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Talkin’ to a friend of mine.
Said I never see the signs
I just walk around with my heart out on my sleeve.There’s a couple things I know
I know I don’t wanna be a shadow
I shouldn’t have to try so hard for someone to believeChorus:
Do ya really see me
Or am I just a comfort zone?
Do ya really see me
Or do you walk me like a stepping stone?
Do I fade real fast
Just like a long drive home
Do ya see me or is it time for me to go?Do you see me? Do you see, do you see, do you see me?
Do you see, do you see me?
Don’t want to let ya see me cry
When you look through my shine
If you only had a minute to walk into my mindI don’t wanna change and lose my light
Simply ‘cause it makes ya feel righ
Do I have to hold your hand and shout that I want ya to be mine?Do ya really see me
Or am I just a comfort zone?
Do ya really see me
Or do you walk me like a stepping stone?
Do I fade real fast
Just like a long drive home
Do ya see me or is it time for me to go?Do you see me? Do you see, do you see, do you see me?
Do you see, do you see me?I think I mistook
I thought you saw me too
Though you soften my edge
It’s too much to pursue.
Maybe I’ll fight to keep the smile alive but
I really can’t control that you see me like you doDo ya really see me
Or am I just a comfort zone?
Do ya really see me
Or do you walk me like a stepping stone?
Do I fade real fast
Just like a long drive home
Do ya see me or is it time for me to go?Do you see me? Do you see, do you see, do you see me?
Do you see, do you see me?
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Do You Really See Me? is the latest single from emerging solo artist Cara Lianne McLeod, a track that speaks to the timeless struggle of feeling unseen within a relationship. With its upbeat energy, infectious chorus, and subtle Motown-inspired sensibility, the song is as emotionally resonant as it is instantly memorable.
This release marks Cara’s first collaboration with Michael Hanson — 5x JUNO Award winner, co-founder of Glass Tiger, and newly inducted member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The two connected seamlessly at Altravox Studios, completing the writing and recording process within just a few days.
For Cara, this collaboration carries a personal significance: as a teenager, Glass Tiger frequently found its way onto her playlists (or into her CD player at the time). When the opportunity arose to work with Hanson, it was an unequivocal yes. Even more fitting, Cara had recently spoken with another artist about this very theme, only to find herself confronted with Hanson’s rough track days later — a serendipity that brought the song to life.
With heartfelt lyrics and an undeniable groove, Do You Really See Me? is poised to strike a chord with listeners everywhere. Because, at the core, it echoes a truth we all share: the desire to be truly seen.
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Music:
Michael HansonLyrics:
Michael Hanson & Cara Lianne McLeodRecorded at Altravox Studios
Sound engineer & producer: Michael Hanson
Released on: Radar Love Records
NEW MUSIC FROM CARA LIANNE McLEOD
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I dreamt of you last night
You were hugging me in tight
We looked for what was lost
That seemed to be out of sight.
Staring into the everything
Longing for what had passed
Laughing and crying like we often did.
Sad, knowing it couldn’t last.Let me go back to sleep
So I can see you once more
Though your love is always with me
The dream feels like before
I know your love is always with me
The dream feels like before.Waking felt too harsh
I was desperate to hold on
I felt like I had lost you again
When the dream was gone.
Beyond my bedroom wall
A baby’s cry mirrored my grief.
Night was being taken from me
Sunrise was the thiefLet me go back to sleep
So I can see you once more
Though your love is always with me
The dream feels like before
I know your love is always with me
The dream feels like before.My first sip of coffee settles my soul
I am smiling through my tears
Even the baby is quiet
as the Willie Nelson song appears
You were always on my mind
And came to calm my fears.Let me go back to sleep
So I can see you once more
Though your love is always with me
The dream feels like before
I know you’re always with me
The dream -
Versatile Canadian singer Cara Lianne McLeod releases her newest single, “The Dream.” The song talks about a dream Cara had about her dad who had passed away, and how bittersweet the dream was because they both knew it couldn’t last. Upon waking, she wrote as much of the dream down as she could as it faded from her mind. With a mellow pop sound, similar to Sarah MacLachlan with the honesty of a Donovan Woods ballad, Cara hopes her listeners can recall poignant dreams about their lost loves.
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Music:
Cara Lianne McLeod & Chris AndrewLyrics:
Cara Lianne McLeod & Karen Dianne LarkinPiano:
Chris AndrewGuitar:
Peter BelecBass:
Dan ChurchillDrums:
Jamie CooperViolin:
Allison GrangerCello:
Ian WoodmanRecorded at Wolf Willow Studios and Octavo Productions
Sound Engineer:
Ian ArmstrongProducer:
Tomas Brabec
Octavo Productions
Full Discography
NOW STREAMINGIn & Out of Love
Hosted by Cara Lianne McLeod
Presented by Big E Radio
Canadian artist Cara Lianne McLeod, after two decades of singing primarily classical music, has added multiple genres back into her performances and discography. Her recordings range from pop to blues, with more original songs on the way, including “Do You Really See Me”, co-written and produced by Michael Hanson (6x Juno-award winner), and released on Radar Love Records.
After a sold out debut in 2025 with her trio, McLeod, Bowman & Bray, Cara returns to the illustrious Yardbird Suite in 2026, with an all-new setlist of jazz, blues, and pop. Cara also hosts In & Out of Love, a radio show exploring love and relationships, which streams worldwide on Big E Radio. She’s currently creating a touring show of the same name.
Featured Press
Cara is featured in the CBC documentary, The Musical Animal. Part of The Nature of Things, click the photo above to see the official trailer, behind-the-scenes photos, and learn more.