Yamagata became the vocalist for the Chicago funk-fusion band Bumpus, spending six years with them while writing and recording three albums and touring the country. However, she began to write songs which took on a style that conflicted with the funk vision of the band. In 2001, Yamagata decided to take those songs and pursue a solo career. In September 2002, she landed a two-record deal with Arista's Private Music label, and her EP was released in October.
She also made an appearance in Jason Mraz's second album, singing a song with him called Did You Get My Message?
She also teamed with with Toots & the Maytals to sing Blame On Me.
She also worked with Ryan Adams & The Cardinals on their first album Cold Roses. On that album, where she is credited as: "Our little sis", she did some vocals and played "listenable" piano on the tracks 'Let It Ride', 'Cold Roses' and 'Friends'.
Yamagata sang with Rhett Miller on Fireflies from his 2006 release The Believer.
Her songs have featured on several TV shows, including How I Met Your Mother, ER , Nip/Tuck, Men in Trees, Alias, One Tree Hill, Brothers & Sisters and The O.C., to which she made a guest performance in season 2. Yamagata also contributed a song to Mandy Moore's 2007 album, Wild Hope. She also toured with Moore, opening many of her shows around the country.
Yamagata's second studio album is Elephants...Teeth Sinking Into Heart. That album was released on October 7, 2008.
On October 9th, 2008, a two-song live acoustic video performance premiered on LiveDaily Sessions, featuring the songs "Faster" and "Sunday Afternoon".
Her highly acclaimed CD Chesapeake premiered on October 11, 2011, and was followed by an extensive tour.
On April 23, 2016, Yamagata released an acoustic version of Happenstance, Acoustic Happenstance. Later that year, she released her fourth studio album, Tightrope Walker on September 23.
PARADE
Rachael Yamagata Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't try you'll only fail
I'm not a reed in the sand
You're already starting to pale
Everyone's gone for the summer again
Something is building , I don't understand
A hummingbird larks in my hand
But I'm too busy chasing parades
To ever love you the same
Just breathe
He's going away
Pack up your jacket and shoes
Kiss all my friends one more time
Don't take a minute on paintings you see
There's a curtain on the blinds
Peeking is stealing the life you don't share
There's a map of a memory, of us over there
Dangerous questions are near
I'm too busy chasing parades
To love you the same
Just breathe
I'm going away
And I......
I......
I......
In these lyrics, Rachael Yamagata seems to be telling someone not to bother trying to "figure her out" because they will inevitably fail. She makes it clear that she is not someone who can be easily understood or explained, and perhaps she doesn't want anyone to try and force her into a box or a label. When she says "I'm not a reed in the sand, you're already starting to pale," it feels like she's emphasizing her resilience and strength, almost like she's saying "even if you try to pin me down, I'll just blow away with the wind."
The chorus is particularly poignant, as she sings "I'm too busy chasing parades to ever love you the same," which could mean a number of things. Maybe she's too focused on other things in her life to give this person the attention and affection they're craving, or perhaps she feels like the person she's addressing isn't quite on the same level as her and therefore not worthy of her love. Either way, it's clear that something has shifted between them and she's no longer able to give them what they want.
The second verse seems to be addressed to the same person, telling them to pack up and leave. She advises them not to waste time on paintings or anything else sentimental, and warns that "peaking is stealing the life you don't share." It's as if she's saying "my life is my own and I don't owe you any explanations or insights into it," which could be the ultimate reason for why she's unable to love this person the same way they want her to.
Overall, the song seems to be about asserting one's independence and autonomy, even if it means disappointing or rejecting someone else's expectations. Yamagata's powerful vocals and poetic lyrics make for a haunting and introspective listening experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't try to figure me out
It's hard to understand me, so don't even try.
Don't try you'll only fail
Trying to understand me is pointless and futile.
I'm not a reed in the sand
I am not easily swayed or influenced by others.
You're already starting to pale
Comparing yourself to me is making you seem less significant in my eyes.
Everyone's gone for the summer again
People have left and moved on, and the summer reminds me of that.
Something is building, I don't understand
I feel like something is happening or changing, but I can't quite put my finger on it.
A hummingbird larks in my hand
I am holding something delicate and fleeting, like the beauty of a hummingbird.
But I'm too busy chasing parades
I am preoccupied with meaningless distractions and not focused on what really matters.
To ever love you the same
I am not capable of loving you as much as I used to because my priorities have shifted.
Just breathe
Take a moment to relax and not worry about the chaos around you.
He's going away
Someone important to me is leaving, and it's causing me distress.
Pack up your jacket and shoes
Prepare to leave and move on from this place and time.
Kiss all my friends one more time
Say goodbye to the people I care about before leaving.
Don't take a minute on paintings you see
Don't dwell on the past or get caught up in nostalgia.
There's a curtain on the blinds
Something is blocking my view or understanding of the situation.
Peeking is stealing the life you don't share
Looking into someone else's private life is unfair and invades their personal space.
There's a map of a memory, of us over there
There is a reminder of a shared memory or experience that lingers in this place.
Dangerous questions are near
There are sensitive or controversial topics that should not be brought up right now.
I'm going away
I am also leaving, and this song is about the struggles of saying goodbye and moving on.
And I...... I...... I......
The repetition of 'I' emphasizes the personal nature of the emotions and experiences expressed in this song.
Contributed by Sarah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Amber Mahone
Gorgeous! She's the best!
Kevin Henssler
But I'm too busy chasing parades To ever love you the same Just... so true