Born on the 2nd February 1985 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gardot took up piano and played as a youngster on the nightclub scene of Philadelphia, influenced by jazz, folk, rock, and pop musics. At the age of nineteen she was a fashion student at the Community College of Philadelphia. While cycling in Philadelphia in November 2003 she was hit by a car whose driver had ignored a red traffic light. In the accident she suffered serious head and spinal injuries, and her pelvis was broken in two places. Because of these severe injuries she was confined to her hospital bed for a year. Her musical beginning was prompted by a tending physician who was concerned with her cognitive impairment as a result of head injury sustained in the accident. He believed that music would help her brain injury improve, as it has been known to show remarkable results in improving people's cognitive ability after such trauma.
Following her doctor's suggestion, Gardot made recordings bedside, while still unable to walk, and eventually released the works as an EP: Some Lessons: The Bedroom Sessions (2005). Gardot's desire to be well, combined with a bit of luck, brought her to the attention of a local radio DJ at the AAA station WXPN (known for launching the careers of artists such as Amos Lee and Norah Jones). Her cognitive powers slowly but surely became pronounced, leading to the independent recording and release of her debut CD, Worrisome Heart, which was reissued in 2007 by Verve records.
Gardot is hypersensitive to light and noise, so wears dark glasses; she also uses a cane to walk. Onstage she requires a special seating unit, and wears a Transcutaneous Electro-Nerve Stimulator, a TENS device, to assist in alleviating her neuralgic muscle pain. Though touring is difficult, she has been performing in major cities on the East Coast of the U.S. to support her recordings. In 2009, working with producer Larry Klein and arranger Vince Mendoza - both known for their work with Joni Mitchell - Gardot followed up her Verve debut with My One and Only Thrill.
In 2012, she released the album The Absence.
Lisboa
Melody Gardot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sorrow of your days gone by
Now the hinterland of lovers should lay
Beneath all your vacant skies
Lisboa, Lisboa
From Alama's arms to Lisbendade
Paper lanterns, falling embersQuiet cantors sing of sandade
The ever twilight amber of your alleyways
Paint the air of evening oh so well
And strolls about the river bank
Suggests there's history left to tell
Ai Lisboa
A paradise beside the sea
There's a beauty
To the absence of tainting all your scenery
Oh oh
Lisboa é luz boa
Lisboa é Pessoa (também é)
Lisboa tem chiado (também tem)
Alfama e tem fado
Da era severa
De um tempo que já era
Nas ruas de Lisboa eu vou (eu vou também)
Das tuas colinas
Milagres e simas
Nas praças, rainhas
Flores e rimas, eu vou (eu vou)
Eu vou
L-I-S-B-O-A
Lisboa
L-I-S-B-O-A
L-I-S-B-O-A (Lisboa)
The lyrics of Melody Gardot's "Lisboa" reflect a deep sense of nostalgia, loss, and longing for the beauty of Lisbon. The song pays tribute to the city's rich history, culture, and musical heritage, from the melancholic strains of fado to the romantic ambiance of the riverbanks and alleyways. The opening line "Lisboa ai Lisboa" is an expression of empathy and compassion for the city and the people who have suffered loss and hardship. The reference to the "sorrow of your days gone by" suggests a poignant reflection on the past, and the enduring legacy of loss and trauma that permeates the city's culture and psyche.
The chorus "Lisboa, Lisboa" serves as a beautiful refrain that captures the city's soul, evoking the romanticism and allure of Lisbon's streets, squares, and hills. The allusion to "Paper lanterns, falling embers" adds to the enchanting imagery of the city's nightscape, with the quiet cantors singing of "saudade," the Portuguese word for the deep sense of yearning and nostalgia that is integral to the fado genre. The reference to "Alama's arms" and "Lisbendade" highlights the city's rich cultural diversity, reflecting its Arab and African influences.
Overall, "Lisboa" is a deeply moving tribute to the beauty, resilience, and soul of Lisbon, a city that has endured many hardships and losses over the centuries but has remained a bastion of culture and community.
Line by Line Meaning
Lisboa ai Lisboa
The song begins by addressing the city of Lisbon, with an emotional tone that hints at sadness or longing.
The sorrow of your days gone by
The singer acknowledges the difficult past of Lisbon, which may have included struggles or hardships.
Now the hinterland of lovers should lay
The city is portrayed as a place where people come to find romance or love, perhaps due to its beauty or charm.
Beneath all your vacant skies
This line invokes the idea of an empty sky, which may represent a lack of clarity or a sense of emptiness or loneliness felt by the singer.
From Alama's arms to Lisbendade
This line refers to two neighborhoods in Lisbon and suggests that the city is united in its diversity, with different areas and groups coming together.
Paper lanterns, falling embers
The setting of the song is further emphasized by the use of visuals, as the singer describes paper lanterns and falling embers, which may create a romantic or nostalgic atmosphere.
Quiet cantors sing of sandade
The word 'saudade' is an important concept in Portuguese culture that refers to a feeling of longing or nostalgia, and here it is mentioned in the context of traditional music that is still performed in the city.
The ever twilight amber of your alleyways
The use of descriptive language continues as the singer paints a picture of the city at twilight, when the streets are bathed in a warm, amber light that creates a romantic or peaceful mood.
Paint the air of evening oh so well
This line suggests that the atmosphere of the city is conducive to romance and creative inspiration, perhaps due to its rich history and cultural heritage.
And strolls about the river bank
The image of walking along the river bank is a popular one in Lisbon, and it is often associated with a sense of peace or tranquility that allows people to reflect or connect with nature.
Suggests there's history left to tell
The singer implies that Lisbon is a city with a rich and complex history, and that there are many stories yet to be discovered or shared.
A paradise beside the sea
This line emphasizes the natural beauty of Lisbon, which is located on the Atlantic coast and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
There's a beauty
The singer acknowledges the aesthetic appeal of Lisbon, which is a major draw for tourists and visitors from around the world.
To the absence of tainting all your scenery
This line suggests that the city's beauty is not diminished by pollution or other negative factors, and that it remains a pristine and unspoiled destination.
Lisboa é luz boa
This phrase translates to 'Lisbon is good light' and may refer to the quality of light in the city, which is known for its bright sunshine and clear skies.
Lisboa é Pessoa (também é)
This line references Fernando Pessoa, a famous Portuguese writer who is often associated with Lisbon and its literary history.
Lisboa tem chiado (também tem)
The word 'chiado' refers to a neighborhood in Lisbon, as well as the sound of a kettle or similar object boiling. It may be used here as a metaphor for the energy and vibrancy of the city.
Alfama e tem fado
Alfama is a historic neighborhood in Lisbon, and 'fado' is a type of traditional Portuguese music that is closely associated with the city and its culture.
Da era severa
This phrase means 'from the severe era' and may refer to a historical period in Lisbon's past, during which it may have experienced economic or social hardships.
De um tempo que já era
This line means 'from a time that is already gone', and may suggest a wistful or nostalgic tone as the singer reflects on Lisbon's past.
Nas ruas de Lisboa eu vou (eu vou também)
The phrase 'eu vou' means 'I go' and is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the singer's connection to Lisbon and her desire to explore its streets and neighborhoods.
Das tuas colinas
This line means 'from your hills', which may refer to the hilly terrain of Lisbon and the unique topography of the city.
Milagres e simas
The word 'milagres' means 'miracles' and 'simas' may refer to deep pits or potholes. The imagery suggests a sense of wonder or surprise that can be found in unexpected places.
Nas praças, rainhas
This line refers to 'plazas and queens' and may evoke an image of royalty or grandeur that is often associated with Lisbon's architecture and landmarks.
Flores e rimas, eu vou (eu vou)
The phrase 'flores e rimas' means 'flowers and rhymes' and may suggest the poetic qualities of Lisbon, as well as its natural beauty and vibrant culture.
L-I-S-B-O-A
This line spells out the name of the city, emphasizing its importance as a central theme of the song.
Lisboa
The song concludes by repeating the name of the city once more, as if to acknowledge its enduring appeal and charm.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Melody Gardot
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paulanka9829
le survol de la vieille ville est remarquable❤
@barbarasutton6188
Have not been to Lisbon yet but love this beautiful song and video. Melody is a gifted composer and musician!
@jmonteiro
+Barbara Sutton Hi Barbara, I wish you'll have the opportunity, one of these days, to visit our country's capital. And while you're at it, also try to visit Porto and Coimbra. I'm absolutelly convinced that you won't become disappointed. Seja Bem-Vinda a Portugal e a Lisboa. :-)
@FracescaMaria
meraviglioso!!! le mie paginette ti ringraziano!!
@nicholasr6381
Love this song
@sandrassandras1256
Bonita melodia da nossa bela Lisboa!
@geraldshuler9777
living the LIFE. I can't wait.....
@geraldshuler9777
Life is beautiful but you need to relax at the age you r.
@TheTiz62
'The Absence'
@geraldshuler9777
I just want to learn different cultures and languages. Something I've always wanted to do