There was, “a lot of preachin’, a lot of prayin’ & a lot of piano playin’.” That best describes Anderson’s early years as a Southern Baptist Pastor’s grandson. Add the sweet sound of a gospel singing father, coupled with the big dreams that only a small town will inspire and you get a young man full of emotion, depth, curiosity, and song. Although profoundly influenced by the sounds of his childhood, Anderson East knew early on that his musical landscape was much broader than his conservative upbringing and embarked on a pursuit that would encompass both reverence and rebellion. With lyrics exploring timeless and thought provoking subjects, vocals that both soothe and mend the most human urges to love, hate, cry and lose control, and a palette of musical instruments best described in the art world as mixed media, Anderson East offers the listener something new to the ear yet familiar to the spirit. Bearing an unforgettable voice that allows you to explore the rich emotions of his music, Anderson’s vocals range from soulful cries to haunting whispers, and paint a vivid picture of his lyrics. Described as taking only the best qualities from Otis Redding, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams, and John Mayer, Anderson’s voice is a lovely blend of unique inflection and delivery that creates a sound of its own.
After independently releasing the well-received EP Fire Demos in 2010, followed by Transitive Property in 2011, a new project was born: the double LP, Flowers of the Broken Hearted. A musical endeavor that explores the human condition of heartbreak through love lived and love lost. With a two LP canvas, Anderson explores his dynamic musical range, offering the listener two independently unique sounds, yet one universal theme.
Embarking on the first half, Anderson set out for Los Angeles and into the studio with co-producer Chris Seefried (Counting Crows, Fitz & the Tantrums), alongside a prized cast of individuals including Grammy award winning engineer Seth A. Horan, and an array of acclaimed musicians including Charles Gillingham & David Immergluck (members of the Counting Crows), Rob Wasserman (Lou Reed), Waddy Wachtel (Stevie Nicks), Don Heffington (Bob Dylan), Noel Scaggs (Fitz & the Tantrums) and Justine Bennett.
The second half of Flowers, recorded back in Nashville, is a modern, darker, more contemplative side of Anderson, a dualistically fulfilling contrast to the more classic Americana/Soul side of the album. Joining East is drummer Evan Hutching, bassist Tim Marks, and cellist Matt Nelson, as well as guest vocalist such as Callie and Phoebe Cryar (The Vespers), Natalie Prass and other gifted Nashville artists.
Flowers of the Broken Hearted is due to be released Summer 2012.
What Would It Take
Anderson East Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To make you love me?
What would it take
To make you love me?
Would it take flowers
Red roses from vines
Would it take diamonds
Well, I'll take you dancing
And sweep you off your feet
What do you need
To know you're the only one, one for me
And what would it take
To make you love me?
What would it take
To make you love me?
What words can I say?
Tell me, what can I do?
Know that I am
And I'll give it to you
I could make you smile
Give you all your dreams
And I'd give everything
To make you love me
Oh
What would it take
To make you love me?
And what would it take
To make you love me?
Oh, what would it take?
What would it take (could it take)?
To make you love me?
Oh
And what would it take
To make you love me?
And what would it take
To make you love me?
The lyrics of Anderson East's song "What Would It Take" express the desire for someone's love and the willingness to do whatever it takes to earn it. The repeated question "What would it take to make you love me?" highlights the desperation and uncertainty of the singer. He suggests various options, such as giving flowers, diamonds, and taking the person dancing, but he still asks for guidance on how to make this person love him. The lyrics highlight how love can be a complicated and puzzling concept, and even the most passionate and sincere efforts may not always be enough.
Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes his deep love and commitment to the person, promising that he would give them everything they desire to make them happy. He acknowledges that he may not know how to make this person love him but believes that he has the dedication and effort to accomplish it. The song's message conveys the idea that love is a risk, and sometimes you must take bold actions to achieve it.
In summary, Anderson East's "What Would it Take?" is a heartfelt and straightforward song that expresses the willingness to do whatever it takes to earn someone's love. It highlights the complexities of love and the uncertainties of conquering someone's heart.
Line by Line Meaning
What would it take
What actions or gestures do I need to perform to gain your love and affection?
To make you love me?
What specific things do I have to do to win your heart and make you fall in love with me?
Would it take flowers
If I give you flowers, specifically red roses from the vine, would that be enough for you to love me?
Red roses from vines
A symbol of my affection and devotion to you in hopes of winning your love.
Would it take diamonds
If I gift you diamonds, would that be enough for you to acknowledge me as your own?
To let you know you're mine
To show you that I am committed to you and you alone.
Well, I'll take you dancing
I will take you on a romantic, enchanting evening of dancing.
And sweep you off your feet
I will do everything in my power to charm and impress you to the point of feeling swept off your feet.
What do you need
What else is required of me to prove that you are the only one for me, and that I am the only one for you?
To know you're the only one, one for me
To solidify and verify that you are the only person I desire and love above all others.
What words can I say?
What words do I need to express my love to you and win your heart?
Tell me, what can I do?
Please let me know what specific actions or gestures I can make to prove my love and affection for you.
Know that I am
Recognize that I am wholly devoted to you and willing to do anything to express my love.
And I'll give it to you
I will give you all that I am and all that I have to prove my unwavering love and commitment.
I could make you smile
I can bring you joy and make you happy.
Give you all your dreams
I will do everything within my power to help you achieve all of your aspirations and desires in life.
And I'd give everything
I am willing to give everything I have to make you feel loved and appreciated.
To make you love me
My goal and desire is to earn your love and affection above everything else in life.
What would it take (could it take)?
Is there anything in particular that would be the catalyst for you to fall in love with me?
And what would it take
What specific actions or gestures are required to earn your love and affection?
Oh, what would it take?
I am desperate to know what actions are required to win your heart and make you love me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AARON RAITIERE, ANDERSON EAST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind