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.
Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky
Madeleine Peyroux Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From now on, yeah
I got to be myself and do my thing
A little soul can′t do no harm, yeah
Everything I do gonna be a funky
From now on, yeah
From now on, yeah
Everything I do gonna be a funky
From now on, yeah
Now, some may say I ain't got no class
But I′m doing what I wanna do
So groove with me if you can
Or just do what you can do
Well everything I do gonna be funky
From now on, yeah
Everything I do gonna be funky
From now on, yeah
Oo, never before have I ever been so good
Just being natural me
My little hang-ups and my little ties
But deep inside, I'm free
So let your hair down, get into it
Who's to say what′s right or wrong? Ooh
Everything I do gonna be funky
From now on, yeah
Everything I do gonna be a funky
From now on, yeah
Everything I do gonna be a funky
From now on, yeah
Everything I do gonna be a funky
From now on, yeah
Everything I do gonna be a funky
From now on, yeah
In Madeleine Peyroux's song "Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky," the lyrics convey a sense of embracing individuality and choosing to live authentically. The repetition of the phrase "Everything I do gonna be funky" emphasizes the singer's determination to infuse every aspect of their life with a funky, soulful energy. This declaration serves as a personal mantra and a commitment to staying true to oneself.
The lyrics suggest that the singer refuses to conform to societal expectations or judgments regarding their behavior. They express a belief that being true to oneself and enjoying the soulful aspects of life can never cause harm. By asserting that "a little soul can't do no harm," the singer challenges the idea that their choices or actions are invalid or lacking in value.
The line "Now, some may say I ain't got no class, but I'm doing what I wanna do" reflects the singer's awareness that they may be judged by conventional standards. However, they dismiss these criticisms and emphasize that staying true to their own desires and passions is more important than conforming to expectations. The lyrics encourage acceptance of one's own unique expression and urge others to join in the groove or do their own thing without concern for societal opinions.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of personal growth and embracing one's imperfections. The line "My little hang-ups and my little ties, but deep inside, I'm free" suggests that while the singer may have their own insecurities and limitations, they have achieved a sense of inner freedom and acceptance. This message encourages listeners to let go of their inhibitions, relax, and enjoy the freedom of self-expression.
Overall, "Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky" is a song that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and the choice to live life with a funky, soulful attitude. The lyrics promote the idea of embracing one's unique qualities and letting go of societal judgments. It encourages listeners to find their own groove, whether it aligns with conventional standards or not, and emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything I do gonna be a funky
All my actions and endeavors will exude a lively and soulful vibe
From now on, yeah
Starting from this moment, going forward
I got to be myself and do my thing
I must embrace my true identity and pursue my passions
A little soul can't do no harm, yeah
Expressing emotions and embracing authenticity can only lead to positive outcomes
Now, some may say I ain't got no class
There are those who may judge me as lacking sophistication
But I'm doing what I wanna do
Nevertheless, I am pursuing my desires and aspirations
So groove with me if you can
Join me in finding enjoyment and rhythm if you are able to
Or just do what you can do
Alternatively, engage in whatever actions suit you best
Oo, never before have I ever been so good
I have never felt so confident and fulfilled before
Just being natural me
Simply embracing my true self without pretenses
My little hang-ups and my little ties
My minor insecurities and limitations
But deep inside, I'm free
However, internally, I feel liberated and unrestrained
So let your hair down, get into it
Relax and immerse yourself in the experience
Who's to say what's right or wrong? Ooh
There is no definitive authority determining morality or correctness
Writer(s): Allen Toussaint
Contributed by Max T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kurt
on The Summer Wind
Unbelievable Saxophon solo!