1) An Englis… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least four artists referred to as "Black":
1) An English singer-songwriter.
2) A Bangladeshi rock band.
3) A Malaysian singer-actor.
4) A hip-hop artist from New York.
1) Black is the name by which Liverpool born singer/songwriter Colin Vearncombe (26/5/1962 - 26/1/2016) identified himself through his music career. Dave Dix was also a member of the band from 1981 to 1988.
His fist gig was New Year’s Day, 1982 and his debut single 'Human Features' was released the same year. An erratic few years followed and he signed for WEA records in 1984, but the relationship was not fruitful and Vearncombe was dropped during the promotion period for the single ‘More Than The Sun.’
Black had two top-ten hits in the UK in 1987: 'Sweetest Smile' and 'Wonderful Life'. The album of this name reached no. 3 in the UK album chart, but following albums and singles did not enjoy similar commercial success. He was able to continue recording music, releasing 14 albums over the course of his life. His latest, ‘Blind Faith’, was released in 2015.
Vearncombe died in Cork, Ireland, on January 26, 2016, after suffering from head injuries in a car accident.
2) Black is a band from Bangladesh. Black is mainly an alternative band who sings in Bangla, the language of Bangladesh. The band formed in 1998 with four members - John, Tony, Asif, Spondon. Later the band line-up changed as Miraz and Tahsan joined the band in 2000 and Spondon and Asif left the band. Their first song was released in an underground mixed album "Charpotro", their first solo album Amar Prithibi was released in 2002 which is still a big hit. Their second album Utshober Por got released in 2003. Both albums were released from the label G-Series. Though their released music now defines them, and that has been a plethora of styles present in them from nu metal to emo like alternative, they had before that time performed in a lot of underground metal concerts covering the likes of Pantera. They are pretty known for their innovative stances on music and performance.
3) Hanifah bin Md Hanafiah , rather known mononymously by his stage name Black, is a Malaysian singer and actor who rose to fame after winning the third season of the local reality show Mentor. At the time, Black was the protege of renowned Malaysian singer Mas Idayu.
4) black is an artist and rapper from New York who released his debut album JAZZ FOR JESUS on September 17, 2021. His latest project In All Its Messiness, released September 6, 2022, is an EP containing barely mixed and unmastered demos.
Sixteens
Black Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ribbons in hair
searching for answers when
there's none there.
Then follow me round,
up my stair
into my bedroom if
I'm in there.
because it seems the right thing to do.
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You still follow me now,
temptingly fair
finding your answers when
there's none there
Hoping for something
because it seems the right thing to do.
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You know what to do then
(Yeah, yeah, yeah)
---
The lyrics to Black's song Sixteens seem to describe a relationship and the confusion and uncertainty that often comes with it. The first verse talks about someone who used to follow the singer, but now they don't. They were searching for something, but it seems like there were no answers to be found. Then, the singer invites this person up to their bedroom if they are there, possibly as a way to offer comfort or solace. The second verse then switches to having this person still following the singer, even though there are still no answers to be found. They are still hoping for something and seem to be following because it's the "right thing to do." The repeated lines of "You know what to do then" seem to be the singer giving some kind of guidance or advice to this person, though it's unclear exactly what that may be. Overall, the song seems to be about the confusion and uncertainty of a relationship, and possibly offering some kind of guidance or support through it.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't follow me now, ribbons in hair
You used to be enamored with me, but now you've lost interest and moved on.
searching for answers when there's none there.
Despite there being no clear solution, you still seek guidance or direction.
Then follow me round, up my stair into my bedroom if I'm in there.
If I suddenly become interesting again, you'll come running and follow me wherever I go, even if it's into my private space.
Hoping for something because it seems the right thing to do.
You're clinging onto hope even when there's no logical reason to do so.
You still follow me now, temptingly fair
Your attraction to me still remains, despite my lack of interest.
finding your answers when there's none there
You continue to search for a solution or meaning even when there isn't one.
You know what to do then (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You're familiar with this cycle of attraction and disinterest, and know what to do next to try and win me back.
You know what to do then (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You're confident in your approach towards me despite the cycle repeating itself.
You know what to do then (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You've become comfortable with the idea of chasing after me, no matter the outcome.
You know what to do then (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You're willing to take the risk of following your instincts, even if they lead to repeated heartbreak.
You know what to do then (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You're convinced that pursuing me is worth the effort, regardless of the uncertainty involved.
You know what to do then (Yeah, yeah, yeah)
You're determined to keep trying, because you believe there's always a chance I'll reciprocate your feelings.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: COLIN VEARNCOMBE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind