Aṣa (pronounced Aasha) means "little hawk". She was born in Paris to Nigerian parents, but after two years she moved with her parents to Nigeria and grew up in the capital of Lagos. Her music is thus linked to her time in Western Africa. Asa grew up under the influence of her father's record collection, which included legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Aretha Franklin.
At the age of twelve years, her mother gave her the opportunity to attend one of the best music schools in the country. Aṣa not only developed her voice and her technique, over time she also discovered more about the musicians who fascinated her. When she came home, she discovered Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Raphael Saadiq, Lauryn Hill, Femi Kuti, and Angélique Kidjo, in whose footprints she dreamed of following.
At the age of 18 she secretly signed up for the Peter King’s School of Music and learnt to play the guitar in six months. In 2004 Aṣa met her manager and friend, Janet, who introduced her to Cobhams Emmanuel Asuquo, who in turn became her musical partner and producer. He enabled Aṣa, the free spirit, to find her bearings. She wrote songs in both English and Yoruba, with the music falling somewhere between pop and soul, inspired by her musical heritage. Particular care was paid to the melodies reflecting the feeling she puts into it.
Her texts talk about her country, the things in life, the things in her life, all delivered with feigned naïveté and real irony. She states "I like writing or thinking about my texts on the bus, or the molué, as we call it. 49 seats, 99 passengers standing up, as Fela described it. Everyone’s squashed up together and mini-dramas break out all the time. And, at the end of the day, we still manage to laugh, that’s where our strength lies..."
It was at this stage of her life that Aṣa finally returned to Paris. This was her chance to test out her talent on the French musical scene, playing with artists such as the Nubians, Manu Dibango, Doctor L and Tony Allen. In the meantime, back in Nigeria, her first single, Eyé Adaba, then Jailer, were beginning to get airtime. MTV chose her as the ambassador for South Africa. Her popularity became big, that when she came back to Nigeria she opened for Akon, John Legend, Beyoncé and Snoop Dogg amongst others.
Aṣa soon signed to the 'Naïve label'. Partnered by Cobhams, and with the new involvement of Christophe Dupouy, she produced a magnificent debut album, ASA a 12 track album with chartstopping tracks. R&b rubs up against pop, with reggae also making an appearance on 'Fire On The Mountain', the first track released from the album, an impertinent and barely-disguised metaphor for an ignorant and indifferent world. "Jailer", another highlight of the album, reinterprets the old adage “you reap what you sow”. This emblematic song with its irresistible refrain opens the album by denouncing modern slavery in all its forms.
Why Can't We
Aṣa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With a smile on my face
Thought you were next to me
But then I see you walking away
Something ain't right this morning
Is it a sign he's leaving me
So I call on a friend
Who might know better than me
She says,
"You worry much about things you don't understand
But don't give up, if it doesn't go with the plan
Why not have some fun
While you're still young and still OK
'Cause life is short
Do what you can today today"
Why can't we be happy
What is life about
Did nobody tell you
The reason why I ask
I can see you're so confused
You worry much about things you cannot see
You have it all, with your money you still complain
Why not live this life
While you're still young and still OK
'Cause life is short
Do what you can today today
In the lyrics of Asa's song "Why Can't We", the singer wakes up early in the morning with a smile on her face, believing that her partner is beside her. However, she quickly realizes that they are walking away, and she feels that something is not right. She speaks to a friend who advises her not to worry about things she doesn't understand and to live her life to the fullest while she's still young and healthy. The singer then questions why people can't just be happy in life and asks if anyone has told them the reason why she's asking. She notes that some people have everything they need to live a good life but still complain, and she advises them to make the most of their current situation because life is short.
Asa's "Why Can't We" is a reflection on the things that make life worth living. It's easy to worry about things we don't understand and to become dissatisfied with what we have. The singer suggests that life is too short not to enjoy it and that we should focus on the present instead of worrying about the future. The gentle tone and melody of the song make it an uplifting and inspiring piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Woke up early this morning
The singer wakes up early in the morning feeling hopeful and positive.
With a smile on my face
The singer is happy and optimistic as she wakes up.
Thought you were next to me
The singer thinks about her partner and wonders where they are.
But then I see you walking away
The singer realizes that her partner is leaving her.
Something ain't right this morning
The singer feels that things are not going well or as planned.
Is it a sign he's leaving me
The singer wonders if her partner's absence is a sign that he is leaving her.
So I call on a friend
The singer reaches out to a friend for advice and support.
Who might know better than me
The singer trusts her friend's judgement more than her own.
She says,
The singer's friend responds to her call for help.
"You worry much about things you don't understand
The friend advises the singer not to worry about things that are beyond her control or understanding.
But don't give up, if it doesn't go with the plan
The friend encourages the singer to persevere even if things do not go as expected.
Why not have some fun
The friend suggests that the singer should enjoy life and have fun.
While you're still young and still OK
The friend reminds the singer that life is short and she should enjoy it while she still can.
'Cause life is short
The friend emphasizes that life is fleeting and precious.
Do what you can today today"
The friend advises the singer to do what she can to enjoy life and be happy today.
Why can't we be happy
The singer wonders why it is difficult for people to be content and joyful.
What is life about
The singer questions the meaning and purpose of life.
Did nobody tell you
The singer asks if anyone has ever explained the meaning of life to her.
The reason why I ask
The singer explains why she is asking the question.
I can see you're so confused
The singer believes that her friend is confused about the meaning of life.
You worry much about things you cannot see
The friend advises the singer not to stress over things that are intangible or beyond her knowledge.
You have it all, with your money you still complain
The friend points out that even though the singer has material wealth, she is still dissatisfied and unhappy.
Why not live this life
The friend suggests that the singer should live her life with joy and happiness.
While you're still young and still OK
The friend reminds the singer that she is still young and has time to enjoy life.
'Cause life is short
The friend emphasizes the fleeting nature of life and why the singer should seize the moment.
Do what you can today today
The friend advises the singer to make the most of every day and enjoy life while she can.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tshepisomodupe9371
"Why Can't We"
Woke up early this morning
With a smile on my face
Thought you were next to me
But then i see you walking away
Something ain't right this morning
Is it a sign he's leaving me
So i call on a friend
Who might know better than me
She says:
You worry much about things you don't understand
But don't give up, if it doesn't go with the plan
Why not have some fun
While you're still young and still ok
Cos' life is short
Do what you can today today
Why can't we be happy
What is life about
Did nobody tell you
The reason why i ask
I can see you're so confused
You worry much about things you cannot see
You have it all, with your money you still complain
Why not live this life
While you're still young and still ok
Cos' life is short
Do what you can today today
@chaitalisoudatt5732
Who is watching in 2024?
@the_keyd1190
✋
@joanchukwunonye7322
I am
@graceezekiel8771
I am ❤
@tamiausten873
Me ❤
@otegadamagic
After all these years, I still come back for a unique experience. Classic
@rnhantumbo
Not only Nigeria is proud...the whole Africa is proud. I am from Mozambique and I am so proud of her as well. I would love to see live in Moz one day. She is great! no doubt!... Amazing...Why can't we be so proud??? lol
@turtlesings852
Asa love you! Whole world proud ❤️🙏🏿🌈
@JosephMFaulkner
I'm absolutely loving this from California, United States
@rivanivan8956
É bom saber que tem mais moçambicanos que apreciam música da boa.🔥🔥