About 5 — CIERRA CELLERARI

FAR FROM WEAK

ALBUM INFO

      I began writing songs at the age of seven. I was always a very shy child growing up. I didn’t sing in public until I was sixteen years old. My own family, including my parents, had not even heard me sing until my first public performance at that time.

     I didn’t come from a historically musical family. My maternal grandmother was a singer, songwriter, and organist, but she was really the only family member that was close enough to being serious about music. Unfortunately, my grandmother succumbed to Alzheimer's disease at the age of 68. Although I was young when she passed away, I still feel a connection to her through songwriting, her poetry, and the music she left behind. She had written most of her lyrics in a notebook labeled with “A Book To Be” on the spine.

     After my grandfather had passed years later, I found one of the same books, unopened and wrapped with plastic, in a box of her belongings. Since finding the notebook, it has been my lyric book ever since. (Yes, it is falling apart at the seams. But the pages smell so good!)

     I always believed that “A Book To Be” could have two meanings. The first meaning is composing a work that has yet to exist. The second meaning that always came to mind was a place to free your ideas and your deepest thoughts. It’s a free space to let go of the angels or demons occupying your mind. It is an empty playground for you to run wild, be free, and most importantly, be yourself.

      All of the lyrics and songs on this album were written in my very own book to be. It has always been hard for me to open my emotions up to others, but through my music and my songs, I’m ready to let you all know who I am.

ALBUM CREDITS

Written by Cierra Cellerari and Chris Iorio

Produced by Joe Loftus, Jay Preston, Cierra Cellerari, and Chris Iorio

Recorded at JL Studios, Olyphant, PA

Lyrics by Cierra Cellerari

Music by Cierra Cellerari and Chris Iorio

Guitar, Chris Iorio, Rob Husty, Joe Loftus

Bass, Chris Iorio, Zachary Jones

Piano, Chris Iorio

Drums, James Wesley, Tim Husty, Jared Matushoneck

Percussion, Jay Preston

THANK YOU

Thank you to my mom and dad for always believing in me, for always being my number one fans, and for being my biggest supporters.

Thank you to my brother Anton for his love and support and to my nieces Ashlynn and Bealla and my nephew Dominick. You are the light of my world.

Thank you to Crystal for being my best friend through so many years of changes, heartbreaks, and joys. You always see the best in me when I cannot see it in myself.

Chris, this album would not have been possible without you. You believe in me when I don’t have the strength to believe in myself.

Thank you to my college vocal instructor Susan Minsavage who pushed me to realize my worth as a vocalist and as a performer. I’m eternally grateful to you.

To my extended family and friends who continue to love and support me.

I love you all more than you could ever know. You are all my inspiration.

Special thanks to Joe Loftus, Jay Preston, JL Studios, Zach Jones, James Wesley, Tim Husty, Rob Husty, Jared Matushoneck.

LYRICS

far from weak

I've walked through the flames and somehow made it alive

Came out slightly scarred, but I have survived

Those who held me down didn't think I could rise

Heart on lockdown, torn and petrified

And that's why

Starting right now

I've got to give it all I got somehow

(Chorus)

Far from weak

I am stronger than I've ever been

Time to grow, time to shine

Time to open and see I'm

Far from weak

People try to drag me down when they're not succeeding

Some would give anything just to see me bleeding

But I've already seen the darkest of nights

I've chosen brighter days

Now I own my light

(Chorus)

And no you can't

Hold me down this time

You think you can

Take what's mine

But I'm not stepping aside because you want me to

It's time I fly

And it's time I show you

Far from weak

I am stronger than I've ever been

'Cause I've grown, 'cause I shine

'Cause I've opened up my eyes to see that I can be who I wanna be

'Cause I'm far from weak

YOU’RE THROUGH

Eyes are on fire

From finally seeing the light

You can't stand it

When someone puts up a fight

And then you went and caught me by surprise

I never could get swept up in your lies

You never look past your own desires

So now the time has come

(Chorus)

Oo, You got it coming

Yeah, so start your running

You may be slick, but I'm quick

I've got a head start on you

Now you're through

Now you're through

Headstrong and heavy

You think you're God's gift to the earth

The devil smiled the day your mama gave birth

But you can't cheat me anymore

Gotta forget this mess and slam that door

Just wait and see what I have in store

'Cause this is gonna be fun

(Chorus)

Oo, You got it coming

Yeah, so start your running

You may be slick, but I'm quick

I've got a new attitude

Now you're through

Now you're through

Round and around on your merry-go-round

Couldn't take anymore so I ran for the door

Decisions and lies causing my demise

Why can't you just stop?

(Chorus)

Oo, You got it coming

Yeah, so start your running

You may be slick, but I'm quick

I've got a head start on you

Oo, You got it coming

Yeah, so start your running

How does it feel, yeah it's real

When it crashes on you

Now you're through

Now you're through

What to do

Now you're through

all i am

Lord, I know you built me strong

But sometimes I can't help but feel weak

I need you to guide me to the triumphs that I seek

Some nights I close my eyes

And I forget to pray

But you know I still follow

Just continue to lead the way

(Chorus)

So come and grant me wings to soar

"Cause I belong to you forever more

I promise to be all I can

Give me strength to trust your plan

So I can be all

All I am

Sometimes I'm just so tired

I don't know left from right

I need your hand to hold mine

To get me through this night

 (Chorus)

You're beautiful and gracious

Help me to be more like you

I need your power and patience

To see my ambitions through

Sometimes the spotlight's blinding

It's too hard too see

Show me it's not over

Give me hope to proceed

(Chorus)

All I am

All I am

with you

The day I met you

You were so scared to talk to me

Never dreamed you'd be the one to set me free

When it came to jumping in or letting it be

Knew I had to make that leap

So we locked hands

No map or plan to show the way

Who would ever know

We'd be where we are today

We're not perfect

But together we will show the world

We are beautiful

(Chorus)

So we'll keep climbing towards that higher ground

We'll take on the world without making a sound

And I'll keep fighting 'cause I've been fighting 'cause I've been found

With you, with you

My days used to be the darkest shades of gray

But you came in and kissed the clouds away

Now I know the sun will always shine for me, for me

In the winter, you'll be there to warm the night

Through the thunder, I'll have you to hold me tight

In my darkness, you have been the guiding light for me, for me

(Chorus)

I know in all my lifetimes

I've chosen you every time

Where you have the music, I have the words

(Chorus)

So we'll keep climbing towards that higher ground

We'll take on the world without making a sound

And I'll keep fighting 'cause I've been fighting 'cause I've been found

With you, with you

And we'll keep pushing through the "I don't knows"

And I'll keep trying 'cause I love you so

And I will never let you go

I'm with you

I'm with you

I'm with you

SILK AND LACE

In the dark of night I take your hand, guide you down the hallway

My pulse is racing, hands are shaking and you know exactly why

I've gone through my mind a thousand times, trying to find one reason to say no

But I know for sure tonight's the night perfect for letting go

(Chorus)

Silk and lace

Black and red

Scattered all around the bed

Visions imagined in my mind are coming alive tonight

This unknown animal coming alive, she was caged inside begging to be free

She's someone I don't quite recognize

You've unleashed the demon inside of me

(Chorus)

Silk and lace

Black and red

Tearing the sheets into shreds

Loving bound to leave to leave a scar

I'm coming alive tonight

Knowing you for the first time

Learning your every move

Feeling strength pour through my veins

Sensations I've never felt before

I've tasted blood and now I want more

(Chorus)

Silk and lace

Black and red

Won't stop until my desire's fed

Feed the flame and fuel the fire

You brought me to life tonight

Silk and lace

I love black and red

Come here, baby

You brought me to life tonight

carry on

We don't talk about it

There's a stigma around it

We brush it off and turn it into something else

They say you're crazy

You're being lazy

Just get out and breathe some fresh air

But you're in pain though no one can see it

You try to keep your head above the waves

Remember when your heart is bleeding

You're not a soul that can't be saved

(Chorus)

You're not alone

Someone else knows

And know it's not your fault

Just sing your song

To carry on

Believe there are reasons why

We're meant to be alive

You don't have to wake up okay every day

To live in your own skin

Take the burden you've been given

And find your way to win

There is always another way

To fight the demons in our minds

They bear no power over you

You are one of a kind

(Chorus)

Every day is a new page

Left blank for you to write

Don't be ashamed to hold out for hands,

Hands to help you fight

(Chorus)

You're not alone

Someone else knows

And know it's not your fault

Just sing your song

To carry on

There are so many reasons why

Please stay alive

you’re no good

You caught me off guard

I was a fawn

Searching through darkness for a new dawn

You needed something to keep you amused

So enter stage right, the broken and bruised

(Chorus)

Burned me with fire

Struck me lightning

Killed me kindness

Did the best that you could

Lifted me higher

Then snapped the wire

Woke my desire

You made bad look so good

Eyes ice blue, but so full of fire

Hit me hard like a truck with all eighteen tires

One shot of the potion was all that it took

To take me down with just one look

You took your time

Temptation at its finest

You would do anything to keep me blinded

Crashed and burned

The end was so sweet

Would you reap what you've sewn just to regain the heat?

(Chorus)

Match to my heart

Gave it a jump-start

You let me fall

But your set in your ways

In the smoke and the haze

There's no heart in you at all

(Chorus)

Burned me with fire

Struck me lightning

Killed me kindness

Did the best that you could

Lifted me higher

Then snapped the wire

Woke my desire

You made bad look so good

Keeping me blinded

Always one-sided

Completely misguided

Boy, you're no good

tin man

You fed me just enough to keep me hungry

Always kept me longing here for more

When I'd gain the strength to leave you lonely

You'd leave a small crack inside the door

(Chorus)

But if you only had a heart Tin man, you would have had mine

If you only had a brain, you would have thought twice

And if you had the courage you'd have never run away

Still I say

Thank you today

I can't help but dream that you're lonely

As lonely as I felt by your side

I believe you thought that you loved me

But love's for those of us who try

(Chorus)

I need to thank you for setting me free

You broke me twice and came back for round three

But I've grown too strong for someone so weak

I wish you the best, but I don't wish you me

(Chorus)

You may have a heart Tin man, but it's made of stone

I hope you have the courage to spend your nights alone

And if you grow a brain someday you'll understand why I say

Thank you for walking away

ray of sun

That beautiful night we brought you home,

the love filled in my heart

From the moment I held you I knew I had to do my part

To do anything thing I could to keep you safe and warm

Fight any battle big or small to keep you free from harm

(Chorus)

You've kept me singing

Thank you for bringing joy to everyone

So I'll keep dreaming and I'll keep seeing

You in every ray of sun

Beautiful, sunny summer days

Running through the woods

I wouldn't trade any of those times even if I could

In the cool, autumn nights

You've taught me to embrace the rain

I would give anything to do it all again

(Chorus)

I close my eyes and it's tomorrow

Times flies and it's only borrowed

But no distance could break this bond

We'll always get back to where we belong

I know when I look at the moon

You're somehow looking at it too

I will see you again

Promise you'll be there, my friend

(Chorus)

You've kept me singing

Thank you for bringing joy to everyone

So I'll keep dreaming and I'll keep seeing

You in every ray of sun

I'll keep singing and you'll keep bringing joy to everyone

And I'll keep dreaming and you'll keep being my beautiful ray of sun