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).
Memories
Sophie Zelmani Lyrics
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You must be caught to see
It's the heart that imprisons
If you're caught, you're not free
So what's wrong with looking through bars
When you're devoted to your crime
What's wrong with being a captive
Memories, memories
Don't change to blue
Memory, I can't live on you
As you know things just happen
Sometimes it's just the same
As when beautiful things and matters
Got as beautiful names
So what's wrong with pleading desire
And to relate it to you
What's wrong with being bewitched
Except a change will always come
Memories, memories
Don't change to blue
Memory, I can't live on you
Memories, memories
Don't change to blue
Memory, I can't live on you
Sophie Zelmani's song Memories delves into the ways in which we imprison ourselves within the memories and experiences of our past. The lyrics acknowledge that life is constantly changing and we must adapt with it, but the heart can sometimes trap us and make us feel stuck in a moment. The first stanza portrays the idea that being caught up in past experiences can restrict us and not allow us to be truly free. Looking at life through the metaphorical bars of our past can be limiting, but it's often our comfort zone, our familiar space. The idea of being imprisoned itself can feel liberating, yet simultaneously locks us up within ourselves. However, no matter how much we try to cling to the past, change is inevitable and is bound to come. This is highlighted in the line "except a change will always come".
The second stanza focuses on the beauty of the present and the need to embrace it rather than dwell on the past. The lyrics mention that sometimes life can be mundane with beauty only in names, but it's important to seek out desired experiences and not be afraid to express oneself. Being bewitched by life is encouraged because, just like everything else, it's temporary, and a change will always come eventually.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to appreciate the beauty of life as it comes and let go of past experiences that can prevent them from living fully.
Line by Line Meaning
As you know, we are here for changes
We are here in life for changes to happen.
You must be caught to see
It takes being caught/limited to recognize the true state of things.
It's the heart that imprisons
Our own emotional state can limit us more than external factors can.
If you're caught, you're not free
Being caught/living within limitations prevents true freedom.
So what's wrong with looking through bars
What's wrong with accepting limitations and still finding meaning within them?
When you're devoted to your crime
When you're committed to something that others may see as a limitation.
What's wrong with being a captive
What's wrong with experiencing limitations, as they will eventually lead to change?
Except a change will always come
Change is inevitable, so accepting limitations can lead to growth.
Memories, memories
Reflecting on past experiences.
Don't change to blue
Don't let negative emotions taint those memories.
Memory, I can't live on you
Memories can't be the sole basis of living in the present.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DONALD BALDWIN, JEFFREY BOWEN, KATHY WAKEFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind