“Strawberry”, live at The Ellington Jazz Club
“Strawberry” (from my self-titled debut album), performed live at The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth in October 2015. Filmed by Mark Turner.
“Strawberry” (from my self-titled debut album), performed live at The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth in October 2015. Filmed by Mark Turner.
While I was in Sydney during my Australian Solo Tour, I dropped into the ABC studios at the request of ABC RN presenter Geoff Wood, to record and film some live performances for his program, The Rhythm Divine. Here’s the video that they produced of my performance of “Beautiful Soul”.
Performing a jazzed up arrangement of “Strawberry”, live at The Second City Album Launch in Perth, at Subiaco Arts Centre.
After I released my EP Universe for Afternoon Tea in late 2009, I sat down and drew up a list of goals to move my music career forward. It looked something like this:
Shameem & band have just released a new video clip! The featured track is “Strawberry” from the band’s debut album; it is a personal story inspired by Shameem’s birthmark and carries a positive message of celebrating individuality and uniqueness. Produced by Ow My Eye! Productions, the video features many everyday people – many of them are Shameem’s own family, friends and fans. It’s already becoming popular on YouTube – enjoy and share it!
The lyrics for “Strawberry” are here.
I have a bright, red birthmark on my left eye. The curious and irritating questions when I was a kid, as well as cultural notions from some of my family members, gave me quite a negative attitude towards it, to the point where I was seeking to have it removed. But as I grew up, I decided that it was something that was unique about me, and that it should be treasured.
This song is about being proud of the things that make us all individually unique. It is inspired by my red birthmark, hence it’s title, “Strawberry”.
Strawberry
Strawberry, I am not afraid of what they say
Strawberry, these are just the stupid games they play
Strawberry, you’re what makes me so unique you see
Strawberry, I’m alright whenever you’re with me
They think that the same rules apply to everyone
I don’t agree with how the damage has been done
They think that all should fall into conformity
But I still have a sliver of integrity
Strawberry, I am not afraid of what they say
Strawberry, these are just the stupid games they play
Strawberry, you’re what makes me so unique you see
Strawberry, I’m alright whenever you’re with me
Imagine how the world would be if it were so
That everybody acted like each others’ clones
They put me down, sometimes they even make me cry
But I’ll stamp my mark on life until the day I die
Strawberry, I am not afraid of what they say
Strawberry, these are just the stupid games they play
Strawberry, you’re what makes me so unique you see
Strawberry, I’m alright whenever you’re with me
It’s plain to see
Both you and me
Are much better off trying to be who we were meant to be
(scat solo)
It’s plain to see
Both you and me
Are much better off trying to be who we were meant to be
Strawberry, I am not afraid of what they say
Strawberry, these are just the stupid games they play
Strawberry, you’re what makes me so unique you see
Strawberry, I’m alright whenever you’re with me
Radio Interview with Andrew Collins on ABC North West.
This is the debut performance of my new song, “Strawberry”.