Peyroux started singing at the age of fifteen, when she discovered street musicians in the Latin Quarter in Paris. She joined a group called the Riverboat Shufflers, first passing round the hat, and then singing. At sixteen she joined the The Lost Wandering Blues and Jazz Band, spending two years touring Europe performing songs by the likes of Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and others, which provided the basis for her first album, Dreamland.
Dreamland was released in 1996, and gained widespread attention. Time called it "the most exciting, involving vocal performance by a new singer this year". Dreamland, is a brilliant recording, as Peyroux's distinctive voice is not hindered by overly intricate arrangements. Most of the accompaniment on the record is light and sparse, the way it should be for a singer with such a unique voice. Peyroux soon found herself opening for Sarah McLachlan and Cesária Évora, and made appearances at jazz festivals and on the Lilith Fair tour.
In May 2002 she joined multi-instrumentalist William Galison, and together they appeared at such venues as the Bottom Line, Joe's Pub, and the Tin Angel. In 2003 the duo released a seven-song EP entitled Got You on My Mind, which they sold at shows and online. Got You on My Mind was re-released by William Galison in August 2004; the original EP was expanded by the addition of four tracks by Gallison.
Peyroux released her own sophomore effort, Careless Love, in September 2004. The album received generally positive reviews.
Her new album, Half the Perfect World, was released on September 12, 2006. She collaborated with several artists, including Jesse Harris, Walter Becker, Larry Klein (who also produced the album), and K.d. lang, with whom Peyroux duets on a cover of the Joni Mitchell song, "River".
On July 12, 2007, she was awarded Best International Jazz Artist at the BBC Jazz Awards.
11. Somethin' Grand
Madeleine Peyroux Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Breath taken
I'm shaken by my sight
Couldn't sleep
Couldn't keep
Quiet secrets on the wind I hear
There's somethin' grand coming
Through my empty city
On a night breeze so free lovers must collide
And the morning sun must rise
All is forgiven
Cool your heads
Highway men
Come what name in
Who run and fight
Here's your drink
Time to think
Soon you'll wandering away your fears
There's somethin' grand coming
Cool strumming
Through my empty city
'til the morning breaks
And the weary eyes are clear
Let the dreams of sleep take troubles far away from me
There's somethin' grand coming
Cool strumming
Through my empty city
'til the new day breaks
And weary eyes are clear
Dream of sleep take troubles far away from me
All is forgiven
The lyrics of Madeleine Peyroux's song "Somethin' Grand" speak of hope and forgiveness. The singer of the song is awakened by a sight that has left them shaken but also anticipating something truly grand to happen in their life. They hear secrets on the wind and feel like they are about to bear witness to something extraordinary. The imagery is vivid as the singer paints a picture of a cool breeze on a summer night that's so free that even lovers must collide. The next morning, everything looks clearer, and all is forgiven.
The tone of the song is joyful and hopeful, and the singer's voice echoes that. The lyrics encourage people to let their fears and troubles fade away and to embrace a bright future. The highway men are told to cool their heads and ponder their thoughts before wandering away from their fears. The lyrics are full of clever wordplay, like "cool lumming" and "cool strumming," which add to the atmosphere of the song.
Overall, "Somethin' Grand" is an uplifting song about hope and the chance of a bright new beginning. It celebrates the beauty of life and the resilience of the human spirit, encouraging people to seize the day and enjoy the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Wide awake
I am fully alert and aware
Breath taken
I am amazed by what I am seeing
I'm shaken by my sight
What I am seeing is causing me to feel moved and emotional
Couldn't sleep
I was unable to fall asleep
Couldn't keep
I was unable to hold onto
Quiet secrets on the wind I hear
I am hearing secrets that are being whispered on the wind
There's somethin' grand coming
I have a feeling that something truly magnificent is going to happen soon
Cool lumming
There is a feeling of coolness and brightness surrounding me
Through my empty city
I am in the midst of a deserted town or city
On a night breeze so free lovers must collide
The wind is blowing so freely that it feels as though the energy of two people in love will eventually combine and come together
And the morning sun must rise
The sun will inevitably rise the next morning
All is forgiven
All past grievances have been forgotten and those involved are at peace with each other
Cool your heads
Everyone should calm down and not get too worked up
Highway men
Travelers on the road
Come what name in
No matter who comes along
Who run and fight
Those who engage in conflict
Here's your drink
Here is something to help you relax
Time to think
Now is a good time to reflect and consider one's options
Soon you'll wandering away your fears
Before long, you will have left your fears behind you and be free to wander without worry
Cool strumming
There is a gentle, rhythmic sound that is soothing and peaceful
'til the morning breaks
Until the sun rises
And the weary eyes are clear
When the tired eyes are rested and no longer hazy
Let the dreams of sleep take troubles far away from me
I invite peaceful dreams to come and allow me to escape from my worries
'til the new day breaks
Until the next morning arrives
Dream of sleep take troubles far away from me
I hope to have a good dream that will allow me to forget my problems
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LARRY KLEIN, MADELEINE PEYROUX, SEAN WAYLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@isingjazz83
i love her last album, this is an absolute highlight, she is amazing, this song really makes you believe a better day is on our way and getting closer...love all her 4 albums actually