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.
Handle With Care
Sheridan Smith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm the last girl standing on a night out
I′m a wild cat waiting on a prey to pounce
I'm a little bit crazy by all accounts
I'm the one at the bar when the music plays
When the party is over, I sleep for days
You′re gonna run the risk of getting burned, getting bit
But I promise you this, you′ll be glad you did
Ha-ha-handle with care
Ha-ha-handle with care
I go off like a rocket, I'm like dynamite
A firework lighting up the whole damn sky
Ha-ha-handle with care
If you want me to be there, there, there, there, there
You better handle me with care, care, care, care, care
I need a boy with a little bit of staying power
Need a boy who can talk through the small hours
Who can play me better at my own damn game
Deal with the bodies, take all the blame
Need a man who can get along with all my friends
Even if it′s lying, then at least he pretends
A boy who can match me drink for drink
Take me to the edge
Bring me back from the brink
Ha-ha-handle with care
Ha-ha-handle with care
I go off like a rocket, I'm like dynamite
A firework lighting up the whole damn sky
Ha-ha-handle with care
If you want me to be there, there, there, there, there
You better handle me with care, care, care, care, care
I′m gonna make you scream
I'm gonna make you shout
Hmm, yeah, probably
I′m gonna wear you out
I'm gonna make you scream
I'm gonna make you shout
Hmm, yeah, probably
I′m gonna wear you out
Yeah, ha-ha-handle with care
Ha-ha-handle with care
I go off like a rocket, I′m like dynamite
A firework lighting up the whole damn sky
Ha-ha-handle with care
If you want me to be there, there, there, there, there
You better handle me with care, care, care, care, care
Well, if you want me to be there, there, there, there, there
You better handle me with care, care, care, care, care
The song "Handle With Care" by Sheridan Smith is an anthem for the wild and untamed. The lyrics speak to the singer's adventurous and slightly dangerous spirit, warning potential lovers of the risks involved in trying to handle her. She describes herself as the girl that your mama warned you about, with a wild streak that requires careful handling. She acknowledges that she's a bit crazy, but promises that anyone who takes the risk will be glad they did.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "handle with care," emphasizing the importance of treating her delicately. She compares herself to a rocket and says that when she takes off, she lights up the sky like a firework. She's looking for a partner who can match her stamina and play her at her own game. She needs someone who can handle her wildness and support her through it all.
Overall, the song is a celebration of individuality and the importance of finding someone who can match your energy and spirit. It's a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come with a little risk, and that it's worth taking a chance on love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the girl that your mama warned you about
I am the kind of girl who might not fit your mother's idea of a decent girlfriend.
I'm the last girl standing on a night out
I am resilient enough to enjoy parties till the end, and I can do it without a partner.
I'm a wild cat waiting on a prey to pounce
I can be aggressive like a predator, and I'm just waiting for the chance that might come to me at any time.
I'm a little bit crazy by all accounts
People might think of me as somewhat out of the ordinary or weird.
I'm the one at the bar when the music plays
You can find me at the bar enjoying the rhythm of the music and living in the moment.
When the party is over, I sleep for days
Once the party is over, I usually spend a lot of time resting and recovering from it.
You're gonna run the risk of getting burned, getting bit
If you try to engage with me, you might get hurt in some way, either physically or emotionally.
But I promise you this, you'll be glad you did
However, I also promise you that it will be worth it, and you won't have any regrets.
Ha-ha-handle with care
You need to be careful with me. Handle me cautiously.
I go off like a rocket, I'm like dynamite
I am a bundle of energy and passion, and once I'm ignited, I am unstoppable.
A firework lighting up the whole damn sky
I have the potential to create an explosion of excitement and joy that will touch everyone around me.
If you want me to be there, there, there, there, there
If you want me to be present, engaged, and committed, you need to handle me properly.
You better handle me with care, care, care, care, care
Otherwise, you might get hurt, and things might not go well for either of us.
I need a boy with a little bit of staying power
I require a partner who has the strength and endurance to keep up with me over time.
Need a boy who can talk through the small hours
I want a partner who can chat and communicate with me for long hours and into the early morning.
Who can play me better at my own damn game
I want a partner who can challenge me mentally and emotionally and can push me to be better.
Deal with the bodies, take all the blame
I need a partner who is willing to help me clean up the messes I make and take the heat for it.
Need a man who can get along with all my friends
I require a partner who can win over and be accepted by my group of friends.
Even if it's lying, then at least he pretends
Even if it's a facade or a show, I want my partner to be able to act like he fits in and can get along with my friends.
A boy who can match me drink for drink
I want a partner who can keep up with my high tolerance for drinking and partying.
Take me to the edge, bring me back from the brink
I desire a partner who can take me on thrilling and exciting adventures but also knows how to take care of me and bring me back to safety.
I'm gonna make you scream
I am not afraid to express myself and my desires, and I will make sure my partner has a good time.
I'm gonna make you shout
I will create an experience so exciting and enjoyable that my partner won't be able to contain his emotions.
Hmm, yeah, probably
(sarcastically) I am joking, but probably not really.
I'm gonna wear you out
I will keep going and going until my partner is completely exhausted and satisfied.
Well, if you want me to be there, there, there, there, there
If you want me to be there for you, both physically and emotionally, you need to handle me with care.
Writer(s): Amy Victoria Wadge, Jimmy Hogarth, Sheridan Smith
Contributed by Sarah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.