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.
Why Should I
Luísa Sobral Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could tell myself that I feel lonely
But why, why should I?
I could say I miss you and I could even cry
I could tell my friends that I adore you
But why, why should I?
Weak without you
If you're the one who made me blue
I could say I'm so sad
So sad I could even die
After all I don't feel bad
And why, why should I?
Why should I feel lost without you?
Weak without you
If you're the one who made me blue
I could say I'm so sad
So sad I could even die
After all I don't feel bad
And why, why should I? Why should I?
Why should I? Why should I?
The lyrics of "Why Should I?" by Luisa Sobral delve into the complexities of emotions post-breakup. The singer confronts the idea of faking remorse or longing for an ex-partner, questioning the societal expectation of demonstrating grief after a relationship ends. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who may feel pressured to conform to the norms of expressing sadness and missing someone, but is grappling with the genuine nature of these feelings.
The repetition of the phrase "I could say..." in the lyrics highlights the internal struggle of the singer as they contemplate whether to portray feelings that may not align with their true emotions. This internal conflict is further emphasized by the lines "I could tell myself that I feel lonely / But why, why should I?" suggesting a defiance against succumbing to societal expectations of sorrow and longing.
The chorus of the song explores the contradiction of feeling lost and weak without the ex-partner, while also acknowledging that it was the same individual who caused pain and heartache. This juxtaposition adds a layer of complexity to the emotions being conveyed, highlighting the inner turmoil of trying to make sense of conflicting feelings of attachment and hurt.
The closing lines of the song tie back to the initial questioning of the necessity to express sadness and longing. The repetition of "Why should I?" reinforces the singer's defiance against conforming to expected emotional responses, ultimately questioning the validity and purpose of portraying emotions that do not authentically align with one's internal state. Overall, the lyrics of "Why Should I?" encapsulate a raw and introspective exploration of the intricacies of post-breakup emotions and societal pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
I could say I'm sorry and I could even lie
I could pretend to apologize and deceive
I could tell myself that I feel lonely
I could convince myself that I feel isolated
But why, why should I?
But why would I do that?
I could say I miss you and I could even cry
I could express missing you and shed tears
I could tell my friends that I adore you
I could inform my friends how much I love you
Why should I?
Why would I do that?
Why should I feel lost without you?
Why should I experience a sense of confusion without you?
Weak without you
Feeling vulnerable without you
If you're the one who made me blue
Considering you as the reason for my sadness
I could say I'm so sad
I could declare that I'm very distressed
So sad I could even die
Feeling so sorrowful that death seems a possibility
After all I don't feel bad
However, I don't actually feel negative
And why, why should I?
So why would I say that?
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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