Shelter
Brand New Heavies Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was born in the city
There's no flies on me
Life can't deliver
No surprise to me
Got a head full of trouble
The world's weight on my back
I'm a fighter
I survive like that

I'm a modern enigma
I am living proof
Cold eyes speaking volumes
Of my troubled youth
I believe in the future
>From mistakes I have grown
Leaving the shadows
Which were once my home

Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need your light to bring me closer
To your shelter

Been so long in the bitter
City air I breath
Seen a million believers
Cry in disbelief
I won't give in to the pressure
Keep my spirit intact
'Cause I know when I need you
You will watch my back

CHORUS:
Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need light to bring me closer
To your shelter
Need your hand to help me over
Need your shoulder
Need your light to bring me closer
To your shelter

They can't take you away from me
When they try it only makes me stronger
Through the dark it's your light I see
Helping to show me the way

Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter





Repeat Chorus Once

Overall Meaning

The song "Shelter" by Brand New Heavies is an uplifting track that talks about overcoming obstacles and finding solace in someone's shelter. The lyrics begin with the singer acknowledging their upbringing and tough experiences, stating that they are a "fighter" who can survive anything. They describe themselves as a "modern enigma" with cold eyes that reveal their troubled past. But despite this, they believe in the future and have grown from their mistakes. They seek comfort and safety in someone else's shelter and need their hand, shoulder and light to bring them closer.


The chorus repeats this sentiment and emphasizes the importance of finding refuge in someone else's support. The final lines of the song express the singer's gratitude, as they feel secure knowing they will be safe in their shelter. The song's message is inspirational and encourages listeners to seek comfort and support when they need it.


Line by Line Meaning

I was born in the city
I come from the city and its ways have shaped me


There's no flies on me
I'm not naive and have been through life's trials


Life can't deliver
I've faced many disappointments in life


No surprise to me
I'm not shocked by anything anymore


Got a head full of trouble
I carry a lot of problems and worries in my mind


The world's weight on my back
I feel burdened by the expectations and challenges of society


I'm a fighter
I'm resilient and won't give up easily


I survive like that
That is how I keep going in life


I'm a modern enigma
I am a complex and mysterious figure in contemporary society


I am living proof
My life is evidence of certain truths


Cold eyes speaking volumes
My unemotional gaze reveals a lot about my past and present


Of my troubled youth
My difficult upbringing has left its mark on me


I believe in the future
Despite everything, I have faith that things will get better


From mistakes I have grown
I have learned and developed from my errors


Leaving the shadows
I'm moving away from my dark past and seeking a better life


Which were once my home
I used to live in a place of pain and despair


Need your hand to help me over
I need your physical support to overcome my struggles


Need your shoulder
I need your figurative support and comfort to make it through tough times


Need your light to bring me closer
I need your guidance to reach a better place in life


To your shelter
I need your protection and security


Been so long in the bitter
I've endured a long time in a harsh and unforgiving environment


City air I breathe
The polluted city atmosphere has been a constant presence in my life


Seen a million believers
I've witnessed many hopeful people lose faith in their dreams


Cry in disbelief
Their disappointment has led them to despair and tears


I won't give in to the pressure
I won't succumb to the stress and demands of life


Keep my spirit intact
I will maintain my inner strength and positivity


Cause I know when I need you
I have faith that you'll be there for me when I need you


You will watch my back
You will support, protect, and defend me


They can't take you away from me
No one can separate us or break our bond


When they try it only makes me stronger
Attempts to harm or separate us only make me more resilient


Through the dark it's your light I see
Your guidance is what helps me find my way through difficult times


Helping to show me the way
You're an important guide and mentor to me


Knowing I'll be safe in your shelter
I trust in your protection and care, and feel secure with you


Repeat Chorus Once
Repeating the chorus to emphasize the importance of the message




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAN KINCAID

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@piper-ct2vy

Jan Kincaid love this still groovin in 2023

@wiwilson1961

most under rated group of all time

@StingahL

Truth^^^

@mhsilver1000

It's a pity!

@tywilliamnash5078

… …That’s Right …. You Tell ‘Em!!

@tywilliamnash5078

I bought this CD Album soon after it came out , when a good friend turned me on to it. I don’t know where it or any of my music collection went after three apartment moves later. I’m glad I stumbled across this on YouTube browsing just now. It’ll remind me to get another copy.

@chrisodriscoll3077

Underrated by who ? Anyone who knows anything about music knows Brand New Heavies are 100% legit .

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@behindbarsmototouring898

One of theme songs of my life...and still listening in 2023

@Fatima502

For me, this defined my summer of 1997. In the past 24 years, I forgot how good it was.

@funkwiccas7860

I mean ... still hits hard this baseline ... thank you for amazing music BNH. Forever a fan 🙏🏾

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