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.
The Rocky Water
Vonda Shepard Lyrics
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Even though the rocky water is swallowing me
And I will sail alone... that's what I′ll do
Well there's something about this that I fear
No, I can't live without you now that you′re here
I can float along the river
I can float on the water
Even though my heart is sinking like a stone
I need to close my eyes
And feel the rain and thunder inside of me
We live in a paradise
If only I could see
That as long as you′re all right I can breathe
And as long as you're happy, I believe
I can float along the river
Like a boat up on the sea
I can float on the water
Even though my heart is sinking like a stone
As long as you′re all right I can breathe
And as long as you're happy, I believe.
In "The Rocky Water" by Vonda Shepard, the singer is expressing their determination to face the challenges and uncertainties of life head-on. Despite the daunting and unpredictable nature of the "rocky water," which symbolizes the difficulties and obstacles in their path, they have decided to venture out into the sea alone. This decision reflects their independence and willingness to take risks, even if it means facing hardships without any external support. They are resolved to navigate through life's tumultuous waters on their own terms.
However, despite their brave front, there is an underlying fear of not being able to cope without the presence of a significant other. The lyrics suggest that the singer is accustomed to relying on someone else for support and cannot imagine living without them now that they are present. This fear highlights the vulnerability and dependence that can arise in intimate relationships. The contrast between the singer's independent spirit and their fear of being without their loved one underscores the complexity of human emotions and the conflicts that can arise within oneself.
The chorus of the song depicts a paradoxical state of the singer's emotional being. While they acknowledge their ability to "float along the river" and navigate through life's challenges with relative ease, they also metaphorically depict their sinking heart as a stone. This juxtaposition reflects their inner turmoil, as they can keep moving forward externally while emotionally sinking internally. It conveys a sense of resilience while facing personal struggles and suggests that even though they may endure hardships, they are determined to continue on their journey.
Finally, the last two lines of the song reiterate the singer's deep connection and dependence on their loved one's well-being. Their ability to breathe and be at peace is intrinsically tied to their partner's happiness. This sentiment emphasizes the importance of emotional support and the role that others play in one's sense of well-being. It also speaks to the deep trust and belief the singer has in their loved one, highlighting the significance of their bond.
Overall, "The Rocky Water" explores themes of independence, vulnerability, and the intertwining of emotions within relationships. It delves into the complexities of human experiences and the internal struggles one faces when attempting to navigate through life's challenges on their own while simultaneously craving emotional support.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna go out to sea
I'm going to venture into the unknown
Even though the rocky water is swallowing me
Despite facing challenging and turbulent circumstances
And I will sail alone... that's what I'll do
I will face this journey of life on my own
Well there's something about this that I fear
There is a feeling of apprehension and uncertainty
No, I can't live without you now that you're here
Having you by my side is vital to my existence
I can float along the river
I can navigate through life's challenges
Like a boat up on the sea
Just like a boat sailing on the vast ocean
I can float on the water
I can stay afloat despite difficulties
Even though my heart is sinking like a stone
Even if I'm feeling emotionally heavy and burdened
I need to close my eyes
I have to shut out distractions
And feel the rain and thunder inside of me
To embrace and process my inner storm and turmoil
We live in a paradise
We have the potential for happiness and fulfillment
If only I could see
If only I could perceive and appreciate it
That as long as you're all right I can breathe
Your well-being is essential for my own sense of peace
And as long as you're happy, I believe
I have faith in our relationship and its positive impact on me
As long as you're all right I can breathe
Your well-being is essential for my own sense of peace
And as long as you're happy, I believe
I have faith in our relationship and its positive impact on me
Writer(s): Vonda Shepard
Contributed by Charlie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.