David has been nominated for fourteen Brit Awards: five times for Best British Male, and twice receiving a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
David was born in Southampton, Hampshire, the son of Tina (nΓ©e Loftus), a retail assistant at Superdrug, and George David, a carpenter, and grew up in the Holyrood estate. David's father is Afro-Grenadian and David's mother is Anglo-Jewish and related to the founders of the Accurist watch-making company; David's maternal grandfather was an Orthodox Jew and his maternal grandmother a convert to Judaism. David's parents separated when he was eight and he was brought up by his mother. He attended Bellemoor School and Southampton City College.
David was bullied by other students at school. He wrote and released the song "Johnny" in 2005 about his sad memories of being bullied.
David's father played bass in a reggae band called Ebony Rockers. As a teen, David began accompanying his father to local dance clubs, where DJs let him take the microphone.
On 9 September 2020, David signed a global publishing deal with New York-based Round Hill Music. The agreement includes all of David's music catalogue to date, and also includes a futures agreement that will see all of his new music administered by the company.
On 30th December 2020, David was announced on the Queenβs New Year Honours List to receive an MBE in recognition of his services to music. His manager Colin Lester was also awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to the music industry and to charity.
For the Gram
Craig David Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We do it for the 'Gram
Angles out to take pictures
With a body like that
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the Insta'
When she's done takin' pictures
Don't forget the hashtag
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the 'Gram
Angles out to take pictures
With a body like that
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the Insta'
When she's done takin' pictures
Don't forget the hashtag
Double tap if I'm into
Tap some more, get the picture
Goin' fast, goin' ninja
The DMs I'm slidin' into
So you got red bottoms too
That Phillipe looks so good on you
Baby, you don't need a filter
Baby, you're so natural
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
Oh baby, what do you want?
'Cause I got the things that you want
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
What are you waitin' for?
What's your number?
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the Gram
Angles out to take pictures
With a body like that
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the Insta'
When she's done takin' pictures
Don't forget the hashtag
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
Oh baby, what do you want?
'Cause I got the things that you want
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
What are you waitin' for?
What's your number?
Oh, you bilingual
That's fine by me
Now speakin' emoji
Wink, wink, smiley
I know you like
To take your time
Dun need talkin'
Come read my mind
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
Oh baby, what do you want?
'Cause I got the things that you want
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
What are you waitin' for?
Girl, come over
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the 'Gram
Angles out to take pictures
With a body like that
We do it for the Insta
We do it for the Insta
When she's done takin' pictures
Don't forget the hashtag
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
Oh baby, what do you want?
'Cause I got the things that you want
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
What are you waitin' for?
What's your number?
You no wavy, girl, you treat me nicely
So for my ting get a line in beside me
I see the girls in the crowd getting vibey
Especially this one Bath ting tryna eye me
No need for numbers, we got IG
Instagram, yeah, you know how to find me
Send me a DM, you can slide in it nicely
We can start another convo if you like me, yeah
Girl, you excite me
Single for long, highly unlikely
Some of them man are tryna pay me off slightly
Ya dun kno' the setter man no like we
Yeah, this the professional, baby inna original
But I ain't gonna be the 'cause for no pain or no regret
You know sum', me and you never get the chance seeing each other
But if we do it, blow up the universe under the page
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the 'Gram
Angles out to take pictures
With a body like that
We do it for the Insta'
We do it for the Insta'
When she's done takin' pictures
Don't forget to hashtag
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
Oh baby, what do you want?
'Cause I got the things that you want
Blah blah blah blah
Yah yah yah yah
What are you waitin' for?
What's your number?
The lyrics of Craig David's song "For the Gram" delve into the culture of Instagram and the desire for attention and validation through social media. The repetitive nature of the chorus emphasizes the obsession with capturing the perfect photo and gaining popularity on the platform.
The song begins with a focus on the "Insta" and "Gram," which refer to Instagram, a popular photo-sharing app. The singer acknowledges the obsession with taking pictures and angles, particularly when someone has an attractive body. This reflects the desire to present oneself in the most appealing way possible to gain attention and likes on social media.
The mention of hashtags highlights the need to categorize and label one's posts to increase exposure and engagement. The lyrics suggest that after taking pictures, it's important not to forget to include relevant hashtags to increase visibility and attract more followers.
The second verse introduces the concept of "double tapping" or liking someone's photo on Instagram. It also mentions sliding into direct messages (DMs), suggesting that the singer receives attention from others through private messages. The reference to luxury brands like red bottoms and Phillipe indicates a desire to display wealth and sophistication through social media. Additionally, the line "Baby, you're so natural" implies that even though there may be a focus on presenting oneself in the best light possible, authenticity is still valued.
The repeated phrase "blah blah blah" and "yah yah yah" conveys a sense of dismissiveness towards trivial conversations and small talk. The lyrics express that the singer has what the other person wants, creating an air of confidence and desirability.
The third verse touches on the idea of communication through emojis, indicating a shift towards more visual and concise forms of expression. The lyrics also suggest a level of familiarity and understanding between the singer and the person being addressed, as they mention being able to read each other's minds.
The verse that follows reinforces the repetitive "blah blah blah" and "yah yah yah," and the lyrics convey the singer's impatience or eagerness for the other person to take action. It implies a desire for the person to come over or initiate more intimate contact.
In the final verse, the lyrics introduce a new perspective. It emphasizes that the singer is treated well and appreciates the company of the person they are communicating with. The mention of Instagram as a means of contact suggests that the singer values and relies on social media platforms for connecting with others. The line "we can start another convo if you like me" highlights the ephemeral nature of online relationships and the potential for them to be short-lived or unfulfilling.
Overall, "For the Gram" reflects the obsession with image, popularity, and validation that can be present in social media culture, while also highlighting the potential superficiality and transience of these connections.
Line by Line Meaning
We do it for the Insta'
We engage in activities specifically for the purpose of posting on Instagram
We do it for the 'Gram
We do it for Instagram
Angles out to take pictures
We position ourselves in certain ways to capture the best photos
With a body like that
Referring to someone with an attractive physique
When she's done takin' pictures
After she finishes taking photos
Don't forget the hashtag
Don't forget to include relevant hashtags when posting on social media
Double tap if I'm into
Liking someone's photo on Instagram as a sign of interest
Tap some more, get the picture
Continuing to like photos to show support or attraction
Goin' fast, goin' ninja
Acting swiftly and discreetly
The DMs I'm slidin' into
Sending direct messages to someone, likely to express interest
So you got red bottoms too
Implying the person being referred to also owns expensive shoes
That Phillipe looks so good on you
Acknowledging that the person looks great wearing a specific brand or item
Baby, you don't need a filter
You look amazing without the need for photo filters or editing
Baby, you're so natural
You have a natural beauty and appearance
Blah blah blah blah
Generalized filler words indicating disinterest or lack of meaningful conversation
Yah yah yah yah
Similar to 'blah blah', indicating lack of interest or substance
What are you waitin' for?
Why are you hesitating or delaying?
What's your number?
Can I have your phone number?
Oh, you bilingual
Oh, you can speak two languages
That's fine by me
I have no problem with that
Now speakin' emoji
Now communicating using emojis
Wink, wink, smiley
Using emojis to convey flirtatious or friendly intentions
I know you like
I understand your preferences
To take your time
Not rushing or hurrying
Dun need talkin'
No need for verbal communication
Come read my mind
Understand my thoughts or desires without me having to say them
You no wavy, girl, you treat me nicely
You have a good personality, treating me well
So for my ting get a line in beside me
For my thing, have a place next to me
I see the girls in the crowd getting vibey
I notice the girls in the crowd getting excited
Especially this one Bath ting tryna eye me
Particularly this girl from Bath who is trying to catch my attention
No need for numbers, we got IG
We don't need to exchange phone numbers, we have Instagram
Instagram, yeah, you know how to find me
You know how to locate my profile on Instagram
Send me a DM, you can slide in it nicely
Send me a direct message on Instagram, smoothly initiating contact
We can start another convo if you like me, yeah
We can have another conversation if you are interested in me
Girl, you excite me
You make me feel excited or enthusiastic
Single for long, highly unlikely
It is improbable that I have been single for a long time
Some of them man are tryna pay me off slightly
Some individuals are attempting to bribe or persuade me, but only slightly
Ya dun kno' the setter man no like we
You already know that influential people don't appreciate us
Yeah, this the professional, baby inna original
Yeah, this is the professional, baby in the original form
But I ain't gonna be the 'cause for no pain or no regret
But I won't allow myself to be the reason for any pain or regret
You know sum', me and you never get the chance seeing each other
You know, we haven't had the opportunity to see each other
But if we do it, blow up the universe under the page
But if we do, it will cause a lot of attention and excitement on social media
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CRAIG ASHLEY DAVID, RAOUL LIONEL PERRY CHEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shakeem the Music Freak
Here we go again with these comments!
I'm a huge Craig David fan and I love his old R&B/garage music more than his newer music, BUT I appreciate his newer music and support and I still like it anyways.
Stop being so closed minded!
Again, he's just doing different styles for the first new songs of course, let him try something new and of course there will be some R&B/garage bangers on this upcoming album, for the old-school fans especially.
Lighten up and let's support Craig with this new upcoming album!
Basse Belinda
Shakeem the Music Freak aaa
true mind
Shakeem the Music Freak
you are right. you really changed my point of view. but this style doesnt fit the king craig david. he is better than this bad low style. its really sad to see craig david singing like this shit songs.
Joe Little
This is such a different song for Craig. But these days artists all tend to stick to one type of music well done to craig for actually experimenting with his music. Once again another banger from CraigπππΆπΆ
YounesHH
We need more garage sounds! You're the only one from back then who's still around keeping it alive! No more mumble and auto tune please Craig! Stick to your sound that we all love! Much love!
NtsParadize
Just to break the myth: Walking Away had autotune.
Cree
@OZ33 EXACTLY
Marvelous9284 DNF
I know craig david is not the only one who wants bring back old school garage music. Also Kurupt FM and many others singers wants it back.
We are glad that dubstep is dead
AKO675 - Downfall Parodies Archive
He's confirmed in interviews that his new album is gonna have plenty of old school R&B :) At the same time he also needs to promote the album to a more "mainstream" audience... Hence this.
Proαy
ππππ "the cancer", i miss so much that he did between 1999 To 2005 π§