Sevdaliza's visually sophisticated music videos caught the attention of many international blogs and magazines, with Complex nominating her video for "Sirens of the Caspian" as a top ten video of the year in 2014. This was succeeded by features with Vogue and Alexander Wang, while H&M made her a brand ambassador. Sevdaliza herself describes her music as "raw, strong, and vulnerable", while her stage persona is "everything (the audience) want(s) (her) to be".
Sevdaliza was born in Tehran, Iran in 1987, but moved to the Netherlands at a young age. She left home at 16 on a basketball scholarship and played as part of the Dutch national team. She continued with basketball and her studies, but chose to start making music when she was 24. Not trained to read music or play instruments, she taught herself how to sing and how to use Ableton, drawing on the reserve of discipline that drove her time in sports.
Her debut EP The Suspended Kid was released in January 2015. It was followed by a collaboration with Pussykrew which resulted in an elaborate music video for the album cut "That Other Girl". She was also featured on Paris-based producer Stwo's track "Haunted", providing vocals.
Children of Silk, her second EP, was self-released on November 24, 2015 on Twisted Elegance. It is characterized by a more conceptual approach and darker undertones of self-reflection. A music video for "Marilyn Monroe" was released in March 2016, directed by Hirad Sab, who also designed the cover artwork for the extended play. It received critical acclaim and was featured in various "best of" lists, including a year-end ranking by FACT magazine.
She co-directed and starred in a short film, called The Formula, which was released through Noisey. It features an original soundtrack by Sevdaliza and frequent collaborator Mucky.
Her debut full-length album, titled ISON, was released in April 2017. It includes 16 tracks, among which earlier releases such as "Marilyn Monroe" and "Amandine Insensible", as well as new songs. The album cover features an image of a hyperrealistic sculpture of Sevdaliza by artist Sarah Sitkin.
Official site: www.sevdaliza.com
Hero
Sevdaliza Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
soldier meant for
depression is a virus
that could undermine us
heroes never cry
headaches blend all
work hard spend all
character assassination
the enemy is us
hero
i could never make you love me
clear the way
not to mind
teach to walk
not to find
hopelessness it causes
targeted rejection
of ourselves
forces
of the masses
we want for ourselves
what we don't want
for our children
hero
i could never make you love me
The opening lines of "Hero" suggest a paradoxical image of a "hard faced gentle soldier" who is "meant for" something that seems contradictory. This creates a tension between the character's tough exterior and potential emotional vulnerability. The lyrics then address depression as a "virus" that can "undermine us", which could suggest the character has experienced or known someone who is struggling with mental illness. It's interesting that Sevdaliza chose to use the word "virus" here, which has taken on a new meaning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lyrics then state that "heroes never cry", which can be interpreted as a commentary on the harmful expectations that society places on those who are supposed to embody strength and bravery. The lines that follow further explore the idea that the pressures of success and societal expectations can take a physical and emotional toll ("headaches blend all, work hard spend all, character assassination").
The line "an inverted phase, the enemy is us" seems to be a moment of self-reflection, where the character recognizes that some of their own inner demons may be fueling their anxiety or feelings of inadequacy. The chorus -- "Hero, I could never make you love me" -- feels like a resignation or acceptance of the fact that the character will never be able to live up to the demanding expectations of society.
The second verse begins with a call to "clear the way", which could be interpreted as a desire for a fresh start or a way to escape the pressures of daily life. The lyrics then go on to discuss the insidious effects of hopelessness and self-rejection on individuals and the larger society. The final lines ("we want for ourselves what we don't want for our children") feels like a plea for change -- the idea that we need to break free from our own self-imposed limitations in order to create a better future for ourselves and future generations.
Overall, "Hero" is a complex song that explores themes of depression, self-doubt, societal expectations, and the ever-present struggle to reconcile our own desires with the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
hard faced gentle
Resilient yet caring
soldier meant for
Designed for a higher purpose
depression is a virus
A crippling disease that can spread and infect us
that could undermine us
Posing a threat to our well-being
heroes never cry
Courageous individuals remain steadfast even in the face of adversity
headaches blend all
Worries and troubles can become mixed and indistinguishable
work hard spend all
Toiling endlessly and exhausting resources in pursuit of goals
character assassination
Deliberately destroying someone's reputation and credibility
an inverted phase
A reversal of roles or norms
the enemy is us
Our own actions or decisions may cause harm to ourselves or others
hero
An admirable person who puts others before themselves
i could never make you love me
Acknowledging the limits of one's own influence
clear the way
Removing obstacles and barriers
not to mind
Ignoring distractions and staying focused
teach to walk
To guide and inspire others on their journey
not to find
To avoid getting lost or misguided
hopelessness it causes
A sense of despair and futility that can lead to depression
targeted rejection
Deliberately excluding or ostracizing someone
of ourselves
From our own self-doubt and negative self-image
forces
The push and pull of societal pressures and expectations
of the masses
Influenced by the opinions and beliefs of the majority
we want for ourselves
Pursuing personal desires and goals
what we don't want
Avoiding pain and discomfort
for our children
Protecting and providing for the next generation
Contributed by Nolan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Olivia Miller
[Verse 1]
Hard faced, gentle
Soldier meant for
Depression is a virus
That can undermine us
Heroes never cry
Headaches, blend all
Work hard, spend all
Character assassination
An inverted phase
The enemy is us
[Chorus]
Hero
I could never make you love me
Hero
I could never make you love me
(I could never make you love me)
[Verse 2]
Clear the way
Not the mind
Teach to walk
Not to find
Hopelessness, it causes
Targeted rejection
Of ourselves
Forces of the masses
We want for ourselves
What we don’t want
For our children
[Chorus]
Hero
I could never make you love me
(I could never make you love me)
Hero
I could never make you love me
(Never make you love) [x37]
[Bridge]
(Never make you love) [x10]
[Chorus]
Hero
I could never make you love me
(Never make you love) [x16]
Hero
I could never make you love me
(Never make you love) [x6]
Sevdaliza
Thank You For All Your Support.
Latest release: 'Oh My God': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COx7NEy09t8
Stream: 'Oh My God': http://smarturl.it/SevdalizaOMG
kelly kobra
I think someone wants to take over the world
Desué Flores
Sevdaliza 🖤
Nyheim Moore
her music was never ment for the human race she is in another level another dimension
Thank you truly sev I love you so much
Chumba Wumba
id have to strongly disagree... her music is MORE human than almost any other
t i l e n n t i a
Sister D Yo that shit scary af. Please respect her.
Kinda classy Kinda chola
Nyheim Moore, https://youtu.be/bULQCr_w2vI
Ksenia Tokareva
The depth of sense that is embedded in every word and every sound of her each song, and this one, in particular, is unbelievable
Ka Dé
Sevdaliza's fandom is so kind
Alexis Staley
Its because we can feel and understand. People who like her music have been hurt but dont mind and it's a beautiful thing. We love her💜