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. βI did my first solo when I was four years old,β Chrisette remembers.
Currently putting the finishing touches on her soulful debut album, an artistic exploration that fuses Chrisetteβs diverse musical interest into a wonderland, the young artist couldnβt be more pleased. βI realize that Iβm new to the music world, but Iβve been preparing for this moment for long time.β
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. βIndia 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.β
Working hard in the studio writing songs and recording demos, Chrisette finished an album worth of material before even trying to get signed. βIβve 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.β
While not hung-up on genre labels, Chrisette Michele says, βIβm excited about finding my place amongst young composers like Alicia Keys and Jill Scott. My goal from the moment I was signed by Antonio βLAβ 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.β Favorite contemporary artists that are in high rotation include, Beyonce, Kanye West and NAS.
Days after giving LA βgoose bumpsβ during the audition, the young singer found herself in a California studio called Brandonβs 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. βBabyface and I got into a conversation about the love he has for his children,β she says. βSo, the first song I penned was called βMy Joy.β Itβs a song about a child speaking to his or her father, and I think itβs quite special. Observing the artistry that Babyface possesses has hopefully made me a better performer as well.β
Having grown-up in the suburbs of Long Island, Chrisette didnβt spend much time planted in front of the television. βMy parents had me in girl scouts, tap class and piano lessons,β Chrisette says. βIt wasnβt like I was cut off from the world, but there just wasnβt a lot of media influence in my life during those early years.β
Chrisette Michele has always been true to herself. βI donβt feel as though I was the typical deaconβs kid, because I was taught early on to speak my mind and not be afraid to think,β she says. βTo me, that is one of things that helped keep me focused as an artist who is trying to do something different in music.β
A self-described βgirly girlβ Chrisette says, βI 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 daddyβs little princess.β
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. βIf my mother saw a homeless pregnant woman on the street, chances are they would soon be staying with us,β Chrisette laughs. βI learned so much about the world listening to these folkβs stories, and to this day their experiences can be heard in my material.β
Though already a fan of gospel and classical, it wasnβt until Chrisette Michele was seventeen that she also developed a passion for jazz. βWhen I was still in high school a teacher introduced me to jazz singer Astrud Gilberto, and afterwards my life was all about jazz,β 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. βAlthough I did have talent, often that is not enough,β she says. βMy 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.β
With the release of her debut album, Chrisette Michele will soon be sharing those musical dreams with the rest of the world.
What You Do
Chrisette Michele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Saying those words to me
Doesn't mean a thing to me
I don't wanna hear them
Baby you can keep those three
You might as well not even speak
Many different times before
Then you'd say it
And I'd forget everything
Well I'm sorry to report
That's not working anymore
Now I need to see if that's really what you mean
No more "I'm sorry"
"I love you"
I need proof
Baby boy it's all in what you do
(no more)I love you
If it's true baby boy
It's all in what you do
Say it with your actions
Say it in the way you touch
And the things that you do for us
I don't wanna be mean
But when it comes to this love
Saying it ain't enough
Many different times before
You were almost out the door
Then you'd say it
And I'd forget everything
Well I'm sorry to report
That's not working anymore
Now I need to see if that's really what you mean
No more "I'm sorry"
"I love you"
I need proof
Baby boy it's all in what you do
(no more)I love you
If it's true baby boy
It's all in what you do
It's in what you
It's it's in what you do
It's in what you
It's all in what you do
No more "I'm sorry"
"I love you"
I need proof
Baby boy it's all in what you do
(no more)I love you
(baby) If it's true baby boy
It's all in what you do
It's in what you
It's it's in what you do
It's in what you
It's all in what you do
In Chrisette Michele's song What You Do, the artist addresses the importance of actions over words in a romantic relationship. The chorus emphasizes that saying "I'm sorry" and "I love you" is not sufficient without actions to back up those words. Michele suggests that love is all about showing, not just telling. The verses detail past experiences where the singer has been offered empty apologies and declarations of love without any true follow-through. The repetition of the phrase "no more" conveys a sense of exhaustion and impatience with empty words.
The song's lyrics contain a twinge of bitterness and frustration that contrasts with the smooth and soulful melody. Michele's distinctive voice adds depth and emotion to the simple message of the song. What You Do has a classic R&B sound, with a strong backbeat and a groovy bassline. The production is subtle, allowing Michele's voice to take center stage.
Line by Line Meaning
Say it with your actions
Showing love through actions is worth more than just saying it
Saying those words to me
Simply saying 'I love you' doesn't hold value without any actions to back it up
Doesn't mean a thing to me
Hollow words do not have an effect on me anymore
I don't wanna hear them
I'm tired of empty words without action
Baby you can keep those three
Saying 'I love you' is the bare minimum, I need more than that
You might as well not even speak
Your words no longer hold any weight
Many different times before
This has happened repeatedly in the past
You were almost out the door
You almost left me because of your actions
Then you'd say it
Then you would say 'I love you'
And I'd forget everything
Your words used to make me forget about your actions
Well I'm sorry to report
Unfortunately, that approach doesn't work anymore
That's not working anymore
I need something more than just words now
Now I need to see if that's really what you mean
I need to see if your actions match your words
No more 'I'm sorry'
Apologies without action are not enough anymore
'I love you'
Saying 'I love you' is not enough without action
I need proof
I need tangible proof of your love
Baby boy it's all in what you do
Your actions are the only thing that matters now
(no more)I love you
Just saying it is not enough anymore
If it's true baby boy
If your love is genuine
It's all in what you do
Prove it through your actions
Say it in the way you touch
Express love through physical touch
And the things that you do for us
Actions you take to show your love for us
I don't wanna be mean
I don't want to seem harsh
But when it comes to this love
When it comes to our relationship
Saying it ain't enough
Words alone won't cut it anymore
It's in what you
The key to real love is in
It's it's in what you do
It's in your actions
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES HARMON, SHAFFER SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BeatsBrewing
Heard this song at work over the store radio in 2009. 2024, and itβs literally my favorite song in the world. Not an understatement to say that Iβve played this song at least once a day since I heard it in 2009. Iβm a musician, so not only her vocals, but how she sings over the simple chords on the piano. ππΎ Song got me through a lot.
@priscillawilson9703
We need more Chrisette, her talent was so raw, sexy, and beautiful. Folks always wanna throw somebody under the bus with one mistake made.
@filya2
This is my jam. I'm a teacher. One year my students were enjoying a "free" afternoon. One girl started singing this song, this boy got up and they did an improptu routine. Reminds me very similar to what her and Ne-yo did here. It was fabolous, as the rest of the students sung background. A moment I'll always treasure.
@greenmustard493
Hope you still remember it
@gjagster357
A music teacher it seems
@shantamckinney8414
No
@sevastiancarey3459
One day insha'allah I will Get her to Sing at my Wedding Reception, we Love you Chrissy.
@sevastiancarey3459
A Couple of Forevers now that's my Tune I Shaheed Fucks with Chrisette her Voice range is Phenomenal, Talk Your Talk Gurlβ€β€β€β€β€β€β€
@highland_persuasion
Man, this and Epiphany still go hard to this day!
@swagga27yea
Ne-Yo needs more credit for his songwriting! π₯π₯ Chrisette killed the vocals