Chris Richardson began formally following his dream when he appeared on the… Read Full Bio ↴Chris Richardson began formally following his dream when he appeared on the 2007 season of American Idol. With an inimitable presence and soulful delivery, he landed in the show's top five and captured the hearts of audiences everywhere during the "American Idols" tour. He didn't stop after Idol though. He spent four years perfecting his craft and writing. In 2010, Richardson signed to Cash Money Records to build to their already successful pop roster. Now, he's begun tenaciously working on what will become his full-length debut for the label. In the meantime, he's lending his vibrant, vivacious vocals to Tyga's brand new single "Far Away" and collaborating with other chart-topping acts. Richardson's dream is only just beginning to come true.

For Richardson, making records requires a delicate balance of soul, rock, and R&B. While growing up the son of a military dad in Virginia Beach, he immersed himself in everything from Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder to The Eagles and Aerosmith. Along the way - from singing into his trash can at five-years-old to auditioning on Idol at 23 - Richardson built his own style. He sums up the sound best saying, "It's blue-eyed soul, but there's an organic feel to the music. I love to mix the soulful and rock sides."

That mix comes with potent and poignant lyrics that Richardson considers a hallmark of his style. It's easy to hear in the new material, which will comprise his forthcoming solo offering. "The [upcoming] album covers a whole different mesh of times in my life. In the lyrics, I'm honestly exploring all of these situations. Now, I get the chance to blend everything together and put it out there."

Entering the Cash Money Records family, he has come to create and push boundaries by collaborating with a myriad of artists. He exclaims, "Cash Money allow me to spread my wings and do what comes naturally for me. They support everything that I do. It's a breath of fresh air, and I feel like I'm blessed at this moment." www.ChrisRichardsonMusic.com

A Song for You
Chris Richardson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(by Donny Hathaway)

I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my love in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you

I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly but darlin' can't you see
There's no one more important to me
Darlin' can't you please see through me
Cause we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you

You taught me precious secrets of the truth witholding nothing
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singing this song for you

You taught me precious secrets of the truth witholding nothing
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
And when my life is over
Remember when we were together

We were alone and I was singing this song for you
We were alone and I was singing this song for you

Overall Meaning

Chris Richardson's cover of Donny Hathaway's "A Song For You" is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to a loved one. The lyrics speak to the complex experiences of a performer in the spotlight, who has sung many songs and acted out love publicly, yet still yearns for the intimacy of sharing a song with just one person. The opening lines convey a sense of reflection and nostalgia, as the singer looks back on all the places they have been and songs they have sung. The reference to "bad rhyme" hints at a vulnerability and self-doubt that may come with the creative process.

The singer then turns their attention to the person they are singing for, acknowledging that they hope to be seen as a certain way, but that they may have made mistakes and hurt this person. There is a plea for forgiveness and understanding, and a recognition that this connection is the most important thing in their life. The second verse adds a layer of personal growth and thanks, as the singer reflects on the ways this person has helped them grow and learn. The line "you came out in front and I was hiding" suggests a mentorship or supportive relationship.

The final verse brings the song full circle, with the singer professing a timeless love that transcends space and time. The closing lines "remember when we were together / we were alone and I was singing this song for you" express a bittersweet longing for a moment that has passed, but can still be celebrated and cherished through music.

Line by Line Meaning

I've been so many places in my life and time
I have traveled extensively throughout my lifetime, visiting various locations and experiencing different cultures.

I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhyme
I have composed and performed numerous songs, with some of them being poorly written or executed.

I've acted out my love in stages
I have expressed my affection for another person in various settings, such as on stage during a performance.

With ten thousand people watching
There have been times when I have been in front of a large audience, with many people observing my actions.

But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you
Despite being previously in the spotlight, at this moment, it is just the two of us, and I am dedicating this song to you alone.

I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I understand that the way you perceive me is how I aspire to be seen.

I've treated you unkindly but darlin' can't you see
I acknowledge that I have not always been kind to you, but I implore you to understand.

There's no one more important to me
You are the most significant person in my life.

Darlin' can't you please see through me
I am asking you to look beyond my past mistakes and recognize my true feelings for you.

Cause we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you
Once again, I want to emphasize that we are in a private moment, and this song is intended solely for you.

You taught me precious secrets of the truth witholding nothing
You have shared valuable insights and information with me, keeping nothing hidden or obscured.

You came out in front and I was hiding
You were more outspoken and assertive than I was initially.

But now I'm so much better and if my words don't come together
I have since improved, but if I am not able to articulate myself adequately with words,

Listen to the melody cause my love is in there hiding
I want you to focus on the music, as the emotion and passion behind the lyrics are conveyed through the melody.

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
My love for you transcends physical distance and temporal bounds.

I love you for in my life you are a friend of mine
Beyond being a romantic partner, you are also a dear friend to me.

And when my life is over
At the end of my life,

Remember when we were together
I want you to recall the time we spent together as a couple.

We were alone and I was singing this song for you
Once again, I want to emphasize that this song was intended solely for you, and I sang it for you in a private moment.

Contributed by Isaiah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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