That quality, often lacking in pop musicians, has resulted in two ambitious musical projects that were composed and written with a certain theme in mind. Eternal Woman (2001) is about the lives of eleven great women, ranging from Maria Magdalena and Cleopatra to Marie-Antoinette and Catharina the Great. This project was followed in 2003 by another ‘concept’ album (Mistress), this time about the fate of famous and tragic lovers such as Catharina de Medici, Frida Kahlo and even Hillary Clinton. Both albums were a huge international success and Eternal Woman even became platinum.
However, on tour Petra came to realize that these wonderful historical productions, how interesting they were and still are, had nothing to do with her own life. She doesn’t play a role in the political arena and she is definitely not a tragic lover. Furthermore, Petra and her husband Jeroen Englebert (composer/producer) are now the proud parents of a son and a daughter, which has altered their perspectives on life and work tremendously. "It was time to look for repertoire that not only appeals to me musically. Its content should also reflect who I am and what makes me tick at this moment in my life," she says.
"As a result, this is the most intimate and tender record I can think of. I wonder if I will be able to stay as true to myself in the future. Love, in all its manifestations, is the central theme of this album, ranging from the love of a son for his deceased father (If came the hour), romantic love (happy or not) and, for instance, the love between two fighting friends who don’t want to let go of each other (Can’t let go). They are able to forgive because they realize that their friendship is more important than their wounded egos. It’s a beautiful duet with Simone Kleinsma, whom I know very well, having co-starred with her in the musical Sweeny Todd many years ago. Then there are two compositions especially for my children, one of them being Conta sempre su di me, which means: whatever you do, you can always count on me. The music was written by Tjeerd Oosterhuis, who also produced this album. The Italian lyrics are a faithful translation of the lyrics about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child that I wrote for this song. It’s a different relationship from any other. It’s true: you bring them into this world, look into their eyes and you know: this is forever. Liberta, the other song, is an encouragement for my children to become who they truly want to become."
Last but not least, there is the all-revealing title track ‘Here and Now’, which reflects the overall emotional significance of the album both in its lyrics (Petra Berger) and music (After Forever). Based on the books of mystic Eckhart Tolle, it is a spirited and intensely cheerful recommendation to us all to let go of our past disappointments and pain; to no longer be afraid and just live in the NOW.
(taken from her official site)
If I Had A Wish
Petra Berger Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through all the hurt you've had
I can't make it right
Can't win your fight
Although I'd like to
You married far too young
You were a precious one
A new role to play
The empress of Austria
If I had a wish
I wouldn't miss
My chance to say
Sisi I'd braid your hair
Brush away all despair
You flirted with death
To take your last breath
And lead you to heaven
Sisi it makes me sad
You had your babies too
Taken away from you
How did you survive
So long in that life
I couldn't do it
Let's dream that you'll be
Barefoot and free
With all your children
Sisi I'd braid your hair
Brush away all despair
The lyrics to Petra Berger's song 'If I Had A Wish' are heartfelt and touching, as they are addressed to the historical figure Empress Elisabeth of Austria, widely known as Sisi. The song starts with the acknowledgement of Sisi's sadness, acknowledging the pain she has gone through. The singer admits that as much as she would like to make things right or help Sisi win her fight, she can't do so. As an interpretation, the lyrics suggest that the singer can relate to Sisi's struggles and feels deeply for her, but there are certain things that cannot be changed in life, and the singer wishes she could do more to help.
The second verse of the song talks about Sisi's early marriage and how she was stolen away to play the role of the Empress of Austria. The singer acknowledges the pain and suffering that comes with this role, the sacrifices that had to be made, and how life can be challenging when one is forced into something they are not prepared for. The chorus of the song talks about the singer's wishes, given the chance to say them to Sisi. If she had a chance to meet Sisi, she would braid her hair and brush away all despair, comforting and empathizing with the Empress's troubles.
The bridge of the song takes a somber note, as it mentions Sisi's struggle with death, which ultimately led her to heaven. The verse acknowledges Sisi's resilience and courage, as she managed to survive all her challenges, even with the loss of her children. The final verse of the song ends with a dream where Sisi is free and reunited with all her children. Overall, the lyrics of the song show an empathetic understanding of Sisi's life, which was full of challenges and sacrifices, one that the singer would like to comfort and make things better for if she had a chance.
Line by Line Meaning
Sisi, I know you're sad
I understand that you are currently feeling sad, Sisi.
Through all the hurt you've had
I acknowledge the emotional pain and suffering you have experienced, Sisi.
I can't make it right
Although I wish I could, I am unable to fix the situation for you, Sisi.
Can't win your fight
I recognize that you are going through a struggle that I cannot help you overcome, Sisi.
Although I'd like to
I wish I could provide you the support you need, Sisi.
You married far too young
I acknowledge that you were wed at a very young age, Sisi.
You were a precious one
I understand that you were an innocent and valuable person, Sisi.
He stole you away
I recognize that you were taken from your previous life, Sisi.
A new role to play
You had to adapt to a completely different lifestyle, Sisi.
The empress of Austria
You were appointed to a position of power within Austria, Sisi.
If I had a wish
If I had the ability to make a wish, Sisi.
I wouldn't miss
I wouldn't waste the opportunity, Sisi.
My chance to say
My opportunity to speak to you, Sisi.
Sisi I'd braid your hair
I would like to style your hair for you, Sisi.
Brush away all despair
I would try to remove any feelings of hopelessness, sadness or discouragement, Sisi.
You flirted with death
I acknowledge that you had a fascination with self-harm, Sisi.
To take your last breath
You had thoughts of ending your life, Sisi.
And lead you to heaven
You expected to go to paradise after death, Sisi.
Sisi it makes me sad
I am saddened by what you have experienced, Sisi.
You had your babies too
You were able to have children, Sisi.
Taken away from you
I acknowledge that your children were taken from you, Sisi.
How did you survive
I wonder how you were able to endure all that you went through, Sisi.
So long in that life
You had to persist through decades of hardship, Sisi.
I couldn't do it
I don't believe I could handle the same adversity as you, Sisi.
Let's dream that you'll be
Let us imagine that you are able to do something, Sisi.
Barefoot and free
You are unburdened and unrestrained, Sisi.
With all your children
You are reunited with your offspring, Sisi.
Sisi I'd braid your hair
I would style your hair for you once more, Sisi.
Brush away all despair
I would try to remove any feelings of hopelessness, sadness or discouragement once again, Sisi.
Contributed by Jason O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Au Bellefleur B&B Sigogne
De tekst is geschreven door Julie Forsyth (ja dochter van Sir Bruce). De Engelse zangeres die samen met haar man Dominic (rip 18/11/2020) het duo “Grant & Forsyth” vormde. Julie schreef de prachtige tekst als troostende woorden gericht aan Sisi.
Grace Futrell
poor sissi