She has performed throughout the U.S. in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, The Berkeley Jazz Festival and the Hollywood Bowl. She has also toured in Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Her most recent album is entitled Moments, and she produced, wrote or co-wrote nine of the 12 songs contained in the album. The album is now in release in Japan and the first single, "Moments Like This", reached the number 18 spot in the Japanese charts.
[edit] Her career
Her professional career started as a teenager in 1977 when she was featured on her brother Ronnie's album entitled "Friends and Strangers", on United Artist Records. In 1979, she was a lead vocalist on her brother Hubert's album, "Land of Passion", on Columbia Records.
Laws made her debut as a solo recording artist in 1981 with the release of her album "Very Special" on Elektra Records. This album, produced by her two brothers sold in excess of 385,000 copies, while the two singles, "Very Special" and "Be Yourself" sold combined totals in excess of 260,000 copies.
From 1981 through 1990, Laws worked with her three siblings, recording and doing many live performances in the United States and abroad.
In 1985, she recorded "Crusin' Tonight", written and produced by George Duke, for the Heavenly Kid motion picture soundtrack.
In April and May of 1991, she toured Europe with the Commodores for a 38 city tour. In November of that year, she performed with Kool and the Gang, Third World, Shabba Ranks, Rita Marley, the Commodores and many others at a benefit for the children of Africa held in Lagos,Nigeria.
In 1992, she toured Asia in January and February, performing in Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan.
She then began the writing and recording process for an album which was completed in October of 1994. In November and December of that year, she toured Europe again.
She has also recorded soundtracks for The Heavenly Kid, Fighting Back, and Prison Dancer, and is featured on Pam Williams album "Eight Days of Ecsta
On My Own
Debra Laws Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Show the world who I am
I've been waiting so long
For this day to come
On my own, I'll survive
Leave the past far behind
Reach out, as far as you can see
Reach out (ooh), as far as you can see (oh, oh)
Reach out, and fulfill your dreams
All your dreams
People say it won't last
Time will tell, I don't care (time will tell)
Having faith (having faith) in my dream
And I know what it means
Make the right (make the right) sacrifice (sacrifice)
Need this thrill in my life
Never doubt (never doubt), or look down (or look down)
On my own (on my own), feeling strong (feeling strong)
Reach out, as far as you can see
Reach out, and fulfill your dreams
Reach out, as far as you can see
Reach out, and fulfill your dreams
Time has come, take my stand
Show the world who I am
I've been waiting so long
For this day to come
On my own, I'll survive
Leave the past far behind
The lyrics of Debra Laws's "On My Own" are about a woman who has grown and evolved from a past relationship where she allowed herself to be overshadowed and controlled by her partner. She is now more mature and confident, having learned from her mistakes, and is ready to take control of her own life, regardless of whether she makes mistakes or not. The song is about empowerment, self-discovery, and self-reliance, as she takes charge of her life and goes down her own path, defying society's expectations.
The first verse of the song shows the singer acknowledging her growth, understanding how she used to be in the past, and taking responsibility for her mistakes. She has learned which direction to take, and it's time for her to make her own choices now. The second verse is where she lets her partner know that their relationship is over, and she cannot go back to living as someone else. The decision is hers to make, and it's time to let go of the past and move forward. In the chorus, the singer emphasizes that she's not afraid of taking charge of her life, whatever the outcome might be, and regardless of what others might think.
The bridge of the song, "Oh I start again go back to one, I'm running things my way," shows the singer's determination to start fresh, to put herself first, and to take control of her life. The outro highlights the confidence gained from this newfound freedom and independence, with the singer stating that she is "not afraid to try it on my own."
Line by Line Meaning
I'm wiser now
I have gained knowledge through my experiences and have become more intelligent
I'm not the foolish girl you used to know
I have grown into a mature woman and am no longer the naive girl from our past
So long ago
It has been a significant amount of time since we were last together
I'm stronger now
I have become mentally and emotionally stronger after learning from my mistakes
I've learned from my mistakes which way to go
I have gained clarity on which path to take in life by making and learning from my mistakes
And I should know
I am confident in my decision-making abilities and trust my own judgement
I put myself aside to do it your way
I have neglected my own desires and needs in order to follow your wishes
But now I need to do it all alone
I have realized that I must be independent and pursue my own path in life
And I am not afraid to try it on my own
I am confident and not scared to venture out on my own
I don't care if I'm right or wrong
I am willing to take risks and make mistakes in order to find my own way
I'll live my life the way I feel
I will make decisions that align with my personal values and beliefs
No matter what I'll keep it real you know
I will always be true to myself and my principles
Time for me to do it on my own
It is time for me to embark on my own journey and take control of my life
It's over now
Our relationship and the past is behind me and I cannot go back to it
I can't go back to living through your eyes
I cannot continue to live my life based on your perspective and opinions
Too many lines
There have been too many boundaries and expectations placed on me by others
And if you don't know by now
If you have not realized it yet
I can't go back to being someone else
I refuse to be someone that I am not in order to please others
Not anymore
I have grown and changed from who I used to be
I never had a chance to do things my way
I have never been given the opportunity to make my own decisions and follow my own path
So now it's time for me to take control
I am ready to take charge of my life and steer it in the direction that I choose
Oh I start again go back to one
I am beginning a new chapter in my life and starting from the beginning
I'm running things my way
I am leading my life in the way that feels authentic to me
Can't stop me now, I've just begun
I am determined to succeed and there is nothing that can stand in my way
Don't even think about it
Do not even consider hindering my progress or trying to control me
There ain't no way about it
It is inevitable that I will pursue my goals and live life on my own terms
I'm taking names, the ones of mine
I am taking ownership of my life and becoming responsible for my own decisions
Yes I'm gonna take my turn
It is my time to shine and accomplish my goals
It's time for me to finally stand alone, stand alone
It is time for me to break away from dependence and become self-reliant
See I'm not afraid
I am fearless and ready to take on any challenges that come my way
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Lisa Peters, William Jefry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garrygalloway5043
So sophisticated, so stylish, so expensive 👍
@traceebottoms3498
I was in a hair salon a couple of days ago and this came on and I have been jamming ever since. I love the message in this song.
@joannehines7806
The greatness of the Laws Clan!! 💘
@melsmith2669
I like this song. Although hard to believe this song is obviously 4O years old. Wow the years just go by so fast. Golly.
@joannehines7806
Used to play this song looking forward to the future; still inspirational & motivational to all those dreamers out there!! 💘 🌈
@sarrhodes8277
Anthem for a hopeful life and such a great, uplifting song. Deserved far wider audience. Gorgeous Deborah - thank you.
@geeskin5750
love that opening bass line, brothas n sistas we slept on this jam
@michellerichards9948
I Love This SONG and Her Music!😍
@TyrroneHinton
Man, I'm feelin' this right here!!! The Laws family is full of of funk!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you my friend!!!
@FunKiiN
Tyrrone Hinton Ehehe thanks to you man !!! And to those kind of artist who keep us dreaming with their timeless songs ! Keep the funk alive bro, peace !!!