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.
Wake Up the House
Vonda Shepard Lyrics
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Some things make me think twice
When I get that resistance
Like having freedom with my hands tied
I've censored what's inside way too long
I can't live so black and white
Somebody listen
I've got the wheels of the reckless
I'm gonna scream on the edges
Wake up the house start the clock work
Turn on the lights anybody home
Break all the glass on my windows
Wake up the house so I'm not alone
Disturb this neighborhood
Maybe it'll do some good
You know what I'm missing
When everybody's asleep at night
Somebody's got to tlak
Might as well be my job yeah
Maybe somebody's listening
You know I've censored this heart too long
I've got the wheels of the restless
I'm gonna scream on the edges
Wake up the house start the clock work
Turn on all the lights anybody home
Break all the glass on my windows
Wake up the house so I'm not alone
I can't live so black and white
You know what I'm missing
Something's making me think twice
Is anybody listening?
In Vonda Shepard's song "Wake Up the House," the lyrics express a desire to break free from the constraints that have been placed on oneself. The feeling of walking on ice suggests a fear of uncertainty or instability. There is a resistance to being controlled or confined, as evidenced by the line "like having freedom with my hands tied." The singer feels that they have been censoring their true feelings and desires for too long, and it's time to speak up and make some noise.
The chorus encourages action, to awake the house, start the clockwork, and turn on the lights. Breaking glass on the windows is symbolic for breaking down barriers and disrupting the status quo. By disturbing the neighborhood, the hope is that it will do some good and invoke change. The singer seeks validation and a listening ear, hoping that someone will acknowledge what they have to say. The song ends with the repeated question, "is anybody listening?"
Overall, "Wake Up the House" is a call to arms for individual empowerment and liberation from conformity. It is an ode to the restless spirit that seeks something more than what is currently being offered.
Line by Line Meaning
I seem to walk on ice
I feel unsure and cautious in my actions and decisions.
Some things make me think twice
Some situations or decisions require me to second guess myself.
When I get that resistance
When faced with obstacles or pushback from others.
Like having freedom with my hands tied
Feeling limited or restricted despite having some level of autonomy.
I've censored what's inside way too long
I've kept my thoughts and feelings suppressed for too long.
I can't live so black and white
I can't continue living with such rigid and uncompromising views.
Somebody listen
I'm in need of someone to hear me out.
Somebody say what's on your mind
Encouraging others to speak up and share their thoughts and feelings openly.
I've got the wheels of the reckless
I feel daring and adventurous.
I'm gonna scream on the edges
I'm going to push boundaries and take risks.
Wake up the house start the clock work
Choosing to stir things up and make a change in my surroundings.
Turn on the lights anybody home
Requesting attention and seeking connection with others.
Break all the glass on my windows
Symbolically destroying barriers and limitations in my life.
Wake up the house so I'm not alone
Seeking companionship and support from those around me.
Disturb this neighborhood
Wanting to make an impact on the world around me.
Maybe it'll do some good
Hoping that my actions will have a positive impact on those around me.
You know what I'm missing
I'm aware of what I need to feel fulfilled.
When everybody's asleep at night
When others are inactive or not paying attention.
Somebody's got to talk
Recognizing the importance of communication and connection with others.
Might as well be my job yeah
Taking responsibility for fostering communication and connection.
Maybe somebody's listening
Hoping that someone is paying attention to my words and actions.
I've got the wheels of the restless
Feeling a sense of wanderlust and desire for adventure.
I'm gonna scream on the edges
Embracing excitement and pushing boundaries in life.
I can't live so black and white
Rejecting a rigid and inflexible mindset.
You know what I'm missing
I'm aware of what I need to feel fulfilled.
Something's making me think twice
Feeling uncertain or hesitant about a decision or situation.
Is anybody listening?
Asking for someone to hear me out and offer support.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GERARD MCMAHON, VONDA SHEPARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind