Songful Style: “Girl on Fire!”

Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere! But, I don’t think Mother Nature got the memo! The days are sunny but cool. I’ll take it as I am completely over the cold weather! Anyway, welcome to the last Monday in March and another edition of Songful Style! Suzy and Shelbee decided to riff (see what I did there) on Style Imitating Art only with music! Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of The Grey Brunette, and I make up the bloggers in this group. You can find all of us on our blogs and Instagram.  Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. I chose this month’s song. Last month, Shelbee selected “I’m Still Standing.” Oh, and there’s a link party, too!

The artist…

Alicia Augello Cook/Alicia Keys was born in New York City on January 25, 1981. Her mother was Italian and “Irish or Scottish” while her father was African American. She is named after her Puerto Rican grandmother. Keys grew up in Hell’s Kitchen where she quickly learned survival skills from both her mother (who often had three jobs at a time) and the people surrounding her. She regularly saw street violence, drugs, and prostitution as well as being propositioned for sex work. Her father left the family when she was two and hasn’t had a relationship with the artist since then.

A little more…

From an early age, Keys was surrounded by music, mainly jazz, and included Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong. Her mother encouraged her musical ambitions by providing her with classical piano training by the time Keys was seven. Luckily, a neighbor had given them a piano so she could practice, up to six hours a day, playing Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Satie. Keys attended the Professional Performing Arts School beginning at age 12. She applied for and received a scholarship to Columbia University. Keys (still known as Alicia Cook) graduated from high school as valedictorian at the age of 16 and enrolled at Columbia. During this time, she was attending school, working in the studio of Columbia Records which had signed her at age 15. After a while, Keys realized this schedule was doing her no favors, and she left school.

Even more…

From 1996-1998, Keys was signed to Columbia records but felt little to no support for the kind of music she wanted to produce. She and Kerry Brothers, Jr. (aka Krucial) were partners by this time. With his encouragement, Keys set up her own recording studio and began working on music she considered her sound. This was not what Columbia wanted. Luckily, Keys eventually met Clive Davis and was able to get out of her contract with Columbia. Davis, who had been with Arista Records, formed J Records. It was through that company that Keys’ first album, Songs in A Minor, was released. Davis had written to Oprah Winfrey asking that Keys, Jill Scott, and India.Arie be on her show. As soon as Oprah heard “Fallin,” she booked Keys. “Fallin” is considered Keys’ signature song. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard it and didn’t even realize you knew it! I love this quote from Ebony magazine: “…the music that was pumping on the airwaves was hip-hop and rap – not Alicia’s unique blend of classical meets soul, meets hip-hop, meets, well, Alicia.”

Still more…

Songs in A Minor hit the airwaves flying (see what I did there), debuting at number one! Over the course of time, the album sold over 12 million copies internationally and was certified Platinum six times by the Recording Industry Association of America. I’ll spare you doing the math…Keys was 20 years old at the time this album was released! Girl on Fire was released on November 27, 2012, though the single by the same name (and our theme song today) was released on September 4th. Keys performed it live on the Grammys on September 6th. Keys has sold over 90 million records worldwide, won 16 Grammy Awards, 17 NAACP Image Awards as well as 12 ASCAP Awards. Keys is a co-founder of “Keep a Child Alive,” a non-profit HIV/AIDS-fighting organization. She is a global ambassador for this. You can read so much more about her music, her albums, and her awards here.

Still not convinced…

I just have to include this video. I saw Keys do this live on the Grammys in 2019 and was absolutely blown away! Her storytelling added to the ability to play two pianos at the same time as well as singing…completely, well and truly gobsmacked!

The song…

What it means…

In an interview for USAToday, Keys had this to say about the record, “…it has become such a beautiful expression of what it feels like when you don’t feel like you can, but you do…(source).” I have read other reports that it came about because of an article in Essence when the writer, Jeannine Amber, referred to Keys as a “girl on fire.” And, then there is this interview with ABC, Keys says, “The song came from a feeling, and this feeling of kind of, like, finding my own space, and my own place to be myself, to be my own full self. Love it or hate, whatever the case, here I am, and here is me (source).” Ultimately, I think the song is about being empowered to do what you want to do, create what you want to create, and be who you want to be.

“Dear Fam, I’m so honored to share my fifth studio album, Girl On Fire, with all of you. WOW!!! What a journey!! Over the last two years, I’ve given my all to the songs and sounds that make up this album— I took myself out of my “comfort zone”, collaborated with artists across different genres, and took control of my life in a way I never had before. And with every step I took, you all inspired me to pour my heart into every beat, and my soul into every lyric. Girl On Fire is about new beginnings, new perspectives and fresh starts. It’s about finding your own inner strength and channeling it in a way you’ve never tried before. To be “on fire” is to allow yourself the freedom to take full control of who you are and how you want to live your life. To live your passion and shine your light unabashedly!! It’s that moment you choose to claim your power and be extraordinary!With this album, I hope to empower you in the way you have me… I hope to move you to be your own phenomenal self in life. Thank you for your tremendous support throughout my career and for being a part of my journey as an artist. I’m so proud to share Girl On Fire with you all. I can’t contain the flame!!!! Never contain yours!!! (source)

The video…

Interesting covers…

I’m starting off with the only male singer, but he has a gorgeous voice!

This singer has a gorgeous voice, but it feels a bit like she’s holding back.

Apparently, this young woman was on “America’s Got Talent.” I’m linking her first performance and another. Wow! The voice this little girl had back on her first performance, and it’s still going strong in the second one!

Now, this is magic! Only accompanied by a guitar, this young woman knocks it out of the park!

I have mixed feelings on this one. It’s supposed to be heavy metal, but I think it’s more wannabe heavy metal. Still an amazing voice!

Wow! I’m sure there are several differences between the two Alicias, but I can’t hear them! This version by Pink is amazing!

My interpretation…

I decided I wasn’t going to choose a new outfit for this round of Songful Style. I decided, given the way I interpret the song, that I would present several of the looks I’ve worn that give me the feeling of being on fire! I’ve come a long way, my friends! And, the next time I think about cutting my hair for bangs, remind me not to do it! Thanks in advance!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

In case you couldn’t tell, I believe Alicia Keys is one of the most talented musicians of our time and times to come. She is a classically trained pianist who has this amazing voice (mezzo-soprano). I love that she fought against the patriarchal structure of record companies to produce music she loved and created. So, can we talk? Do you relate to the lyrics of this song? If you play the piano, can you imagine playing two at the same time? Are you musical, or are you like me and just admire it from afar? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as I can.

Thank you!

Thank you so very much for reading today’s post. I hope you enjoyed it. I also very much appreciate those of you who comment, email and/or subscribe. It’s what keeps me going! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

Affiliate links, discount codes, and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

And, now, it’s your turn!

Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!

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