The empathy with the musical instruments started with the guitar. It was with the guitar that she realised were the chords of her parent’s music come from. From The Beatles and from many others. And it was on an early age that she gave herself to the unique melodies that the jazz immortalized. The capacity of a melody to stand by itself, without the instruments. She embraced such artists as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzerald, Chet Baker, and many others and with them in her heart she set off to the Berklee College of Music, in Boston, USA, to study music. In her 4 year stay in Boston she was nominated for the «Best Jazz Song» at the Malibu Music Awards (2008); «Best Jazz Artist» at the Hollywood Music Awards ; «International Songwriting Competition» (2007) and «The John Lennon Songwriting Competition» (2008).
More than being nominated or completing her studies, Luísa was also discovering herself every year that went by. Her musical identity would further develop in New York, where she moved after finish her degree in Boston (2009). In her bags a lot of what would eventually give shape to songs that where already wandering inside her head. Hers and her mother’s who confessed to her she had dreamed that her first album would be called «The Cherry on My Cake». Maternal magic that made a dream come true.
The learning of the jazz standards, the practice done by playing a Brazilian music in bars and the stamina of her creativity all filtered into songs that would either gain live in paper or in chords. One after another. Well thought melodies with images inside. «I Would Love To», «Don`t Let Me Down», «Why Should I», among other songs that came together in an EP («My Funny Clementine»). The emphasis on the starting theme was obvious: «Not There Yet». A triple time rhythm, like a jazz waltz, colorful, an imposing chorus and violins in heaven. The record composition wasn’t to become limited to the English language. Between trips to and from Portugal, Luisa performed at the Super Bock Super Rock festival in Stock 2009. At this gig she mentions how much she would like to have a song in Portuguese. Upon her return to the States Luisa sketches a poem and melody for “O Engraxador” (the shoe shine man). That is followed by “Xico and Dolores”. For the upcoming record the will for a Portuguese cover song was still very much present. Nobody would be better to fill this part than Rui Veloso, artist that Luisa’s father listens to insistently. Luisa registers Carlos Te’s lyric and tries a different version of “Saiu para a Rua”.
«The Cherry on my Cake» is the result of all of this: of the person who dreams to live in Paris - totally inspired by French cinema. Result of the hectic New York vibe, of the familiar affection for Lisbon. From Regina Spektor to Elis Regina. From Billie Holiday to Bjork. From the 50’s to ingenuousness. From sound to image. From voice and talent: “I have a good life” she concludes.
Alone
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like this is my home
And I don't know why
I came here for
But I'm walking these streets alone
I walk through the world alone
Like this is my home
And I don't know why
But I'm walking the world alone
No words from others can fill my cup
No warm embraces will make me warm
No gentle words will heal my heart
It's empty now
And it's set in stone
That I'll walk these streets alone
I walk through life alone
Like this is my home
And I don't know why
I came here for
But I'm walking through life alone
No words from others can fill my cup
No warm embraces will make me warm
No gentle words will heal my heart
It's empty now
And it's set in stone
That I'll walk these streets alone
I walk through life alone
Like this is my home
But I do know why
I came here for
I'm here to walk through life alone
Luísa Sobral’s song Alone depicts the feeling of living in isolation and loneliness despite being surrounded by people. The lyrics of the song express the singer’s feeling of walking through the world alone without any specific reason. The repeated phrase “Like this is my home” implies that they have become accustomed to this emptiness, and it has almost become a part of their existence. The singer seems lost, unable to find a sense of direction in life.
The stanza “No words from others can fill my cup, No warm embraces will make me warm, No gentle words will heal my heart, It's empty now, And it's set in stone” presents a deep sense of despair and hopelessness. The singer acknowledges that nothing can change their current situation, and they are resigned to living a life of loneliness. However, towards the end of the song, the singer reveals that they know why they came here, and it was to “walk through life alone”. This sudden revelation adds a layer of complexity to the song, making the listener wonder about the possible motivations behind this decision to live life alone, and if it is a choice at all.
Line by Line Meaning
I walk these streets alone
I am walking through this particular place without anyone's company.
Like this is my home
I feel comfortable in my surroundings like I belong here.
And I don't know why
I am uncertain about my reason for being here, but I am still here regardless.
I came here for
I am searching for a purpose or reason for being in this place.
But I'm walking these streets alone
I continue to journey through this location solo, without accompaniment.
No words from others can fill my cup
Hearing reassurances or kind words from others cannot bring me the internal peace or happiness that I seek.
No warm embraces will make me warm
Physical displays of affection, such as hugs, cannot make me feel emotionally fulfilled.
No gentle words will heal my heart
Hearing gentle or comforting words cannot fix my broken heart or ease my pain.
It's empty now
My heart or soul feels barren or hollow.
And it's set in stone
This feeling of loneliness is a permanent and unchangeable part of me now.
I walk through life alone
I journey through my existence without the presence or accompaniment of others.
But I do know why
Despite my feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, I do have a reason or purpose for my existence.
I came here for
I am here to navigate and experience life on my own terms, even if that means being alone.
I'm here to walk through life alone
My journey through life is meant to be one of solitude, and I am here to embrace that path.
Writer(s): luisa sobral
Contributed by Adrian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.