Her music is centered on her singing, in a fairly low register and a traditional bluesy-jazz style, and her piano playing, which is technically accomplished. Her repertoire includes many of her own compositions, but also a selection of standards drawn mostly from the classic-rock genre; examples include "Ode to Billie Joe," "A Taste of Honey," and "Black Magic Woman." She is known for her apparent above-average intelligence and vocabulary, which results in complex and witty lyrics. Her last album to date, Mythologies is a set of songs based on Ovid's Metamorphoses. In September 2008, Patricia is releasing "The Cole Porter Mix," a collection of Patricia's renditions of the Porter songbook along with three Barber originals inspired by Cole Porter.
Patricia Barber is a lesbian. Interviews with her suggests that she does not try to hide this fact, but that she 'tires' of the public interest in her sexuality – disliking the fact that it contributes to her fame.
Her albums Cafe Blue, Modern Cool, Companion, Nightclub, Verse have been reissued by Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab on SACD and limited edition 45 rpm 1/2 speed mastered, 180 gram audiophile vinyl.
Alfie
Patricia Barber Lyrics
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Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie,
then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
I know there's something much more,
something even non-believers can believe in.
I believe in love, Alfie.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way
and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
These lyrics are from the song "Alfie" by Patricia Barber and are a beautiful reflection on the essence of life and the importance of love. The singer asks the titular character, Alfie, about the purpose of life and what it is all about. She wonders if it's just about living in the moment or if there is more to it. She questions if we are supposed to take more than we give or be kind, ultimately finding that fools may be kind but it may be wise to be cruel.
The lyrics also touch on the concept of strength and the idea that life belongs only to the strong. The singer asks what old golden rule Alfie will lend to the world if life is only for the strong, and ponders on the existence of heaven and something more significant that even non-believers can believe in. The singer concludes the song with the belief that love is the most crucial element of life that elevates us beyond mere existence, and without it, we are nothing.
Overall, the song urges us to let our hearts lead the way and to find love, knowing that this is what truly makes life worth living.
Line by Line Meaning
What's it all about, Alfie?
What is the meaning of our existence, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
Are we only living for temporary pleasures, Alfie?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
What is the true purpose of life, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give or are we meant to be kind?
Should we be selfish or compassionate, Alfie?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie, then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
If being kind is considered foolish, maybe it's better to be harsh, Alfie.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?
If only the strong survive, what value is there in following moral principles, Alfie?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie, I know there's something much more, something even non-believers can believe in.
I am certain there's a higher power, but there's also something universal that both believers and non-believers can have faith in, Alfie.
I believe in love, Alfie.
I believe that love is a powerful force, Alfie.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Without genuine love, our lives are merely existence, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
Without discovering the love you've been lacking, you're incomplete, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
Follow your heart, and love will come to you, Alfie, Alfie.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind