A few years later, Aloe would “stow away” on a Lootpack European tour and become fast friends with Oh No – a relationship which led to many fruitful collaborations as a solo artist.
These days, Aloe Blacc has evolved into a true Renaissance man – dubbed “the indie R. Kelly” by online retailer Turntable Lab. Recordings like his Latin cover of John Legend’s “Ordinary People” prove that – not only can this multi-instrumentalist produce, rap and sing – but he can flip it in Spanish, too. With an amazingly broad set of influences ranging widely from the acoustic guitar stylings of folk artist Cat Stevens, to the soul-stirring sounds of the Negro Spirituals, Aloe prides himself on the spectrum of his musical roots. His sound often forays into the digital R&B realm, but always grooves with a tinge of Latin and the pulse of hip-hop.
Owe It All
Aloe Blacc Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where would I be without the roof over my head
I say my grace 'cause I'm grateful for the food that I was fed
So thankful for the prayers that you sent
Dear God, she never had a son where he would be the best son if she ever had one
And if she was still here today, I would say, I would say
I owe it all to youWhen I need someone I can depend on
I owe it all to you
When I need a little help to keep my lights on
I owe it all to you
When I need someone I can call
Owe it all to you
You was the one that everyone could trust
You were the only one who would always keep in touch
I remember all the times you sent a letter just because
All the times you would take to show a little extra love
Dear God, she never had a son.
Well he would be the best son if she ever had one
And if she was still here today, I would say, I would say
I owe it all to you
When I need someone I can depend on
I owe it all to you
When I need a little help to keep my lights on
I owe it all to you
When I need someone I can call
Owe it all to you
How can I thank you for opening your heart
You were gone but you had a brand new start
Now I sing a song to the world in your honorNo time, now you're gone, wish you still here mama
Owe it all to you
Owe it all to you
Owe it all to you
Owe it all to you
I owe it all to you
Owe it all to you
Owe it all to you
Owe it all to you
Dear God, Dear God
Dear God, oh
I owe it all you
The lyrics of Aloe Blacc's 'Owe It All' are a tribute to a departed loved one. The first verse starts with the artist contemplating the things that are often taken for granted such as a pillow to sleep on and a roof over our heads. He expresses his gratitude for the food he has received and the prayers that have been said on his behalf. The chorus expresses how he relies on the person he wants to honor for assistance and a dependable support system. He acknowledges them as the only one who would always keep in touch and send letters just to show love. In the second verse, he reiterates how the person who has passed would have been the best son if she ever had one. He expresses that if the person was still alive, he would extend his gratitude for all that they did for him.
The song is emotional and many people can relate to losing someone close to them that meant a lot to them. A few interesting facts about the song include:
Line by Line Meaning
Where would I be without the pillow on my bed
I am grateful for even the smallest blessings that I receive in my life, such as having a comfortable bed to sleep on.
Where would I be without the roof over my head
I am thankful for having a place to live and call home that provides me with shelter and protection.
I say my grace 'cause I'm grateful for the food that I was fed
I express gratitude for the food I receive and acknowledge that it is not something to take for granted.
So thankful for the prayers that you sent
I am grateful for the positive thoughts and well wishes that others have sent my way, knowing that it has had an impact on my life.
Dear God, she never had a son where he would be the best son if she ever had one
I reflect on the people who have significantly impacted my life, even if they were not related to me, and imagine how it would be if they were my family.
And if she was still here today, I would say, I would say
I acknowledge that while some people may no longer be in my life physically, their impact will always be present and appreciated.
I owe it all to you
I recognize that the blessings and support I receive in life are due to a higher power or the people around me, and I am grateful for their presence.
When I need someone I can depend on
I am thankful for the people in my life who are always there for me and who I can rely on for support and care.
When I need a little help to keep my lights on
I acknowledge that at times, I need financial assistance to maintain my livelihood and am grateful for those who have offered their help.
When I need someone I can call
I recognize the importance of having someone to talk to and confide in, and am thankful for those who are always a phone call away.
You was the one that everyone could trust
I reflect on the people who have been a constant source of reliability and trust in my life and am appreciative of their presence.
You were the only one who would always keep in touch
I am thankful for people who prioritize our relationship and make an effort to stay connected, despite the distance or time that may separate us.
I remember all the times you sent a letter just because
I recall the moments when others have gone out of their way to show their love and care, even if it was just through a small gesture.
All the times you would take to show a little extra love
I appreciate those who have gone above and beyond what is expected to show their affection for me.
How can I thank you for opening your heart
I am grateful for those who have opened their hearts and accepted me for who I am, despite my flaws and imperfections.
You were gone but you had a brand new start
I remember those who have passed away and acknowledge that their suffering is over and they have moved on to something new.
Now I sing a song to the world in your honor
I celebrate and remember the life of those who have passed away by sharing their story and perpetuating their memory.
No time, now you're gone, wish you still here mama
I reflect on the people who have left this world and recognize that I still miss their presence and wish they were still here.
Dear God, Dear God
I acknowledge the presence of a higher power in my life and recognize their role in my blessings and growth.
I owe it all you
I express my gratitude and thankfulness to a higher power for the blessings and relationships in my life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALOE BLACC, HAROLD LILLY JR., ERICK D. WALLS, DOMMO FARMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind