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.
Don't Wait Too Long
Madeleine Peyroux Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can wait a million years
If you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait too long
When your morning turns to night
Who'll be loving you by candlelight
If you think that time will change your ways
Maybe I got a lot to learn
Time can slip away
Sometimes you got to lose it all
Before you find your way
Take a chance, play your part
Make romance, it might break your heart
But if you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait too long
It may rain, it may shine
Love will age like fine red wine
But if you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait too long
Maybe you and I got a lot to learn
Don't waste another day
Maybe you got to lose it all
Before you find your way
Take a chance, play your part
Make romance, it might break your heart
But if you think that time will change your ways
Don't wait too long
Don't wait
Hmm, don't wait
The lyrics to Madeleine Peyroux's "Don't Wait Too Long" deliver a message about love, life, and the importance of making the most of every moment. The song suggests that time is a precious resource that should not be wasted, and that we should make the most of every opportunity to love and be loved. The first verse suggests that waiting for time to change our ways is a futile effort, and that we should take responsibility and make changes ourselves. The chorus reinforces this message, suggesting that waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities for love and happiness.
The second verse continues this theme, asking the listener to consider what will happen when their morning turns to night. The implication is that time is fleeting, and that we should make the most of every moment before it is too late. The second half of the verse suggests that while time can slip away, sometimes losing everything is necessary to find our way. The final verse repeats the chorus and reiterates the importance of taking a chance, playing a part, and making romance, despite the risk of heartbreak.
"Don't Wait Too Long" is a timeless song, with a powerful message that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. Its lyrics encourage us to take bold steps towards love and happiness, reminding us that time is far too precious to waste. The song's simple yet powerful melody, combined with Peyroux's signature vocal style, make it a classic that will continue to be cherished for decades to come.
Line by Line Meaning
You can cry a million tears
Crying cannot change your circumstances
You can wait a million years
Time passing cannot change your situation
If you think that time will change your ways
Believing that time alone is a solution to your problems is unwise
Don't wait too long
Take action before it's too late
When your morning turns to night
When things go wrong, who will be there for you?
Who'll be loving you by candlelight
Love can disappear quickly when times are tough
Maybe I got a lot to learn
I am not all-knowing and need to learn from experience
Time can slip away
Time is precious and can be wasted
Sometimes you got to lose it all
Sometimes reaching rock bottom is a necessary step towards growth
Before you find your way
You may have to go through tough times to find your true self
Take a chance, play your part
Don't be afraid to take risks and be proactive in your life
Make romance, it might break your heart
Love is not always easy, but it's worth the risk
It may rain, it may shine
Life is unpredictable with ups and downs
Love will age like fine red wine
True love will stand the test of time
Maybe you and I got a lot to learn
We are not perfect and need to learn from our mistakes
Don't waste another day
Life is short, make the most of it
Don't wait
Do not hesitate to take action
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lawrence A. Klein, Madeleine E. Peyroux, Jessie L. Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tatianakamennova2489
I like that she doesn't scream, doesn't squeak, doesn't squeal, doesn't whisper and doesn't moan, but sings in a gentle feminine voice.
@elizabethannedevaney8411
Effortless talent
@ladyofpompeii1905
Yes, yes and yes!! When I first heard her, I could have sworn it was Billie H. So smooth.
@jackie5046
Am I the only one who hears the Billie Holiday influence in her voice? Just love Madeline ❤️
@clarissadutra247
Yey. You too!!! Totally Billie Holiday. So smooth
@acuman99.9
I need her to cover Gloomy Sunday asap
@MrReed314
Or Norah Jones..
@Zepster77
No
@tamazpatarkalashvili2811
There is nothing to compare with Billy Holiday. Very foolish idea! @@Zepster77
@PhenomenalCoco
This is on repeat all 2023. I’ve learned many lessons this year!