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.
Prayer A
Madeleine Peyroux Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I must be strong now
I don't belong now
In this world anymore
I'll say a final prayer for
Those I care for
Who've kept my company
My need is clear
I'm dying to have you near
To me
Lord
I don't belong now
If you are waiting
I am not afraid to die
I'm prepared to go
Divide my body and soul
Won't you
Lord
I don't belong now
If you are waiting
I am not afraid to die
Have mercy
Lord, I'm told it's paradise
To have and to hold you
Lord
I must be strong now
I don't belong now
In this world anymore
Lord
I won't be long now
If you are waiting
I am not afraid to die
The lyrics of Madeleine Peyroux's song "Prayer A" speak of a sense of disconnection and a longing for something greater. The singer addresses "Lord," expressing a feeling that they no longer belong in this world and are ready to move on to something else. The imminent sense of departure is clear, with the singer expressing a desire to say a final prayer for those they care for who have kept them company.
The singer's need for something beyond this world is palpable. They speak of a clear need to have someone (presumably the Lord) near to them as they prepare to go. There is a sense of acceptance and surrender, with the singer expressing a willingness to have their body and soul divided. The lyrics touch on themes of mortality, faith, and the hope of something more beyond this earthly realm.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord
Addressing to God
I must be strong now
I need to be brave and courageous
I don't belong now
I feel like an alien in this world
In this world anymore
I feel like leaving this world
I'll say a final prayer for
I'll pray for one last time
Those I care for
The people I love and care about
Who've kept my company
Who have been with me
My need is clear
I know what I need
I'm dying to have you near
I'm longing to be close to you
To me
To my heart and soul
If you are waiting
If you are there, waiting for me
I am not afraid to die
I am not scared of death
I'm prepared to go
I'm ready to leave
Divide my body and soul
Separate my physical and spiritual self
Won't you
Can you please
Have mercy
Show kindness and compassion
Lord, I'm told it's paradise
God, people say it's like heaven
To have and to hold you
To be with you and keep you close
Lord
Addressing to God
I won't be long now
I'll be leaving soon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Written by: ALFRED MCCRARY, DATHAN JONES, SUNDRAY TUCKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stefaniruane7705
Found on Deadwood , simple put amazing!
@oscarhaydenperditionbound1195
Deadwood brought me here. Just finished the episode 😢
@theimaginationofmyself
Oscar Hayden (Perdition Bound) Nice, me too. Wolcott sure got a good beating, didn't he:D This song is hauntingly beautiful...
@shininmoon
Oscar Hayden (Perdition Bound) me three :)
@pedrodantas9028
+Oscar Hayden (Perdition Bound) Me too :)
@pedrodantas9028
+Oscar Hayden (Perdition Bound) What a show btw!
@goesthadistance
me2
@MrTommyc7590
Deadwood best series ever.
@ivanlaney2336
You do know that town got burned down don't you? It was never rebuilt and Hurst tore the Earth a new ass hole raping the gold from the guts.
@wisconsinman3590
@@ivanlaney2336 It got rebuilt. Al's place burned down later again and thats when he moved on to Colorado and was murfered in the street.