I have had the privilege of witnessing Belgian-born Ciinderella Balthazar perform live three times, and it’s only fitting to feature her latest song, “Take Me,” which was released on Friday, August 16th.
For those unfamiliar, “Take Me” sets the tone for Ciinderella Balthazar’s debut EP, UNSAFE (out Friday, September 6th). The EP is ethereal, dreamy, nostalgic, and unapologetic—a story of mortality and the confrontation with the old self, paving the way for a rebirth. Much like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, sometimes we must shed our former selves to become something better and brighter.
If you have had the opportunity to watch the multi- instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and composer Ciinderella perform, you will know that there is something truly remarkable about her presence on stage. She pours her life force into each performance, singing from the heart, so it’s only fitting that I write from mine. The lyrics to “Take Me” begin with “When our worlds are falling apart there’s nothing more than you and me, than your love for me, a sweet story when we let the past just be“. To me this symbolises that amongst the chaos, pain and heartbreak that we can have hope and that our relationship with another or the love that we have for ourselves for that matter will see us through the day. We are aware of our past but we do not let it define our present state of mind and we can find peace and also that we are so much stronger than we initially think. You may have a different opinion to myself, however we can both agree that the one magical element to Cinderella is her ability to make her words have meaning, a storyteller you may say, her songs make you feel an array of emotion.
The chorus “oh take me, oh take me, oh take me, oh take me along with you (x2)” resonated deeply, bringing back memories of when my grandmother passed away. My grandfather didn’t want to remain in this world without her, longing to accompany her on her eternal journey. It also reminded me of my own father’s passing and the feeling of wanting to be included in someone else’s experiences out of trust and deep connection. This phrase can carry various meanings, however at its core, it speaks to the desire to stay close to someone, no matter where they go. It underscores the strength and sometimes the vulnerability involved in loving someone deeply and being part of their life’s journey.
Concluding my analysis of verse 2 “I believe we’re missing out on time, when the days are passing faster and we are running after broken promises, and we are running after broken promises” conveys that on this realm life comes by fast and that time slips away in a blink of an eye. Getting deja vu as if I had already seen myself writing this feature, how spooky. Anywho, the repetition of the line about running after broken promises suggests a persistent effort to chase after goals or commitments that remain unfulfilled. It furthermore reinforces the idea of being stuck in a cycle, unable to break free from the pursuit of these unmet expectations. I believe we have all experienced a broken promise, which can perhaps lead to disappointment or loss of trust when promised things that fall flat, however it is how we overcome the broken promises that is key. When you listen to how Ciinderella sings the verse you may also feel that the lyrics convey a reflection on how time is being wasted on chasing after things that no longer hold true, leaving the speaker with a sense of loss and futility. We can’t change a broken promise, however we can stay true to others and make sure that we hold onto our promises.
Wrapping up, Ciinderella Balthazar’s “Take Me” is a deeply evocative song that resonates on multiple levels, seamlessly blending ethereal soundscapes with poignant lyrics. The track was recorded with Edward Abela (@edski90 ) in Malta at The Midnight Studio, mixed by Paul Pritchard at @abbeyroadstudios and mastered by Stuart Hawkes at @metropolisstudios. These collaborations highlight Ciinderella’s remarkable artistry. Prior to recording, she engaged in extensive rehearsals with cellist @isobelleaustin and drummer @mrcoreyalexander with who she recorded a different live version to be out later this year to keep you on your toes!
Having witnessed her live performances, I can attest to the genuine emotion she pours into her music. “Take Me” captures the essence of love, loss, and transformation, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of connection and self-discovery. I hope this song resonates with you and I encourage you to listen and share your thoughts in the comments.
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Connor Mantle
Young entrepreneur and freelance model. Founder of the AW20 Hope & Glory Fashion show, with interests in mythology, spiritualism and astrology among many others. One can be contacted via Instagram @Connormantle