Biography
Prior to her music career, Tennison worked as a prison guard in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, in addition to performing in various Texas bands. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee and worked as a demo singer, eventually signing to Asylum Records in 1999. She recorded two albums on Asylum, both albums producing minor chart entries. In 2002, she moved to DreamWorks Records and recorded her Parading in the Rain album on that label. Although she has not recorded any albums since, she made an appearance on Leland Martin's 2006 single "Same Old Song and Dance" from his self-titled album.
Yes I Was
Chalee Tennison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did I think he was the one
Did I find out I was wrong
Yes I did
Have I watched my babies grow
Have I taught them all I know
Have I raised them all alone
Yes I have
All that I know is these are the places that I've been
Every mistake I made is a part of who I am
Was I a fool to always trust so much in love
Was I wrong, was I right
Yes I was
Did I wait tables all night long
Work my fingers to the bone
Did I struggle to be strong
Yes I did
Have I grown up way too fast
Have I learned from all my past
Have I found some peace at last
Yes I have
All that I know is these are the places that I've been
Every mistake I made is a part of who I am
Was I a fool to always trust so much in love
Was I wrong, was I right
Yes I was
The lyrics of Chalee Tennison's "Yes I Was" reflect upon the singer's life experiences. The song is a reflective retelling of questions posed to the singer about her experiences in life. Questions include whether or not she married too young, if she always trusted in love, if she's raised her kids alone, if she ever struggled to be strong, if she's grown too fast, and if she's learned from her past. The answer to every question posed is yes, but the singer acknowledges that every mistake and every experience she's had are a part of who she is today.
The song seems to take a reflective tone with the singer acknowledging her mistakes, but not regretting them. It is a song about growth and self-discovery, an affirmation that every experience makes us stronger and wiser. The song's message encourages the listener to acknowledge their past, be proud of how far they've come, and look to the future with hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Did I marry way too young
Did I enter into marriage at a young age without really knowing what I was getting into?
Did I think he was the one
Did I believe that my spouse was my true soulmate?
Did I find out I was wrong
Did I discover that my assessment of my spouse was incorrect?
Yes I did
Admitting that I did make a mistake in marrying young and believing that my spouse was the one.
Have I watched my babies grow
Did I witness my children grow up and mature?
Have I taught them all I know
Did I share all of my knowledge with my children?
Have I raised them all alone
Did I raise my children without a partner or spouse?
Yes I have
Confirming that I did indeed raise my children alone.
All that I know is these are the places that I've been
Reflecting on my life experiences and the various events that have shaped who I am today.
Every mistake I made is a part of who I am
Acknowledging that every mistake I have made has contributed to my growth and identity.
Was I a fool to always trust so much in love
Questioning my previous actions of putting too much trust in love.
Was I wrong, was I right
Contemplating whether my decisions were correct or not.
Yes I was
Admitting that I may have made some wrong decisions, but they have all contributed to who I am today.
Did I wait tables all night long
Did I work long hours as a waitress?
Work my fingers to the bone
Worked myself tirelessly to provide for my family.
Did I struggle to be strong
Did I have difficulties in maintaining my emotional, mental, and physical strength?
Yes I did
Admitting that I had to push through various struggles to provide for myself and my family.
Have I grown up way too fast
Did I have to mature much faster than my peers due to my life's circumstances?
Have I learned from all my past
Did I gain some valuable life lessons from my past experiences?
Have I found some peace at last
Am I currently at a peaceful state in my life?
Yes I have
Confirming that I have found some peace in my life now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CARNES, TENNISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind