Chow was born and grew up in Hong Kong. She played classical piano from a young age, and learned to play guitar as a teenager. She studied music production and engineering at Berklee College of Music. Her Wherever it May be Be EP was made start from finish in her bedroom in Boston before moving to Los Angeles. She has toured with Still Woozy and Ravyn Lanae, and Raveena. Her tours with Jeremy Zucker and Cavetown were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her sophomore EP "time machine" is to be released in spring of 2021 with Nettwerk Records.
Chow records, and produces all of her own tracks. Complex featured her as one of the "Best New Artists of the Month" in July 2019, describing her sound as "more A24 than Marvel."
angels
cehryl Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What have I got to give to turn the tables
I caught you, baby near the end
Never thought I would ever see you again
Emily, why do we play pretend
What have I got to lose to win your blessing
What have I got to be
I caught you, baby near the end
Never thought I would ever see you again
Emily, why do we play pretend
She said, she said
Don't you wanna be famous
So I said, I said
How can you be so shameless
The above lyrics are from the song "Angels" by cehryl, and they showcase the singer's longing to reach out to higher powers and ask for blessings. The song strikes an introspective and passionate mood, as cehryl reflects on the complexities of her relationships and struggles to make sense of her emotions.
The first stanza talks about cehryl's desire to reach out to angels, a common theme in many cultures around the world. She wonders what she has to do to get their attention and perhaps earn their favor. The reference to "turn the tables" suggests that she wants to change the course of her fate or circumstance, and hopes that the angels can help her with that. However, the next line seems to indicate that she has encountered a setback in love, as she has found her lover "near the end" and feels the pain of separation. The repetition of her lover's name, Emily, and the question "why do we play pretend" demonstrate her confusion and heartache.
In the second stanza, cehryl continues to express her doubts and fears about the relationship. She wonders what she has to sacrifice to win her lover's blessing, and pleads not to be kept in suspense. However, she is still grappling with the aftermath of their separation, and the line "Never thought I would ever see you again" reveals her disbelief and sadness. The repetition of Emily's name and her role in the singer's life shows how deeply ingrained the relationship is in cehryl's psyche.
The bridge of the song introduces a conversation between cehryl and someone unnamed, who urges her to seek fame. The singer responds with sarcasm, perhaps highlighting the superficiality of celebrity culture and its impact on personal relationships. The juxtaposition of this conversation with cehryl's longing for angels and emotional connection creates an interesting contrast, showcasing the different priorities in life.
Overall, "Angels" is a deep and emotional song that showcases cehryl's talent for introspective songwriting. She captures the pain and confusion of lost love and the longing for higher powers, and creates a beautiful melody that complements the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
What have I got to do to reach the angels
What actions should I take to gain divine intervention and guidance
What have I got to give to turn the tables
What can I give up to change the dynamic of this situation
I caught you, baby near the end
I found you at the end of a difficult period or relationship
Never thought I would ever see you again
I didn't expect to reconnect with you after our past experiences
Emily, why do we play pretend
Why do we act like everything is okay when it's not
What have I got to lose to win your blessing
What do I need to sacrifice in order to earn your favor
Don't keep me guessing
Please be clear with me instead of leaving me uncertain
She said, she said
The other person is making claims or statements
Don't you wanna be famous
A rhetorical question, implying the other person values fame
So I said, I said
I replied to the other person's inquiry or statement
How can you be so shameless
I'm appalled by the other person's disregard for basic decency or morals
Writer(s): Andrew Sarlo, Cheryl Chow
Contributed by Miles S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@brianmantra
you are my favorite artist.
@angelmagica
this song is the prettiest heartbreak I’ve heard this year <3 you’re incredible at painting specific moods and I’m always looking forward to more. Love this song so much
@jotree8749
i love this song sm! <3
@alexvarietyhour4919
babe wake up, new cehryl
@julyfishz7121
love your music, it’s always so calming and comforting including this song!!
@LiquidInertia
Loving the vibes for days and switch up at the end
@emilyhenderson373
I listened to this song while counting down to the new year , this song to me is me talking to myself since my name is emily and i feel i relate to the lyrics. Happy New Year , I can’t wait to hear your new releases this year!!
@scorpionssly4585
happy New Year
@martinj.nicolas1030
got me feeling emotional for no reason i love it
@444erna
this song is beautiful