Surrounded by music since she was a small child, singer, songwriter and composer Chrisette Michele has been blessed with an old soul and this Long Island bred vocalist has a deep appreciation for the harmonic foundations that includes gospel and jazz. “I did my first solo when I was four years old,” Chrisette remembers.
Currently putting the finishing touches on her soulful debut album, an artistic exploration that fuses Chrisette’s diverse musical interest into a wonderland, the young artist couldn’t be more pleased. “I realize that I’m new to the music world, but I’ve been preparing for this moment for long time.”
Even before signing on the dotted line of her Def Jam contract last year, the multitalented soul sister had toured with more established artists like Kem and India Arie. “India saw me singing at the Village Underground in New York City. She came backstage that first night and graciously offered me a gig as her opening act.”
Working hard in the studio writing songs and recording demos, Chrisette finished an album worth of material before even trying to get signed. “I’ve been creating songs since I was twelve, so I knew I needed the right musical blend in order to stand-out from the many other performers trying to get a deal.”
While not hung-up on genre labels, Chrisette Michele says, “I’m excited about finding my place amongst young composers like Alicia Keys and Jill Scott. My goal from the moment I was signed by Antonio “LA” Reid, Chairman and CEO, Island Def Jam Music Group, was to create a seamless album that mixes soul and pop in a way that will have people coming back to again and again.” Favorite contemporary artists that are in high rotation include, Beyonce, Kanye West and NAS.
Days after giving LA “goose bumps” during the audition, the young singer found herself in a California studio called Brandon’s Way having a creative conversation with Babyface.
Over the course of a few days, the duo recorded seven tracks, four of which will be heard on her upcoming release. “Babyface and I got into a conversation about the love he has for his children,” she says. “So, the first song I penned was called ‘My Joy.’ It’s a song about a child speaking to his or her father, and I think it’s quite special. Observing the artistry that Babyface possesses has hopefully made me a better performer as well.”
Having grown-up in the suburbs of Long Island, Chrisette didn’t spend much time planted in front of the television. “My parents had me in girl scouts, tap class and piano lessons,” Chrisette says. “It wasn’t like I was cut off from the world, but there just wasn’t a lot of media influence in my life during those early years.”
Chrisette Michele has always been true to herself. “I don’t feel as though I was the typical deacon’s kid, because I was taught early on to speak my mind and not be afraid to think,” she says. “To me, that is one of things that helped keep me focused as an artist who is trying to do something different in music.”
A self-described “girly girl” Chrisette says, “I have definite older child syndrome. I helped my mom raise my brothers like they were my own children, but I also had the pleasure of being daddy’s little princess.”
In addition to her own relatives, Chrisette was blessed with an extended family that included the many folks that her mother allowed to room in their house. “If my mother saw a homeless pregnant woman on the street, chances are they would soon be staying with us,” Chrisette laughs. “I learned so much about the world listening to these folk’s stories, and to this day their experiences can be heard in my material.”
Though already a fan of gospel and classical, it wasn’t until Chrisette Michele was seventeen that she also developed a passion for jazz. “When I was still in high school a teacher introduced me to jazz singer Astrud Gilberto, and afterwards my life was all about jazz,” she remembers.
Majoring in music at 5 Towns College in Long Island, Chrisette cites the nurturing sway of her teachers for where she is today. “Although I did have talent, often that is not enough,” she says. “My professors taught me how to be a professional and to be serious about my music. They taught me how to put the music that I dream about at night on paper in the morning.”
With the release of her debut album, Chrisette Michele will soon be sharing those musical dreams with the rest of the world.
Another One
Chrisette Michele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Riddle me this, when you be wit yo friends, laughing and joking and loud talking
Why you get quiet soon as I walk in the room?
Riddle me this, You be going out wit yours, but expect me to stay in doors
You don't ever want me to hang out wit my crew
Baby I'm a grown woman dealing with grown woman things
[Chorus]
'Cause I'm so done with all the not knowing
So over wondering what you've done, I'm bout to be on to another one (on to another one)
So over being so over, So done with not having any fun (not having any fun)
I'm 'bout to be on to another one (on to another one)
'Cause I don't play games, ya friends come around you don't act the same
Kissing and hugging then suddenly I'm bugging you (suddenly I'm bugging you)
Well baby that ain't cool, cause I all do, is stay catering to you boy
But you don't wanna treat me like you supposed too
Baby I'm a grown woman dealing wit grown woman thangs (grown woman thangs)
So if you wanna stay my man, some things gonna have to change
[Chorus]
No more, fooling with you, with you (No more)
I've realized I've got better things to do
Like on to another one.
Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
[Chorus]
I'm 'bout to be on to another one,
I'm done, done, done
I'm done, done, done
Chrisette Michele's song "Another One" is a tale of an independent woman who is trying to understand why her partner doesn't treat her with the same respect and love that she deserves. The lyrics start with the woman questioning why her partner gets quiet and changes when she is around his friends. She is forced to stay indoors while he goes out with his friends and doesn't even want her to hang out with her friends. The woman is actively trying to work on her relationship, but her partner doesn't seem to be interested.
As the song progresses, the woman realizes that she is done with the games and the not knowing. She has decided that she deserves better and is ready to move on to another relationship that treats her right. She is no longer going to cater to her partner's every need if he cannot reciprocate the same love and respect that she deserves.
"Another One" is an empowering song for women who are tired of being in relationships that are one-sided. The lyrics are a reminder that women deserve to be treated with respect and love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm done, done, done
I have reached my limit with you and our relationship.
Riddle me this, when you be wit yo friends, laughing and joking and loud talking
Why do you suddenly act different in front of your friends when I am around?
Why you get quiet soon as I walk in the room?
Why is there a sudden shift in the atmosphere when I enter, where nobody speaks or includes me?
Riddle me this, You be going out wit yours, but expect me to stay in doors
Why do you go out with your friends while preventing me from hanging out with my own?
You don't ever want me to hang out wit my crew
You are overbearing and don't want me to spend time with my own friends.
Baby I'm a grown woman dealing with grown woman things
I am an independent and mature woman who has real responsibilities and issues to deal with.
So if you're gonna stay my man, some things gonna have to change
If you want to stay with me, I need you to adjust your behavior and be more respectful towards me.
'Cause I'm so done with all the not knowing
I can't tolerate the uncertainty and confusion you create throughout our relationship.
So over wondering what you've done, I'm bout to be on to another one (on to another one)
I am tired of questioning your actions and finding out what you've done wrong. I am ready to move on and find someone new.
So over being so over, So done with not having any fun (not having any fun)
I am tired of feeling unfulfilled and bored with our relationship.
I'm 'bout to be on to another one (on to another one)
I am ready to move on to a new and better relationship.
'Cause I don't play games, ya friends come around you don't act the same
I am straightforward in my intentions and can see the person you truly are, unlike how you act in front of your friends.
Kissing and hugging then suddenly I'm bugging you (suddenly I'm bugging you)
You act affectionate and loving towards me, then suddenly become distant and dismissive.
Well baby that ain't cool, cause I all do, is stay catering to you boy
Your behavior is not acceptable because I make an effort to cater to you and your needs.
But you don't wanna treat me like you supposed too
You don't treat me the way I deserve to be treated in a healthy and respectful relationship.
No more, fooling with you, with you (No more)
I am done with you and our relationship and am moving on to something better.
I've realized I've got better things to do
I have come to the realization that there are better things for me to focus on than this failing relationship.
Like on to another one.
I am moving on to a better relationship with someone else.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES HARMON, SHAFFER SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind