Audio: Brandy’s “Porcelain Doll”
August 27, 2008
This song is weird. Interesting melody, weird freaky voices under the chorus which makes the song different (it is very Timbaland-esque, but I know this new “Human” album is being produced primarily by Rodney Jerkins, so either this is an old track or its not an all Darkchild affair), and I am such a sucker for repeated words during the chorus.
But like, the chorus is (I think) “I’m over my duffle bag…looking like a porcelain doll, no expression at all” or “I’m over my double bag (as in limit, at the airport)…looking like a porcelain doll, no expression at all”…and neither of those really work for me. Like two separate ideas thrown together on the same chorus (and yes I get that she’s talking about emotional baggage).
I suggest extending the end, when she’s saying “falll hard”, and the last note is extended. It is a really nice groove and could serve for a “FutureSex/LoveSounds”-type extension (by the way, I am still upset that “I Think She Knows” bu Justin was never turned into an entire song, that “song”, to me, was the highlight of the entire album).
Anyway, back to Brandy, like I said, I understand the point of the song, she’s dropping off emotiona; baggage and is trying to move on, but the chorus just doesn’t work for me, and I wish it did, because i find myself singing it because it is so melodically catchy.
Here.
The chorus is basically saying she’s looking at her past and is willing to let it go with no regrets.
It may APPEAR that the chorus is two ideas “thrown” together, but as you know, the duffle bag represents baggage…and is the reason for her looking like a porcelain doll with no expression at all…I feel the song does a good job of creating a story to follow…and it’s abstract and melodious…entrancing and WILL have you singing it when you’re not even conscious of it. I like how she talks about giving “the half-way smile” in the second verse demonstrating that this new man is starting to get to her, and she recognizes it…but he’s not gonna put up with her baggage for TOO long. The song is on another level vocally, lyrically, melodically…I love songs that make you think, and this one does just that.
babe . . . the lyrics are
I’m over my DUFFLE bag
Looking like a Porcelain Doll
No expression at all
What a Shame
So worry heavy
Baby be my new leaf to turn
I’m trying to fall hard
Which simply describes a WOMAN running away from a troubling past to escape to a new place. The direct parallelism to the luggage (duffle) is drawn to speak of all of the BAGGAGE she’s carrying.
PS. Yes I stan for BRANDY!
from the very beginning she’s talking about FALLING for a new GUY and how much she’s AFRAID to allow him in. For fear of him HURTING her like she once was
error in my lyrics… should read
So where are we headed?*
sorry the lyrics were correct already