Upon recording a few songs at a local studio, she decided to send the demos to three record companies, with no special expectations. Soon Sony Sweden gave her a phone call and offered her a record deal. At this stage, she had never played in front of an audience. Sophie started to record her self-titled debut album in 1995. The album was produced and arranged by Lars Halapi, a long time collaborator who has subsequently worked on all her material.
She was awarded a Grammy at the Swedish Grammy awards as Best Newcomer in 1995, she was also nominated for Best Female Pop Singer. Her album managed Gold status both in Sweden and Japan. After promoting her debut in the US, she finally started to work on her new album in the Autumn of 1997. This second effort entitled Precious Burden came the following year. Since the turbulence of the first album release, Zelmani has started saying no to interviews and only embarks on tour for short periods of time.
The third, fourth and fifth albums, Time to Kill (1999), Sing and Dance (2002) and Love Affair (2003) quickly followed. Ten years after her debut she released a best-of album titled A Decade Of Dreams which also included two new tracks.
Further albums released after this 'best of' are: Memory Loves You (2007), The Ocean and Me (2008), I'm The Rain, (2010), Soul (2011).
Zelmani has also contributed music to the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Dawson's Creek". Her cover of Bob Dylan's "Most Of The Time" appears on the soundtrack to "Masked and Anonymous", and also on the album Cohen - The Scandinavian Report.
Her song "Stand By" appeared in the film "Independence Day" (1996). Her song "Always You" appeared in the film "My Best Friend's Wedding" (1997).
Hard To Know
Sophie Zelmani Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't be moved around
Maybe that means I can't
Give you a good time
I could spend my time
Looking at you
But as long as you're striving
Hard for you to know
I'm dripping of love
Hard to defend
I'm only dreaming of love
I'm not here to make
My voice heard
Maybe that makes me smaller
In this world
I could spend my time
Wishing I was like you
But if you think my life
Looks alright, I'll think so too
The opening lyrics to the song "Hard To Know" by Sophie Zelmani set the tone for the entire lyrical content of the song. The singer is mindful that her presence in someone else's life could maybe not always bring joy or happiness. It is evident that she is not there for fun or to engage in superficial social interactions. The singer seems at peace with this reality, and this may be rooted in her acknowledgement of her ability to stay grounded and resolute. She could not offer a good time, especially in a world that demands conformity and social acceptance.
The singer seems to have a deep fascination with this person she is singing about. She admits that as long as they keep striving towards their dreams, she also has to keep doing the same. This reveals her passion and dedication towards things that matter to her. The later part of the verse shifts the mood a bit. She confesses that she is genuinely in love with this person, but it's hard for them to know. She feels vulnerable and unable to defend her feelings. These feeling seems to overwhelm her and cause her much confusion.
The chorus of the song brings more insight into the singer's psyche; she feels like an outsider, misunderstood and underappreciated. She is full of love but struggles to express her emotions, which leaves her feeling defenseless. The singer also admits that she doesn't have to be loud or vocal to make her voice heard- this sentiment ties in with the idea that she is comfortable in her autonomy and identity, and she isn't seeking validation from anyone else. Overall, the song conveys the notion that life can be hard, and sometimes, it is hard to express how you feel.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't here for fun
I did not come here to have fun.
Can't be moved around
I am not easily influenced or swayed by others.
Maybe that means I can't
Give you a good time
Because of my disposition, it may be difficult for me to be a source of entertainment or enjoyment for you.
I could spend my time
Looking at you
I could choose to focus my attention on you above all else.
But as long as you're striving
I've got to do that too
However, since you are constantly working to improve, I find myself compelled to pursue my own self-betterment as well.
Hard for you to know
I'm dripping of love
Because of my stoic nature, it may be difficult for you to understand just how deeply I love.
Hard to defend
I'm only dreaming of love
It is challenging to defend myself against the perception that I am only fantasizing about love.
I'm not here to make
My voice heard
I did not come here to assert myself or make my opinions known.
Maybe that makes me smaller
In this world
Perhaps my unwillingness to be vocal makes me less significant or noteworthy in this world.
I could spend my time
Wishing I was like you
I could choose to use my time to emulate you and strive to become more like you.
But if you think my life
Looks alright, I'll think so too
However, if you suggest that my life is well and good as is, I will choose to believe you and find contentment in that.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HALAPI, ZELMANI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Erzebet Tot Bagi
I ain't here for fun
Can't be moved around
Maybe that means I can't
Give you a good time
I could spend my time
Looking at you
But as long as you're striving
I've got to do that too
Hard for you to know
I'm dripping of love
Hard to defend
I'm only dreaming of love
I'm not here to make
My voice heard
Maybe that makes me smaller
In this world
I could spend my time
Wishing I was like you
But if you think my life
Looks alright, i'll think so too
Kaz Hare
I ain't here for fun
Can't be moved around
Maybe that means I can't
Give you a good time.
I could spend my time
Looking at you
But as long as you're striving
I've got to do that too
Hard for you to know
I'm dripping of love
Hard to defend
I'm only dreaming of love
I'm not here to make
My voice heard
Maybe that makes me smaller
In this world
I could spend my time
Wishing I was like you
But if you think my life
Looks alright, I'll think so too.
GEMINNA
Beautiful!:*
Slavko Cosic
Svedjanka...
Сергей Гамаев
Опять великолепное произведение и исполнение супер! Впрочем как и все, что делает волшебница Софи!
Erzebet Tot Bagi
I ain't here for fun
Can't be moved around
Maybe that means I can't
Give you a good time
I could spend my time
Looking at you
But as long as you're striving
I've got to do that too
Hard for you to know
I'm dripping of love
Hard to defend
I'm only dreaming of love
I'm not here to make
My voice heard
Maybe that makes me smaller
In this world
I could spend my time
Wishing I was like you
But if you think my life
Looks alright, i'll think so too
SURENDER SINGH
Such a soul...
Наталья Рихтер
Как все профессионально сделано видеоряд, исполнение Софи, супер в итоге шедевр !!!
Андрей Новиков
Ролик интересный, красивый и очень своеобразный... голос нежный, чарующий, приятный... Мне очень понравилось спасибо...
Natali Kristal
Голос и вправду чарующий
Dancing Brush
Леночка!!! как я обожаю этот твой стиль! Не обязательно больше искать слова, чтобы объяснять, что есть Женщина. Достаточно видеть и внимать. Здесь все рассказано! Спасибо!
Александр Лебедь
🙊💋💯🤝