a faith that can overcome life's most horrendous trials. It's a message she delivers with unusual conviction, because it's one she has already lived.
"My music is for everybody and my message is for everybody," Londa asserts. "I don't want to leave anybody out. I want people to know that God hears everything, and He is there for them. He feels what we're feeling. I believe He cries when we're crying. I know He was crying with me. And He is there to comfort you."
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, to Jamaican parents, Ethan and Evan, Londa's childhood was filled with Gospel music. Her church deacon father is also a musician and singer, while two out of her three brothers all sing and/or play instruments. Not surprisingly, family devotion time in the Larmond household was a musical affair, with everyone singing and playing.
The one rule, she recalls, concerned the type of music played on the family stereo: "It had to be Gospel," she laughs. "Richard Smallwood, Commissioned, or the Clark Sisters! But you know what I played in my room? Hip-hop, Reggae and R/B. I shouldn't have, but I did!" Londa was singing in church at the age of 7, and began performing professionally at 14 as a featured member of Toronto's renowned Youth Outreach Mass Choir. From there she honed her musical chops as a member of the Gospel Soul Sisters, before joining the internationally acclaimed Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale in 1995.
Londa's escapades with Faith Chorale led to an appearance in the blockbuster film, The Blues Brothers 2000. Under the direction of John Landis, Londa not only performed in the film, but also recorded on the Grammy nominated, Certified Gold (U.S.), soundtrack with Aretha Franklin, Erykah Badu, James Brown, Sam Moore, Taj Mahal, Bo Diddley, Isaac Hayes, Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton.
LOVE LETTERS is a jubilant collection, offering encouragement and hope in the face of despair. Produced by such industry heavyweights as Michael-Anthony "Mooki" Taylor (Stacy Orrico, DC Talk, TobyMac, TD Jakes) Asaph "Alex" Ward (Kim Burrell, Dorinda Clark-Cole), Sanchez Harley (Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker) and Montrel Darrett, the 10-song project showcases Londa's stunning vocal range.
Recently, Londa's debut album "Love Letters" has been acknowledged by international critics and consumers and her list of award credits continues to grow. A winner of the Canadian Urban Music Awards for Best Gospel Recording, Londa Larmond is a Dove Awards nominee for Urban Album of the Year and a strong contender for the 2001 JUNO Award for Best Gospel Album of the Year. "Love Letters" has proven itself to be a sample what Billboard Magazine (18/8/01) describes as "an inspiring step beyond more conventional gospel-R/B structure".
Ms. Larmond's passion for engaging an audience and colourful performance skills results in an explosive combination that is consistently pushing her to the forefront of the pack. Londa's material introduces a new genre of soulful-jazz and inspiration.
Larmond's electrifying vocals have been seen on Bobby Jones Gospel, Gospelfest, Ottawa Blues Festival, Montreal Gospelfest and at the Air Canada Centre where she sang the national anthem for the NBA's Toronto Raptors. Londa even had the distinct honour to sing for President George W. Bush and 33 other heads of state at the Summit of the Americas.
Better Days
Londa Larmond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can it really be possible
For you and me to live a better way
Have you ever taken a moment
And thought of His love
And know it's really, really possible
It's gonna take us to a better day
Spread my wings and fly
Just like a dove
Promise of a new day
There's gotta be a way to say
Heven's all my
Heart's been dreaming of
And I know it'll be OK
'Cause it's gonna be better days
Well did you ever take a moment
And think back
Could it really be possible
That anybody could save your soul
And you're living in a time when it all seems wrong
Yeah, it's really, really possible
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
So if you're thinking
That there's no way you could ever
Make it to the end
As your friend I'm saying
Heaven is your prize
If you can take it
Better days await for you and me
It's what I live for and
Where I want to be
(Chorus)
In Londa Larmond’s song “Better Days,” the lyrics describe a longing for change and a better future. The opening lines ask the listener to take a moment to reflect and consider the possibility that a better way of living is attainable. The singer suggests that by looking up and thinking about God’s love, a better day is not only possible, but inevitable. The chorus expresses this hopefulness by comparing the feeling of flying to a dove and promising a new day. Heaven is referenced as a place that the heart dreams of, and the singer reassures the listener that everything will be okay because better days are on the way.
In the second verse, the lyrics focus on the past and the present. The singer acknowledges that everything seems wrong in the current time, but there is hope that someone can save our souls. The verse echoes the first by reiterating that a change is possible and it is “really, really possible.” Through the use of repetition and optimistic language, the song’s lyrics promote a message of hope and the promise that a better future is within reach.
Line by Line Meaning
Can you take a moment and look up
Pause and reflect on your life
Can it really be possible
Is it something that can actually happen
For you and me to live a better way
To live a more fulfilling life
Have you ever taken a moment
Have you ever stopped to think
And thought of His love
And considered God's love
And know it's really, really possible
Understand that it is truly achievable
It's gonna take us to a better day
God's love will guide us to a better tomorrow
Spread my wings and fly
To soar and reach new heights
Just like a dove
Like a symbol of peace and hope
Promise of a new day
A hopeful outlook for the future
There's gotta be a way to say
There must be a method to express
Heaven's all my
All I desire is heaven
Heart's been dreaming of
My heart's deepest longing
And I know it'll be OK
I have faith that everything will work out
'Cause it's gonna be better days
Because the future holds better opportunities
Well did you ever take a moment
Have you ever paused to consider
And think back
And reflect on past experiences
Could it really be possible
Is it something that could actually happen
That anybody could save your soul
That someone can bring salvation to your life
And you're living in a time when it all seems wrong
When everything around you appears to be crumbling
Yeah, it's really, really possible
But there is still hope for a better future
So if you're thinking
If you're contemplating
That there's no way you could ever
That it's impossible for you to
Make it to the end
Reach your goals in life
As your friend I'm saying
As someone who cares for you
Heaven is your prize
Eternal life in heaven is your ultimate reward
If you can take it
If you can endure the challenges
Better days await for you and me
A more promising future is ahead for us all
It's what I live for and
It's my purpose in life
Where I want to be
Where I envision myself going
Contributed by Kennedy F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.