Musgrave shot to prominence in 1991 whilst collaborating with Orbit, on Bass-O-Matic (aka Bassomatic). They achieved international status with the hit "Fascinating Rhythm" (Virgin), which Sharon co-wrote. An album soon followed, cementing the group’s worldwide status as a credible dance act and Sharon’s ability as a writer. A world tour established Bass-O-Matic as an act that could cut it live, due in large part to Sharon’s stage presence. In an interview with the UK’s Record Mirror, William Orbit, (Grammy for Madonna’s "Ray of Light"), throws accolades Sharon’s way saying, "I don’t have to worry about playing live when I’ve got Sharon on stage with me, because she’s a consummate singer," William adds "No worries, she’s done it all. The studio’s my home, the stage is hers!"
In 1992 Sharon was invited by WEA to work with jazz pianist Julian Joseph. She collaborated on the "Language of Truth" album singing the Curtis Mayfield song "The Other Side of Town". This track was eventually used as the single from the album. The video for this track inspired a Teacher’s Whisky commercial, in which Sharon appeared, playing a blues singer in a 60’s bar scene, singing the classic Billy Holiday track "No Greater Love". Sharon gigged with Julian promoting the "Language of Truth" album as the opening act for such jazz greats as Herbie Hancock.
Sharon’s studio work in England, both as a writer and session singer, led her to work with Courtney Pine, Maxi Priest, and other notable writers and producers.
Then came the international release "Nobody," a dance track included on the groundbreaking CD "Soulfragettes", (Recoup/Timewarp). This is a unique compilation of powerful R&B female singers. Sharon’s track was singled out for special attention, and is included on a number of other compilations one of which also includes Nora Jones, Simply Red and Coldplay.
Since returning to Canada Sharon has enjoyed a successful solo career both live and on record. Her Canadian self produced solo release in 2001, "Selah" (Zosar Records) earned her two nominations, "Best Songwriter" and "Best Spoken Word", for the title track of the album "Selah," at the prestigious Urban Music Association of Canada award show. Jude Kelly, VP of UMAC claims "The title track "Selah" is especially brilliant". The video for this track achieved top twenty status on the Bravo video chart.
Her most recent work was a collaboration with British producer Steve Miller on his latest "After Life," album entitled Electrosensitive. She co-wrote and performed the soul-psychedelic dance track "Fantasy," released on Defected records and Bar Grooves.
Sharon now embarks on her second solo CD, taking her time to slowly engage her audience in a new and refreshing easy on the airs soulful experience of passion and sentiment. Musically, her new groove is a fusion of soul, jazz, rhythm and blues. She continues to remain true to herself with her positive and conscious lyrical content. With her album due for release early in the new year, we can all get a small and delightful sample of what is to come with her recent release of two tracks off the album, "Beautiful Music," and "Outflow".
Selah
Sharon Musgrave Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you look into her silence you will find a little creek
The water trickles on the opals and the pebbles comfort her feet
The forest trees chant melodies of bright ancestral songs
She smiles to herself pleasantly, in that place, where she belongs
Inward sings the sparrow dedicated and carefree
Here you have solved all else this your discovery
The velvet air breath speeches precious words that must be said
Enter with discipline renders the buttercup guarded by her bitter beauty
Your utopia is vulnerable, beware, this your duty
Render to us your motherly urge, to encourage and to care
Women of great ability speak, while they're here
An excursion to this place of hers, ordered by her temperament
Is like a temple she built meticulously with love her only sentiment
Telepathy, soul, nature, a forth a sixth sense
This forms the composure of her temperance
This delicate reflection is the strength of her forbearing
This in all it's magnificence, is the euphony we're hearing
How did it internalize, this blessedness, haphazardly?
Tuneful are those notes, and chords and all those living harmonies
Promptly urging the childish clouds happy as they gaze
To send a few drops of secrets, this their gift, her praise,
In this her backdrop, a picturesque location of content
With love, bliss, without malice, this the place she's sent
A freedom, so far away from scientific measures
There is stored her life, her dreams
In all it's earthly treasures.
In Sharon Musgrave's song Selah, the lyrics describe a serene and idyllic location that the singer can escape to. The listener is invited to look into this place of silence and discover a little creek. The sound of the water trickling over opals and pebbles provides comfort to the listener's feet. The trees in the forest chant melodies of ancestral songs, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The singer finds solace in this place where she belongs, smiling to herself pleasantly.
The lyrics continue to describe the scene with the sparrow singing inwardly dedicated and carefree. The air is described as velvet and the speeches it breathes are precious words that must be said. The message is sincere, simple, and clear, and the singer's mind is fed. The listener is then urged to enter this utopia with discipline, taking care not to harm it. The singer is described as having a motherly urge to encourage and care for others, and women of great ability speak while they are in this place.
This location is like a temple built meticulously with love as the only sentiment. The singer's temperance is formed from telepathy, soul, nature, a forth a sixth sense. This delicate reflection is the strength of her forbearing, and the euphony we hear. The childish clouds above this place are happy, and they send a few drops of secrets, a gift to the singer. Selah is a picturesque location of content with love, bliss, without malice where the singer is sent. It's a freedom that cannot be measured scientifically and holds all of her life and dreams in all its earthly treasures.
Line by Line Meaning
When you look into her silence you will find a little creek
If you pay close attention to her stillness, you'll find a stream that brings her comfort
The water trickles on the opals and the pebbles comfort her feet
The sound of water flowing gently over gemstones and rocks soothes her soul
The forest trees chant melodies of bright ancestral songs
The trees sing of their history through melodies that are beautiful and uplifting
She smiles to herself pleasantly, in that place, where she belongs
In this peaceful place where she feels at home, she smiles contentedly to herself
Inward sings the sparrow dedicated and carefree
The sparrow sings a joyful tune that speaks to her spirit, carefree and full of dedication
Here you have solved all else this your discovery
In this place, she finds the answers to all the questions that previously troubled her
The velvet air breath speeches precious words that must be said
The smooth, gentle air whispers important words that she needs to hear
The message is clear, sincere, simple, and so her mind is fed
The message is honest, straightforward, and meaningful, and it nourishes her mind
Enter with discipline renders the buttercup guarded by her bitter beauty
With careful consideration and discipline, even the most beautiful things can have a protective bitterness
Your utopia is vulnerable, beware, this your duty
Be cautious, for even the most perfect life can be fragile and easily harmed
Render to us your motherly urge, to encourage and to care
Share your nurturing instincts with those around you to inspire and support them
Women of great ability speak, while they're here
Powerful and capable women make their voices heard in this place
An excursion to this place of hers, ordered by her temperament
Her personality guides her to seek out this peaceful destination
Is like a temple she built meticulously with love her only sentiment
It feels as though she crafted this place with care and devotion, considering only love in her design
Telepathy, soul, nature, a forth a sixth sense
In this place, connections between thoughts, emotions, and the natural world feel stronger, as if a sixth sense is present
This forms the composure of her temperance
The composition of her character is based on her connection to herself, the environment, and others
This delicate reflection is the strength of her forbearing
Her ability to remain patient and resilient lies in this delicate connection to the world and her own sense of self
This in all it's magnificence, is the euphony we're hearing
All of these elements combine to create a beautiful harmony that we can appreciate
How did it internalize, this blessedness, haphazardly?
It seems almost miraculous that she stumbled upon this blessed place by chance
Tuneful are those notes, and chords and all those living harmonies
The sounds of nature and life around her are musical and beautiful in their own right
Promptly urging the childish clouds happy as they gaze
The clouds overhead are like children, prompted to play and dance by the joy and beauty they see
To send a few drops of secrets, this their gift, her praise,
In gratitude and reverence, the clouds send a little rain as a gift and a tribute to her
In this her backdrop, a picturesque location of content
The scenery surrounding her is serene, like something out of a painting, and brings her happiness
With love, bliss, without malice, this the place she's sent
She feels truly at peace in this place, surrounded by love, joy, and without any ill will
A freedom, so far away from scientific measures
Her sense of freedom and peace in this place cannot be quantified or explained by science
There is stored her life, her dreams
She feels as though her past, present, and future all reside in this one place
In all it's earthly treasures.
The beauty and value of this place comes from the natural world around her
Contributed by Lillian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@musicyarte
Wonderful video and beautiful song and voice. Thank you!
@Koty0511
¡¡EXCELENTE ME ENCANTA!!
@MicheleCartello
Great artist, Congratulations
@ShortieLeeroy
Mellow sound Sharon.You have top musicians around you.
@petecollins4925
My favourite song of yours Sharon. It's a close call between this, Down By The Water and Beautiful People, they all have that uniqueness of your vocal style and outstanding lyricism that make them somewhat special.
This really is poetry for the soul.
@zosarmusic
Thank you. This is the latest one, you're welcome to share. https://youtu.be/SrMGh5HiT0k
@zosarmusic
thank you
@zosarmusic
@DianeCobb
Beautiful Sharon Musgrave I love iit
@kingswork8256
nice tune