Her debut album, Cheers to the Fall, was released on August 28, 2015. The album was produced by Adrian Gurvitz and Raphael Saadiq.
She was also featured in Rolling Stone's "10 New Artists You Need to Know" for July 2015. NPR's Katie Presley has praised her singing by saying it has "Eartha Kitt's unflappable confidence, Amy Winehouse's effortless grasp of classic jazz, Billie Holiday's access to raw emotion and Adele's range and pop sensibility."
On December 7, 2015 Day received two nominations at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards including Best R&B Performance for "Rise Up" and Best R&B Album for "Cheers to the Fall".
Gin & Juice
Andra Day Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want some gin and juice
A little gift for myself that I bought
For years of scraping behind you
It wasn't so bad though
You know I can say I learned a lot
Maybe better me than you though
But still why did I get caught
Don't hold my hand boy
Don't hold my hand
Let go my hand boy
Let it go, let it go, let it go
Don't hold my hand
In my ear I, I hear you whisper low
(Let it go, let it go)
Trying your best to excite me
(Move along, move along)
'Cause you know you must leave me
More than one or two fiery nights, we broke out
How many times I end up on
On the pavement
But now I'm, I'm crying out
Don't hold my hand boy
Don't hold my hand
Let go my hand boy
Don't hold my hand
The lyrics in Andra Day's song Gin & Juice are a reflection of someone who has had a tumultuous relationship with another person. The opening line "Just me and my thoughts" suggests that the singer is feeling isolated and introspective. They want to drink "gin and juice", which is a classic drink associated with partying and socializing. However, the singer indicates that this is a "little gift" for themselves, which they have bought due to "years of scraping behind you" - implying that they have been through a lot of hardship as a result of this relationship.
The singer then notes that "It wasn't so bad though", and they "can say [they] learned a lot". There is a hint of ambivalence here, as they are both acknowledging the difficulties they faced while also recognizing that they have grown as a result. They then ask the question "Maybe better me than you though / But still why did I get caught", which suggests that they might be feeling some resentment towards their former partner, but they are also reflecting on their own role in the situation.
The chorus of the song is a plea to the former partner to "Let go my hand", and to stop trying to hold onto the relationship. The lines "Trying your best to excite me / 'Cause you know you must leave me" imply that the partner is aware that the relationship is over, but is trying to cling onto it nonetheless. The repeated "Let it go, let it go, let it go" is a refrain that emphasizes the importance of moving on.
Overall, Gin & Juice is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of a difficult relationship, and the importance of letting go and moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
Just me and my thoughts
Alone with my inner voice and mind, reflecting on my life
I want some gin and juice
I desire an alcoholic drink to indulge myself and relax
A little gift for myself that I bought
I purchased this drink as a reward for myself
For years of scraping behind you
I have spent years following or staying behind someone else, but now I am treating myself
It wasn't so bad though
Reflecting on the past, I realize that it wasn't a terrible experience
You know I can say I learned a lot
I have gained knowledge and wisdom from the experiences I have had
Maybe better me than you though
I acknowledge that it is better for me to have learned these lessons than the person I was following
But still why did I get caught
I am questioning why I was the one who was caught or exposed in this situation
Don't hold my hand boy
I don't want your support or comfort, I can handle things on my own
Let go my hand boy
Release your grip on me and let me be independent
Let it go, let it go, let it go
I am telling you to let go and stop trying to control me
In my ear I, I hear you whisper low
I can hear your voice speaking softly to me
(Let it go, let it go)
You are urging me to let go of something, but I am not sure what
Trying your best to excite me
You are attempting to stimulate or impress me in some way
(Move along, move along)
You are encouraging me to keep going and not get stuck in one place
'Cause you know you must leave me
You are aware that you cannot stay with me indefinitely
More than one or two fiery nights, we broke out
We have had more than just a couple of passionate or intense experiences together
How many times I end up on
I have fallen or ended up on the ground many times
On the pavement
Specifically, I have landed on the hard ground or concrete
But now I'm, I'm crying out
I am expressing my inner emotions and feelings more openly
Don't hold my hand boy
Once again, I do not want your support or help
Let go my hand boy
I need you to release me and let me be independent
Don't hold my hand
Overall, I am asserting my own agency and independence, and do not want to be held back by anyone
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Cassandra Monique Batie, Raphael Saadiq
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
barry rodgers
This is what i look for in my artist , she smooth she got emotion Its relaxing to just sit an close your eyes an just listen too .
natyboops
Billie's gone. But the blues are alive and well. We have Andra Day.
SapphireStarlite
Funny you mention them together...
Patryck Nakama
am I the only that sometimes hear Amy wine house. they obviously are inspired by similar genres and artists.
Lynn Nicholas
Amy Winehouse, Beth Hart and Etta James.
Joel McCall
no she sounds like a carbon copy and that no insult it a very high compliment..
Regina Anderson
I can tell she is going to be one of my fav's. Her sound grabbed my attention from the door like "where have you been"?
Tamika Green
Yaas that old school real music
Gemini Hershey Vibes
This song is a juke joint, in itself. I feel like I’m sitting at a bar with Bubba and Earl, taking shots, while telling them how Norma Jean don’t appreciate me. 🥃
NellyBelle
One of my faves!!!!!! Sang girl!!!