Vonda Shepard was born in New York but her family relocated to California when she was fairly young. She played piano from an early age. Her father is Richmond Shepard, a mime and improv actor. Vonda has three sisters: Rosetta, Luana, and Brianna. Her mother left the family when Vonda was ten, and her father raised the four girls by himself.
After performing as a backing singer for many years she was eventually given her own recording contract. Shepard's first chart appearance was in 1987 when she recorded a duet with Dan Hill entitled 'Can't We Try'. She released her first self-titled album in 1989 with little fanfare. The album did yield one chart single, Don't Cry Ilene, a mid-tempo, piano-driven jazz-RnB flavored song dealing with the break-up of a relationship between a black woman and a white man, arising from adult peer pressure. The track is sung from the perspective of the woman's white female friend, who harbors a desire to have the man for herself, but keeps her distance out of respect for her friend. The song peaked at 17 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary chart and stayed on the charts for 12 weeks.
After her third album, Shepard was signed up to appear on Ally McBeal after being spotted by the show's creator David E Kelley. While on the show she recorded two full soundtrack albums and was featured on two other Ally McBeal compilations. The songs Shepard recorded for Ally McBeal soundtrack albums were mainly covers of old songs with lyrics that paralleled what was happening in the title character's life onscreen. Since appearing in the show, Shepard has released two more studio albums and a live album.
Shepard is married to music producer Mitchell Froom and they had their first child, Jack Froom, on 15 April 2006.
Ecstatic
Vonda Shepard Lyrics
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You're beautiful and radical
You love like a fanatic
And I′m on my knees
It doesn't seem my limitation
Since I'm deep as aware
Rolled up like a crustacean
And I can′t hide
I try to squeeze myself
Into this tiny little box
Acting like I′m sturdy
But I'm tiring on the rocks
And I can′t fly
Well, I'm ecstatic
You′re beautiful and radical
You love like a fanatic
And I'm on my knees
I feel so busted
I thought that I had rusted
You took me down to what I really need
I′m wandering down a street
Nuggin' a funky beat
I never felt so complete
But turning on the heat to hide
I'm suddenly rockin′ smooth
Walkin′ in these black shoes
I never thought that I
I could shake these blues
But now I'm high
Well, I′m ecstatic
You're beautiful and radical
You love like a fanatic
And I′m on my knees
I feel so busted
I thought I had rusted
You took me down to what I really need
I get distracted by the day
I'm one of these lucky devils
Who sometimes gets away
I can be persuaded any which way
But, baby, now you′re with me
I am in a state...
Yeeah!
Well, I'm ecstatic
You're beautiful and radical
Yeeah!
Well, I′m ecstatic
You′re beautiful and radical
The lyrics of Vonda Shepard's song "Ecstatic" convey a sense of overwhelming joy and admiration towards the subject of the singer's affection. The opening verse expresses the singer's ecstasy and admiration for the beauty and radical nature of the person they are addressing. The intensity of their love is likened to that of a fanatic, indicating a deep and passionate connection. The imagery of being on one's knees symbolizes a sense of admiration, submission, and vulnerability in the presence of this person.
In the second verse, the lyrics delve into the singer's introspective thoughts and feelings of limitation. The comparison to a crustacean being pulled from its shell suggests a feeling of vulnerability and exposure, as if being forced out of their comfort zone. The struggle to fit into societal norms and constraints is illustrated by the metaphor of trying to squeeze oneself into a tiny box, putting on a façade of strength while feeling weary and unable to truly be oneself.
The following verses shift to a more positive tone as the singer experiences a transformative moment brought on by the presence of the person they love. The realization of what they truly need and the release of self-imposed restrictions lead to a newfound sense of freedom and completeness. The imagery of walking down the street, feeling complete and rocking smooth, symbolizes a newfound confidence and empowerment that comes from embracing one's true self.
The chorus repeats the singer's ecstatic state and admiration for their love interest, emphasizing the beauty and radical nature of their connection. The repetition of feeling busted and rusted, only to be brought to what they truly need, underscores the transformative power of love and acceptance. The song concludes with a declaration of being in a state of ecstasy, celebrating the transformative and uplifting effect of love on the singer's life. The repeated affirmation of the subject's beauty and radical nature reinforces the deep admiration and joy that the singer feels in their presence.
Writer(s): Vonda Shepard
Contributed by Kylie S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.