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.
I AM
Chrisette Michele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's life and you're pally and it's too much to take
Hey there, my friend, I heard of your dad
He was a hero and the towers were crashed
(I am one)
And I'm reaching for you
(I am one)
I'll be your strings and I won't let you fall
And together we'll find one more
Hey little girl, little Indian girl
Can I give you some bread and the peace of my world?
Look to my fingers, there's hope in my hands
Come to my pocket and I'll give what I can
(I am one)
And I'm reaching for you
(I am one)
And together we're two
I'll be your strings and I won't let you fall
And together we'll find one more
If one can do anything
Then two can change the world
If one can make a difference
Then together we're so much more
There was a flood not long ago
It took my people and it tattered my soul
(I am one)
And I'm reaching for you
(I am one)
And together we're two
I'll be your strings and I won't let you fall
You may not have much
But alone I am one without you
The lyrics of Chrisette Michele's song "I Am" convey a message about the power of unity and support. The first verse addresses an unknown person who is struggling with something significant. Whether it is a mistake they made or a traumatizing event they experienced, the singer acknowledges the weight of their pain and promises to be there for them. The second verse speaks to a little girl who could represent the idea of innocence or purity. The singer offers her some bread and the peace of their world. They use a metaphor to describe their hands as being full of hope and extend an invitation to the little girl to join them.
The chorus emphasizes the concept of togetherness and the impact it can have. The repeated phrase "I am one" represents the individual power of the self, whereas "together we're two" highlights the magnified strength that comes from combining efforts. The singer metaphorically compares themselves to strings, implying that they will be a support system for the person they are addressing. They vow not to let them fall and are determined to find one more person who needs their help.
The bridge of the song brings up the subject of a flood that affected the singer's community. It indicates that the tragedy had a significant impact on them emotionally. Yet, the singer still believes in the power of coming together and standing by each other, even in the face of hardship.
Line by Line Meaning
Help my sister, did you make a mistake?
Asking someone if they regret something they've done to harm another person and offering support to the victim
There's life and you're pally and it's too much to take
Acknowledging how overwhelming and difficult life can be sometimes
Hey there, my friend, I heard of your dad
Reaching out to a friend to offer condolences upon hearing of their father's passing
He was a hero and the towers were crashed
Expressing pride in the friend's father's heroic actions during a tragedy
(I am one)
And I'm reaching for you
(I am one)
And together we're two
Emphasizing the importance of human connection and working together towards a shared goal. The repetition of 'I am one' suggests that individuals have power to effect change, but that power is amplified when they unite with others
I'll be your strings and I won't let you fall
Offering to support someone, serve as an anchor, and prevent them from suffering misfortune
And together we'll find one more
Implying that the united effort of two people will bring success and may even inspire others
Hey little girl, little Indian girl
Can I give you some bread and the peace of my world?
Addressing a young girl in need, offering her sustenance and kindness from her own world
Look to my fingers, there's hope in my hands
Come to my pocket and I'll give what I can
Encouraging the girl to notice the kindness in the world and to accept the help being offered
If one can do anything
Then two can change the world
If one can make a difference
Then together we're so much more
Reiterating the idea that individuals have the ability to make an impact, but when working together, that impact can be much greater
There was a flood not long ago
It took my people and it tattered my soul
Sharing a personal experience of heartbreak and loss in the face of a natural disaster, hoping to connect with the listener on a deeper level
(I am one)
And I'm reaching for you
(I am one)
And together we're two
Again emphasizing the power of human connection and uniting towards a common goal, further cementing the importance of community and collaboration
I'll be your strings and I won't let you fall
Repeating the earlier line to reinforce the idea of being there to prevent others from suffering misfortune, and highlighting the 'strings' metaphor for support and safety
You may not have much
But alone I am one without you
Acknowledging that while the listener may not have much material wealth or resources, their presence and company is invaluable, and the sentiment is reciprocated
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISETTE PAYNE, KELVIN WOOTEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind