BLACK MERMAID FULL SONG
so, i’m most likely only doing this because i’m drunk…..i have always been so guarded but i wanted to give you a sneak peek. ‘black mermaid’ is a special song because i wrote it with jahi sundance, and we wrote it for my sister Cree summer to sing. I tried to write it from her perspective. I never had any intention of recording it myself, but after a lovely night with Chin Injeti, we all rolled back to the studio, i whipped out the guitar and played this song…..Chin said “i don’t give a fuck who this is for, you need to record this song” and though i protested, i eventually caved in….and boy am i glad i did, because this is the song that spurred the rest of the album that i have just spent the last year making. This is the song that started it all. This is my first exercise in simplicity. Pretty much just me and a guitar, piano and upright bowed bass. Very little bells and whistles. And if it weren’t for Chin Injeti, I don’t know if any of it would have ever transpired. I humbly ask that you listen in headphones and please do not rip it.
Black Mermaid
i’m a black mermaid
from the bottom of the sea
i will teach you how to love me
into greatness i will lead you
’cause i’m a black mermaid
nothing rarer you will find
i am here for you to love me
i’ve been here for all o’ time
and i will wait for you to see me and to understand
that a woman can restore the soul of any broken man
if you can look beyond the waves and just believe in me…..
i am the lighthouse standing strong atop the rocks and sand
’cause i’m a black mermaid
from the bottom of the sea
i will teach you how to love me
into greatness i will lead you
and i’ve spent most of my life deep down inside myself
i’ve dreamt about the possibility of someone else
who could see the things i’ve seen and steal away with me
into the darkness we could fade because we know ourselves
and i’m his black mermaid
from the bottom of the sea
i will teach you how to love me
into greatness i will lead you
yeah i’m a black mermaid
from the bottom of the sea
i will teach you how to love me
into greatness i will lead you
and i’ve spent most of my life deep down inside myself
i’ve dreamt about the possibility of someone else
who could see the things i’ve seen and steal away with me
into the darkness we could fade because we LOVE ourselves
and i’m his black mermaid
he thinks i’m beautiful
yeah i’m his black mermaid
he thinks i’m beautiful
i am beautiful
(All the dark horses and all the good men,
won’t you come put me back together again?)
i am beautiful.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
…so therapuetic and serene…healing music right here esthero
can’t get enough of this song !
Fucking brilliant.
okay THAT is beautiful!
Sooo AMAZING!!!!
This particular song evokes so many things in me. I will try to put words to them…When I shut down feeling to avoid pain, I also miss out on beauty, love, gratitude. The song makes me feel again. It puts me in a place that is in the very center of myself. It makes me breathe. It melts away all the illusions of life and for the moments the melody rises and falls, only simple truth is left. It makes me remember I am a dancer, by moving my spirit so much it moves my body despite the cage I’ve put my art in. It flows through me like the sweetest, kindest breeze against my skin. It embodies the essence of what I want the child growing in my womb to always remember, to always know. That indescribable connection to something beyond this world. That thing that has no words, no explanation. The thing music in it’s highest form has the humble honor of being able to communicate.
Esthero, thank you for being a part of my journey by sharing yours. Thank you for reminding me by not forgetting. Thank you for leading by example, for being yourself, so I could find myself here listening to this, healing, loving, and “in joy” ing life.
Very, very nice! where can i download it?
i got ur link from Jenna Dewan’s tweet. I trust her words.. and i trust right 
I’m halfway across the world from u, btw
I’d really love to download it.
Beautiful song! I stumbled on this from Channing Tatum’s tweet – he loves your music and, I have to say, this is the first I’ve heard of you and, so far, so good…!
this song is beautiful. ur voice is amazing and I only hope that they bring another album out and offer it out to the whole world to hear and it lands you an award or two for being a wonderful artist. I hope to hear more or even see you perform in NYC soon!
this song is beautiful….your voice is amazing! I really hope you come out with another album soon….I’ll be crossing my fingers!
I ran across this while i was on twitter Jenna Dewan Tatum had it on one of her tweets so her and chan have GREAT taste so I thought I would take a listen……VERY RIVETING YOU HAVE A VERY BEAUTIFUL VOICE THIS IS A WONDERFUL SONG GOOD MOVE RECORDING IT!!!! GOOD LUCK CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR MORE FROM YOU .
This song is beautiful; you are beautiful
yesyesyes!!! i missed this voice and i’m sooooo looking forward to the next album. xoxo
WOW! You have done it again. So incredibly beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait for the rest of the record. One of your best. I have already listened to it 4 times and am going back for more. Take care and thanks again for sharing.
Im speechless … goosebumps the after the first verse all the way till the end .. This is such a wonderful song .. it realy hit me deeply and this is why you are still my favorite artist ever
I’m glad I can hear the whole song. Cause I’ve been hearing the peace of it for a long time on your Myspace.
I love your voice, can’t wait to listen your next album, I hope I would.
Thanks for sharing !
From France, with LOVE !
Wow! Powerful! Don’t really know what else to say…
Hauntingly beautiful. There is a vulnerableness in this song, in your voice, that invites others in. I have never felt anything like it. Thank you.
From the very first note, this song has stirred in me a whirlwind of emotion I can’t contain. No other piece of music has affected me like ‘Black Mermaid’. All I can say is thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Simplicity reveals true beauty-amazing as alwayz-WE miss you rippin’ the mainstream and uncovering posers with your genius, NEW LP soon…please
Love ya pirate-princess!
Toby & Co.
Beautiful and appreciated.
Obsessed!! Love it!
I want to marry this song and/or inject it into my veins! I love it!!!
♥ U Esthero!
Incredible. Loved your voice ever since 1999. Can’t wait to hear the new album.
Keep up the good work.
I’m such a ridiculously huge fan and admittedly, Esthero is the only artist, whose blog I check daily – because every time I do, I end up feeling so inspired. Thanks for sharing not only your beautiful music, but also your journey.
I just know that this new album is going to be amazing.
P.S. Please come to Australia – it’s like Canada, but warmer.
Genius. Pure simple sweet delicious Genius.
Been listening from the beginning and will be listening until I become part of the earth again. Black Mermaid is an exquisite gem E <3
love it…lovely voice and very touching song..amazing
love of self in it’s destined form..thank u
WOW…That is all I can say, honey.
Love,
DadE
Gorgeous. The irony being that if someone like Leona Lewis released this song it would get a lot of attention. It’s your time Esthero.
Absolutely breath taking. Thank you.
If I was to ever request a song for you to write, it would be about a mermaid.. inspiring simplicity and brilliantly done. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. Now if you were to remake Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” I think my heart would faint. Waiting with bated breath for the new album.
You are phenomenal! I heard the snippet of this song on your myspace page last year and am eagerly awaiting the album. In fact, I went to itunes looking for the song was disappointed that it wasn’t there, but was happy to download your other songs. You are a force to be reckoned with! Thanks for sharing your incredible music with us.
SISTA GIRL! I’ve been jammin’ to this melody since you posted it on Myspace. The wait for a full story was beyond worth it!
Tears …It brought me to tears.
I better not hear this song on nobody’s lips but yours.
Forever Your Shipmate,
-Isaac
Your voice is absolutely haunting and cathartic to the soul…
WOW. please miss. you MUST get your music out there. we’re all hurtin’ and need music like this in times like these. black mermaid is your best work yet. please find a way to get these gems you are hiding to your fans. don’t wait for dumbass music companies to recognize talent like yours. unless they can manufacture and autotune you they are not interested. please help us believe that real musicians still exist.
It’s been ages since I saw you last. Love this track and the blog. Anything new from you is always an event, can’t wait to hear more!
If in truth you’ve only just begun, you’ve made my heart feel finished. We’re all rooting for you… and will wait with baited breath.
The tears came with the preview… they stained today.. I knew you were stubborn.
You are one of the most beautiful female voices of all time – a true Canadian talent – thanks for this post Esthero
New album pretty please!!
I’ve been a huge fan since the very beginning, and am thrilled to hear your new work. Your artistic voice, literally and figuratively, are unparalleled. This new track is truly stunning!! Without all the ‘bells and whistles’, the emotion in your voice shines through loud and clear. And the lyrics, once again, truly touch and awaken my soul. Love what Natty B. had to has. CAN’T WAIT for the new album! Sending your love and light, Jon.
gorgeous. thanks for sharing.
I looove this song! you rock and i hope you never stop writing and singing! i can’t stop listening.
I’ve been waiting forever to hear the entire version of this song. I’ve listened to the myspace sample almost obsessively. Your music is what music should be. Thank you
Absolutely Amazing.
Merci Madame E, everyone is waiting…..
cheersyo
FINALLY the full song! I love this song. Your voice is perfect. I’ll never stop listening now.
Excellent!! !
This is an extremely beautiful song. I always marvel at artists creativity, and you are one of my all time favorites. It’s amazing to look at the changes in your music from Breath to Another, Wikkd Lilttle Girls and Various collaborations.
P.S.
If you havent heard her tracks ‘Believer ‘w/Brandy, or ‘The Many Times’ go find them…they are awesome.
you are heaven sent
thank you so much, esthero!
i’ve got my headphones on and it’s so good to hear you again.
much love!
So I’ll be buying the new album the moment it’s available. This is such a beautiful song. I first heard your voice on “Final Home” and have been a fan since. I’m thinking album of the year
Beautiful lyrics and melody. I look forward to hearing more.
Thank you so much for sharing this song. You’re right, you’re beautiful.
I just love the purity in your voice. Hope you’ll be coming to Germany one day but to be honest, I don’t think that there are enough people around here knowing and supporting you which is a HUGE shame. Seems as if I need to come and visit Canada in the near future…
Keep up the wonderful work!
won’t you come put me back together again?" So sophisticated.
So beautiful. I’ve been playing it over and over again for the last 20 minutes.
Wow! One of the few times I have ever in my life felt pure emotion of every sort in a singer’s voice.
been a fan since Breath From Another. Still am. Thanks for sharing this.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song…def inspired my true feelings
Esthero, Esthero, Esthero! Truly artistic, this one right here. Real talk! How can anyone not feel this joint right here?! :-\. Damn can’t wait for the ALBUM, because i refuse to steal your work
. Please , “i don’t want to wait in vain!!”
I love your music very much… it’s simply monolithic!
got to love your work! Not that one is left with a choice
I love this song. Your voice moves me.
Been coming back to listen to it repeatedly…Ms. Englishman definitely rocks.
I have waited over 2 years for this and it could not have come at a better time. This song has influence my next tattoo. It is just like when I heard “Superheros” for the first time, It was everything i needed to hear at that time in my life. It’s one of those songs that is who I am in every way. This is why she is… my number one artist of all time, because I have this cosmic connection with her work. Just read the lyrics to “black mermaid” amazing. The melody amazing, her voice is like the blood that runs through my veins, and the breathe that i breathe, it gives me LIFE. THANK HEAVEN FOR YOU THANK HEAVE FOR YOU THANK HEAVEN FOR YOU!
This song is so amazing
Beautiful. I can’t wait for the album, and to go to some shows!! Come to T.O. PLEASE ESTHERO!
love this song. love your music. puts me at ease
Can’t stop coming back…. so ready for ur next album. HURRY, LoL!
Esthero, I adore your music. You are the most talent female artist…well artist male or female right now! Please make this available for purchase!!!! Everyone I turn on to you loves you as much as I do!
Keep comin’ back for more! I adore this song and you my dear
I was chosen to paint African mermaids back in 1996-7. Back then I searched for the Mami Watta ( Mother of the water ) and she was no where to be found in America. I am so happy to see women from all places embrace the beauty of the Black mermaid, especially in song.
Thank you Estero
Big fan since Breath from Another (I have WORN that CD out, I swear!) I love this song, so beautiful and haunting… Can’t wait for the next album release – you are one of a kind and I adore you!
WOW!!! u really touch my soul and i am bless to know of a beautiful soul like urself that makes my heart and soul sing and cry in bliss at the same. when r u gonna perform in baltimore?
Love this song… can’t wait for the next album!
I simply adore you.. I love this new track and could not stop listening to it..cannot wait for the release of your album
When I saw you write ‘exercise in simplicity’ I thought ‘oh oh, another one of these albums’, but wow, this song really did catch me right away. It’s quite lovely.
Can’t wait for the album.
You ever hear a song and think to yourself…”Wow, they stole this song right out of my heart?” This is what I felt when I first heard it. It’s a song I have been waiting for for years! Thank you Esthero! Always a fan!
Chin Injeti —- Chin Injeti —- Chin Injeti———–BRAP BRAP BRAP
Chin Injeti & Esthero need to record an album together!!!….even better- form a group girl!!!
Great combo! Thanks for sharing Esthero!!!
I heard you perform this song last night at Lee’s Palace for the first time and it touched my soul. It’s beautiful and I’m so happy that you recorded it, even though it was intended for Cree. I love it and I’m so excited to hear the rest of the album.
Was at your concert at Lee’s Palace. This song blew me away. As you did through the whole concert. It all just went to confirm–yes, you are my favourite singer. It was the best and most intimate concert I have ever been too. I just wish it was even longer!
I thought the Faith Hill song was too simple for you though. Yes, it was beautiful but not for you.
I’m so excited that you are making this album and can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Love you! Come back to Toronto and sing for us some more!
This is a beautiful song and your performance of it on Sunday was amazing!! Is the song available for purchase online anywhere??
Sunday, June 27th 2010:
Wild/ wicked drive in the torrential (or so it seemed) downpour, from Pickering, to Lee’s Palace on Bloor. I had been waiting years for this show (couldn’t make it to your last one here)… I even got to see you run by the line & grab a cab
Anyways, I wanted to say… before you played this song, you were speaking about being nervous and definitely shouldn’t be. You were subtle soft perfection to say the least. This moved me, and I’m positive that it will move many others on it’s way. I’m privileged, proud and completely honored to have seen you perform this live. As far as this being your first exercise in simplicity… please don’t let it be your last! I can’t wait for the next album & love everything I heard at that show, especially this. THANK YOU E! (getting your set list & meeting your drummer topped the night off nicely as well) I won’t forget that show anytime soon!!!
P.S – I hope your friend that you called & we sang to gave you the shoes (Pastry I believe) that you were gunning for ^_^.
Love you long time,
Brandon
I have always loved your work, from my first hearing “Wikked Little Girls”. I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo glad that you decided to record this song. It is beautiful. The first time I heard it (I think on Myspace, looking for new stuff from you), I was completely enamored with this piece. Someone above wrote about how penetrating it is…ummm yeah. Thank you for this and all the musical gifts that you have shared with us thus far. Looking forward to more.
SImply amazing and well worth the wait – you rock my world!!!
MUCH <3 Love,
Liberty
This song is who I am…… Thank you xo
epic! best voice ever.
Wow..
Now I’m a man that is considered by many to always have something to say and who can say it quite elegantly..
But all I can say right now is.. Wow..
This song is so phenomenal and every chord touches so deeply into the soul.. Having spent much of the last few years in the Middle East and now residing in New Zealand up until a few days ago I had not been aware of your work until someone very dear to me who is one of your biggest fans named Hanina showed me this song of yours and I’m speechless.. I’ve been playing it ever since and can’t stop playing it..
If I had to choose only one song that I could listen to for the rest of my life it would be this.
Thank you,
Adonis Vlahos
thank you so much!
that is a lovely thing to say!
This is such a beautiful song and I would love to download it but I haven’t been able to find it anywhere for download. If you want me to help you to get it on the web for people to buy let me know, I do web design and am happy to do the work to get it up for free – I would just love to be a part of sharing something so inspiring. Jess
You’re most welcome, and thank you for sharing it with us.
Hanina and I are looking forward to enjoying listening to your deep and soulful singing live sometime, you are quite literally her favorite musician and she adores you.
She said that Black Mermaid is an exact expression of how she feels about me and gave me a link to this page. Imagine how pleased I was to listen to the song and read the lyrics and see how deep it was? How beautiful.
Thank you again.
Adonis
[...] Artist: Esthero Album: Everything is Expensive Song: Black Mermaid [...]
You’ve got a brazilian fan.
You have a beautiful voice.
XOXO
Oh, yay…you found us! :O)
Girl you will get your day!
Esthero you truly are inspirational. I have been listening to your music for song long. You’ve made me cry, laughed, dance, fuck, hate and love again. I love this new song. Please make a new album and come to Las Vegas.
I feel incredibly honored to listen to this song. It is so powerful and beautiful but also serene and peaceful. I’ve found lately that I can’t fall asleep until I’ve listened to this song at least once. It brings me to a place emotionally that I cannot describe. Thank you for posting this and for making my dreams more pleasant.