The Art Ensemble embodied the AACM motto "Great Black Music, Ancient to the Future" with their use of costumes and face paint in performance plus the adventurous improvisation, the use of folk music and instruments, swing, and a variety of musical expression that made them hard to pin down to a specific genre.
The listener is engaged by the Ensemble's multi-instrumentalism, especially the use of what they term "little instruments" in addition to the traditional jazz lineup; "little instruments" can include bicycle horns, bells, birthday party noisemakers, wind chimes, and a vast array of percussion instruments (including found objects). These two characteristics combine to make the ensemble's performances as much a visual spectacle as an aural one, with each musician playing from behind a large array of drums, bells and other instruments.
The newest additions to the Art Ensemble are Corey Wilkes on trumpet and Jaribu Shahid on bass. The group is clear in saying that the two are in no way meant to replace the late Lester Bowie or Malachi Favors, but that they felt that the sounds, voices, timbres and rhythms of these two are consonant with the overall inegrity of the Art Ensemble.
Joseph Jarman died on January 9, 2019.
Nonaah
Art Ensemble of Chicago Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can we take it to the next level, baby, do you dare?
Don't be scared
'Cause if you can say the words, I don't know why I should care
'Cause here I am, I'm givin' all I can
But all you ever do is mess it up
Yeah, I'm right here, I'm tryin' to make it clear
I'm not going to wait until you're done
Pretending you don't need anyone
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I'm not gonna try 'til you decide
You're ready to swallow all your pride
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
Hey, get out
I've got nothin' left to give for you give me nothin' now
Read my mouth
If you ever want me back, then your walls need breakin' down
'Cause here I am, I'm givin' all I can
But all you ever do is mess it up (all you ever do is mess it up)
Yeah, I'm right here, I'm tryin' to make it clear
getting half of you just ain't enough
I'm not going to wait until you're done
Pretending you don't need anyone
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I'm not gonna try 'til you decide
You're ready to swallow all your pride
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I wanna give you everything
I wanna give you everything
I wanna give you everything
I wanna give you everything
I'm not going to wait until you're done
'Cause you pretended you don't need anyone
'Cause you see that I'm naked (naked, naked)
Oh, you see that I'm naked (naked, naked)
I'm not going to try 'til you decide
You're ready to swallow all your pride
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
I'm standing here naked (I'm standing) (naked, naked)
I'm standing
I'm standing here
The lyrics to the song "Standing Here Naked" by Pop artist Shawn Desman express the frustration and vulnerability that can come with being in a one-sided relationship. The singer is tired of giving their all to someone who doesn't reciprocate, and they're at the point where they're standing naked, both literally and metaphorically, with nothing left to give. They're asking their partner to meet them on a deeper level, to break down their walls and be vulnerable, but they're not going to wait around for them to do so.
The chorus is particularly powerful, with the repetition of "I'm standing here naked" emphasizing the nakedness both physically and emotionally. The lyrics also touch on the theme of pride, with the singer stating that they're not going to try until their partner is ready to swallow their pride and meet them halfway.
Overall, "Standing Here Naked" is a relatable and emotional exploration of the difficulties that can come with trying to connect with someone who isn't willing or able to reciprocate.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, you there
Addressing the person, the singer tries to initiate a conversation.
Can we take it to the next level, baby, do you dare?
Asking the person if they are willing to take their relationship to the next level.
Don't be scared
Assuring the person that there is nothing to be afraid of.
'Cause if you can say the words, I don't know why I should care
If the person is willing to express their feelings, the artist will listen, but if not, the artist won't bother.
'Cause here I am, I'm givin' all I can
The artist is giving their all to the person they care for.
But all you ever do is mess it up
The person keeps messing up their relationship despite their efforts.
Yeah, I'm right here, I'm tryin' to make it clear
The singer is making it clear that they want more from the person.
That getting half of you just ain't enough
The artist wants the person's full commitment and affection, not just half-hearted efforts.
I'm not going to wait until you're done
The artist won't wait for the person's indecision or games.
Pretending you don't need anyone
The person pretends that they are self-sufficient and don't need anyone.
I'm standing here naked (naked, naked)
The singer is opening up and showing their vulnerability.
Hey, get out
The artist is fed up with the person's lack of effort.
I've got nothin' left to give for you give me nothin' now
The singer has no more to give if the person won't reciprocate.
Read my mouth
The person needs to see and understand the singer's frustration and willingness to leave.
If you ever want me back, then your walls need breakin' down
The singer wants the person to open up emotionally and be vulnerable with them like the singer has been.
I wanna give you everything
The artist wants to give their all to the person they love.
I'm not going to wait until you're done
The artist won't wait for the person's indecision or games.
'Cause you pretended you don't need anyone
The person pretends that they are self-sufficient and don't need anyone.
Oh, you see that I'm naked (naked, naked)
The person can see that the singer is opening up and showing their vulnerability.
I'm standing
The artist is standing their ground and not backing down.
I'm standing here
The artist is present and not hiding their true feelings.
Contributed by David N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Osvaldo Emarques
Hello Johnny Staccata.
Eu tenho esta gravação da qual
você tirou o Noonah para upload.
Excelente ! O Art Ensemble of
Chicago at his best. O grande
pianista Muhal Richard Abrahams é um convidado ilustre. Many thanks.