She is known for the emotional sound of her ballads. Some of her most popular songs include "Angel", "Building a Mystery", "Adia", "Possession", "Fallen", "I Will Remember You", and "World on Fire". Her best-selling album to date is Surfacing, for which she won two Grammy Awards and four Juno Awards.
Her first album Touch was released in September 28, 1988, recorded in 1987-1988, Vancouver, Canada. The album received both critical and commercial success and included the hit song Vox. During this period she co-operated with Tom Ferris and Dean Russel of Moev, who discovered her as a singer. She contributed backing vocals their 1990 album Head Down and embarked on her first national concert tour as an opening act for The Grapes Of Wrath, another Tom Ferris's band.
Her second album Solace (1991) was a real breakthrough in Canada, spawning the hit singles The Path of Thorns (Terms) and Into the Fire and being certified double platinum for sales of 200,000 copies in Canada.
In 1994 her third album Fumbling Towards Ecstasy quietly became Sarah's international breakthrough, scaling the charts in a number of countries. In the United States, the album was a steady seller that stayed in the middle ranges of the pop charts for almost two years.
Sarah's fourth album Surfacing, released in 1997, brought her international success, selling over 11 million copies worldwide. Still in the spotlight from the album, Sarah launched the highly popular Lilith Fair tour, which helped launch the careers of several well-known female artists.
Her next record Afterglow came out in 2003; it contained the singles Fallen, Stupid, and World On Fire. It was her first album of new material in six years. Sarah took a few years furlough to start a family with her husband and drummer, Ashwin Sood.
Her Holiday album Wintersong came out in October 2006. The album consists of eleven new recordings of well known Christmas songs as well as seasonal favorites interpreted by Sarah. The title track Wintersong is an original work of Sarah.
McLachlan's first studio album of original material in seven years, Laws of Illusion, was released on June 15, 2010. It features 10 new songs in addition to the previously released tracks "U Want Me 2" and "Don't Give Up on Us. The first single Loving You Is Easy was released on April 23, 2010. It was followed by Forgiveness, released on June 30, 2010.
Just Like Me
Sarah McLachlan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I walk through the corners of Cooley High
I gotta be thankful that I'm still alive
I have a lot of thoughts like who the hell am I
What is the truth and what is a lie?
But I think about my life and everything is okay
I gotta pave the way to a brighter day
Cause it's really plain and simple when it came to me
There's a whole lot just like me (like me)
[Chorus: Sarah Mclachlan]
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
When you comin home, I don't know when
We'll get together then, you know we'll have a good time then
[DMC]
1964, uhh! Here we go, aiyyo
The child was born it was a beautiful day
It was 1964, the 31st of May
The girl gave birth to a baby boy
He's not a burden, he's a bundle of joy
She was just a young girl in her youth
And her parents tried real hard to hide the truth
Is there a chance for the baby to live?
That is a chance that you gotta give {*2X*}
[Chorus]
[DMC]
It was 9 whole months inside of the womb
Another long month in the hospital room
Facin doom in a tomb cause the kid is alone
But somebody came along and they took the kid home
He came into the world like we all do
But he never ever knew how he came through
Do the best you can do if this happen to you
And understand all the words that I'm rappin to you {*2X*}
[Chorus]
[DMC]
Father is, the mother and the father is..
Yo, the mother and the father is all that he knows
They give him lots of love and you know that it shows
He's livin really well he has all that he needs
He came into the world and he's gonna succeed
It is a blessing to live in the light
If nothing is wrong then something is right
They say that life is a mystery
And I just wanna know my history
Understand that life is good to me
That's the way it is so (let it be)
My life is complete, everything is alright
Life is good to me, I'm in paradise
Understand when I'm rappin, no pain and sorrow
I just want you to know, yo yo {*2X*}
I'm alright ma
I'm alright pa.. na na na
[Chorus] - 4X to fade
The song "Just Like Me" by Sarah McLachlan and DMC is a reflection on the struggles and challenges faced by people from all walks of life who are just trying to find their place in the world. DMC begins the song by discussing his own experiences, walking through his high school (Cooley High) and wondering about his own identity and the truth of the world around him. As he reflects on his life, he comes to the realization that there are many others out there who feel just like he does, struggling to find their way and make sense of the world.
Sarah McLachlan's chorus, which references the classic children's song "Cat's in the Cradle," reinforces the idea that many people have similar experiences, with families and relationships that are often strained and difficult to navigate. DMC continues to reflect on his own history, referencing his birth in 1964 and the challenges faced by his young mother and his adoptive parents. Ultimately, though, he remains optimistic about his future and the future of all those out there who are just like him, acknowledging that life is hard but also recognizing that there is always hope for something better.
Overall, "Just Like Me" is a song that celebrates the shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs of all those who are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. It encourages listeners to consider their own struggles and to recognize that they are not alone in their quest for understanding and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walk through the corners of Cooley High
Walking through familiar places, I wonder who I am and what the truth really is
I gotta be thankful that I'm still alive
Despite the obstacles and uncertainties in life, I'm grateful just to be alive
I have a lot of thoughts like who the hell am I
I often question my identity and purpose in life
What is the truth and what is a lie?
I ponder the distinction between truth and falsehood
But I think about my life and everything is okay
Reflecting on my life, I realize everything is going to be okay
I gotta pave the way to a brighter day
I need to work hard to create a better future for myself
Cause it's really plain and simple when it came to me
The truth is clear and straightforward to me
There's a lot of people just like me (like me)
There are many others who share my struggles and experiences
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Alluding to the famous nursery rhyme, the song reflects on childhood and family relationships
Little boy blue and the man in the moon
Referencing another nursery rhyme, the song contemplates the mysteries of life
When you comin home, I don't know when
Waiting for someone to return home, uncertain when that will happen
We'll get together then, you know we'll have a good time then
Anticipating a happy reunion and enjoyable time together in the future
1964, uhh! Here we go, aiyyo
Setting the stage for a story about a baby boy born in 1964
The child was born it was a beautiful day
Celebrating the birth of a baby boy
It was 1964, the 31st of May
Noting the specific date of the baby boy's birth
The girl gave birth to a baby boy
The mother of the baby boy gave birth to him
He's not a burden, he's a bundle of joy
Emphasizing the happiness and positivity that a new baby brings
She was just a young girl in her youth
The mother of the baby boy was very young when she gave birth
And her parents tried real hard to hide the truth
The young mother's parents attempted to keep her pregnancy a secret
Is there a chance for the baby to live?
Asking whether the baby boy will survive and thrive
That is a chance that you gotta give (*2X*)
Expressing the importance of taking a chance on life and giving a baby the opportunity to survive
It was 9 whole months inside of the womb
Reflecting on the baby boy's time in his mother's womb
Another long month in the hospital room
Noting that the baby boy spent time in the hospital after he was born
Facin doom in a tomb cause the kid is alone
Describing the feeling of loneliness and isolation that the baby boy may have experienced
But somebody came along and they took the kid home
Relating that the baby boy was ultimately taken in by caring individuals
He came into the world like we all do
Acknowledging that the baby boy's birth experience was universal
But he never ever knew how he came through
Considering that the baby boy may not have been aware of the challenges he faced and overcame
Do the best you can do if this happen to you
Encouraging listeners to do their best in difficult situations, as the baby boy did
And understand all the words that I'm rappin to you (*2X*)
Urging listeners to listen closely and take to heart the lessons being shared
Father is, the mother and the father is..
Confirming the importance of having loving parents
Yo, the mother and the father is all that he knows
Emphasizing that the baby boy's parents are all he knows and the center of his world
They give him lots of love and you know that it shows
Highlighting the visible and tangible ways that the baby boy is loved
He's livin really well he has all that he needs
Noting that the baby boy is thriving and has everything he needs to be happy and healthy
He came into the world and he's gonna succeed
Asserting that the baby boy has the potential to succeed in life
It is a blessing to live in the light
Reflecting on the positive and rewarding aspects of life
If nothing is wrong then something is right
Suggesting that if nothing is going wrong, everything must be going right
They say that life is a mystery
Acknowledging the mystery and uncertainty that surrounds life
And I just wanna know my history
Expressing a desire to understand one's personal history
Understand that life is good to me
Grateful for the goodness and positivity in one's life
That's the way it is so (let it be)
Accepting that things are the way they are and choosing to move forward positively
My life is complete, everything is alright
Expressing contentment and satisfaction with one's life
Life is good to me, I'm in paradise
Describing the feeling of being in a state of paradise or contentment
Understand when I'm rappin, no pain and sorrow
Asserting that the song is not about pain and sorrow, but is rather a positive message
I just want you to know, yo yo (*2X*)
Desiring listeners to understand the message and embrace positivity
I'm alright ma
Asserting that everything is okay
I'm alright pa.. na na na
Expressing that everything is okay through playful repetition
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DARRYL MCDANIELS, DARRYL MATTHEWS MCDANIELS, HARRY F. CHAPIN, SANDY CHAPIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tinostre
The back story of how DMC & Sarah met & created this song is proof that we are all connected! ❤️
Formzy
Do tell 🙏🏻🙏🏻
sienarot
@Formzy Listen to the episode of the Broken Record podcast with DMC. He talks about it in great detail. It's very touching.
Chris Davenport
They didn't create it.
GracieKat
@Chris Davenportwhat do you mean?
jbszee
Very emotional song and video. I've always had a great deal of respect for DMC. Even more so when I found out he too was adopted, like me. Sarah is so beautiful and sings like an angel. Another adoptee. Cats in the Cradle has always been emotional for me, growing up and watching my dad get older and pass away. and watching my own kids grow up. Overlay this with my own adoption, and this just brings me to tears. Thank you DMC and Sarah.
Laura Jensen
DMC credits Sarah McLachlans song 'Angel' for saving him from committing suicide in 1997. He was so moved he went out and bought all her music, stopping his dark thoughts. 3 years later he asked her to sing on his album. She has some amazing music.
Spooker Red Menace
and shes Canadian! wooooooooo!
yankeegirl3380
I remember when DMC talked about it. When I first saw this video, I thought they calibrated because they both were adopted. Turns out it was because Sarah saved DMC's life. I have a dear friend who wanted to end it all and she began listening to The Police, "Everything little she does is magic" and it saved her. Not only that, she told me that The Police, in particular, Stewart Copeland, saved her life and is inspiring her to fullfil her purpose. It's amazing what the power of music can do. It can make you dance, make you sing, make you think, and can save your life. God bless! 🙏❤️🙏
silverpilot1979
This song brings tears to my eyes, even now. The raps are heartfelt and stinging, the singing is ethereal and airily delicate and the instrumentation is blistering and rock-solid. The melodies are gorgeous, and now I'm fighting back the tears.