In ATHENA's world, there's no more brooding over lost loves, working through dramatic break-ups or letting relationship woes get you down. Instead, through the lyrics that comprise her stunningly infectious debut disc, ATHENA chooses to put a more optimistic spin on matters of the heart. "I'd like people to know through my music that relationships that don't work, don't necessarily have to be negative," she conveys. "You can take something positive from every experience and move forth. You can always use the lesson for your next experience, so that you don't make the same mistake." Drawing on both personal experiences and those of people around her, ATHENA takes a detour from the sassy, attitude-laced "battle of the sexes" message that has been prominent in recent Pop/R&B sounds, opting instead to co-write songs for her solo debut that tell "positive stories."
Asked why she chose the title The Art of A Woman, ATHENA responded, "Music is art. Just as a painter uses his brush to paint pictures, a singer uses her voice to sing songs. So I look at each of my songs as a painting. The songs on my CD represent a collection of my art, thus, The Art of A Woman. I don't know what the critics will say, because my art, if you will, represents a diversity of genres. Some may say it's risky. But I trust music lovers and hope there's something for everyone."
What you hear from ATHENA on The Art Of A Woman has an ultimately refreshing tone. Unlike your run of the mill Pop/R&B diva, ATHENA was intimately involved both in the songwriting and recording process, having co-wrote and co-produced nearly every song on the album, including the first single "Hey Hey," a funky club jam on which she shares a writing and production credit. "I'm also very proud of the fact that most of the album was recorded with live instruments," explains Athena. "Live strings, horns, guitars, piano and percussion. You won't find a single sample on the entire album."
With production by such sonic superstars as Rodney Jerkins, with whom she co-wrote the confident and empowering "All I Need Is Me," a track Jerkins produced with a brand new twist on his million dollar sound, Damon Elliot (Destiny's Child) and Steve Rhythm (Pink), ATHENA presents herself as that modern-day young woman who wants the truth -- no matter how much it initially hurts.
On the lush, easy-paced track "Let Me Know," as her sugar-kissed, multi-layered vocals assure, "I'll be fine all by myself/It won't be hard to find someone else." Continuing the legacy of women demanding their props, her sexy, yet assertive "Respect" can't help but seep into your subconscious with its steady-driving, mid-tempo rhythm, while even a bit of hip-hop makes the mix amidst the slick 'n' shifty glide of "Make You Really Wanna."
Yet you'll find her approach to more delicate material just as enthralling. While ATHENA feels that the very personal "Dream Lover" is "just absolutely beautiful," her on-point sense of melody propels the smooth-groovin', Pop/R&B beat balladry of "Take It Out On Me." In a more soul-baring mode, she turns in the nearly angelic, honey-coated profession of love with "You," while "Until You Come Back To Me," with its live string arrangement, and one of ATHENA's favorites, lays it all on the line in the most tender of ways.
ATHENA also found time in between writing and recording her solo debut to record the pivotal track for Paramount Pictures/MTV Films #1 release "Save The Last Dance." Entitled "All or Nothing (Live Your Dreams)," the song is a catchy, up-tempo number included on the movie's accompanying soundtrack. The hugely successful soundtrack is the third consecutive platinum album on which ATHENA has appeared. Her previous two were with her frequent collaborator, Keith Sweat.
Given her track record, it's no small wonder how she managed such a way with a song. For as far back as she can recall, her Kentucky upbringing was filled with a variety of influences, listening to everything from Shirley Caesar, The Winans and Whitney Houston to Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and even Shania Twain. "I just got into listening to everything," she fondly recollects. "Ever since I can recall, I knew that this was the business for me; I just wanted to be a singer as far back as like eight or nine years-old. I remember barricading myself in my room, just listening to the radio all day long. It was in my blood; I just knew from the beginning -- without a doubt -- that this is what I wanted to do."
Though she'd always envisioned herself as a solo singer, steadfast determination found her signed to platinum-selling r&b singer Keith Sweat's Elektra-distributed Keia Records, as a member of girl group Kut Klose. "Kut Klose allowed me to get my feet wet, and see what this business is like," is how she sums the group experience. Though they created quite a buzz with their Surrender LP and "I Like" single, ATHENA would enjoy even greater chart success and notoriety with "Get Up On It" and the unforgettable "Nobody," her Number One, multi-platinum, hit duet with Keith Sweat. In 1998, ATHENA was honored with the prestigious BMI pop Song of the Year award for co-writing "Twisted" with Keith Sweat. "Twisted" was one of the most successful singles of the previous year. The resulting momentum created by her chart success would find her spending nearly two years on the road, touring non-stop.
Resisting the big-city lure of music industry capitals like New York and Los Angeles, ATHENA decided to return to her native Kentucky, where she spends much of her free time writing songs. "This is the part of the country that was basically forgotten in terms of music," ATHENA says. "You think of New York, L.A. and Atlanta, but no one really thinks about what kind of talent is in Kentucky. So, I wanted to come back and base my music companies here in Bowling Green to take advantage of the wealth of musical talent in the area. Another reason is that I enjoy the peacefulness and being around my family. To me, these are the things that keep you grounded. Plus, when I'm home, I'm a bit more introspective. I really dig deep into myself and come up with song ideas." Thus, while she concentrated on the creative, her management team took care of handling the business end. "I knew I wanted to make the transition into being a solo artist," confides ATHENA, "so my management was negotiating with a few companies."
As the old adage goes, "For those who wait, good things do come." For ATHENA, that "good thing" would be a solo recording contract with Priority Records, that "right situation" she'd held out for. For lovers of fresh-feeling contemporary pop and r&b music for the new millennium, that "good thing" comes in the form of The Art Of A Woman. Ecstatic over the prospects of her long-anticipated solo career, ATHENA enthuses, "I just wanted my debut album to be all me, and basically, I've achieved that. In my estimation, we've got a lot of great songs. I'm very excited over how things are going. You could say I'm positive and upbeat about life, the long and short of it."
Let Me Know
Athena Cage Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it can?t just be me leave me alone
I?ll be fine all by myself
It won?t be hard to find someone else boy
Different day, but same story
Told me that you?ll be here by noon
So we can spend some time together
Pull up, hours gone by where are you
Don?t let your friends get you caught up
1 - Probably getting in trouble with the boys
Probably flirting with a shorty at the mall
Probably macking at every girl you see
Tell me what?s up cause this aint me
Probably cruising down the boulevard
Trying to show off your pretty car
With the rims spinning shining bright
Get it together this aint right
2 - Let me know when I?ll be gone
If it can?t just be me leave me alone
I?ll be fine all by myself
It won?t be hard to find someone else
So let me know when I?ll be gone
If it can?t just be me leave me alone
I?ll be fine all by myself
It won?t be hard to find someone else boy
If you don?t wanna be with me
No need to lie boy just tell the truth
If you got somewhere else to be
I know you seen my number on your pager
Don?t ignore it, that?s how you do
And you gon end up alone
- 1
- 2
If you don?t wanna do me right
Just leave me alone
If you don?t wanna show me love
Just let me be
I won?t let you play with my heart
That?s for sure
So be careful, betta be careful boy
- 2 (till fade)
The lyrics of Athena Cage's song Let Me Know depict a woman's frustration with her partner's lack of communication and unreliability. The song opens with the woman asking her partner to inform her when he plans to leave their relationship so that she can move on with her life. She expresses her willingness to be alone instead of being with someone who is not fully committed to her.
The second verse of the song talks about the woman's partner constantly making promises to spend time with her but failing to follow through. He gets caught up with his friends and other distractions, leaving the woman waiting for him for hours. The woman questions his actions, suspecting that he may be flirting with other women, cruising around in his car, and showing off to impress others. She demands that he gets his priorities straight and treat her with respect if he really wants to be with her.
Overall, the song is about self-respect and the need for open and honest communication in any relationship. It highlights the importance of setting boundaries and not allowing anyone to play with your heart or take you for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me know when I’ll be gone
Inform me when you plan on leaving
If it can’t just be me leave me alone
I don't want to be with you if you're not fully committed to me
I’ll be fine all by myself
I don't need you to be happy
It won’t be hard to find someone else boy
I will have no trouble finding another partner if you leave
Different day, but same story
This is a recurring problem
Told me that you’ll be here by noon
You promised to be here at a specific time
So we can spend some time together
We were supposed to hang out
Waiting to see your face
I am eagerly anticipating your arrival
Pull up, hours gone by where are you
You didn't show up, and many hours have passed
Don’t let your friends get you caught up
Don't let your friends distract you from our plans
Probably getting in trouble with the boys
You might be engaging in questionable behavior with your friends
Probably flirting with a shorty at the mall
You may be flirting with another person at the mall
Probably macking at every girl you see
You could be hitting on every girl you come across
Tell me what’s up cause this ain’t me
Let me know what's going on because this behavior is not what I expect from you
Probably cruising down the boulevard
You could be joyriding around town
Trying to show off your pretty car
You might be showing off your car to impress others
With the rims spinning shining bright
Your car's rims are spinning and reflecting light
Get it together this ain’t right
You need to fix your behavior because it's not acceptable
If you don’t wanna be with me
If you're not interested in being my partner
No need to lie boy just tell the truth
Just be honest about your feelings
If you got somewhere else to be
If you have other plans
I know you seen my number on your pager
You've seen my message on your pager
Don’t ignore it, that’s how you do
Don't ignore my message, as you've done before
And you gon end up alone
Your actions may lead to you being alone
If you don’t wanna do me right
If you don't want to treat me properly
Just leave me alone
I don't want you to be around me
If you don’t wanna show me love
If you are not capable of expressing affection for me
Just let me be
Let me live my life without your presence
I won’t let you play with my heart
I won't allow you to toy with my emotions
That’s for sure
That's a guarantee
So be careful, betta be careful boy
Be cautious because you may end up losing me
Contributed by Nolan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jarvis Frederick
One of the most beautiful voices ever
Deals Factory
Athena deserves more recognition.