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.
Playin'
Madeleine Peyroux Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Playin'
Stuck on the corner of the afternoon
I hear the sound
Some heart-aching
Oh just the same old tune
Playin'
Autumn falling in my old chapel
I've got a mind to get the whole world shaking
Every little place I go
Tell you the story of the angels in the streets singing
There ain't no glory but the blues
And you'd lie in the rain
And all because you know you ain't got nothing to lose
Just playin, playin'
I know my life may be just a song
And I'll survive when the world's overtaken
Cause I love to play along
Tell you story of the angels in the streets
Singing there ain't no glory but the blues
And you'd lie in the rain
And all because you know you ain't got nothing to lose
Just playin, playin'
Maybe my life is just a song
I know I'll survive when the world's overtaken
Cause I love to play along
Yes I know I'll survive when the world's overtaken
The song “Playin’” by Madeleine Peyroux and William Galison talks about a musician who is playing his heart out on the street, even though he isn’t sure if anyone is listening or appreciating his music. The lyrics begin with the musician standing on the corner of the afternoon, listening to the sound of heart-aching music that seems to be playing the same old tune. Despite this, the musician continues to play, telling a story of angels in the streets who sing the blues.
The lyrics suggest that the music is more than just entertainment for the musician, but a way of life. He has a mind to get the whole world shaking with his music, and he is willing to keep playing even in the rain because he has nothing to lose. The song acknowledges that life may be tough, but the musician's love for music makes him survive even when the world is overtaken by darkness.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the musician’s love for playing music. He believes that his life may be just a song, but he will survive by playing along. The lyrics suggest that music is what gives the musician the strength to thrive, it is what makes life worth living.
Overall, the song “Playin’” reflects the power of music to uplift and energize people. Despite the difficulties of life, the musician finds solace in his music, expressing himself through his heartfelt sound, telling stories of angels in the street singing the blues. The message is clear, keep on playing, keep on singing, keep on expressing your true self through music.
Line by Line Meaning
Playin'
The act of playing music.
Stuck on the corner of the afternoon
Feeling lost or unsure in the midst of a mundane day.
I hear the sound
Noticing the music playing around them.
Some heart-aching
Feeling emotional or moved by the music.
Oh just the same old tune
Noticing that the music being played is familiar and repetitive.
Autumn falling in my old chapel
Setting the scene of the song: autumn surroundings and an old place of worship.
I've got a mind to get the whole world shaking
Being inspired to make an impact on the world through their music.
Every little place I go
Going to many different locations with the intention of sharing their music.
Tell you the story of the angels in the streets singing
Sharing stories of the beauty found in everyday life and simple things like street performers.
There ain't no glory but the blues
Acknowledging the struggles that accompany the musician's life.
And you'd lie in the rain
Being willing to endure difficult times and circumstances for the love of music.
And all because you know you ain't got nothing to lose
Taking risks and pursuing their passion because they have nothing to lose.
Just playin, playin'
Emphasizing that, ultimately, it's all just about playing music.
I know my life may be just a song
Seeing their life as simply being a part of the greater melody of life.
And I'll survive when the world's overtaken
Finding strength in music and knowing it can provide solace in difficult times.
Cause I love to play along
Finding joy and fulfillment in playing music, regardless of external circumstances.
Maybe my life is just a song
Reiterating the idea that life is like a song.
Yes I know I'll survive when the world's overtaken
Having confidence that, because they love music so much, they will be able to endure anything that comes their way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kurt
on The Summer Wind
Unbelievable Saxophon solo!