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.
Hello Stranger
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even though I know you well
I know the books you like to read
And all the movies on your shelf
Hello, I'd like to meet you
But it has to be quite soon
'Cause the plans I made for the two of us
I've planned our wedding day
Since I was three
And whom my guess and yours will be
We'll buy a house that's big enough for five
We'll also have a dog but
Which breed I can't decide
Hello, I'd like to meet you
I have known you all along
But if you turn out to be
Not who I planned for me
I know I'll be so much more happy
In Luísa Sobral's song "Hello Stranger," the artist sings about her desire to meet someone who she knows well, but has never formally met. The lyrics convey a sense of anticipation and excitement as she longs to finally connect with this person. Despite already being acquainted with details about this individual, such as their reading preferences and movie choices, she still desires a face-to-face encounter to further deepen their connection.
The urgency of the meeting is highlighted as the singer expresses a need to meet this person soon, as she has plans for their future together that are set to commence in the upcoming month of June. This suggests a sense of predestined fate or a strong intuition that this meeting is crucial for the fulfillment of their shared journey. The mention of planning their wedding day since childhood indicates a romantic and idealistic vision of their future together, emphasizing the depth of her feelings and commitment towards this person.
The imagery painted in the lyrics portrays a picturesque future life with this individual, including details about buying a house big enough for a family of five and even getting a dog. The singer's indecision about the dog's breed adds a touch of humor and relatability to the narrative, showcasing the intricacies and uncertainties that come with envisioning a shared future with someone. These details serve to illustrate the artist's vivid imagination and strong desire for a fulfilling and complete life with this person.
Despite the meticulous planning and high expectations for their future life together, the singer acknowledges the possibility that the reality may not align with her idealized vision. The final lines of the song convey a sense of acceptance and adaptability, suggesting that true happiness lies in embracing the unexpected and being open to the unknown. This reflective conclusion adds depth to the song's narrative, underscoring the resilience and optimism of the artist in the face of uncertainties and potential deviations from her meticulously planned future.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, I'd like to meet you
Expressing a desire to finally connect with someone who has been familiar all along.
Even though I know you well
Acknowledging a deep level of understanding and familiarity with the person.
I know the books you like to read
Aware of the person's literary preferences and interests.
And all the movies on your shelf
Familiar with the person's taste in movies, indicating a strong bond.
But it has to be quite soon
Emphasizing the urgency of meeting up soon due to upcoming plans.
Start in a month like June
Highlighting the beginning of significant life events in the near future.
I've planned our wedding day
Revealing long-held dreams and aspirations for the future together.
Since I was three
Indicating a strong desire and commitment to a future together from a young age.
We'll buy a house that's big enough for five
Imagining a shared home and life together with a family in mind.
We'll also have a dog but
Envisioning a pet as part of the future plans.
Which breed I can't decide
Showing a willingness to compromise and make decisions together in the relationship.
I have known you all along
Recognizing a deep connection and understanding that has existed from the start.
But if you turn out to be
Acknowledging the possibility of the person not meeting initial expectations.
Not who I planned for me
Coming to terms with the idea that the person may not fit the preconceived notions, yet still remaining hopeful.
I know I'll be so much more happy
Realizing that true happiness may come from unexpected places, beyond the planned future.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind