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.
Déjá vu
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not even lies or words of madness
No sentimental kiss no fragile lips
The look I see in you is a déjà vu
Don’t pity me love was made for fools
Once again I played and forgot the rules
Loved with all my heart
Knowing you would leave me
Right from the start
No goodbyes no tears or sadness
Not even lies or words of madness
The lyrics to Luísa Sobral's song "Déjà vu" explore the emotions and experiences surrounding a failed relationship. The singer reflects on the absence of farewell, tears, or sadness at the end of the relationship, indicating that the separation was perhaps anticipated or expected. The absence of lies or words of madness suggests that the breakup was a calm and rational decision, devoid of unnecessary drama.
The mention of a "sentimental kiss" and "fragile lips" illustrates the vulnerability and intimacy shared between the singer and their partner. However, the singer's observation that the look they see in their partner is a déjà vu implies that they have felt this same heartache and disappointment in previous relationships. This repetition suggests a pattern of loving and losing, where the singer acknowledges that love is often a game that fools play.
The singer's realization that they once again loved with all their heart, knowing that their partner would leave them from the very beginning, highlights their willingness to take risks even when the outcome is uncertain. Despite being aware of the potential heartbreak, the singer cannot help but invest themselves fully in the relationship.
Overall, "Déjà vu" explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the cyclical nature of relationships. It delves into the bittersweet emotions that come with the end of a love affair, where there are no goodbyes or tears but a lingering sense of familiarity and resignation.
Line by Line Meaning
No goodbyes no tears or sadness
There were no farewells, no tears of sorrow
Not even lies or words of madness
There were no deceitful words or crazed declarations
No sentimental kiss no fragile lips
There were no tender kisses or vulnerable lips
The look I see in you is a déjà vu
The expression I perceive in you is a feeling of familiarity
Don’t pity me love was made for fools
Do not feel sorry for me, for love is often foolish
Once again I played and forgot the rules
Once again, I engaged in love and disregarded the guidelines
I loved you like before
I loved you in the same way as previous times
Loved with all my heart
Wholeheartedly cherished our relationship
Knowing you would leave me
Being aware that you would ultimately depart from my life
Right from the start
From the very beginning
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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