Natalie Merchant - Lulu Lyrics






They said that Hollywood was
never gonna be the same without you,
still, you’re gone.

How could we forget that face
and all that silver, flickering grace
that died with the silent age?
When everybody knew your name;
they all knew your name.

Born wild like a prairie flower,
she was sown by the wind and blown for miles.
Kansas couldn’t keep the child.

Hell-bound for the Great White Way,
for the tawdry-bawdy burlesque stage
and Wichita was miles and miles away.

Everybody knew your name.
Everybody knew your name,
they knew your name.

So you burned the candle,
burned it at both ends.
So love ends in scandal.
You burned it brief; you burned it bright.
And the light in your immortal eyes
is the light that will never die.

Christened in straight-up gin,
Pandora was born in Weimar Berlin
and that was the rise before the fall!

Everybody sat in the dark, dark, black as night.
Everybody wanted to go where the light was so bright
and your shining face was gonna lead the way.

Homecoming like a heroine-bride
but the honeymoon was over before you arrived
and now they all cursed your name.
Everybody cursed your name.

Cold winds of Gotham howled
and the princess pawned her celluloid crown
in the glass castle walls.

Where nobody knew your name.
Nobody knew your name.





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Natalie Merchant Lulu Comments
  1. a.... ....

    Here is one about silent screen legend Clara Bow........https://soundcloud.com/ajaxnyc/clara-bow-silent-movie-star

  2. T.... W....

    Just seeing and hearing this. How wonderful!!!!!! Louise would love this!!!

  3. C.... S....

    Easily is becoming one of my favorite songs by Natalie Merchant. I've been listening to this song since 2014, & it's grown on me pretty well over the past few months. I'm a huge fan of silent pictures, & Louise Brooks was a huge star from that era. My favorite silent film star will always be Pola Negri, but Louise Brooks is right up there. Thank you, Natalie, for this lovely gem of a song, & engaging video.

  4. J.... K....

    Lulu

    From the album Natalie Merchant

    They said that Hollywood was never gonna be the same without you, still, you’re gone. How could we forget that face and all that silver, flickering grace that died with the silent age? When everybody knew your name, they all knew your name.

    Born wild like a prairie flower, she was sown by the wind and blown for miles. Kansas couldn’t keep the child. Hell-bound for the Great White Way, for the tawdry-bawdy burlesque stage and Wichita was miles and miles away. Everybody knew your name. Everybody knew your name, they knew your name.

    So you burned the candle, burned it at both ends. So love ends in scandal. You burned it brief; you burned it bright. And the light in your immortal eyes is the light that will never die.

    Christened in straight-up gin, Pandora was born in Weimar Berlin and that was the rise before the fall! Everybody sat in the dark, dark, black as night. Everybody wanted to go where the light was so bright and your shining face was gonna lead the way.

    Homecoming like a heroine-bride but the honeymoon was over before you arrived and now they all cursed your name. Everybody cursed your name. Cold winds of Gotham howled and the princess pawned her celluloid crown in the glass castle walls. Where nobody knew your name. Nobody knew your name.

  5. L.... R....

    sorry for all the young people who didnt know Natalie... specially in Europe almost nobody remember this Amazing artist... how could be possible?

  6. J.... J....

    I've loved Natalie since I was a little kid and discovered Louise Brooks & silent films over the last few years. Simply perfect. She was amazing in concert last week in Washington State. A true artist.

  7. M.... R....

    que hermoso video

  8. R.... ....

    I would have sworn Isabella Rossellini re-enacting.  Incredible!  all three women.. (yes I put Isabella Rossellini in that mix) incredible!

  9. A.... S....

    Love Natalie Merchant!!!

  10. a.... m....

    SINCE 1989, I WAS 16 YEARS OLD AND I BEEN IN LOVE TO YOUR VOICE AND MUSIC. 10,000 MANIACS AND NATALIE THANKS TO SHARE THIS WONDERFULL FEELING IN YOUR SONGS... EXCUSE MY ENGLISH.

  11. F.... A....

    nobody knew your name

  12. F.... A....

    pandor4a was born in vilmwer berlin

  13. F.... A....

    ask that bitch if she knew john burkholter

  14. F.... A....

    everybody knew your name

  15. F.... A....

    i will kill.. . . honestly if i were natalie in the early days....

  16. U.... ....

    Natalie Merchant the waining cry me oh river singer who never sings about one positive thing. She used to be great singer when she was with 10,000 Maniacs I'd say step down Ms. self pity sad ass.

  17. j.... s....

    it almost makes me sad that more people are missing out on this wonderful woman's music

  18. D.... ....

    Wow. Just wow. Beauty!

  19. T.... ....

    I'm tired of these capers ads

  20. C.... S....

    I adore this song. I love the silent era of Hollywood, & Louise Brooks was always one of my favorites. My absolute favorite silent star was Pola Negri. This song is beautiful, & I adore Louise Brooks smile at the end. Adorable.

  21. D.... A....

    wonderful!

  22. a.... ....

    this is such a amazing song I love you Natalie

  23. k.... e....

    way back in 1986, or 7, you came into my new little Orange County venue and let out an impressive hollar-
    and then left.
    I make films. I have a new Lulu script. I Two, in fact.
    would love to talk. My last film is called "Reverse Alice", about Alice Guy Jr.
    Your voice is as beautiful as any could be. Love.
    Kat Eiswald

  24. D.... E....

    who was the actress in this film? beautiful song!

    D.... E....

    +Diane Evans Louise Brooks in Pandora's Box.

    D.... E....

    @stu wilks
    i will, thanks!

  25. B.... P....

    *uggh* Im in love, thanks Natalie

  26. C.... H....

    Great voice

  27. l.... g....

    que voz tan ppreciosa

  28. w.... ....

    I've just finished reading The Chaperone where Louise Brooks features heavily and I was so happy to find out that Natalie had written a song about her :)

  29. m.... w....

    Thumbed and subscribed. I want more.

  30. R.... C....

    I've listen to Natalie for years and she continues to grow.

  31. X.... ....

    You... where ever you are... I hope that they all forget your name just as you had forgotten mine.

  32. S.... M....

    Louise Brooks, born for film.  Natalie, thank you for this introduction to another brilliant artist, .... one you admire .... so clearly.  

  33. D.... P....

    I discovered her just a couple of years

  34. k.... ....

    Why have i just discovered Natalie

    k.... ....

    @kezren89, i would start with her standards after 10,000 Maniacs. Then watch her performances with Michael Stipe and then move to " Leave Your Sleep" you wont be sorry

    k.... ....

    +kezren89 It makes no difference where you start or where you end up, as long as you pay attention to where you are. You can only become a better person.

    k.... ....

    +chiro792222 Leave Your Sleep is a masterpiece. It is under appreciated. I hope that one day more people discover it.

    k.... ....

    I'm so glad you did.

    k.... ....

    +kezren89 Better late than never kezren. You've so much to enjoy.

  35. D.... H....

    The dark-haired Marilyn Monroe.

    D.... H....

    Or maybe a blonde hair Louise Brooks...

    D.... H....

    Duh, when someone makes an analogy, use the principle of charity in philosophy and address the analogous thing. Of course, any two analogues may differ in countless ways, for they are two different things. That's a given. What I meant was Marilyn was a popular, "blonde" standard of beauty in movies. Louise was simply a "dark-haired" standard.
    @stu wilks

  36. T.... O....

    her voice is fkn epic..immortal .i  am trying to think of the strongest adjective to describe her  but it may not be possible .happily its recorded for generations to come ..cuz it really aint possible to get better than her

  37. K.... H....

    What a beautifully poignant song, Louise Brooks was an exquisite woman who lit up the silver screen. Her beauty matched her intellect and I can recommend her autobiography 'lulu in Hollywood' as a fantastic glimpse into the not so glamorous world she inhabited. Natalie has really captured Louise's charm in her choice of video. A very fitting tribute xxx

  38. G.... B....

    I was late to the party, but I must say this is perhaps NM's best work of art. Incredible insight on her part to choose this "story" and bring it to music. And a tremendous presentation coordinated with a terrific video. I've never seen better. And this with perhaps the best female voice of the era. Natalie Merchant positively shines in this - I'd say song - but it is much more than that. Thanks, Natalie.  Mesmerizing.

  39. M.... L....

    Thank you for sharing this. She led me to Yahshua Jesus Christ many+years ago. Thank you sister Natalie, spot on! Praise Jesus for Lessons in Life leading to HIM! LOVE your new album. Totally feel at home. Thank you for your insight. God Bless You and your Family! =) chapter and verse and Stand and Overcome! To The End .....until we leave the flesh we are to keep working in the field. =) No cheating with killing yourself. Over come the lies Rest in Jesus. =)

  40. M.... P....

    This was brilliant…..and reminded me the power of the silent film in that time….Louise Brooks was a star and would be today. The short clip of her dancing said much of her talents. Thoughtful production with Natalie's song.

  41. P.... w....

    She opened up her concert in Chicago last night with this song...I feel so blessed to have been 15 feet away from this force of nature.

  42. J.... O....

    I see greatness,I hear heart and feel soul. Thank you. 

  43. O.... D....

    Dang that is powerful!  Thanks so much for sharing it with us all.

  44. R.... C....

    I love Natalie Merchant and that voice is so haunting and it just sends chills down my back ....

  45. k.... ....

    Another album of beautiful, thought provoking songs. This one spoke to me from first listening. I had never heard of Louise Brooks and once again Natalie has introduced me to something and someone new. Natalie, should you ever feel like a holiday in New Zealand with a concert or two along the way, we would love to see you.

  46. D.... N....

    not likely to be a hit, but beautiful song.

  47. S.... F....

    A beautiful and loving tribute to Louise Brooks, one of my favorite film stars from the silent era, by one of my all time favorite singers, Natalie Merchant. Loved it. 

  48. T.... H....

    Thank you (again) Natalie!!!

  49. T.... H....

    ..ok...she died in solitude (at 80 in the '85)... but this doesn't mean anything... for me and thousands (I believe) she is now once of brighters Star in the Universe
    ...and she had her revenge becoming what she tryed to be during her success and she couldn't bye the rising Hollywood Star System corrupt by money... a writer, a movies critic, a woman with a brain, open to progress, science, lecterature, culture... a woman with a brain not only beauty :)

  50. K.... L....

    My favorite singer of all time..I remember being so enamored by the skirt-twirling,neo-hippie that sang for 10,000 Maniacs.....After all these years,she is still my favorite....

  51. m.... ....

    My favorite singer of all time.

  52. T.... P....

    Awesome someone pays tribute to Louise Brooks.

  53. K.... J....

    I could go on ...and on ... and on ... about Natalie. Brilliant. And let's not forget these guys she has with her. Incredible.

  54. L.... L....

    brought back the tigerlily . impressive. thank you.

  55. M.... D....

    Natalie is a creative genius. This is a stunning piece of work. Natalie's self-titled new album is a marvel. 

  56. b.... ....

    Beautiful song !!! Love Natalie merchant.

  57. J.... F....

    Muito bom! Obrigado!

  58. L.... A....

    love!love! love! Natalie!

  59. R.... D....

    Good song Louise brooks was very good looking girl

  60. K.... P....

    Another fine example of Ms. Merchants brilliance ! Love, love, love this new album ... I agree with the comment below... I hope it's not another 14 years till her next record !

    K.... P....

    @jimsha

    K.... P....

    Almost a year later....LOL  I will ck out "The Walloping Window Blind", Jim.
    Also, I have my first grandchild on the way, a girl :) I will make sure to expose her to "Leave Your Sleep" often :D
    PS: Have never seen Natalie live. It is on my bucket list tho.

    K.... P....

    @Irene Conley First, congrads on your first grandchild. Well I've seen Natalie 7 times in the last 14 months. (Yes, I love Natalie Merchant!) We also have tickets for next Friday, 3/20, at Purchase college in NY. Natalie is a NY girl and does a lot of East coast shows and I live on Long Island. Words cannot describe just how good she is live. Her voice is as beautiful now as it was when she was younger. (Personally I think even better). When I saw her in Dec. she sang one of my LYS favs, Vain and Careless. That poem, so deep with feeling and emotion. She captured and conveyed it with such beauty. A moment in my life I will never forget. Anyway, yes if you ever get the chance to see her, do not pass it up.    

    K.... P....

    Irene Conley Please see her before it is too late. She does not tour much outside of the New York metro area. She is worth seeing. Though, you will be sad at the end of the concert because she will leave you wanting more.

    K.... P....

    I wish I could. Just can't afford it now :(

  61. D.... H....

    Wonderful! I love the whole album, what a masterful work of art. Thank you......and please don't wait another 14 years for the next one :)

    D.... H....

    Leave Your Sleep came out in 2010. Fantastic!! I know it is supposed to be for kids, but believe me, adults will love it, maybe even more than kids. Get the 2 CD deluxe set with the book. The book is priceless :)

    D.... H....

    @Irene Conley
    HI, thanks for the tip. Leave your sleep was in my hands the week it came out. I listen to it all the time while on the road. I am a truck driver so I listen to a lot of music. I have given several as gifts as well. I was referring to original works by Natalie, the first in 14 years, the first since Motherland. I recently went and picked up all the 10,000 Maniacs discs too. I do not have the companion book for Leave your sleep though. I should get that to share with my Grand babies. Peace

    D.... H....

    @Duane Harnes
    They book tells every detail about each song. Where she found it, etc. Fascinating!

  62. C.... G....

    I adore this song <3

  63. K.... L....

    Nice song... great video.  Almost thought it was shot now using old techniques.

  64. O.... O....

    Wonderful and full of passion!! Oh i would love to see more talk about our Ocean topics!! Oceanblueproject

  65. J.... S....

    Great video. The song tells such a sad tale about fame; a story that has been repeated through out time.

  66. L.... K....

    This is Natalie telling a story for a voice in the past. Taking an biographical approach that's beautifully sad.... Great song + Great singer = beautiful work !!!

  67. T.... ....

    Amazing music and video. Thank you!

  68. m.... P....

    Love this....the album is behind words!

  69. K.... P....

    Great song ! Really hope " Maggie said " gets the video treatment ... One of my favorite songs from the new album !

  70. T.... G....

    Natalie Merchant is brilliant!