Brightman has received over 180 Gold and Platinum sales awards in over 40 different countries around the world and is the only artist to hold #1 spots on the Billboard Classical and Dance charts simultaneously, her other achievements feature her ranking by the Recording Industry Association of America as the best-selling female classical artist of the twenty-first century and a Guinness World Record for the success of “Time to Say Goodbye,” the best-selling single in German recording history.
She has established herself as the world's biggest selling soprano of all time, She has sold 78 million albums worldwide, including 40 million copies of the soundtrack of The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical), 26 million albums, over two million DVDs and 10 million copies of the single " Time to Say Goodbye "as a soloist.
She made her debut as a dancer in troupes such as Hot Gossip and later released a string of disco singles. She was a musical theatre performer and partner of theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, with whom she originated roles including Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera.
After her divorce, Brightman became a crossover artist with former Enigma producer Frank Peterson. Her style, a blend of classical vocals and pop-inspired instrumentation and arrangement, earned her further success.
She is often cited as the woman who paved the way for other international success stories such as Il Divo, Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban. She is said to be worth as much as £30m (about US$49m).
It Must Be Tough...To Be That Cool
Sarah Brightman Lyrics
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The paint is stuck on the walls, but it's starting to peel
But maybe it's your vanity, maybe it's your skin
Well, I'm thinking, I'm thinking, your cover's wearing thin
'Cause everybody wants a piece of you, you don't give much,
But when you do, you're nobody's friend,
You're nobody's fool, tell me It must be tough to be that cool ...
Another notch on your belt another new pair of shoes
Another sidewalk show, where did you get that suit?
Did you think I was waiting or were you just testing me?
You're gonna come up empty, come out angry
Come out alone, now you can't see it
Well I should be more forgiving there's a soul down there
I can hear it crying but I can't find it anywhere
'Cause everybody wants a piece of you, you don't give much
But when you do, you're nobody's friend, you're nobody's fool
Tell me,
It must be tough to be that cool
It must be tough to be that cool
It must be tough to be that cool
It must be tough to be that cool...
The lyrics to Sarah Brightman's song, "It Must Be Tough...To Be That Cool," explore the complex emotions that come with chasing after someone who appears to be unapproachable or emotionally closed off. Brightman creates a metaphorical scenario in which she feels trapped within a room, desperate to connect with the object of her affections, who she describes as cool and distant. She compares the person's coolness to a façade that is slowly beginning to peel, revealing their true self underneath.
Brightman's frustration with this person is palpable in the lyrics. She laments their self-centeredness, noting that while everyone wants a piece of them, they give very little in return. She describes them as both nobody's friend and nobody's fool, implying that their attempts to appear independent and powerful are ultimately isolating them from others.
Despite her critical tone, however, Brightman ultimately acknowledges that there is a soul beneath the person's tough exterior. She notes that she can hear it crying, but cannot seem to find it anywhere. This acknowledgement adds a layer of complexity and compassion to the song, suggesting that even those who are seemingly untouchable may be struggling with their own inner demons.
Overall, "It Must Be Tough...To Be That Cool" is a powerful exploration of the challenges of connecting with others, particularly when they seem to have built walls around themselves. Brightman's lyrics are both critical and empathetic, painting a nuanced portrait of a person who is simultaneously alluring and frustrating.
Line by Line Meaning
Stuck inside this room, digging in my heels
Feeling trapped and stubborn in this situation
The paint is stuck on the walls, but it's starting to peel
Things may seem stable but problems are arising
But maybe it's your vanity, maybe it's your skin
Perhaps the reason for this situation is due to someone's egotistical or superficial behavior
Well, I'm thinking, I'm thinking, your cover's wearing thin
It's becoming more and more obvious what's really going on
Everybody wants a piece of you, you don't give much
Everyone wants to be a part of your life, but you don't really let anyone in
But when you do, you're nobody's friend, you're nobody's fool
When you finally do let someone in, it's only temporary and you don't become emotionally invested
Another notch on your belt another new pair of shoes
You constantly strive for more and never seem satisfied
Another sidewalk show, where did you get that suit?
You put on a façade for everyone but it's clear that it's fake
Did you think I was waiting or were you just testing me?
Were you playing games with me or did you really care?
You're gonna come up empty, come out angry, come out alone, now you can't see it
Eventually, you'll realize that all this superficiality and selfishness has led to you being alone and unhappy
Well I should be more forgiving there's a soul down there
Despite your negative behavior, I should try to understand that there's a person with feelings underneath
I can hear it crying but I can't find it anywhere
Although I know there's pain and sadness, I can't seem to locate the source or understand it fully
It must be tough to be that cool
Being a superficial and detached person may seem desirable, but in reality it's a difficult and lonely way to live
It must be tough to be that cool
Reiterating that there's more beneath the surface than what's being presented
It must be tough to be that cool
Again emphasizing how difficult it must be to put on a façade all the time
It must be tough to be that cool
Closing statement summarizing the entire song's message
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHARLOTTE DEAVER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind