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.
Your Heart Is As Black As Night
Melody Gardot Lyrics
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But the story I'm told
Is that your heart is as black as night
Your lips may be sweet
Such that I can't compete
But your heart is as black as night
At such a perfect time
But if I let you hang around
I'm bound to lose my mind
'Cause your hands may be strong
But the feeling's all wrong
Your heart is as black as night
I don't know why you came along
At such a perfect time
But if I let you hang around
I'm bound to lose my mind
Cause your hands may be strong
But the feeling's all wrong
Your heart is as black
Your heart is as black
Oh, your heart is as black as night
Ah-ah oh
In Melody Gardot's song "Your Heart Is As Black As Night," the lyrics describe a romantic relationship that is based on physical attraction and superficial pleasure. Despite the apparent physical charm of the person in question, the lyrics reveal that their true nature is dark and negative, suggesting a sense of danger and warning. The singer acknowledges the seductive qualities of the person, but also recognizes that it is ultimately an empty and unfulfilling experience due to the corrupt nature of their heart. The repetition of the phrase "your heart is as black as night" highlights the important message of the song, emphasizing the warning to stay away from individuals who may have harmful intentions despite their outward appearance.
The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and caution, warning listeners to be mindful of people whose intentions may not be genuine. The line "I'm bound to lose my mind" suggests an overwhelming sense of confusion and fear that comes with being in a dangerous situation despite one's awareness. The use of metaphors like "your heart is as black as night" and "lips may be sweet" adds to the depth and complexity of the song, allowing for a richer interpretation of the lyrics. Overall, "Your Heart Is As Black As Night" is a powerful warning about the dangers of being drawn towards appearances rather than character.
Line by Line Meaning
Your eyes may be whole
Although your eyes appear intact and pure
But the story I'm told
It is believed that the way you behave indicates otherwise
Is that your heart is as black as night
That you have a cold and immoral heart that lacks empathy
Your lips may be sweet
Even though your words are pleasing and kind
Such that I can't compete
It seems impossible for me to match your sweet talk
But your heart is as black as night
Your true nature is cruel and insensitive
I don't know why you came along
I am still unsure of your intentions for appearing in my life
At such a perfect time
Arriving precisely when things seemed to be going well for me
But if I let you hang around
However, if I allow you to stay near me
I'm bound to lose my mind
I'll become insane due to the turmoil you'll bring
Cause your hands may be strong
Even though your grip is forceful
But the feeling's all wrong
There's something about your touch that's off-putting
Your heart is as black as night
Once again, it's clear that you are a heartless person
Your heart is as black
Your dark demeanor is evident
Oh, your heart is as black as night
Your malevolence seems to be endless and unchanging
Ah-ah oh
Non-specific interjection conveying strong emotion
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MELODY GARDOT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind