“Crystal Ball” by Lila Drew – A Song Feature

 

     From the perspective of the instrumentation, “Crystal Ball” has a simple beginning that belies the technological vocalization approach that follows. The contrast of minimalist instrumental to the acrobatic vocals is one trait that distinguishes Lila Drew’s single and creates beauty. That’s not to say that the song lacks instrumental sophistication. It includes strings, particularly an emotional cello.  
     Contrast also characterizes the vocals, apart from the instruments. The lead voice has a softness, while the backing is edgy. All voices belong to Lila Drew. Drew explains that she originally recorded “Crystal Ball” by yelling the lyrics. She later moved to the gentler voice, but the early vocals were layered and used as backing. 
 
     Lila Drew was born in London, but now resides in Los Angeles. She says about “Crystal Ball:”  
   Lyrically, it came from a place of deep frustration with myself. I hated the ways in which I approached all kinds of relationships in my life. I felt like I was doing it wrong, but was unable to adjust myself. It’s one of my most personal and sincere songs, so releasing it is nerve-racking for sure. I’ve come to terms with it, though. I think I’m a pretty introverted person on the inside, so a part of me (of course) wants to just keep the song on my computer forever — I think I’d be content with that too. But, it’s important to me that ‘Crystal Ball’ has a life of its own, and I’m really excited for people to hear it.” 
 
     “Crystal Ball” by Lila Drew

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liladrewmusic
Website: https://liladrew.com/

 

Lyrics of “Crystal Ball” by Lila Drew
Crystal ball divine
See your handwriting on my wall
Say goodbye a second time
Violence, violence, violence…
And I’ll be different, I promise
Comfort in the in between
And I’ll be different, just static
Behind the crystal screen
 
It’s never cold
I’ve only seen it hail about three times
I wore a jacket for you
Couldn’t have you putting yours on mine
Stepped in a puddle
My socks got wet and I ran
On the pavement
Stuck on the lawn
Won’t be too long (won’t be too long)
 
Moving picture of it
In my head
Take a still even though I’ll probably forget
Telegraphs and omens from the phone booth
Bought a shirt so it could turn my eyes blue
 
Under the carpet, under the table
Checking my numbers, keeping it stable
Afraid that I’m nervous
But I know I wouldn’t ask you even if I knew you’d heard it
 
Crystal ball divine
See your handwriting on my wall
Say goodbye a second time
Violence, violence, violence…
And I’ll be different, I promise
Comfort in the in between
And I’ll be different, just static
Behind the crystal screen