Nora Joy
To me, this album represents growing up and figuring out the person you want to be. I’ve been writing it over the course of 3 years and a lot has happened in that time. I started highschool, which was a big change and I’ve had to navigate relationships with people close to me along the way. The album feels like I’m reading a chapter of my life that brought so many new experiences as well as challenges.
There are so many people who have been part of this project that I would like to thank. I would like to thank my family. From my mom filming content, my dad doing all of the research and work behind the scenes to my brother, Will, burning CD's. I am so grateful. I wouldn't be here without their help and unwavering support. I would also like to thank my two incredible producers, Baldvin Hlynsson and Ethan McCarroll. They perfectly executed my vision as well as brought their own skills and creativity to the project. It has been an honour to work with them. A special shoutout also goes out to my brother, Charlie O'Neil, Ben Fraser, Sadie and Alice Stephens for crushing it on backup vocals for "Your Own Design"! As well as a big thank you to Andrew Chung for playing violin on "Another Second" and Ron Sexsmith for playing guitar on "Wait and See" and "For a Moment".
Lastly, I would like to thank Colleen Hixenbaugh and Ron Sexsmith for being such amazing mentors over the years. I can't thank them enough for their guidance and advice as well as the opportunities they have given me.
It has been my dream since I first started writing songs to release an album. I am so excited to share my self-titled debut album with the world.
Liner Notes
1.What I Want
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Ethan McCarroll
Bass: Ethan McCarroll
Guitar: Ethan McCarroll
Drums: Ethan McCarroll
Vocals: Nora Joy
2.Brittle
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Ethan McCarroll
Bass: Ethan McCarroll
Guitar: Ethan McCarroll
Drums: Ethan McCarroll
Vocals: Nora Joy
3.Pink to Blue
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Ethan McCarroll
Bass: Ethan McCarroll
Guitar: Ethan McCarroll
Drums: Ethan McCarroll
Vocals: Nora Joy
4.Starlight
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Ethan McCarroll
Bass: Ethan McCarroll
Guitar: Ethan McCarroll
Drums: Ethan McCarroll
Vocals: Nora Joy
5.Someday
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Ethan McCarroll
Bass: Ethan McCarroll
Guitar: Ethan McCarroll
Drums: Ethan McCarroll
Vocals: Nora Joy
6.Another Second
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Baldvin Hlynsson
violin: Andrew Chung
Bass: Baldvin Hlynsson
Guitar: Baldvin Hlynsson
Drums: Baldvin Hlynsson
Vocals: Nora Joy
7.Your Own Design
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Baldvin Hlynsson
Bass: Baldvin Hlynsson
Guitar: Baldvin Hlynsson
Drums: Baldvin Hlynsson
Lead Vocals: Nora Joy
Backup vocals: William Stephens, Charlie O’Neill, Ben Fraser, Sadie Stephens, Alice Stephens
8.I Like You
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Baldvin Hlynsson
Bass: Baldvin Hlynsson
Guitar: Baldvin Hlynsson
Drums: Baldvin Hlynsson
Vocals:Nora Joy
9.Wait and See
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Baldvin Hlynsson
Bass: Baldvin Hlynsson
Guitar: Baldvin Hlynsson
Drums: Baldvin Hlynsson
Vocals: Nora Joy
10.Part of the Story
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Ethan McCarroll
Bass: Ethan McCarroll
Guitar: Ethan McCarroll
Drums: Ethan McCarroll
Vocals: Nora Joy
11.For a Moment
Music and Lyrics: Ron Sexsmith
Producer: Ethan McCarroll
Bass: Ethan McCarroll
Guitar (acoustic): Ron Sexsmith
Guitar (electric): Ethan McCarroll
Drums: Ethan McCarroll
piano: Jonah Gribble
Vocals: Nora Joy
12.Shine
Music and Lyrics: Nora Joy Stephens
Producer: Baldvin Hlynsson
Bass: Baldvin Hlynsson
Guitar: Baldvin Hlynsson
Drums: Baldvin Hlynsson
Vocals: Nora Joy
Lyrics
What I Want
Somebody give me a sign I’ve been waiting for a long time
Could take two roads don't know what each of them has to hold
Always guessing looking out into the unknown
Knowing me I’ll probably end up to deep
If I can’t back out can’t breathe to tired to get back on my feet
Yes it’s scary but you might be worth it we’ll see
You might not be what I thought
I might be totally wrong but
If I don’t jump how will I know what I want
It’s dark it’s cold it’s blue
But not when I’m with you
What if what I love turns into what I lose
Want you to stay by my side but let me take my time
Don’t want to know how the rest of this story goes
You might not be what I want
You might be all that I’ve got
Maybe you’ll be worth it for once
It’s dark it’s cold it’s blue
Could I stay here a little longer with you
What if what I love turns into what I lose
Don’t know what I need but I know I need you
Don’t make me make up my mind I’m not ready to choose
Between me and you what will I lose
The things I gain might be taken away
If I walk away will I look back one day
Wishing I took the chance and stayed
You might not be what I thought
I might be totally wrong but
If I don’t jump how will I know what I want
It’s dark it’s cold it’s blue
But not when I’m with you
What if what I love turns into what I lose
Brittle
Brittle little leaf about to fall
I thought that I knew it all
Turns out I’m back at the start
This is where I fall apart
The patterns shift into place
Now I’m last in the race
Is it okay to tap out
Take a break and slow down
Checking boxes
Get things done it’s not even seven
in the morning
Running too fast
If they say it’s hard watch me get that badge
Stormy weather
I think it’ll make me stronger
Am I on a sinking ship
It feels like I’m losing my grip
Brittle little leaf about to fall
I thought that I knew it all
Turns out I’m back at the start
This is where I fall apart
The patterns shift into place
Now I’m last in the race
Is it okay to tap out
Take a break and slow down
Spinning faster
Trying to catch a glimpse in the mirror
Broken glass on the floor
I don’t recognize myself anymore
Keep on falling down
But I have to figure it out
I can’t fall behind
It feels like I’m running out of time
It’s finished, done and dusted
I’ll do it again just for the fun of it
Keep on carrying on
Cause’ in my heart it’s where I belong
It can feel like a tornado hitting in the dead of night
Lost all sight
I hope it’ll work out all right
Brittle little leaf about to fall
Pink to Blue
I heard from a friend of a friend
That you’ve got a different girl in your head
And I was wrong
I should’ve seen the signs all along
Thought you were looking at me but in reality
It was all just a one sided telephone call
She’s telling me the news in the pouring rain soaking
Promises weren’t made so it’s okay that they’re broken
Why do I make up my mind
Then it all crumbles at the same time
Tell my friends that I’m in love but not to tell anyone
Remember last week I bumped into you
You said sorry ya me too
The colours have changed from pink to blue
But god I really wish it could have been you
It all made sense to me
Fit so perfectly
Can’t you see it was always meant to be
Now it’s out of my hands you’re holding hers instead
Can’t believe you didn’t choose me
Keep second guessing crossing fingers and hoping
It’s all a big mistake and I’m just dreaming
Why do I make up my mind
Then it all crumbles at the same time
Tell my friends that I’m in love but not to tell anyone
Remember last week I bumped into you
You said sorry ya me too
The colours have changed from pink to blue
But god I really wish it could have been you
Can it all go back to the way it was
Think about imaginary walks at dusk
Things don’t last forever that’s what I believe
Guess this isn’t a different story
Why do I make up my mind
Then it all crumbles at the same time
Tell my friends that I’m in love but not to tell anyone
Remember last week I bumped into you
You said sorry ya me too
The colours have changed from pink to blue
But god I really wish it could have been you
Starlight
Hoppin’, skippin’, jumpin’ far away
To what feels like a new place
Hopin’, dreamin’, searchin’ for a way
To make the best out of these days
It can be hard to keep wandering
Not really knowing where we’re going
But the music is our guide and we’re in for the ride of our lives oh
We’ll sing underneath the starlight
Keeping our dreams alive
Oh I can see gold in your eyes
It feels like this is our time to shine
Wishing that this melody could last all night
Keep these memories in your mind for all time
Everything seems to fall into place
When happiness is what we chase
Laughing about nothing echoes out
This is what life’s about
The lights will lead our way to you and me
All I know is right now I feel free
The music is in us which is why we have to trust
We’ll sing underneath the starlight
Keeping our dreams alive
Oh I can see gold in your eyes
It feels like this is our time to shine
Wishing that this melody could last all night
Keep these memories in your mind for all time
We won’t think about the weather getting colder
I just want this to last forever
If I don’t know where to go I can’t find my way home
I’ll look up and remember the times
We had together
We’ll sing underneath the starlight
Keeping our dreams alive
Oh I can see gold in your eyes
It feels like this is our time to shine
I just want this melody to last all night
Keep these memories in your mind for all time
Someday
It’s bigger here
The world feels wider the hallways are longer in her mind
Everyone’s taller
Some can drive and chase a dream they’re trying to find
There’s so many people
It’s hard to see where she’s going most of the time
She hopes the path gets clearer somehow
Just like she remembers
Everything was how it was meant to be
Life felt so easy
Nothing could tie her down
She was free to spin around
A smile on her face everyday
Never any shades of grey
Hopes she can find that again
Someday
She tries hard
To keep her head held high and stay strong
She still finds
The blue in the sky and keeps carrying on
But she knows
Deep down that it’s just not the same
She misses all the laughs
And memories that she made
When everything was how it was meant to be
Life felt so easy
Nothing could tie her down
She was free to spin around
A smile on her face everyday
Never any shades of grey
Hopes she can find that again
Someday
And she knows that it’s just a phase she’s in
Remembering everything
Day after day pining them away
Daydreaming of the life that’s faded away
When everything was how it was meant to be
Life felt so easy
Nothing could tie her down
She was free to spin around
A smile on her face everyday
Never any shades of grey
Hopes she can find that again
Someday
Another Second
Been stressed out my mind doesn’t wanna slow down
But the sun is finally coming out
I know that it takes time to grow
Thinking back to when I was in that dark place
Couldn’t find a way for me to escape
What a shame things can be so good till it breaks
It feels too late
But it’s never too late to
Chase the light, don’t let it win
Don’t let the darkness close in again
I know it’s hard to fight it when you feel like you’re going through it all alone
But I also know that the rain won’t last and this storm will pass
This life is meant for living so I’m not gonna waste another second of it
Always thinking into the future
What might happen if I didn’t act sooner
Had to learn some things are out of my control
Soon I discovered that it was all in my head
I would rather have a good time instead
Than worry about what hasn’t happened yet
No regrets
That’s why we need to
Chase the light, don’t let it win
Don’t let the darkness close in again
I know it’s hard to fight it when you feel like you’re going through it all alone
But let go, don’t worry about it just go with the flow
This life is meant for living so I’m not gonna waste another second of it
I’m still here, I’m still waiting for these voices to stop screaming
Oh I’m done, living in this void of second guessing
But I know that it's all gonna be alright
Cause I’m not gonna give up without a fight
I’m gonna
Chase the light, don’t let it win
Don’t let the darkness close in again
I know it’s hard to fight it when you feel like you’re going through it all alone
But I also know that the rain won’t last and this storm will pass
This life is meant for living, this life is meant for living, oh this life is meant for living
So I’m not gonna waste another second of it
Your Own Design
I’ve never been one to follow a crowd
It’s never really been my style
I’ve always just kinda stood my own ground
So I hope you know that you don’t have to be the same
As anybody in that lane
Just own your name
Lift your hands up
Sing louder
Forget about everybody in the room
Clap your own beat
Keep your own time
Don’t be in sync with anyone else in line
Be your own design
I get it you’re afraid to make the wrong move
All eyes are on you
Oh oh that true
But honestly you could regret it in the end
If you don’t get up
And show all your wanna be fitting it friends
What you’ve got
Why would you wanna be life everybody else
Everybody else
When you can be yourself
Why would you wanna be life everybody else
Everybody else
Whoaa whoa
Lift your hands up
Sing louder
Forget about everybody in the room
Clap your own beat
Keep your own time
Don’t be in sync with anyone else in line
Be your own design
Why would you wanna be life everybody else
Everybody else
When you can be yourself
Why would you wanna be life everybody else
Everybody else
Hey hey!
Why would you wanna be life everybody else
Everybody else
When you can be yourself
Why would you wanna be life everybody else
Everybody else
Whoaa whoa
Lift your hands up
Sing louder
Forget about everybody in the room
Clap your own beat
Keep your own time
Don’t be in sync with anyone else in line
Be your own design
Be your own design
I Like You
The first time I saw you I knew I wanted you to be mine
Your eyes the way they glistened in the sunlight
Was a feeling I couldn’t fight
And everything you said was magical like I was in a fairytale
But I don’t know what to say because you’re perfect in every way
Oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh
You’ve noticed me a couple of times glanced my way when you do
I feel like flying away
The thought of you saying my name feels like my whole life has changed
But in the best way
But everything’s twisted up twisted down
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now
I wanna be cool just like you
But it’s so hard for me to make my move
I always walk away just when I’m about to say
We should be together forever
I try to keep it low just so that you don’t know
That everything would fall apart if I didn’t have you
I like you do I really like you
I do
Now we talk on the phone all night long about our favourite songs
And what we love to do
We say everything that’s on our minds and we never ever wanna say goodnight
My life has never felt so right
But now I can’t get you out of my mind
It’s like you’re there all the time
When I’m blue I think about you
And suddenly it improves my mood
I always walk away just when I’m about to say
We should be together forever
I try to keep it low just so that you don’t know
That everything would fall apart if I didn’t have you
I like you do I really like you
I do
I always walk away just when I’m about to say
We should be together forever
I try to keep it low just so that you don’t know
That everything would fall apart if I didn’t have
I just need to see what you really mean to me
If you are the one that I want
You and I soaring high everything would be fine
If I had you by my side
I like you do I really like you I do
I like you do I really like you I do
Wait and See
I don’t know when
I don’t know how
But I know we’ll make it out
Just you and I
Flying through the sky
You’re my whole world
You’re my whole heart
The better half of me
You help me see in the dark
You’re all the things I wish I could be
You light up every room that you walk into
I’ve always wanted to be like you
I know life can throw stones
There can be bumpy roads
But don’t give up
Not yet
Hold on till the end
And I can see someday you’ll be
Setting the world on fire making it go higher
You just wait and see
You’re getting older now
The sun is coming out and all I see
Are curious brown eyes
You see the world in a different way
You take life day by day
You’re always ready to learn something new
And I know everything doesn’t always go as planned
But that teaches us to get back up again
I know life can throw stones
There can be bumpy roads
But don’t give up
Not yet
Hold on till the end
And I can see someday you’ll be
Setting the world on fire making it go higher
You just wait and see
So remember I will always be by your side
Even if I turn away sometimes
I’m never going to stop being there for you
If you need a friend
Or just someone who gets you
Oh I know life can throw stones
There can be bumpy roads
But don’t give up
Not yet
Hold on till the end
And I can see someday you’ll be
Setting the world on fire making it go higher
You just wait and see
Piano Song
Let’s rewind sometime not long ago
We were sitting side by side at the piano
I don’t recall knowing you back then at all
Can somebody give me a sign
Don’t know how to feel right now can’t get you out of my mind
Stuck between the past and the present
Can’t decide if I’m hoping or dreaming
Cause you’re somewhere out there can’t help but wonder why
Since running isn’t enough will I need to fly
Throw out half written pages watching it burning
Hate sitting in the unknown wanna know what happens next
But that’s just part of the story I guess
Fast forward to today your words are quiet like summer rain
I heard you’ve been to spain I guess my life is pretty mundane
Things pass me by like the world and time but you stay the same
I want things to move faster but I guess I’m to blame
Stuck between two dimensions
Want it all to fall into place but I won’t let it
You’re somewhere out there can’t help but wonder why
Since running isn’t enough will I need to fly
Throw out half written pages watching it burning
Hate sitting in the unknown wanna know what happens next
But that’s just part of the story I guess
Oh why can’t I make up my mind
Searched this place for clues trying to find answers to you and I
Maybe it’s all in my head and this is all pretend
Do you even remember my name
For a Moment
For a moment there
I could’ve swore I knew where I was going
For a moment there
I was in my room following the music
Never knowing if it was going anywhere
I could hear it in the sky above and in the streets below me
I could hear it in the songs of love
Just enough to show me
There was a light somewhere
Somewhere
For a moment there
The sun was in my eyes and I was blinded
For a moment there
But now I look again and when it seems like all is lost I find it
Or it finds me anyway
I can see it in the sun above and in the grass below me
I see it in the ones I love
Just enough to show me there is a light somewhere
For a moment there
I could see it in the ones I love
Just enough to show me there is a light somewhere
Shine
Oh I see it all the time
It’s written in the stars written in my mind
I know that it’s apart of me
Always has been always will be
If the world feels like it’s falling apart
I can’t see straight or get lost in the dark
It finds me brings me light
That’s why I know it’s meant to be in my life
Even if I can’t see the finish line
It doesn’t mean that it’s not there
I’ll do everything I can to get there
So if I get knocked down a hundred times or more
I won’t give up no I won’t lose the war
There’s something in me that need to be seen
Needs to shine if you know what I mean oh
Life’s too short so I’m gonna follow my dreams
I know that it’s not easy
When I think about it my knees give out beneath me
But that doesn’t mean that I won’t try
Once I get off the ground I’ll be soaring through the sky
And I’ll try to be the best that I can be
Because I believe oh I believe in me
So if I get knocked down a hundred times or more
I won’t give up no I won’t lose the war
There’s something in me that need to be seen
Needs to shine if you know what I mean oh
Life’s too short so I’m gonna follow my dreams
I don’t wanna stop I don’t wanna stop
Until I, until I
I don’t wanna stop I don’t wanna stop
Until I, until I
I don’t wanna stop I don’t wanna stop
Until I, until I
I don’t wanna stop I don’t wanna stop
Until I, until I reach the top
If I get knocked down a hundred times or more
A hundred times or more
I won’t give up no I won’t lose the war
There’s something in me that need to be seen
Needs to shine if you know what I mean oh
Life’s too short so I’m gonna follow my dreams
Life’s too short so I’m gonna follow my dreams