Born just outside Philadelphia, Hurtt recalls being surrounded by music at an early age. “My father has had a pretty successful career as a songwriter and producer, so I was fortunate to be immersed in a lot of creativity when I was a child.” With “cousins” like Sister Sledge and “uncles” like powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Bunny Sigler, not to mention her own father, Phil Hurtt, one would think her destiny as a musician was pre-determined. But Hurtt initially chose a different path. “Although I was always somehow involved with music, I went the theater route for a while. I loved acting, but in the end it was the music that flowed through my veins.”
After a brief residency in England, Hurtt returned to Philadelphia and met guitarist Ross Landy. The duo formed Euclid Street, a musical chameleon that, all told, performed and/or recorded with as many as 13 contributing musicians, including Chuck Treece (McRad, Bad Brains) and Kevin Hufnagel (Dysrhythmia). While in the band, Hurtt honed her songwriting skills; discovering quickly that she didn’t fit into any particular genre. “It was frustrating at times, because people either wanted me to be a soul singer or to be Tracy Chapman. I had to deal with a lot of confusion because I didn’t fit into a neat, little box.”
Hurtt found that the solution was to continue writing songs that could speak to listeners across genres. “I write what I know, or at least what I, as a human being, can empathize with; love, loss, the journey of life.” Her lyrics are what draw the listener in and surprise many critics; poignant, but simple. She writes songs that everyone can relate to, without sounding cliché, with melodies that are instantly familiar.
2010 saw Sierra reveal a new side to her personality when she released Imaginarium; an EP of remixes from 8 or 80 done by various DJs and producers she’d met over the previous two years. “I have been truly humbled by the international response to my songs. To be able to work with these guys has been nothing short of amazing, truly.”
Hurtt is spending the Summer of 2011 working on new songs for her first full-length CD, due out later in the year. She finds herself collaborating, once more, with people she’s met through the successes of 8 or 80 and Imaginarium. “I’m writing in the way that I love, while also using musical vocabulary and phrasing that is fresh for me. I love learning new styles, new languages. I’m really enjoying the process and the songs. People seem to really appreciate the honesty in what I do. I am humbled by the support I am receiving.”
Circles
Sierra Hurtt Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I knew that I was lost and needed to be found.
So I asked you for directions.
Instead you gave me a light and,
though it was amazing, I knew it wasn’t right.
It wasn’t quite right.
You changed my world around.
You turned it upside down.
La la. La la. La la la la la.
You gave me the redemption I didn’t always need.
And though I felt forgive, I never felt free.
So now I’m running backwards, but mindful of the cost.
And hopeful that I can just some of what I lost.
You changed my world around.
No I’m not complaining.
You turned it upside down.
La. La. La.
You changed my world around.
No I’m not complaining.
You turned it upside down.
La la. La la. La la la la la.
The lyrics of Sierra Hurtt's song "Circles" tell a story of someone who feels lost and confused, running in circles and trying to find their way out. The song's protagonist realizes that they need direction and seeks it from someone they trust. However, the guidance they receive is not quite what they expected - a light that may be beautiful but not helpful in the way they need. Despite this setback, the singer finds that their perspective has been changed by this experience. They have been given the strength to confront their past, seeking redemption and freedom.
The lyrics are open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that the singer is struggling with personal demons, perhaps addiction or trauma, and seeking spiritual or emotional guidance. The light that they receive may represent a temporary sense of comfort, but they come to realize that they need to face their problems head-on in order to grow and heal. The song's chorus emphasizes the transformative power of this experience, acknowledging that even though it may be difficult, it has ultimately changed the singer's world for the better.
The song's structure supports this narrative, with a slow and moody opening verse building to a bright and energetic chorus. The repetition of "la la" syllables adds to the dreamy, reflective quality of the song, while the driving beat and uplifting chord progression in the chorus create a sense of momentum and triumph.
Line by Line Meaning
I was running in circles but afraid of coming around.
I was lost and stuck in the same routine, scared to break free from it.
I knew that I was lost and needed to be found.
I realized that I was lost in life and needed guidance.
So I asked you for directions.
I turned to someone for help in finding my way.
Instead you gave me a light and, though it was amazing, I knew it wasn’t right.
You showed me a new path, but I knew deep down it wasn't the right one for me.
You changed my world around.
You had a significant impact on my life.
No I’m not complaining.
I am grateful for your influence in my life.
You turned it upside down.
You completely changed my perspective.
You gave me the redemption I didn’t always need.
You offered me forgiveness even when I didn't think I deserved it.
And though I felt forgive, I never felt free.
Even with your forgiveness, I still didn't feel free or at peace.
So now I’m running backwards, but mindful of the cost.
I am attempting to retrace my steps in life, but aware of the potential consequences.
And hopeful that I can just some of what I lost.
I am optimistic that I can regain some of what I lost.
La la. La la. La la la la la.
Musical interlude.
Contributed by Ethan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.