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.
Meant to Be
Chrisette Michele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I knew my heart was in trouble
And the first night I screamed your name
I knew we found each other
It was love that had taken us over
Felt your touch as my eyes glazed over
Yeah my heart beats slow, oh bless your soul
I think we're meant for each other
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I don't usually do this
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I ain't used to the feeling
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I don't usually do this
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I ain't used to the feeling
I love you so, I love you so much
Don't wanna go without your touch
I love you so, I love you so much
I love you so, I love you so much
Without your touch, I can't imagine
You without my love will never happened
Baby we were meant to be
Baby we were meant to be
Now it's go time and we're quick
We're pacing and it ain't no race but we want it
And it don't make no sense to wait
We grow baby, be my lover
Love will always win in the ending
We'll be more than just friends forever
Think I found my soul and we both know
It's more than lust and the feeling
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I don't usually do this
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I ain't used to the feeling
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I don't usually do this
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
Now, I ain't used to the feeling
I love you so, I love you so much
Don't wanna go without your touch
I love you so, I love you so much
I love you so, I love you so much
Without your touch, I can't imagine
You without my love will never happened
Baby we were meant to be
Baby we were meant to be
'Til death do us part
May this feeling last forever
'Til death do us part
May this feeling last forever
'Til death do us part
May this feeling last forever
'Til death do us part
May this feeling last forever
The lyrics to Chrisette Michele's song "Meant to Be" tell the story of falling in love and finding a deep connection with someone. The singer describes the moment she first saw the person and knew that her heart was in trouble. She then goes on to describe the intensity of their connection and the way that love has taken them over. The chorus repeats the phrase "Baby, I don't know how we fall in love" several times, emphasizing the unexpected nature of their love.
The song also touches on the idea that love is a journey and that it's important to seize the moment and not wait for things to happen. The lyrics describe a sense of urgency and a desire to be with the other person, no matter what. The bridge of the song repeats the phrase "‘Til death do us part, may this feeling last forever", creating a sense of commitment and dedication to the relationship.
Overall, "Meant to Be" is a song about finding love when you least expect it and about the transformative power of that love. The lyrics celebrate the joy, passion, and connection that can result from falling in love with the right person.
Line by Line Meaning
For the first time I saw your face
From the very moment I laid eyes on you
I knew my heart was in trouble
I realized my heart was falling fast for you
And the first night I screamed your name
On that first night, I called out your name in passion
I knew we found each other
I felt that we discovered something amazing in each other
It was love that had taken us over
We were completely consumed by love
Felt your touch as my eyes glazed over
I was lost in pleasure as you touched me
Yeah my heart beats slow, oh bless your soul
My heart beats slower and I feel peace and happiness when I'm with you
I think we're meant for each other
I believe that we were destined to be together
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
I don't understand how we fell in love
Now, I don't usually do this
I'm not usually one to fall in love quickly
Baby I don't know how we fall in love
I can't explain how we fell in love
Now, I ain't used to the feeling
I'm not familiar with this kind of feeling
I love you so, I love you so much
I have an intense love for you
Don't wanna go without your touch
I don't want to be without your touch
Without your touch, I can't imagine
I can't fathom being without your touch
You without my love will never happened
I can't imagine a world in which you wouldn't have my love
Now it's go time and we're quick
Now is the time for us and we're moving fast
We're pacing and it ain't no race but we want it
We're taking steps forward with purpose and desire
And it don't make no sense to wait
There's no reason for us to wait any longer
We grow baby, be my lover
Let's grow together and be each other's lover
Love will always win in the ending
In the end, love is always victorious
We'll be more than just friends forever
We'll always be more than just friends, forever
Think I found my soul and we both know
I believe I found my soulmate and we both recognize it
It's more than lust and the feeling
Our relationship is more than just physical attraction and the emotions that come with it
'Til death do us part
We will be together until the end of our lives
May this feeling last forever
I hope that this love lasts a lifetime
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISETTE PAYNE, TURRELL SIMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind