Born Angela Grant on November 24th into a family of five, singer Angel Grant sang in the church choir and school while growing up in Columbus, GA. Her demo tape found its way to mega-producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Grant signed with the duo's Flyte Tyme Records in 1997. Her first single, "Lil' Red Boat," was released in May 1998.
Her debut CD Album was released on July 2, 1998, as the first release from Flyte Tyme Records distributed through Uptown/Universal. With contributions from frequent Jam & Lewis collaborator Big Jim Wright, Alex Richbourg ,bassist Paul Johnson, and Stevie Wonder, Album is an exceptional debut for both Grant and Jam & Lewis' label. Album is refreshingly retro and eclectic and allows the singer to exhibit her personality; Grant co-wrote all the songs with the producers and Wright. At times, Grant sounds like Janet Jackson, who was formerly produced by Jam and Lewis, and like Jackson's Control, Album can be played all the way through. The CD's overall sound could be described as organic because the tracks flow into each other, both literally (there are no audio gaps) and musically.
Besides Jam & Lewis' trademark strong melodies, Album has positive and playful lyrics: "The lights are on but there's nobody home/He's dumb, but he's cute/He's dumb, but he's so cute" from "Knockin'." All involved seemed to want to record an album as opposed to a collection of singles. Standout tracks are "Lil' Red Boat," the album opener "Hey You," the lilting slow jam "Kisses Luv Lips" (reminiscent of Patrice Rushen and Roy Ayers), the introspective "Illusions" and "Deeper," the rock guitar-laced self-reliance anthem "Anyway" ("Mama told me never to give a man more respect than I give to myself/and if I hang with losers I'll never win"), the tentative "Well, Okay, I'll Say It (I'm 'N Luv With U)" (featuring the wistful harmonica of Stevie Wonder) ,the sweetly romantic "Whenever You Cry," "Live Your Life," and the strings-drenched ballad "I Love You."
In winter 1999, "Lil' Red Boat" (the "Big Jim Mix") from the 12" version became a favorite with the steppers crowd in Chicago and other markets. Residing in Minnesota, Grant is no longer signed to Flyte Tyme but still is pursuing a career in the arts.
Deeper
Angel Grant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Daydreamin′ about the city life
Fast cars nice clothes
But no cash to pay the cab fair
She realizes that she's out of money
And those who were down
They think it′s really damn funny
Well they say
We need to get
Deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
Deeper, deeper, deeper, deeper
Standin′ in a cafe line
As a woman with child watches for
Any food to fall from a tray
But don′t laugh it could be you by the end of the day
But I don't think ya heard me
Stand fast be strong you′ll live long
You can't go wrong
Cause were all God′s children
And we need to get deeper
You know you gotta be strong
To find your way back home
With God you can't go wrong
So let′s get deeper
We need to get deeper
Lalalalalala
Let's get deeper
Lalalalalala
Let's get deeper
Lalalalalala
Let′s get deeper
Need to get deeper
Stop pointing fingers
We need to get deeper
True to ourselves
(Spoken)
Get involved, Get deeper
The lyrics of Angel Grant's song "Deeper" convey a message about the need to go beyond surface appearances and connect on a deeper level with others. The singer starts by sitting on her porch, daydreaming about the luxuries of city life such as fast cars and nice clothes. However, she realizes that she doesn't have the money for a cab fare and is mocked by those who were previously in a similar situation. This highlights the superficiality and judgment that can exist in society.
The narrative then shifts to a scene in a café where a woman with a child anxiously waits for any food to fall from a tray. The singer reminds the listeners that this could happen to anyone, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. The overall message encourages people to stand strong, be compassionate, and recognize that we are all God's children. Through these actions, we can find our way back home and live a fulfilling life.
Overall, "Deeper" urges listeners to look beyond material possessions, social status, and stereotypes. It encourages people to connect with others on a deeper level, embrace their true selves, and foster genuine empathy. By getting involved and going beyond surface-level interactions, we can create a more compassionate world.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting on my porch I watch the cars go by
Observing the passing cars from her porch, she contemplates the hustle and bustle of city life.
Daydreamin′ about the city life
Lost in her thoughts, she fantasizes about the glamorous lifestyle offered by the city.
Fast cars nice clothes
The allure of luxurious cars and fashionable attire.
But no cash to pay the cab fair
Unfortunately, she lacks the money to afford a taxi ride.
She realizes that she's out of money
Coming to the realization that she has no funds available.
And those who were down
Referring to those who have faced hardship or adversity.
They think it′s really damn funny
Others find amusement in her current financial predicament.
Well they say
Critics or judgmental individuals express their opinions.
That's what she get's for being phony
Implying that her financial struggle is a consequence of pretending to be someone she's not.
Standin′ in a cafe line
Waiting in a queue at a cafe.
As a woman with child watches for
Meanwhile, a mother with her child hopes to catch any leftover food.
Any food to fall from a tray
She eagerly anticipates any tray accident that may provide her with a meal.
But don′t laugh it could be you by the end of the day
A warning against mockery, as anyone may face similar circumstances at any given moment.
But I don't think ya heard me
Expressing doubt towards others fully comprehending her message.
Stand fast be strong you′ll live long
Encouragement to remain steadfast and resilient for a prosperous and prolonged life.
You can't go wrong
Assurance that with the right mindset, one cannot make detrimental choices.
Cause were all God′s children
Highlighting the unity and shared divine nature of humanity.
And we need to get deeper
There is a collective need to delve into profound matters and introspection.
You know you gotta be strong
Recognizing the importance of strength and resilience in navigating life's challenges.
To find your way back home
Overcoming obstacles to rediscover a sense of belonging and purpose.
With God you can't go wrong
Having faith in God will guide one towards the right path and choices.
So let′s get deeper
Calling for a collective introspection and exploration of profound truths.
Need to get deeper
Emphasizing the necessity for deeper understanding and self-reflection.
Stop pointing fingers
Advocating for an end to blaming others for one's own circumstances.
We need to get deeper
Reiterating the importance of delving into profound matters.
True to ourselves
Encouraging authenticity and staying true to one's own identity and values.
Get involved, Get deeper
Urging individuals to actively engage and explore in order to gain profound insights.
Writer(s): James Wright, Terry Lewis, James Harris, Angela Grant
Contributed by Alex V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.