With her classy, refined brand of romantic soul, Anita Baker was one of the definitive quiet storm singers of the '80s. Gifted with a strong, supple alto, Baker was influenced not only by R&B, but jazz, gospel, and traditional pop, which gave her music a distinctly adult sophistication. Smooth and mellow, but hardly lifeless, it made her one of the most popular romantic singers of her time.
Baker was born January 26, 1958, in Toledo, OH, and raised in nearby Detroit, where she grew up listening to female jazz singers like Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, and Ella Fitzgerald. At age 12, she began singing a gospel choir, and by age 16 she was performing with several local bands. In 1975, she successfully auditioned for Chapter 8, one of Detroit's most popular acts at the time; the group eventually signed with Ariola and released an album in 1979, but were immediately dropped when the label was acquired by Arista (which didn't care for Baker's vocals). Chastened, Baker worked low-paying jobs in Detroit and eventually found steady work as a receptionist at a law firm. In 1982, Otis Smith -- an executive who'd worked with Chapter 8 -- contacted Baker about recording for his new label Beverly Glen. Happy with her employment benefits and skittish over the experience with Arista, Baker was reluctant at first, but eventually flew out to the West Coast to record her debut album, The Songstress, in 1983. Though it didn't gain quite enough exposure to become a hit, it did help Baker build a strong fan base through word-of-mouth and she was signed by Elektra in 1985.
Working with producer Michael J. Powell (an old Chapter 8 cohort), Baker released her major-label debut Rapture in 1986. It was a platinum, Grammy winning smash, appealing to both urban and adult contemporary listeners and producing two all-time quiet storm classics in "Caught Up in the Rapture" and "Sweet Love." Baker toured the world in 1987 and her guest appearance on the Winans track "Ain't No Need to Worry" won a Grammy. Her equally stylish follow-up album, Giving You the Best That I Got, appeared in 1988, spawning more staples in the title track and "Just Because." "Giving You the Best That I Got" also won Baker two more Grammys, for Best Female R&B Vocal and Best R&B Song. For her third Elektra album, Baker decided to handle a greater share of the songwriting, hence the title Compositions, which was released in 1990 and featured even stronger jazz inflections than Baker's previous work (not to mention all live instruments).
Following Compositions, Baker took a break from recording and touring; after having her first son in 1993, she returned to the studio to craft Rhythm of Love, which was released in 1994. In the years that followed, Baker was mostly silent, despite her fans' clamoring for a jazz album; instead, she raised her family and became embroiled in contract disputes with Elektra, which eventually led her to move to Atlantic. She began working on a new album in 2000, but had to start over from scratch due to defective recording equipment that made the original tracks unsalvageable. In 2004 it was announced that she had signed with Blue Note and still working on her new album. In the meantime, the Atlantic imprint Rhino released Night of Rapture: Live, a 1987 concert originally available on video. Baker finally returned to the studio in 2003 and issued My Everything, her first album in 10 years. Two years later she released her first holiday album, Christmas Fantasy.
How Does It Feel
Anita Baker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My house is small, and there's only room for one
I know this game darling ' I don't want to play
Why can't I just walk away
Who's got the time, I need my space
Maybe someday in another time and place
Who's got the time, I need my space
Maybe someday in another time and place
But I'm falling anyhow
[Chorus:]
How does it feel? And it feels so fine
How do you know? 'cause I feel something deep down inside
What do you see? I see the light in his eyes
And I know what I know (I know it's clear)
Nobody's got to tell me so
See hearts never lie, the truth is in a sigh
I look in his eyes and I'm on fire
Logic prevail
I don't believe in fairy tales
Lately I find, I'm waiting by the phone
And I don't want to be alone
Feelings won't fade, doesn't matter what I say
Bit I'm falling deeper everyday
Ain't nobody got to tell me so
I know what I know
Ain't nobody got to let me so
I give up, I give in
Touch your body, taste your skin
The answer is the same again and again
How does it feel? And it feels so fine
How do you know? 'cause I feel something deep down inside
What do you see? I see the light in his eyes
And I know what I know (I know it's clear)
Ain't nobody got to tell me so
How does it feel? Said it feels so fine
How do you know? 'Cause I feel something deep down inside
What do you see? I see the light in his eyes
And I know what I know (I know it's clear)
What I know baby, baby
The lyrics of Anita Baker's "How Does It Feel" describe the intense emotions of a person caught up in a confusing and complicated relationship. The song's narrator has had to change their plans and make room in their life for this person, but they know deep down that the relationship isn't healthy. The singer is conflicted about whether to stay or leave, but they can't deny the chemistry and connection they feel with their partner.
The chorus of the song asks several questions that reflect the singer's uncertainty and confusion. The line "How does it feel?" is repeated three times, and each time it is followed by a different question. The first question asks how the singer knows their feelings are real, and the second asks what they see in their partner's eyes. The final question acknowledges that the truth is already clear and doesn't need to be articulated by anyone else.
The song's lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling to make a rational decision about the relationship because their emotions are so intense. They know that they should walk away, but they are so drawn to their partner that they can't resist. Ultimately, the singer admits that they have given up and given in to their feelings, and the song ends on a note of resignation.
Line by Line Meaning
Changed all my plans, look what you've done
My life has taken an unexpected turn due to the actions of the person I am addressing.
My house is small, and there's only room for one
I do not have enough space in my life to accommodate another person.
I know this game darling ' I don't want to play
I recognize the patterns of behavior between us, and I am not interested in participating in them.
Why can't I just walk away
I wish I could end this situation and move on with my life.
Who's got the time, I need my space
I do not have the time or energy to commit to a relationship right now, and I need my personal space.
Maybe someday in another time and place
Perhaps in the future, when circumstances are different, things could work out between us.
Just turn around, I don't need this, not right now
I am not interested in pursuing a relationship at the moment and would prefer if the other person left me alone.
But I'm falling anyhow
Despite my protests, I am still developing feelings for the other person.
How does it feel? And it feels so fine
I am enjoying the rush of emotions and physical sensations associated with falling in love.
How do you know? 'cause I feel something deep down inside
My intuition is telling me that this is the real deal and that I am truly falling in love with this person.
What do you see? I see the light in his eyes
I recognize a genuine affection and attraction between us that is reflected in the other person's eyes.
And I know what I know (I know it's clear)
I am confident in my feelings and do not require validation or confirmation from anyone else.
Nobody's got to tell me so
I do not need anyone else's opinion to know how I feel.
See hearts never lie, the truth is in a sigh
Genuine emotions cannot be faked or hidden, and are often conveyed through a person's body language and expressions.
I look in his eyes and I'm on fire
When I gaze into the other person's eyes, I feel a strong attraction and passion.
Logic prevail
Despite my strong emotions, I am aware that practical considerations must also be taken into account.
I don't believe in fairy tales
I am a realist and do not subscribe to unrealistic romantic ideals or fantasies.
Lately I find, I'm waiting by the phone
I am eagerly anticipating contact from the other person and am eagerly checking my phone for messages from him or her.
And I don't want to be alone
I realize that I want a deeper connection with the other person and do not want to be without him or her.
Feelings won't fade, doesn't matter what I say
Despite my attempts to deny or suppress my feelings, they continue to grow stronger and refuse to go away.
Bit I'm falling deeper everyday
My feelings for the other person are intensifying with each passing day.
I give up, I give in
I surrender to the power of my emotions and decide to let myself fall in love with the other person.
Touch your body, taste your skin
I am physically attracted to the other person and desire a sensual, intimate connection with him or her.
The answer is the same again and again
Despite my reservations and doubts, my heart keeps telling me that I am in love with the other person.
What I know baby, baby
I am deeply and truly in love with the other person, and nobody can convince me otherwise.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANITA BAKER, BARRY JAMES EASTMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lance
I remember dedicating this song to someone with whom I was falling in love. After I was dumped I put this song away since it hurt listening to it. Now I'm married to someone I can truly dedicate it to.
Golden Graham
The songs too beautiful to put away forever. It’s meant to be celebrated. Congratulations on your family❤
deborahzink
Happen to me too.just haven't found that new husband yet
Darlene J. Perry
@deborahzink Your husband will find you. Hang in there!
Everton .F. Mitchell
I will never get bored listening to this beautiful lady. She has the "golden touch" in her voice. You are put in a different kind of mood listening to her.
Abdul Hadi Askari
Simply one of the greatest female vocalists of all time.
Brian Crockett
Damn she just hits the spot every time she sings about Life, Love and Relationships. Keep singing Anita. Lead Us into LOVE
Abdul Hadi Askari
The greatest female soul & soft jazz vocalist ever
Tracy D
Every note she sings has such feeling and soul.
Frank Paya
I Really like her style, I always have.