Anderson was raised by her paternal grandparents in Houston, Texas during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Her mother was Vicki Anderson, a soul singer who was the featured singer with James Brown during the 1960s and 1970s, and Brown is Anderson's godfather. Anderson briefly married in 1978 and had a son, but the marriage did not last and for most of the 1980s she was living as a single parent in California and attempting to launch her singing career. Her only major success was recording vocals for a song by her step-father Bobby Byrd in 1988, and so in June 1990, she decided to relocate with her son to England to try her luck at starting a career there.
Anderson quickly formed an Acid jazz band with Marc Nelson and Femi Williams called the Young Disciples. The group's only album, Road to Freedom (Talkin' Loud, 1991), was a great success and contained the break-out single Apparently Nothin' (Talkin' Loud, 1992). Anderson received a lot of attention as the lead singer (and keyboardist) of the group, and used her heightened profile to negotiate a new, solo recording contract with Virgin Records in 1992.
1992 saw Anderson record backing vocals for Paul Weller's eponimous solo album, which was the start of a long friendship and working relationship between the two. Weller helped Anderson with her production and songwriting, which led to the release of her first solo work, The Dusky Sapho EP (Circa/Virgin, 1993). Throughout this period, Anderson also continued to supply backing and guest vocals for a wide variety of other artists from Galliano to Bryan Ferry to the first volume of Guru's Jazzmatazz project.
Her first solo album - True Spirit (Circa/Virgin, 1994) - followed, and was a moderate critical and sales success. Anderson cemented her working relationship with Paul Weller by providing backing vocals (with her sister, Pamela) on his legendary Stanley Road (Polygram, 1995) record, and the follow up Heavy Soul (Polygram, 1997). To return the favour he worked with her on her second solo album, Blessed Burden (Circa/Virgin, 1998). The album continued her professional development, but was to be her final one for Virgin.
Following her departure from Virgin, Anderson briefly filled in as lead vocalist for the Brand New Heavies following the departure of their lead singer N'Dea Davenport - ironic, considering both were American singers who found their fame in British Acid jazz groups. Anderson also continued to provide guest and backing vocals for other artists whilst working on her first independently produced album, Alberta's Granddaughter (Dusky Sappho Music, 2002), which was followed by greatist hits album Up To Now: The Best Of (Virgin, 2004).
Following this, Anderson moved to Dome records to release Soul Providence (Dome, 2005), and 2006 is mostly to be spent touring to promote the album.
Apparently Nothin'
Carleen Anderson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Handed down through centuries
A force of arms called gentle persuasion
What have we learned from history
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Human worth is so inexpensive
Compared to gold, the root of most wars
Subtract the tears from countless offences
What is left but guns and scars
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Well as for me I′m gonna keep loving
'Cause it′s the only sane thing to do
'Cause I'm not into pushin′ and shovin′
No confrontation, what have you
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
A baby is crying
A mother is dying
A leader is swearing
But no one is caring... about
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
I ain't trying to rule your mind
A conscious observer trying to find
A place on Earth where they heed the signs
Beware of conflicts that ruin unkind
If you want things move better
Withstand the tides of the bad weather
The struggle thrives when we all gather
Down at the bank of the soul river
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
Apparently nothing
Nothing apparently
See the light
See the light
See the light
The lyrics to Carleen Anderson's song "Apparently Nothin'" delve into the themes of ignorance, indifference, and the cyclical nature of human behavior throughout history. The first verse talks about the popularity of invasion and how it has been passed down through centuries, referring to the repeated use of force and persuasion as means of control. The line "What have we learned from history, apparently nothing" expresses the frustration that despite the countless wars and conflicts that have occurred, humanity seems to be stuck in a loop, not learning from past mistakes.
The second verse highlights the devaluation of human life compared to material possessions, specifically gold, which often fuels wars. It emphasizes that when the pain and suffering caused by offenses are subtracted, all that remains are guns and scars, symbolizing the destructive aftermath that wars leave behind.
The chorus, repeating the phrase "apparently nothing, nothing apparently," reinforces the notion that despite the clear evidence and consequences of our actions, we continue to repeat the same patterns of indifference and ignorance. It suggests that humanity lacks true understanding and empathy, focusing more on personal gain and power rather than compassion and unity.
The third verse takes a more personal stance, expressing the singer's commitment to love and peacefulness. It rejects confrontation and promotes empathy and understanding as the only sane response to the chaos and violence present in the world. The lyrics convey a sense of disappointment and exasperation regarding the lack of accountability and caring in society.
In the final lines, the song shifts its focus to the wider social and political issues plaguing the world. It mentions the cries of a baby, the suffering of a mother, and the empty promises of leaders. It suggests that despite these troubling realities, people are unwilling or apathetic towards making a change.
Line by Line Meaning
A popularity of invasion
The acceptance and endorsement of invading and overpowering others.
Handed down through centuries
Passed on and perpetuated for generations.
A force of arms called gentle persuasion
Using military power to convince and control others.
What have we learned from history
Have we gained any wisdom or knowledge from our past experiences?
Apparently nothing
It seems that we haven't learned anything.
Human worth is so inexpensive
The value of human life is so low and easily disregarded.
Compared to gold, the root of most wars
When compared to the desire for wealth, which often leads to conflicts and wars.
Subtract the tears from countless offences
If you remove the tears shed due to numerous wrongdoings.
What is left but guns and scars
All that remains are weapons and the physical and emotional wounds they cause.
Well as for me I'm gonna keep loving
Personally, I will continue to show love and compassion towards others.
'Cause it's the only sane thing to do
Because, in a world filled with conflicts, demonstrating love is the only rational response.
'Cause I'm not into pushin' and shovin'
Because I am not interested in engaging in aggressive and confrontational behavior.
No confrontation, what have you
Avoiding conflicts and disagreements, you know?
A baby is crying
A young child is expressing their distress.
A mother is dying
A mother is nearing her end.
A leader is swearing
A person in authority is using foul language.
But no one is caring... about
Yet, nobody seems to be concerned or showing empathy.
I ain't trying to rule your mind
I am not attempting to control or influence your thoughts.
A conscious observer trying to find
A thoughtful observer seeking understanding and enlightenment.
A place on Earth where they heed the signs
A location where people pay attention to the warnings and indications.
Beware of conflicts that ruin unkind
Be cautious of confrontations that lead to destructive and unkind outcomes.
If you want things move better
If you desire improvement and progress.
Withstand the tides of the bad weather
Endure the difficulties and challenges that arise.
The struggle thrives when we all gather
Unity and collective efforts empower the fight for a better world.
Down at the bank of the soul river
In the depths of our innermost being, where our true essence resides.
See the light
Recognize and embrace the truth and enlightenment.
See the light
Illuminate your understanding and perception.
See the light
Witness and acknowledge the wisdom and guidance.
Writer(s): Carleen Anderson, Mark Alan Nelson
Contributed by Gabriella F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@miguelteixeira4134
Standing tall as the greatest acid jazz album of all time
@lovemykiss9
Carleen Anderson is one of the most underrated singers out there.
@bailey2913
I never actually saw your post before I posted mine 🤷🏻we obviously have the same impeccable taste 👅😉
@tonypowell7138
Big up your chest sweetheart
@davidhoran9634
Nope, not underrated…… stunning vocals and song……..❤
@ItsNotRealLife
How is she underrated?
@robwilkinson8497
Good tune. part of me wants to go back to the 90's....and stay there
@Fensta
Saw a movie the other night that played "black eyed peas - let's get it started" and thought some of the bassline sounded familiar. Knew i'd heard somethin similar in 1991 ish, wracked my brain to eventually remember the name "young desciples" and wadda ya know, it was this song i used to love. Takes me back......
@markc7175
Takes me back to far,far better times. Both musically & socially. Still relevant.
@Dreamcatcher-wu7iu
I walked into the co-op heard this old song playing and just wanted to dance, love it.