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"
I'd Like To
Corinne Bailey Rae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Me and Candice waking up to a heat wave
Mother's in the garden inviting everyone
Ooh, we'd cut up our old jeans and go outside
Neighbor's always smiling with the baby on her knee
Mia's sat on the front step getting her hair combed out and greased
And music, the bass boomin', oh, it's from the car parked in the street
Got that new song on repeat, oh, oh
(I'd, I'd) like to put my fingers on you
(I'd, I'd) like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'd just like to make you see that
I desire simple things
Growing up, we didn't have a lot of money
Used to spend our summer having parties on the drive
Plastic cups for rum and punch, eating chicken that's hot and sweet
All the women discussing what love is like, ooh, you know the way I mean
And I'm just sitting, watching, hoping the boys will call for me
Got that new song on repeat, oh, oh
(I'd, I'd) like to put my fingers on you
(I'd, I'd) like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just tryin' to make you see that
I desire simple things
Maybe then, now and then, I would want somebody
Delicate, intimate, used to dream of someone to love
Now you come, and you go right by me
I know I'm in love
(I'd, I'd) like to put my fingers on you
(I'd, I'd) like to paint this picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just tryin' to make you see that
I desire simple things
(I'd, I'd) like to put my fingers on you
(I'd, I'd) like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'd just like to make you see that
I desire simple things
(I'd, I'd) oh, I'd like to put my fingers on you
(I'd, I'd) and paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from, oh
I desire simple things
(I'd, I'd) like to put my fingers on you
(I'd, I'd)
The song "I'd Like To" is an introspective reflection on the simple pleasures of life that the singer experienced during her childhood. The verses contain vivid imagery of the singer lying with her partner and reminiscing about the past when she would wake up to a heat wave with her sister Candice. They would join their mother in the garden, where they cut up old jeans and went outside to play. The neighbors were always smiling and happy, with children playing on the street, and music booming from the parked car with a new song on repeat.
As the chorus of the song starts, the singer expresses a simple desire to put her fingers on her partner and paint a picture for them, even though sometimes they don't understand where she's coming from. The singer continues to share her memories, describing summer parties on the drive where they used plastic cups for rum and punch and ate hot and sweet chicken. The women talked about love, and the singer sat watching and hoping that the boys would call her. Even then, the music was integral to the moment, with that new song on repeat.
Finally, the singer talks about her own desires and the realization of her love with her partner. She desires someone intimate and delicate, someone to love. Despite the fact that sometimes she feels like they don't understand her, she values the simple things in life and hopes that her partner can see that too.
Overall, the song is a beautiful reflection on the power of memories and the simple pleasures of life that may seem insignificant, but hold immense value in shaping who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
Lying here with you reminds me of those days
Being with you takes me back to a time when my sisters and I would wake up to a hot day and get ready to go outside and have fun.
Me and Candice waking up to a heat wave
My sister Candice and I would be so excited about the hot day waiting for us to enjoy and have fun.
Mother's in the garden inviting everyone
My mom was always out in the garden, inviting people over to join us for a good time.
Oh, we'd cut up our old jeans and go outside
My sisters and I would prepare to go outside and have fun by cutting up our old jeans and making them new.
Neighbor's always smiling with the baby on her knee
Our neighbor was always happy and content with her baby sitting on her lap.
Mia's sat on the front step getting her hair combed out in weaves
My cousin Mia would sit in front of the house getting her hair done in different styles like weaves.
And music, the bass boomin', oh, it's from the car parked in the street
There was always music playing loudly, with the bass booming from a car parked on our street.
Got that new song on repeat, oh, oh
The new song was so good, we would play it over and over again without getting tired of it.
(I'd, I'd) like to put my fingers on you
I would love to touch you and feel your warmth and loving presence.
(I'd, I'd) like to paint a picture for you
I want to create a beautiful image in your mind and heart using my words and actions.
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
At times, you may not comprehend my perspective and feelings towards certain situations.
I'd just like to make you see that
I just want you to understand and appreciate my desires and simple needs.
I desire simple things
I want the small things in life, like love, fun, and companionship.
Growing up, we didn't have a lot of money
We didn't have an abundance of money to buy luxurious things growing up.
Used to spend our summer having parties on the drive
We used to host parties on our driveway with friends and family during the summer.
Plastic cups for rum and punch, eating chicken that's hot and sweet
We used to drink rum and punch out of plastic cups while enjoying hot and sweet chicken.
All the women discussing what love is like; ooo, you know the way I mean
All the adult women would talk about love and what it means, hinting at the complexity and simplicity of the emotion.
And I'm just sitting, watching, hoping the boys will call for me
I used to sit and watch the boys, hoping that one of them would show interest in me.
Maybe then, now and then, I would want somebody
Occasionally, I long for someone to love and care for me.
Delicate, intimate, used to dream of someone to love
I used to dream of finding someone who would cherish me in a tender and affectionate manner.
Now you come, and you go right by me
Now you're here, sometimes it feels like our connection is fleeting and 'right by me'.
I know I'm in love
Despite the fleeting connection, I am still in love with you.
(I'd, I'd) oh, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I really desire to touch and be close to you.
(I'd, I'd) and paint a picture for you
I want to present you with an image that will help you see my version of love.
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
Sometimes you just don't seem to comprehend or relate to what I am feeling or saying.
Oh, I desire simple things
I'm not asking for much, just the small and meaningful things in life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Corinne Bailey Rae, Paul Philip Herman, Thomas Asher Danvers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LEA_DR
Lying with you reminds me of those days
Me and Candice waking up to a heat wave
Mother's in the garden inviting everyone
Ooh, we cut up our old jeans and go outside
Neighbour's always smiling with the baby on her knee
Rhea sat on the front step getting her hair combed out and greased
Music, bass is boomin' from the car parked in the street
Got that new song on repeat, oh oh
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things
Growing up we didn't have a lot of money
Used to spend my summer having parties on the drive
Plastic cups for rum and punch, eating chicken that's hot andsweet
Women discussing what love is like, ooh you know what I mean
And I'm just sitting watching hoping the boys will call for me
Got that new song on repeat, oh oh
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things
Maybe then I will know I want somebody
Maybe then I used to dream of someone to love
Now you come and you invite me
I know I'm in love
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint this picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things
@amylubis2800
Lying here with you reminds me of those days
Me and Candice waking up to a heat wave
Mother's in the garden inviting everyone
Oh, we'd cut up our old jeans and go outside
Neighbor's always smiling with the baby on her knee
Mia's sat on the front step getting her hair combed out in weaves
And music, the bass boomin', oh, it's from the car parked in the street
Got that new song on repeat, oh, oh
like to put my fingers on you
(I'd, I'd) like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'd just like to make you see that
I desire simple things
Growing up, we didn't have a lot of money
Used to spend our summer having parties on the drive
Plastic cups for rum and punch, eating chicken that's hot and sweet
All the women…
@simpsongardenservices1733
Man I used to sing these songs all day! I still remember hearing her sing for the first time, just beautiful 👌🏽
@LYBism
I'd love to hear a marching band play this during a half-time performance. Those horns!!!!
@AmirTori
I was so glad this came on randomly one day! People know of her from put your records on, but I can say this is another gem I know from her too 🥰 man I miss 06!
@malakcanvas
Corinne feeds the soul💖🎶
@gustavotolaba6836
A beautiful song, a beautiful girl.And a wonderful video 😊
@MitchellOrr-ru8zs
Seend some over
Send em over
@sharonhensley9081
I absolutely adore this song. 😍
@jonesnbones
We're still finding love for these stellar hits
@dawnpaige3648
I definitely love this song and the video myself as well. Not too many radio stations didn't play this song. But the radio stations played her first song. Put your records on. Whatever happened to this very talented Corinne Bailey Rae?
@LEA_DR
Lying with you reminds me of those days
Me and Candice waking up to a heat wave
Mother's in the garden inviting everyone
Ooh, we cut up our old jeans and go outside
Neighbour's always smiling with the baby on her knee
Rhea sat on the front step getting her hair combed out and greased
Music, bass is boomin' from the car parked in the street
Got that new song on repeat, oh oh
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things
Growing up we didn't have a lot of money
Used to spend my summer having parties on the drive
Plastic cups for rum and punch, eating chicken that's hot andsweet
Women discussing what love is like, ooh you know what I mean
And I'm just sitting watching hoping the boys will call for me
Got that new song on repeat, oh oh
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things
Maybe then I will know I want somebody
Maybe then I used to dream of someone to love
Now you come and you invite me
I know I'm in love
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint this picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things
I'd, I'd like to put my fingers on you
I'd, I'd like to paint a picture for you
Sometimes you don't understand where I'm coming from
I'm just trying to make you see that
I desire the simple things