Rae was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire to a Kittitian father and an English mother, and she was the eldest of three daughters. She began her musical career at school where she studied classical violin before she turned her attention to singing: "I started off singing in church, I suppose, but people think it must have been a gospel church because of the whole, you know, black assumption", she says in reference to her multiracial background. "But it wasn't gospel at all, it was just your regular Brethren church, very middle-class, where we would sing these harmonies every Sunday. It was always my favourite part of the service, the singing".
Rae later transferred to a Baptist church, where the choir would sing traditional hymns, and Primal Scream tunes. "We changed the words though", Rae states on her website. "We didn't want to offend the regular churchgoers, now did we?"
Performing in church broadened Rae's musical horizons, and her love affair with making music was solidified after a local youth leader offered to buy her an electric guitar. In her mid-teens, she became obsessed with rock legends Led Zeppelin, "I loved that band during my teens; I wanted, somehow, to follow in their footsteps, and to create music of my own".
Rae formed an all-female indie group called Helen, which was inspired by similar acts such as Veruca Salt and L7. "It was the first time I'd seen women with guitars. They were kinda sexy – but feminist. I wanted to be like that, at the front of something".
The group raised eyebrows on several fronts; in the white male-dominated world of indie music, they were an all-female group fronted by a mixed-race singer from Leeds. The moniker "Helen" also drew attention, albeit for not all the right reasons: "What can I say? We were 15 years old, and thought that Helen was a cheeky, indie kind of thing to do. It seemed clever at the time. Admittedly, it seems less so now".
The group played many gigs around Leeds, including a memorable performance at Joseph's Well with Leeds-based band Swift, fronted by wildman rocker Royce Dunston. Despite this, the group became the first indie act to be signed to heavy metal record label Roadrunner Records, home to acts such as Slipknot, in 1995. The venture proved to be short-lived however after the bassist became pregnant and the group disbanded. "[Was I] Disappointed? I was gutted! I had no idea what to do next".
Corinne has often stated that she is a proud Leeds United Football Club fan.
After the disappointment of Helen, Rae went on to attend the University of Leeds where she studied an English Literature degree. While at University, she began work as a hat check girl on an evening in her local jazz club. Permitted to sing on stage with the jazz band when business was slow, it was there that she discovered a different type of music that sent her on a different musical path: "I kept hearing this jazz and soul stuff and I realized I loved that music too". It was there also that she met saxophone player Jason Rae, whom she eventually married in 2001 at age twenty-two. "I was Corinne Bailey. I added on Rae, my husband's name, when I got married. There's no hyphen; stops it being posh!" Jason died in March 2008.
Career
Over the space of the next three years, Rae began working on solo material – this time steering away from her indie past and embarking on a more "soulful" path. She collaborated with Leeds-based funk group The New Mastersounds on the track "Your Love Is Mine", featured on their 2003 album Be Yourself, released via One Note Records. The following year she again worked with another Leeds-based group, Homecut Directive, on the song "Come the Revolution", which was the first single from the group's debut album.
In 2004, Rae got a breakthrough when she was signed by Global Talent Publishing and then approached by Craig David's mentor Mark Hill, from the duo The Artful Dodger, to appear on his new album better luck next time under his new alias, The stiX. The resulting collaboration, "Young and Foolish", was released in April 2005 and brought Rae to the attention of the major record label bosses. Rae released her debut single, "Like a Star", in November 2005 and her first album, Corinne Bailey Rae, in February 2006. In September 2006, Rae scooped two awards at the UK's MOBO Awards: "Best UK Newcomer" and "Best UK Female". Rae recorded a live session at Abbey Road Studios in July 2006 for Live From Abbey Road.
Rae also received three nominations at the 2007 Grammy Awards: "Record of the Year", "Song of the Year" (both for "Put Your Records On"), and "Best New Artist". During the ceremony, she performed "Like a Star" and joined John Legend and John Mayer in a collaborative performance, providing accompanying vocals to Legend's "Coming Home" and Mayer's "Gravity". The poll's predictions subsequently came true, as she became only the fourth female British act in history to have her first album debut at number one. She has been nominated for Grammy Awards and BRIT Awards and won two MOBO Awards.
During an interview for the 2011 Mercury Awards, Corinne revealed she is writing a follow-up album to her critically acclaimed The Sea.
In 2013, Bailey Rae was moved from Capitol Records to Virgin Records due to corporate restructuring as a result of their parent company being purchased by Universal Music Group in 2012.
Discography
Albums
* 2006: "Corinne Bailey Rae"
* 2007: Live in London & New York
* 2010: "The Sea"
Green Aphrodisiac
Corinne Bailey Rae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something kind of magical in sunlight
Flowers uncurl in the garden
Ships are coming up again; it's springtime
It's new like the day I saw your eyes
Green like the leaves, I'm falling in love again
It's a blue sky
Swaying got me in a trance; so high
Yes, I'll wait on you and I want to spend it with you
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the bottle
Flows in me & you, ooh
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
Just when I thought it was not to be
Holiest of mysteries it's all green
And everything that I have planted is grown
And all I need is time, earth, water
and the sunlight
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the bottle
Flows in me & you, ooh
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
How could I know where the sun lives?
How could I know you would take over my mind?
I want to know where the flowers all go
'Cause I know that
The sand it grows in the dark all year round
Lost in your wonderland (aphrodisiac)
Green aphrodisiac
I want to go with you
Where it's green and all the flowers grow
All the water flows, all the memories grow
Just for the afternoon, but baby Oh
Aphrodisiac
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
You (na na na na na)
Ooh (na na na na na)
Ooh, aah-aah (na na na na na)
Oh, oh, oh, oh (na na na na na)
(Na na na na na)
(Na na na na na)
(Ah, ah, ah, ah)
(Na na na na na)
(Na na na na na)
The lyrics of "Green Aphrodisiac" by Corinne Bailey Rae describe the feeling of falling in love as though it were an afternoon in the garden. She sings about the enchanting atmosphere, the blooming flowers, and the ships returning as signs of springtime. The sun and its magical power can change everything and make things new, just like the moment she saw her love's eyes for the first time.
As the song progresses, the focus turns to falling in love, which is described as 'green like the leaves.' Bailey Rae then goes on to describe the feeling of being lost in her partner's wonderland, where everything is green, and all the flowers grow, water flows, and memories grow. She can't help but be under his spell and wait for him, enjoying the moment with him. The song is filled with metaphors, making it feel like a utopia where she wants to spend more time.
In conclusion, "Green Aphrodisiac" is a song that captures the feeling of falling in love and taking in everything that comes with it. It feels like a paradise where everything is green and, more importantly, where love blooms.
Line by Line Meaning
Laying in the grass in the afternoon
Enjoying the simple pleasures of life and nature
Something kind of magical in sunlight
Feeling a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the natural world
Flowers uncurl in the garden
Observing the natural process of growth and renewal
Ships are coming up again; it's springtime
Celebrating the arrival of spring and the renewal of life
It's new like the day I saw your eyes
Feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for new beginnings
Green like the leaves, I'm falling in love again
Experiencing the rush of falling in love and feeling connected to nature
It's a blue sky
Feeling hopeful and optimistic about the future
Blossom leaf falls in a slow dance
Appreciating the beauty of the natural world and the cyclical nature of life
Swaying got me in a trance; so high
Feeling swept away by the beauty of the moment
Yes, I'll wait on you and I want to spend it with you
Expressing a desire for connection and companionship
Lost in your wonderland
Feeling entranced and captivated by the beauty of the other person
Green aphrodisiac
Describing the intoxicating power of nature and love
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Savoring the sweetness of the moment and the connection with another person
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Observing the natural world and experiencing the joy of the moment
Come to my wonderland
Inviting the other person to share in the beauty and magic of the moment
The same thing that grows in the bottle
Drawing a connection between the intoxicating power of nature and love and the allure of alcohol
Flows in me & you, ooh
Describing the way that love and nature can intoxicate and entwine two people
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
Expressing a desire for magic and wonder in life
Holiest of mysteries it's all green
Highlighting the beauty and mystery of the natural world
And everything that I have planted is grown
Celebrating the fruits of one's labor and the power of growth and renewal
And all I need is time, earth, water, and the sunlight
Recognizing the simple but powerful ingredients needed to sustain life and growth
How could I know where the sun lives?
Reflecting on the mystery and awe of the natural world
How could I know you would take over my mind?
Expressing wonder and gratitude for the way that love can transform one's life
I want to know where the flowers all go
Expressing a desire for understanding and connection with the natural world
The sand it grows in the dark all year round
Reflecting on the resilience and beauty of life in challenging conditions
I want to go with you
Expressing a desire for connection and companionship
Where it's green and all the flowers grow
Describing a utopian vision of a world full of beauty and natural wonders
All the water flows, all the memories grow
Celebrating the power of natural growth and change to shape our lives
Just for the afternoon, but baby Oh
Savoring the moment and appreciating the fleeting nature of beauty and joy
You (na na na na na)
Expressing affection and connection with the other person
Ooh (na na na na na)
Expressing a sense of wonder and awe
Ooh, aah-aah (na na na na na)
Experiencing the power and intensity of love and connection
Oh, oh, oh, oh (na na na na na)
Expressing excitement and joy in the moment
(Na na na na na)
Expressing a sense of wonder and awe
(Ah, ah, ah, ah)
Celebrating the joy and beauty of life
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: AMBER STROTHER, PARIS STROTHER, CORINNE BAILEY RAE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
T J
Laying in the grass in the afternoon
Something kind of magical in sunlight
Flowers uncurl in the garden
Ships are coming up again; it's springtime
It's new like the day I saw your eyes
Green like the leaves, I'm falling in love again
It's a blue sky
Blossom leaf falls in a slow dance
Swaying got me in a trance; so high
Yes, I'll wait on you and I want to spend it with you
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the bottle
Flows in me & you, ooh
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
Just when I thought it was not to be
Holiest of mysteries it's all green
And everything that I have planted is grown
And all I need is time, earth, water
and the sunlight
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the bottle
Flows in me & you, ooh
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
How could I know where the sun lives?
How could I know you would take over my mind?
I want to know where the flowers all go
'Cause I know that
The sand it grows in the dark all year round
Lost in your wonderland (aphrodisiac)
Green aphrodisiac
I want to go with you
Where it's green and all the flowers grow
All the water flows, all the memories grow
Just for the afternoon, but baby Oh
Aphrodisiac
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
You (na na na na na)
Ooh (na na na na na)
Ooh, aah-aah (na na na na na)
Oh, oh, oh, oh (na na na na na)
(Na na na na na)
(Na na na na na)
(Ah, ah, ah, ah)
(Na na na na na)
(Na na na na na)
Source: LyricFind
Lady V Ann
Green Aphrodisiac Lyrics - Corinne Bailey Rae
Laying in the grass in the afternoon
Something kind of magical in sunlight
Flowers uncurl in the garden
Shoots are coming up again, it's springtime
[Pre-Chorus]
It's new like the day I saw your eyes
Green like the leaves unfurling up against a blue sky
Blossom leaf falls in a slow dance
Swaying got me in a trance, so high
It's all green, all new, and I want to spend it with you
[Chorus]
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the garden
Flows in me and you
[Post-Chorus]
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
[Verse 2]
Just when I thought it was not to be
Holiest of mysteries, it's all green
And everything that I have planted has grown
And all it needed was time, earth, water, and the sunlight
Down to the middle
[Chorus]
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the garden
Flows in me and you
[Post-Chorus]
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
How could I know it was Sunday?
How could I know you would take over my mind?
I want to know where all the flowers unfold
Cause I know that
The same thing grows in the garden, flows in me and you
[Bridge]
Aphrodisiac, green aphrodisiac
I want to go with you
Where it's green and all the flowers grow
All the water flows, all the memories go
Just for the afternoon, ooh baby
MoeJoKnow
Laying in the grass in the afternoon
Something kind of magical in sunlight
Flowers uncurl in the garden
Shoots are coming up again, it's springtime
[Pre-Chorus]
It's new like the day I saw your eyes
Green like the leaves unfurling up against a blue sky
Blossom leaf falls in a slow dance
Swaying got me in a trance, so high
It's all green, all new, and I want to spend it with you
[Chorus]
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the garden
Flows in me and you
[Post-Chorus]
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
[Verse 2]
Just when I thought it was not to be
Holiest of mysteries, it's all green
And everything that I have planted has grown
And all it needed was time, earth, water, and the sunlight
Down to the middle
[Chorus]
Lost in your wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
Kiss me, your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start a-hummin'
Come to my wonderland
Green aphrodisiac
The same thing that grows in the garden
Flows in me and you
[Post-Chorus]
I want to go where all the rainbows start and flow
How could I know it was Sunday?
How could I know you would take over my mind?
I want to know where all the flowers unfold
Cause I know that
The same thing grows in the garden, flows in me and you
[Bridge]
Aphrodisiac, green aphrodisiac
I want to go with you
Where it's green and all the flowers grow
All the water flows, all the memories go
Just for the afternoon, ooh baby
[Breakdown]
Aphrodisiac, green aphrodisiac
Kiss me your lips taste of honey
Songbirds and bees start hummin'
Oh, out to the garden
I'm, I'm foolin' around with you, oh, oh
I want you there
When I get out
And the grass is wet and the lilac is in the air again
Nicky Bobby
People just don't understand. You don't simply find music like this. This kind of sound is once in a lifetime.More people need to appreciate this artist.
stephanie mann
Peaceful kind and loving melodies
Marilyn Hamilton
T
Essential
Yessssss💯
Mr. Brown
They really DON'T UNDERSTAND THEE ARRANGEMENT ON THIS SONG.
Cindy Southworth
Yes !!! She’s incredible !
Dedria Valentine
This song "moves" my soul, her voice, instruments, melody! I listen to it over and over...she is an amazing artist!
Music Subic and Cebu
A work of art . . . the sound engineers did a fantastic job . . . why isn't this song more widely known . . . they don't come much better.
Shavonne Richardson
I found it on a Instagram reel. I always loved her voice.
Seiko Li T
This song! Her voice, the harmony, the instruments, the words, it all flows like a river stream... If you want to be in a beautiful mood, just listen...