“Cinderella”: A Gritty Narrative of Regret, Responsibility, and the Unraveling of a Fairy Tale.
For many who came of age during the sun-drenched, yet often introspective, era of 1970s soft rock and country-rock, the name Firefall evokes a particular blend of smooth harmonies and intricate musicianship. While often celebrated for their gentler, more romantic hits, the band also delivered songs that delved into the darker, more complex realities of life. Among these, “Cinderella” stands as a poignant and unvarnished narrative, a stark contrast to its fairytale namesake. Released in March 1977 as a single from their self-titled debut album, Firefall (which itself was released in 1976), this song offered a surprisingly raw and melancholic look at a relationship gone awry, resonating with a depth that transcended its seemingly innocent title.
Upon its release as a single in 1977, “Cinderella” found moderate but significant success on the charts, demonstrating Firefall’s ability to connect with audiences even with more somber themes. It peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1977 and also reached number 35 on the Adult Contemporary chart. While not their highest-charting single (that honor would go to “You Are The Woman” from the same album, which hit #9), “Cinderella” nevertheless carved out a distinct place for itself, proving the band’s versatility and the lyrical prowess of its songwriter. For those of us listening to the radio during those years, “Cinderella” was a moment of quiet reflection, a song that felt more like a short story unfolding than a typical pop tune, often discovered on the album or as a deep cut cherished by discerning listeners.
The true heart of “Cinderella” lies in its compelling and, at times, unsettling narrative. The song was written by Firefall’s talented guitarist and vocalist, Larry Burnett. What makes the story behind the song particularly striking is that Burnett reportedly wrote it when he was just sixteen years old. He has often clarified that the song is not autobiographical but rather a keen observation of human behavior and a fictional tale born from his youthful imagination. This revelation makes the song’s mature and gritty themes all the more remarkable. The members of Firefall – particularly Rick Roberts, Larry Burnett, Jock Bartley, Mark Andes, Michael Clarke, and Jim Mason – brought a rich tapestry of musical experience from bands like The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, and Spirit, lending their collective talents to give Burnett’s narrative an authentic, country-rock feel.
The meaning of “Cinderella” is a departure from the idealized romanticism typically associated with the fairytale figure. Instead, it tells the story of a young man who dismisses a pregnant girlfriend, refusing to accept responsibility, and then, decades later, looks back on his callous decision with profound regret. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship that was never meant to be a fairytale: “Last December I met a girl / She took a likin’ to me / Said she loved me / But she didn’t know the meaning of the word.” The pivotal moment arrives with the lines: “Then one morning she came to me / With a tear in her eye and a sigh on her breath Lord she said / ‘Hon I’m heavy with child’ / I said ‘god damn girl can’t you see / That I’m breakin’ my back / Just tryin’ to keep my head above water / And it’s turnin’ me wild.'” The narrator’s harsh dismissal, “Cinderella can’t you see / Don’t want your company / You better leave this morning, leave today / Take your love and your child away,” is a brutal abandonment.
The song then fast-forwards to the present, where the older narrator, sitting in his “rockin’ chair on the front porch,” reflects on his past actions: “Now that I’m old / I remember her and the boy / Did he have all the toys and the joys / That a young man should have / Before he gets too old.” This introspective turn reveals a poignant sense of remorse, a recognition of the happiness and responsibility he cast aside. For older readers, this narrative resonates deeply, perhaps stirring memories of choices made, paths not taken, or the heavy weight of regret that can accompany a life lived. It serves as a somber reminder that actions have consequences that echo through the years, and that the fantasy of “happily ever after” often gives way to the more complex, sometimes heartbreaking, realities of life. Firefall’s “Cinderella” is a powerful testament to the band’s ability to tell a compelling story, using their signature harmonious sound to deliver a message that is anything but a fairytale, yet profoundly human and enduring.