The album was recorded at the world famous Steelworks Studio (Bryan Adams, Spice Girls) in collaboration with producer Andy Baker whose skills have helped break one of Sheffield's most exciting bands The Gentlemen. This truly unique sound blends acoustic grooves, energetic rhythms and vocal lines that you won't forget in a hurry. The voice of Philippa Hanna is unmistakable, whilst her songs are charming, memorable, and dig a little deeper than you first might expect.
It would appear that both talent and success runs in the family; her cousins Richard and Danny Macnamara are members of the hugely successful Embrace and her brother Stuart Zender is the former Jamiroquai bassist. And indeed, Philippa herself is no stranger to the music business; with a string of house-music collaborations, international performances and having recorded vocals for artists such as Spice Girl Emma Bunton, SClub and the legend that is Graham Kendrick. She has been described as one of the most distinctive vocalists around by producer Zarc Porter (Matt Redman,bwnn, tbc) and supported Kendrick in 2006 at his personal request after both artists appeared on BBC1's "Stranger In A Manger" series.
Whether in an intimate acoustic environment or a large concert setting, Philippa is both entertaining and engaging. Her appeal is far-reaching and has secured a return to Sheffield’s premiere music venue The Plug supporting folk-pop phenomenon Amy MacDonald. This summer alone she has secured a slot supporting Chris Tomlin, performances at New Wine and a trip to the Flevo festival in Holland; it would appear there is an increasing demand for this up-and-coming star.
Sharks
Philippa Hanna Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
throw down your spears
you've been shooting the horizon
from behind your veil of tears
and now you're covered in those marks again
been swimming with those sharks again
I see you in your princess shoes
now thoses rays of sunshine
hang a dozen darker shades
because you're covered in those marks again
been swimming with those sharks again
and your scars are my scars
they run just as dep on my heart on my heart
if you think I don't know how you're feeling
if you think that I'd just leave you bleeding
know I'd move the earth to take away
the pain you're going through
I would even die for you
hey little poet
don't engrave what you'll regret
it just makes those painful memories that bit harder to forget
'cos when you're covered in those marks again
you're face to face with sharks again
if you think I don't know how you're feeling
if you think that I'd just leave you bleeding
know I'd move the earth to take away
the pain you're going through
I would even die for you
so don't give those lions what they crave
send the vultures back into their cave
'cos your scars are my scars
they run just as deep on my heart, on my heart
The song “Sharks” by Philippa Hanna is about a close friend or loved one who is going through a tough time in their life. In the first verse, the singer addresses the person as a “little warrior” and encourages them to put down their spears and stop shooting at the horizon. The person has been swimming with sharks, which represents the struggles and difficulties they have faced. The chorus explains that the singer understands the person’s feelings and would do anything to help them overcome their pain, even giving their life for them. The scars the person has, both physical and emotional, are shared by the singer as well.
In the second verse, the person is referred to as a “little poet” who should not engrave things they will regret. The singer encourages them not to dwell on painful memories as it only brings them face-to-face with sharks again. The second chorus is a repetition of the first, with an added encouragement for the person to not give in to the negative forces (“lions and vultures”) that seek to harm and hurt them. Once again, the singer assures the person that their scars are shared and the singer is there to help bear their burden.
Line by Line Meaning
hey little warrior
Addressing the listener as a brave individual.
throw down your spears
Stop being defensive/attacking.
you've been shooting the horizon
Trying to fight an unchanging situation.
from behind your veil of tears
Feeling emotional and overwhelmed by sadness.
and now you're covered in those marks again
Suffering from emotional wounds.
been swimming with those sharks again
Dealing with difficult circumstances and people.
I see you in your princess shoes
Acknowledging the listener's femininity and vulnerability.
your hair all up in braids
Speaking to a young and innocent person.
now those rays of sunshine hang a dozen darker shades
Something that once brought happiness has turned negative.
and your scars are my scars
I feel your pain like it is my own.
they run just as deep on my heart on my heart
My emotional connection to your pain is strong.
hey little poet
Addressing the listener as a creative person.
don't engrave what you'll regret
Be mindful of what you create because it may be a reminder of pain.
it just makes those painful memories that bit harder to forget
Creating reminders of pain can prolong the healing process.
you're face to face with sharks again
Dealing with difficult circumstances and people again.
so don't give those lions what they crave
Don't let others take advantage of your pain or weakness.
send the vultures back into their cave
Protect yourself from people who want to prey on your vulnerability.
your scars are my scars
I feel your pain like it is my own.
they run just as deep on my heart, on my heart
My emotional connection to your pain is strong.
Contributed by Hudson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Anika Campbell
on Fire
FIRE
By Philippa Hanna
I've been trying to figure out You, out You
I don't understand who You really are
I don't know too much about You, about You
I'm afraid that I'm already in too far
I don't want to be without You, without You
every day is a waste of time
Somethings telling me to doubt You, to doubt You
'cos I'm not in control of this heart of mine
I've been trying to solve the mystery
that You are to me
Trying to tame this flame with naivety
and it got to me
This fire
It burns for You, and no one else
This fire
There's nothing I can do
I can't help myself
This fire...
that burns for You
Ever since the day I found You, found You
I've been lost in the smoke, can't find my way
Now I just wanna be around You, around You
Till the air is clear and I can breathe again
I've been killing time every day and night
In a losing fight
Just when the embers fade to a dying light
That's when You re-ignite
This fire
That burns for You, and no one else
This fire
There's nothing I can do
I can't help my self
This fire
That burns for You
I'm calling out to all who get it
Calling out, it's an emergency
'cos I go out, without You near me
You're the one who set this part of me
...who set this part of me
This fire
It burns for You, and no one else
This fire
There's nothing I can do
I can't help my self
This fire
That burns for You, and no one else
This fire
Burns for You
Contributed by Graham C. (suggest a correction in the comments below)