After Graduation
Surprisingly, however, Michelle didn't initially intend to pursue a career in music. As an art history major and anthropology minor at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania, she found herself managing the Walt Disney-Tishman Collection of African Art after graduation[1] in a somewhat frustrating role:
It was heartbreaking in some ways for me because...I had come from the Guggenheim where if somebody sneezed in the general vicinity of a painting...a conservator was there with a little Q-tip...and I was now working for a corporation...that because it wasn't necessarily making them any money, they were a little bit more trepidations in spending money on the collection...it was frustrating mostly at times to work for them because of that reason.
Music As A Career
Fortunately for her fans, after about 18-months at Disney's Imagineering arm, Michelle decided that "corporate America" wasn't for her and made the decision to reconnect with her musical roots while working as a waitress in Southern California. Indeed, it was during one of her waitressing jobs that she just happened to play a few songs on the piano while the scheduled performers were on a break, that the audience's reaction was so overwhelmingly positive that she realized that music was something that she needed to seriously pursue.
It was the most bizarre experience...everybody sat down and was quiet...I played three songs and people were asking me where my album was...
Success
Her songs have garnered attention in both film and television over the past few years. One of her songs "Stay" has been featured on "Alias" for ABC, "Wonderfalls" for Fox and the WB's "One Tree Hill" as well as in several independent film projects with Group 101. Another song, "Over You", was featured on "Smallville" for the WB network and the newly recorded "I'm There Too" played on the premier episode of Aaron Spelling's new drama "Summerland". "Summerland" also used "I Will Be Fine" later in the season and "All That I Want" featured in the premier episode of NBC's "Las Vegas". A recent showcase of the Sundance film festival introduced Michelle to many independent feature film makes some of who are using her music for upcoming projects this summer.
This past year, Michelle has been working on various other music projects in Los Angeles and the UK. "Project PI" by Al West features Michelle singing her song "Please". The album will be release in Europe by the end of this year.
Michelle is an active participant in the singer/songwriter community of Southern California, and has performed at clubs as diverse as the Whiskey A Go Go, the Hotel Cafe, Ghengis Cohen, the Joint and the Temple Bar, to name a few.
She recently recorded a select few songs with producer Evan Biegel of Seasound Studios in North Hollywood and is collaborating on an electronica album, due out early next year. New acoustic recordings are an on going project and a compilation of some of them will be released over the next few months.
You're Not Alone
Michelle Featherstone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm talking. Is there anybody listening to me know
I can't say the right thing is what I always do
I'm just like you
Looking for the answers too
You do what you can to see both sides
You give what you have to satisfy
You're not alone
You're not alone
Strangers faces look from all directions
They're hoping and searching for some reaction
I can't say the right thing will always be the truth
What do we do but keep pushing on through
You do what you can to see both sides
You give what you have to satisfy
You think you've got a long way to go
You're not alone
You're not alone
You're not alone
You're not alone
This black and white world should be more colorful
So open your eyes
The sun will shine through Turing grey skies to blue
It's a state of mind
You do what you can to see both sides
And you give what you have to satisfy
You think you've got a long way to go
You do what you can to see both sides
And you give what you have to satisfy
You think you've got a long way to go
You're not alone
You're not alone
You're not alone
You're not alone
The song "You're Not Alone" by Michelle Featherstone speaks of the common struggles and challenges that everyone faces in life. The world sometimes seems to be turning upside down and despite the talking, there may not always be anyone listening. The singer acknowledges her own shortcomings and that she too is searching for answers, just like everyone else. The chorus line, "You're not alone," provides the comforting message that amidst all the confusion and uncertainty, there is strength in solidarity and mutual support.
The second stanza speaks of the many strangers that we encounter, looking for some kind of human connection and interaction. However, sometimes the right thing to say is not always apparent and it can be difficult to discern the truth when there is so much to navigate. Despite this, the song encourages people to push on through, despite not being able to say the right thing all the time.
The bridge of the song speaks of how the world can be a black and white place, but it should be more colorful, with open eyes and a determined and positive attitude. The sun shining through Turing grey skies to blue signifies hope and positivity, even in the most challenging of times.
Overall, "You're Not Alone" is a song that speaks to the experiences and emotions of many people. It acknowledges that life can be difficult and confusing, but there is a sense of unity and belonging that can provide comfort and inspiration.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is turning upside down
Things are not as they should be and problems are arising.
I'm talking. Is there anybody listening to me know
The singer is seeking someone to understand, connect with, or help.
I can't say the right thing is what I always do
The singer sometimes struggles with finding the right words to say.
I'm just like you
The singer is relatable and shares the same struggles or experiences as the listener.
Looking for the answers too
The singer is searching for solutions or guidance, just like the listener.
You do what you can to see both sides
The listener tries to understand different viewpoints or perspectives.
You give what you have to satisfy
The listener gives their best effort, even if it may not be perfect.
You think you've got a long way to go
The listener believes they have a lot to learn or accomplish.
You're not alone
The singer wants to reassure the listener that they're not the only one going through this.
Strangers faces look from all directions
The listener sees unfamiliar people everywhere.
They're hoping and searching for some reaction
Those people are seeking a response or recognition from the listener.
I can't say the right thing will always be the truth
The singer acknowledges that sometimes the truth is difficult to express.
What do we do but keep pushing on through
Despite difficulties, the singer urges the listener to continue persevering and seeking answers.
This black and white world should be more colorful
The singer believes the world could be enriched by more diversity and vibrancy.
So open your eyes
The singer calls for the listener to be more attentive and receptive.
The sun will shine through Turing grey skies to blue
If the listener remains hopeful, brighter times will come.
It's a state of mind
Having a positive outlook and attitude can make all the difference.
Contributed by Katherine L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.