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.
It's All Up to You
Londa Larmond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Things going wrong
Seems you can't take it
Don't want to fight
'Cause no hope's in sight
Fell you won't make it
The smiles you cry
Show hurt inside
Well I am here to comfort you
'Cause I know just what you're going through
(Chorus)
There's a light
At the end of the tunnel
It's waiting for you
Just hold on
And believe that you're going
To make it on through
Things will work out fine
Just give them time
Relax your mind
It's all up to you
Look deep inside
And you'll find the drive
Needed to go on
You must not quit
When the road is bent
That's when you've got to hold on
This is your life
Cling to it tight
Don't ever give in
The sun will shine after the rain
You've gotta use your pride
To was away your pain
(Chorus)
It's up to you
So dry those tears
And pray away your fears
Upt to you
To make your dreams come true
It's up to you
You can win the race
When it seems there is no way
Just gaive it your best
You can ace the test
You can deal with the stress
(Chorus)
Londa Larmond's "It's All Up To You" is a motivational song that encourages people to stay strong and persevere even when things get tough. The song talks about how life can be difficult and how sometimes it feels like everything is going wrong. Londa sings about the pain inside us that sometimes we can't hide, but encourages people to hold on, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it's up to them to make their dreams come true.
The song's chorus is the most memorable part; it is a reassuring message that things will work out fine as long as we believe in ourselves and give it time. According to the lyrics, when the road is tough and seems to be going nowhere, we should hold on and never give up. We mustn't forget to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel, believe in ourselves, and pray away our fears. We have the power to make it through any challenge if we're determined and believe in ourselves.
In conclusion, "It's All Up To You" is a song that reminds us of the power of resilience, courage, and determination. It's an uplifting song with a positive message that encourages people to believe in themselves, hold on, and not give up, even when things get tough.
Line by Line Meaning
The day is long
The day seems endless and difficult
Things going wrong
Everything seems to be going in the wrong direction
Seems you can't take it
It feels like you are unable to handle the current situation
Don't want to fight
You don't have the energy to argue or resist
'Cause no hope's in sight
You feel hopeless and unable to see a way out
Fell you won't make it
You doubt your ability to overcome the obstacles in front of you
The smiles you cry
You try to appear happy but your true emotions show through
Show hurt inside
Your true feelings show that you are hurting
No need to fake it
It's okay to show vulnerability and admit when things are difficult
Well I am here to comfort you
Someone is there to provide support and offer comfort
'Cause I know just what you're going through
The person offering support has been in a similar situation and understands how you feel
There's a light
There is hope
At the end of the tunnel
Despite the darkness of the situation, there is a way out
It's waiting for you
There is a positive outcome waiting for you
Just hold on
Don't give up
And believe that you're going
Have faith that you will
To make it on through
Be able to overcome the current situation
Things will work out fine
The situation will resolve positively
Just give them time
Be patient
Relax your mind
Clear your thoughts and focus on the present
It's all up to you
It is ultimately your responsibility to work towards a positive outcome
Look deep inside
Reflect and evaluate your inner self
And you'll find the drive
You have the motivation within yourself
Needed to go on
To keep moving forward
You must not quit
Don't give up
When the road is bent
When things become difficult
That's when you've got to hold on
You need to persist through the challenges
This is your life
You are responsible for your own life
Cling to it tight
Hold onto it dearly
Don't ever give in
Never surrender
The sun will shine after the rain
There will be a positive outcome following a difficult time
You've gotta use your pride
Use your self-respect and confidence
To wash away your pain
To overcome the suffering of the difficult situation
So dry those tears
Stop crying
And pray away your fears
Ask for divine intervention to alleviate your fears
To make your dreams come true
To achieve your aspirations
You can win the race
You can emerge victorious
When it seems there is no way
When it feels like there are no options
Just give it your best
Try your hardest
You can ace the test
You can succeed in overcoming the challenge
You can deal with the stress
You can manage the anxiety of the situation
Contributed by Lily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.