Brenda's greatest success came in 1988 with the release of her third album, "Get Here". It featured the hit singles "Get Here" and "Piano In The Dark". At the 31st Grammy Awards, Brenda was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Female for "Get Here". "Piano In The Dark" was nominated for Song of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (there was a duet? -- duet vocal was by Joe Esposito of Brooklyn Dreams). "Get Here" was later a huge hit covered by Oleta Adams.
Nearly all of her songs were written by herself. Some of her compositions are also performed by others like Roberta Flack, Diana Ross, Patrice Rushen, Patti Austin, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Justin Guarini, and very successfully by the aforementioned Luther Vandross and Oleta Adams.
Russell is also a chief songwriter and lyricist for the hit Broadway musical "The Color Purple". In 2005 she saw a Broadway musical version of Alice Walker's The Color Purple. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, the show's score is written by Russell and lyricists-composers Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Russell and her co-writers were nominated for a Tony Award (for Best Score) and a Grammy Award (in the Best Musical Show Album category).
Just a Believer
Brenda Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just a believer
Over under and around it
I believe you really found it
No-one can take it from you now
Headed for your destination
Gonna make a new sensation
No shred of doubt can take you down now
I know for sure you're gonna take it
You're just a believer
You never give up
You only get better
Just a believer
There's always a way
And baby you got it
That's why I love ya
Everytime I get around ya
Always somethin' to anbound ya
Make believe I'm ready for your mind
Now your dream is a comin' true
It was always up to you
I guess you knew it all the time
If there's a chance that you can make it
I know for sure you're gonna take it
You're just a believer
You never give up
You only get better
Just a believer...
The song "Just a Believer" by Brenda Russell is an uplifting tribute to confidence and perseverance. The opening lines, "Over under and around it, I believe you really found it," suggest that the subject of the song has overcome obstacles to reach a certain goal or realization. The lyrics go on to assert that no one can take away what the subject has achieved and that they are headed towards their destination, ready to make a new sensation.
The chorus emphasizes the subject's unwavering belief in themselves and their abilities. They never give up and only get better, always finding a way to make their dreams come true. The song implies that this kind of determination and optimism is a desirable quality, as evidenced by the line "That's why I love ya."
The verses of the song reinforce the theme of self-confidence, as the subject is described as always having something to "anbound" them and being ready for anything. The song is a celebration of the power of positive thinking and the idea that success comes to those who believe in themselves and their abilities.
Some possible interpretations of the song's meaning include the idea that success is a state of mind and that our beliefs and attitudes can impact our ability to achieve our goals. The song may also be seen as a nod towards the importance of hard work and determination, hinting at the idea that success often requires perseverance in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Just a believer
I am someone who holds onto faith and hope.
Just a believer
I am someone who holds onto faith and hope.
Over under and around it
No matter the obstacles or difficulties that come my way, I will persist.
I believe you really found it
I trust that you have discovered something meaningful and important to you.
No-one can take it from you now
You own and possess what you have discovered or achieved, and no one can take that away.
Headed for your destination
I am focused on reaching my goals and objectives.
Gonna make a new sensation
I intend to create something new and exciting for myself and others.
No shred of doubt can take you down now
I am confident in my abilities and won't let any doubt or negativity discourage me.
If there's a chance that you can make it
I believe in seizing opportunities when they present themselves.
I know for sure you're gonna take it
I am confident that I will make the most of those opportunities.
You're just a believer
I am someone who holds onto faith and hope.
You never give up
I will persist in the face of adversity and won't give up easily.
You only get better
I am always looking for ways to improve and grow.
There's always a way
I believe in finding a solution to any problem or challenge.
And baby you got it
I am confident in your abilities and strengths.
That's why I love ya
I appreciate and admire you for who you are and what you bring to the world.
Everytime I get around ya
Being around you gives me a sense of joy and inspiration.
Always somethin' to anbound ya
You are always full of surprises and excitement that motivate me to keep going.
Make believe I'm ready for your mind
I am open to learning from you and being receptive to your ideas and perspectives.
Now your dream is a comin' true
Your hard work and dedication are paying off, and your dreams are manifesting.
It was always up to you
The power to achieve your dreams and aspirations was always within you.
I guess you knew it all the time
Deep down, you knew that you had what it takes to succeed.
Writer(s): BRENDA RUSSELL
Contributed by Logan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.