Amorosi was born in Melbourne, Australia. Amorosi was discovered performing at Matrioshka, a Russian restaurant in Carnegie, by Jack Strom and signed a recording contract in 1997. After being signed to MarJac Productions (co-owned by managers Mark Holden and Jack Strom) and recording a promo CD titled "Get Here", she secured a deal with Transistor Music Australia. Amorosi also spent a short period training with the army.
Amorosi is known for her versatile vocal ability. She is able to vocally cover many genres of music including, pop, rock, blues, jazz, and gospel. Amorosi is also known for her vocal range. Amorosi's vocal range reaches Soprano C#6 in what is perceived to be full chest voice. Amorosi's ability to connect chest voice and head voice is one of her trademark talents. Amorosi's effortless approach to singing in her upper registry is what helped her become well known in both Australia and Germany. She has also been noted for her ability to sing in the whistle registry as well, hitting notes above E6. Amorosi's most powerful vocals can be heard in her song from her 2008 album, Somewhere in the Real World entitled "Start It". In the song "Start It", she can be heard belting two A5's and two B5's in mixed/chest voice and an E6 in the whistle registry. Also in the song "I Am Woman", performed at the ARIA Hall of Fame tribute for Helen Reddy in 2006, Amorosi can be heard belting a sustained C6.
In 1999, Amorosi released her debut single "Have a Look" which became a Top 20 hit. Second single "Absolutely Everybody", an anthemic dance song, reached the Top 10 and became the longest charting Australian single by an Australian female artist. It remained in the ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart for over six months after its release. "Absolutely Everybody" was released internationally and reached the Top 10 in many European countries including the United Kingdom and Germany where it received a gold certification. Amorosi performed at many large events such as the NRL Grand Final, the opening of the Motorcycle Grand Prix at Phillip Island and the new millennium on "New Year's Eve" at Darling Harbour.
In 2000 two more singles "Shine" and "The Power" became major Australian hits, and her album The Power reached number one on the Australian album charts. Amorosi received six ARIA nominations in the year 2000 awards and The Power was nominated for "Best Female Artist" and "Best Pop Release" in the ARIA Music Awards of 2001. Her largest audience came in September 2000 with performances at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics and at the Paralympic Games. At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics she sang the Olympic song titled "Heroes Live Forever". Amorosi won the APRA Award in 2001 for "Most Played Song" on Australian Radio with "Shine" and received international acclaim in Germany where she won "Best International Newcomer" at the 2001 VIVA Comet Awards. Later that year she also made a special appearance at the Goodwill Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Brisbane. In 2001 she performed at the AFL Grand Final.
In August 2002 Amorosi traveled to Manchester where she was one of the stars of the Commonwealth Games Hand-Over Ceremony, performing her hit "Shine" and a new song written especially for the event, "I’ll always be a Melbourne girl".
In February 2003, Amorosi performed her "Blues" set for the first time at the Melbourne International Music And Blues Festival and traveled to Germany to perform her latest European single "True To Yourself" on "Top of the Pops" and the hugely successful long-running show "Wetten, dass..?" which screens throughout Europe.
For her service to music she was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal by the Government of Australia in April 2003.
Over the next few years, Amorosi maintained a low-profile presence in the music industry, recording and performing in Australia and throughout the world. In a radio interview in 2008 she admitted being hired to perform at a number of Melbourne gangland functions, including one for the baptism of the daughter of convicted murderer Carl Williams, during that period.
On 25 January 2006, it was revealed that Amorosi was now under the management of Ralph Carr, having completed her seven year management with MarJac Productions. She is quoted on the website as saying, "I have been with my previous management for seven years and thought both parties had gone as far as we could together... Moving over to Ralph Carr Management seemed like a natural progression, given the acts he has successfully managed. I am excited and enthused."
On November 22, 2006 it was announced that Amorosi had signed to Universal Music Australia.
Amorosi’s charity work predates her fame, and her involvement with Kids Help Line and the Variety Club led to a number of honours, including a 2003 nomination for Australian of the Year. She still has the farm where endangered animals can find refuge, although she doesn’t get to visit much; her friends run it for her.
She supported Kiss on their 2008 tour of Australia.
Vanessa's latest album Somewhere in the Real World, released through Universal Music Australia, was released on May 24th 2008 after being delayed since a late 2007 release. The album tracks "Perfect" and "Start It" have both been used in promotions for the Seven Network. Released digitally and in stores on May 24, 2008, Somewhere in the Real World was already sitting at Number 3 on the national iTunes chart within hours of its release and climbing to number 2 within the first 24 hours and finally hitting the number 1 spot on the charts after just 4 days of release.
The single "Kiss Your Mama!" was serviced to radio on 3rd August and released 8th September 2007. On a special edition of Australian Idol she sang her hit song "Kiss Your Mama!".
Amorosi released her second single "Perfect" digitally on 5 April and physically on 26 April 2008. The single made it to number 1 on the digital iTunes charts on the 7th of June 2008, and Perfect was the #1 most played played song on Australian Radio in 2008.
The single "The Simple Things (Something Emotional)" was released as the third single on 20 September 2008.
On 20 April 2009 it was released that Amorosi will appear in a duet with American rock band Hoobastank, Amorosi also appears in the video which was shot in Los Angeles at Lacy Street Studio with director Paul Brown (Alicia Keys, Jack White). The video and single was serviced to Australian media on May 4. The single was released in Australia on June 19, 2009.
Amorosi is currently in LA writing and recording her new album.
This Is Who I Am
Vanessa Amorosi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
but all I do is fall to my face with my hands on my head so many times
but then I learnt, after being burnt
to get back up and push straight on
stop the tears people move on, on
Well it's alright to be myself
now I've learnt to stand
I spent years really hating me
longing to be friends, now I hope that you can understand
This is who I am
Now when life gets tough
I'm quick to hurry up
I run all day, I run through the night
I break down walls, I hit up high
I don't care if I'm fat, or if you think my clothes are bad
'cos I can go to sleep at night, I'm a good person and I'll get by
Well It's alright to be myself
now I've learnt to stand
well it's ok to be just who I am
I spent years really hating me
longing to be friends, now I hope that you can understand
This is who I am
Are you someone, are you someone, are you someone, someone like me
you deserve, you deserve, you deserve to be free
cause the world will keep spinning, and you'll be trapped in it
Well it's alright to be myself
now I've learnt to stand
well it's ok to be just who I am
I've spent years really hating me
longing to be friends, now I hope that you can understand
This is who I am
The lyrics of Vanessa Amorosi’s song, ‘This is Who I Am’ speak about self-acceptance and finding one’s identity. The opening lines, ‘I spend my life, trying to do things right, but all I do is fall to my face with my hands on my head so many times’ highlights the struggles that come with trying to live up to societal expectations. However, Amorosi’s realization that after being burnt, she needs to ‘get back up and push straight on, stop the tears and move on’ is a journey of growth and self-discovery that is relatable to many.
As the song progresses, the lyrics shift towards Amorosi’s newfound confidence in her self-identity. She sings, ‘Now when life gets tough, I’m quick to hurry up, I run all day, I run through the night, I break down walls, I hit up high.’ This line represents a transition from waiting for acceptance from others to embracing her true self-identity. The chorus further emphasizes self-acceptance with the lyrics, ‘Well, it's alright to be myself, now I’ve learnt to stand, well it's ok to be just who I am.’
In conclusion, the song ‘This is Who I Am’ is not only a declaration of self-love but also an encouragement for others to accept themselves just as they are. Amorosi’s relatable lyrics make this song a comforting reminder that everyone goes through their own self-discovery journey.
Line by Line Meaning
I spend my life, trying to do things right
I've been working hard to live a good life
but all I do is fall to my face with my hands on my head so many times
I've faced many failures and disappointments
but then I learnt, after being burnt
But I've learned from my mistakes
to get back up and push straight on
To keep going and not give up
stop the tears people move on, on
I've learned to not dwell on the past and to keep moving forward
Well it's alright to be myself
I've come to accept and love myself for who I am
now I've learnt to stand
I've learned to be confident and stand up for myself
well it's ok to be just who I am
It's okay to be true to myself and not change for others
I spent years really hating me
I struggled with self-hatred for a long time
longing to be friends, now I hope that you can understand
I wanted to be accepted and loved by others, and I hope now people can see me for who I am
Now when life gets tough, I'm quick to hurry up
I know how to handle difficult times and take action
I run all day, I run through the night
I work hard and persevere through challenges
I break down walls, I hit up high
I am strong and can overcome obstacles
I don't care if I'm fat, or if you think my clothes are bad
I am confident in my own skin and don't let other people's opinions affect me
'cos I can go to sleep at night, I'm a good person and I'll get by
I know that I am a good person and can sleep soundly at night because of it
Are you someone, are you someone, are you someone, someone like me
Do you feel the same way as me?
you deserve, you deserve, you deserve to be free
You deserve to be yourself and not feel held back
cause the world will keep spinning, and you'll be trapped in it
The world won't stop for us, so we should embrace who we are before it's too late
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVE BASSETT, COLTON DIXON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@emilyfitton5874
I laugh at anyone who hates on Vanessa saying she has no talent. You clearly haven't seen her live. Her voice is powerful and unique. Ridiculously underrated, but that's what you get I guess for not singing about sex and showing off your bits (like most female artists do now).
Forever an Amorosi fan!
@johngialanellajr8650
What escaped mental patients said she has no talent. That is like saying Einstein was not too smart.
@lanabanana68
well said Emily :)
@lockyrichardson7195
Have you met her yet? Is she approachable? What’s she like personality (nice or up herself) does she do autographs? I’d generally like to know.
@emilyfitton5874
@@lockyrichardson7195 I actually have met her. But way back in 2008-2011 (don’t remember the exact year). She’s very nice from what I remember, and she signed her album for me. I wouldn’t say she’s up herself. My Mums partner actually worked for Vanessa for many, many years. From what I know, she is a very genuine, caring and down to earth person. I was told several times that’s she’s also an animal lover- which of course is always a good sign about a person in my opinion 🥲
@lockyrichardson7195
@@emilyfitton5874 that’s good to hear because I’d love to see her live, meet her and get her autograph one day. She is the best. Shes still got it!!. Your mums partner is very lucky. It’s sad that she doesn’t live in Australia as much anymore. Yeah I heard she has a farm where endangered animals can find refuge.
Do you know if she has done any drugs or not? I can’t work out it because her looks have not changed much at all but she always comes out on stage with so much energy. I have seen a pic of her smoking a cigarette on her insta when she was younger tho.
@emma_em_11
I ❤Vanessa’s voice and music!! She’s one of those RARE GEMS you find that seem to be underrated by the majority, but are INSANELY TALENTED! This song is the EPITOME of SELF-LOVE! ❤Although, the “I don’t care if I’m fat.” line doesn’t really apply to me anymore because I have lost and am still losing weight to feel healthy, EVERYTHING she says STILL applies because you have to feel comfortable with who you are as a person and yourself at ANY size! You may be considered “fat”by some before you lose weight, but shouldn’t care about others opinions, only YOUR OWN and how you FEEL in yourself! To lose weight to impress others and for approval is WAYYY DIFFERENT than the personal choice to be healthy…
@sindigosoul
"it's ok to be just who i am" <3 Love this song! Positive, uplifting and just what i needed to hear right now...thank you <3
@whipthedog
She is in a class of her own as far as Australian singers go. There is no-one even close. And just about everybody loves her music. We are lucky that she tours non stop and we can get to watch her live often.
@elizabethcrossley6853
Wow a decade has FLOWN by. ♡ still love this song.. still relevant.