Smith was born in in Epworth, Lincolnshire and from an early age studied dance with the Joyce Mason School of Dancing in Scunthorpe. She was a member of the National Youth Music Theatre from 1995-2001, performing a number of lead roles in productions such as Bugsy Malone and Into the Woods.
Smith's theatre credits include the musical Into The Woods at London's Donmar Warehouse, and Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park.
She also played Audrey in the stage production of Little Shop of Horrors at The Menier Chocolate Factory, London, from November 2006 which then moved to The Duke Of York's Theatre in March 2007, and due to a very successful run moved again at the end of June 2007 to The New Ambassadors Theatre, its run ended in September 2007. Smith received a nomination for the 2008 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical, for her performance in the show.
Smith appeared as Vanessa in Tinderbox: a Revenge Comedy by Lucy Kirkwood at the Bush Theatre, Shepherd's Bush, in April 2008.
Smith is currently playing the lead Elle Woods in the musical version of Legally Blonde as it transferred from Broadway to London's West End in December 2009.
City of Stars
Sheridan Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you shining just for me?
City of stars
There's so much that I can't see
Who knows?
I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you
That now our dreams
City of stars
Just one thing everybody wants
There in the bars
And through the smokescreen of the crowded restaurants
It's love
Yes, all we're looking for is love from someone else
A rush
A glance
A touch
A dance
A look in somebody's eyes
To light up the skies
To open the world and send it reeling
A voice that says, I'll be here
And you'll be alright
I don't care if I know
Just where I will go
'Cause all that I need is this crazy feeling
A rat-tat-tat of my heart
Think I want it to stay
City of stars
Are you shining just for me?
City of stars
You never shined so brightly
Sheridan Smith's rendition of City of Stars from the movie musical La La Land is a poignant and tender ballad about finding love in the midst of a bustling city. The first verse of the song poses the question to the glimmering city skyline, asking whether the brightest lights are shining just for the singer. The ambiguity of the lyrics suggests a sense of wonder and maybe a hint of insecurity about the intense emotions felt by the singer.
The second verse alludes to the singer's initial connection with the romantic interest, describing a seemingly destined embrace that foreshadowed the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The third verse speaks to the universal human desire for love, highlighting the difficulty of finding it amidst the distractions and noise of a crowded urban environment. The final verse concludes with a declaration of contentment in the present moment, less concerned about the future and more focused on the pulsing beat of the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
City of stars
The bright and glamorous city that lights up the sky.
Are you shining just for me?
Am I the only one who feels like this place and its opportunities are giving me the spotlight?
There's so much that I can't see Who knows?
Despite what I can see and feel here in this city, there's a lot I don't know and can't predict.
I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you
That now our dreams
They've finally come true
When I first hugged you, I knew that together, our aspirations could become a reality.
Just one thing everybody wants
There in the bars
And through the smokescreen of the crowded restaurants
It's love
Yes, all we're looking for is love from someone else
In this city where people often gather in bars or noisy restaurants, what everyone is truly seeking is love from another person.
A rush
A glance
A touch
A dance
A look in somebody's eyes
To light up the skies
To open the world and send it reeling
A voice that says, I'll be here
And you'll be alright
People need the excitement and passion of experiencing the simple, yet thrilling moments of intimacy that can ignite hope, possibilities, and a future together with someone who will always remain by their side.
I don't care if I know
Just where I will go
'Cause all that I need is this crazy feeling
A rat-tat-tat of my heart
Think I want it to stay
I'm not concerned with where I'm headed because the present moment in this city makes me feel alive, animated and passionate within myself – a sensation that I crave to keep forever.
Are you shining just for me?
You never shined so brightly
This dazzling, sparkling city feels as if it's giving me a special, personal and beautifully bright experience that I've never received before.
Contributed by Grayson M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jason yates
Amazing voice Sheridan :)
Wendy Morris
So lovely
Velvetcool
That is a fantastic song. Brilliant.
RTM Boy
A fine version and arrangement - I like the way an excerpt of Michel Legrand's "Je ne pourrai jamais vivre sans toi" is played twice behind the main melody at the end.
C Massey
La La Land........Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Yeva Tatosyan
RTM Boy Yes, Michelle Le Grand 's music is soo profound itself :-)
Kelly Marie Sowden
Love this lass. Irreplaceable. Makes me proud of my northern roots x
oz ozy
Just magnificent.
Liam Kirk
Mad tune🔥
Aidan McGuire
Loved her in the 12 days of Christine!!