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.
Hey You
Angel Grant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Your walk, your talk, even your smile
Keepin' my attention focused just on you
I wonder if you're here alone
Or if you have a girl at home
Tell me I just wanna know
Then you turned around
And gestured to your boys
So I said
Hey you, hey you, hey you
I don't know your name
But I'd really like to know
Hey you, hey you, hey you
I don't know your name
But wouldn't you like to go
Somewhere to grab a bite to eat
So we can talk in privacy
And learn a bit about your personality
The huntress captured by the game
Cause my intentions weren't the same
No I'm not tryin' to take you home
So as you walk out
Say your name again
It's so hard to pronounce
So I said
Hey you, hey you, hey you
I don't know your name
But I'd really like to know
Hey you, hey you, hey you
I don't know your name
But wouldn't you like to go
Out to see a movie
I think that that would be real groovy
I know I'm sounding kinda loony
Cause that's what I like
Cause I like people watchin'
Here I go again
I see something I like
So I say
Hey you, hey you, hey you
I don't know your name
But I'd really like to know
Hey you, hey you, hey you
I don't know your name
But wouldn't you like to go
In Angel Grant's song Hey You, the lyrics describe the singer's attraction towards someone she has been watching for a while. She is intrigued by his every move, from the way he walks to his smile, and her attention is solely focused on him. She wonders if he is alone or if he has a significant other. When he turns around and gestures to his friends, the singer takes it as a sign he is about to leave, so she approaches him and asks for his name. She wants to get to know him better and suggests they go somewhere private to talk and learn about his personality.
This song is about the thrill of liking someone and trying to make a connection. The singer is confident and courageous when approaching her crush, and her intentions are clear from the start. She is not looking for a one-night stand but a genuine chance to get to know the other person better.
Overall, Angel Grant's Hey You is a sweet love song that describes the courage and thrill of pursuing someone you are attracted to. The lyrics are playful and casual, and the melody uplifts the listener's mood, making it a perfect song to sing along to.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been watchin' you a while
I have been observing your every move for some time now
Your walk, your talk, even your smile
I notice and am intrigued by the way you move, speak, and express yourself
Keepin' my attention focused just on you
I am fully invested in paying attention only to you
I wonder if you're here alone
I am curious if you are here by yourself
Or if you have a girl at home
I am wondering if you are in a relationship
Tell me I just wanna know
Please tell me, I am simply curious
Then you turned around
You finally faced in my direction
And gestured to your boys
You ushered attention to your group of friends
Like you were rollin' out
It appeared as though you and your friends were leaving
So I said Hey you, hey you, hey you
I attempted to grab your attention with a casual greeting
I don't know your name
I am not aware of your given name
But I'd really like to know
I am genuinely interested in finding out your name
Hey you, hey you, hey you
Continuing my effort to grab your attention with a friendly greeting
Wouldn't you like to go
Are you interested in accompanying me?
Somewhere to grab a bite to eat
I suggest we go somewhere to eat
So we can talk in privacy
I suggest a quiet place to converse
And learn a bit about your personality
I desire to know more about who you are as a person
The huntress captured by the game
Despite my initial intentions, I am now the one who is pursuing you
Cause my intentions weren't the same
I confess that my initial motives were not as pure
No I'm not tryin' to take you home
I am not interested in a physical relationship with you
So as you walk out
As you prepare to leave
Say your name again
Please remind me of your name
It's so hard to pronounce
Your name is difficult to articulate
Out to see a movie
I suggest we go watch a film together
I think that that would be real groovy
I believe it would be a cool experience
I know I'm sounding kinda loony
I am aware that I might be coming across as crazy
Cause that's what I like
Going to the cinema is one of my preferred activities
Cause I like people watchin'
I enjoy observing other moviegoers
Here I go again
I am making another attempt to talk to you
I see something I like
I have noticed something about you that I appreciate
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PAUL LESTER WRIGHT, N WRITER UNKNOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
TaurusCurrie
This was such an underrated song and CD!