Active Since: 1993
Monique Brumby (bo… Read Full Bio ↴Origin: Tasmania, Australia
Active Since: 1993
Monique Brumby (born 16 September 1974, Devonport, Tasmania)[1] is an Australian Indie pop/rock singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer.[2] Her debut single, "Fool for You", peaked into the top 40 in the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) ARIA Singles Charts,[3] and provided an ARIA Award for 'Best New Talent' in 1996.[4][5] Her single, "Mary", won an ARIA Award in 1997 for 'Best Female Artist'.[4][6]
Brumby's songs have been used for Australian television: Neighbours, Home and Away, McLeod's Daughters,[7] The Secret Life of Us[8] and Heartbreak High;[9][10] and in the Australian films: Diana and Me (1997) and Occasional Coarse Language(1998).[11]
Early years
Brumby was born in 1974 in Devonport, Tasmania, and moved to Hobart at age seven.[12] She attended three different primary schools including Lauderdale Primary School (in nearby Clarence) and then secondary school at St Michael's Collegiate School to Year 12, she sang in stage musicals and tried out for women's soccer. In 1991, she was selected for the Australian under-19 youth team in a three test series against New Zealand.[13][14] While still at school, Brumby busked by singing to acoustic guitar in Hobart streets and obtained some part-time gigs.[12][15] In 1993, after leaving school, Brumby had paying gigs in Hobart clubs and then travelled to England on a working holiday as a boarding house mistress for a year;[15] she returned to Tasmania to write songs and, in 1995, relocated to Melbourne, Victoria, where she performed in local pubs and clubs. She joined a guitar-based band and wrote songs with its members before leaving to concentrate on her own songs.[15] In September 1995 she was the support act for Jeff Buckley's performance at The Athenaeum in Melbourne and at the Phoenician Club in Sydney.[16]
Natural
Monique Brumby Lyrics
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While she splashed around in the pool of love
She looked up his eyes were jet black
He did some things that he won’t forget
He was watching from the window above
While the sweat fell on her kid glove
Young and naïve such a delicate thing
Look at him girl take a look at him girl
Now take a look at yourself look at the state you’re in
Look at the state you’re in look at the state you’re in
Danger the first time she sinks like a stone
He lies to her he carries on saying
It’s only natural you should breathe with me
But it’s not natural the abuse she receives
No it’s not natural no it’s not natural to me
She was watching from the window above
Her life passed with each push and shove
I looked up her eyes were jet black
She looked at me and I won’t forget her cry
Look at him girl take a look at him girl
Now take a look at yourself look at the state you’re in
Look at the state you’re in look at the state you’re in
Danger the first time she sinks like a stone
He lies to her he carries on saying
It’s only natural you should breathe with me
But it’s not natural the abuse she receives
No it’s not natural no it’s not natural to me
The song "Natural" by Monique Brumby tells the story of a girl who is in a relationship with an abusive partner. The first verse describes the man watching the girl from the window while she is swimming in a "pool of love". His eyes are described as "jet black", which could possibly mean that he is consumed by dark emotions. The lyrics suggest that this man has done something that he will never forget - this could refer to the first time he abused the girl, and the guilt he feels about it.
The second verse suggests that the abuse has been going on for some time, as the girl's life "passed with each push and shove". When the singer looks up at her, her eyes are also "jet black", conveying the pain and fear she is experiencing. The chorus is a plea for the girl to look at her situation objectively and see the danger she is in. The man justifies his actions by saying that it's "natural" for her to be with him, but the lyrics make it clear that abuse is not natural or acceptable in any way. The final line of the chorus repeats this message: "No it's not natural to me".
The song is a powerful statement against domestic abuse, and highlights the importance of recognizing and speaking out against abusive relationships. The lyrics are straightforward and convey the message plainly, without any euphemism or sugarcoating. Overall, "Natural" is a deeply emotional and affecting song that encourages people to take a stand against domestic violence.
Line by Line Meaning
He was watching from the window above
He was observing from a vantage point above.
While she splashed around in the pool of love
She was enjoying herself freely and without inhibition.
She looked up his eyes were jet black
She noticed his dark and perhaps ominous gaze.
He did some things that he won’t forget
He committed actions that would remain with him indefinitely.
While the sweat fell on her kid glove
Her youthful innocence was tainted by his perspiration.
Young and naïve such a delicate thing
She was inexperienced and fragile, easily susceptible to harm.
He moved fast he justified each swing
He acted quickly and found a way to rationalize every act of violence.
Look at him girl take a look at him girl
Consider carefully the character of this man.
Now take a look at yourself look at the state you’re in
Reflect on your current situation and how it has been affected by his actions.
Danger the first time she sinks like a stone
The first time she experiences his abuse, she falls rapidly and cannot escape its grasp.
He lies to her he carries on saying
He continues to deceive her with false words and promises.
It’s only natural you should breathe with me
He tries to manipulate her by claiming that their harmful relationship is normal and expected.
But it’s not natural the abuse she receives
In reality, the violence she endures is unnatural and unacceptable.
No it’s not natural no it’s not natural to me
The singer recognizes that this abuse is not natural or justifiable in any way.
Her life passed with each push and shove
Her existence was characterized by constant physical and emotional turmoil.
She looked at me and I won’t forget her cry
The artist witnessed the victim's pain and anguish, which will remain etched in their memory.
Look at the state you’re in look at the state you’re in
The artist implores the victim to acknowledge the harm that has been inflicted upon them.
Contributed by Amelia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.