She received a guitar from her parents for her 14th birthday. Three years later, after sending a demo tape to Hanson and opening for them on tour, had signed a deal with Maverick Records. She subsequently had four top ten hits. The inspiration for writing her own songs can be found by The Beatles and other bands. Songs like "Something To Sleep To" are musically inspired by The Beatles.
She made her debut in 2000 and released the platinum-selling albums The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper in later years.
The Spirit Room was released in 2001. The album, which was produced by John Shanks (Melissa Etheridge, Chris Isaak), was an immediate hit. The Spirit Room sold 2.5 million copies and earned Branch a Grammy and an MTV Viewer’s Choice Award. The album also spawned three top ten hits.
Michelle performed a duet with Carlos Santana on the album Shaman. The single “The Game of Love” became an international hit. On June 23, 2003, Branch released her second album, Hotel Paper.
In 2004 she formed the band The Wreckers with fellow musician Jessica Harp. Their album "Stand Still Look Pretty" was also released on Maverick Records, although the Wreckers' country sound shocked many of Branch's old fans.
Stand Still, Look Pretty spawned four singles, including “Leave the Pieces,” which reached #1 on the U.S. country chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Citing creative differences, the duo have since put the project on hold to work on their own solo projects. Branch's latest album, Everything Comes and Goes, has been released on August 30th 2010, it's a Six Pak mini album containing only 6 songs that she wrote and finished about 2-3 years ago. The first single from the album is “Sooner or Later.”
The Loud Music Songfacts reports that the first single from singer-songwriter Michelle Branch's third studio album, West Coast Time was titled "Loud Music." It finds her singing about a rocker beau and referencing Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. The song was released on June 14, 2011 via her own label, Sticks n' Stones Recordings Ltd.
After a long hiatus, in 2017 she released the album "Hopeless Romantic."
Desperately
Michelle Branch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Made me think for a moment
That maybe we were meant to be
Living our lives separately
And it's strange that things change
But not me wanting you so desperately
[Chorus]
I keep giving in but I should've known better
'cause there was something 'bout the way you looked at me
And it's strange that things change
But not me wanting you so desperately
You looked my way and said, "you frustrate me"
Like you're thinking of lines and times when you and I were you and me
We took our chance out on the street
Then I missed my chance
And chances are it won't be coming back to me
Why can't I ignore it?
I keep giving in but I should've known better
'cause there was something 'bout the way you looked at me
And it's strange that things change
But not me wanting you -
So desperately
So desperately
[Chorus]
I want you so desperately
I keep giving in but I should know better
I keep giving in but I should know better
So desperately
I want you so desperately
In "Desperately", Michelle Branch sings about being attracted to someone despite knowing that it won't work out between them. The chorus repeats the line, "I keep giving in but I should've known better", showing that the singer is aware of the situation but can't resist their desire for the other person. The first verse acknowledges the fleeting nature of attraction, saying that things can change - but not the singer's desperation for the person they're singing to. The second verse features the other person speaking, saying that they feel frustrated with the singer but also acknowledging that there were times when they were together. The bridge acknowledges that the singer missed their chance to be with this person and that it's unlikely to happen again, but they still can't help wanting them.
Branch's vocals are an important part of the song, conveying the longing and desperation of the lyrics. The instrumentation is relatively minimal, with acoustic guitar backing up Branch's voice. The song was released as the third single from Branch's debut album "The Spirit Room" and reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also successful in Australia and New Zealand.
Line by Line Meaning
Something 'bout the way you looked at me
Your gaze made me momentarily believe that we were meant to be
Made me think for a moment
Your look evoked a brief moment of reflection within me
That maybe we were meant to be
I considered the possibility of a destined future for us
Living our lives separately
Despite this potential, it seems we are living separate lives
And it's strange that things change
It's odd how things can alter unexpectedly
But not me wanting you so desperately
However, my intense desire for you remains unchanged
Oh why can't I ignore it?
I question my inability to ignore my feelings
You looked my way and said, "you frustrate me"
You expressed a feeling of frustration towards me during our interaction
Like you're thinking of lines and times when you and I were you and me
It seemed like you were reminiscing about our past connection
We took our chance out on the street
We had a momentary opportunity for a relationship
Then I missed my chance
However, I regretfully didn't seize the chance I had with you
And chances are it won't be coming back to me
I believe that I may have lost my chance with you forever
I want you so desperately
My desire for you is all-consuming
I keep giving in but I should know better
Despite this, I keep allowing myself to succumb to my feelings even though it may not be wise
So desperately
My urgency for you remains strong
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHELLE BRANCH, MICHELLE JACQUET BRANCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
lilithavery
This is my favorite Michelle Branch song, and one of my favorite songs ever, actually. I love the second verse. It's always in my head.
Juliana Lacerda
This is so nostalgic!! Oh the early 2000’s... this song hasn’t aged AT ALL. So proud of my 18-year-old self for having good taste in music then ❤️
Luceafarul
One of her very best. MB is such a gem. Still beautiful songs after all these decades.
Lindsee
Love this song! Wish the radio would play songs like these ♥️
isellhope4u
This song is so awesome. If some radio station had the brains to play this, then they would have a new number one song requested! Thanks for posting this. You are awesome.
Kelsey Marie
could stop hearing this song in my head all day at work today. shes amazing
Set Fire to the Whole Damn House
I bought this album with my pocket money when I was a kid, it's a great album
RoundenBrown
Great song, great album. A great build-up to "Breathe" if you listen to the album sequentially.
dawn fowler
Love her. She reflects my passion that burns inside.
MIKEYLOVE
I loved this song so much! reminds me of someone! ^^