Sandé made her singing career debut in 2009 after appearing on the track she wrote for Chipmunk's first debut single, "Diamond Rings". The single charted at No. 6 on the UK Singles Charts, making it Chipmunk and Sandé's first ever Top 10 Hit. She later appeared on another single singing guest vocals, after collaborating with Wiley on his comeback single "Never Be Your Woman", the single charted at number-eight on the UK Singles Charts becoming Sandé's second consecutive Top 10 Single.
Sandé decided against using the name Adele Sandé, due to Adele's growing success, so used her middle name instead. She revealed: "I changed it as soon as Adele came out. I just thought, 'You've kind of taken the [name] now', so I went with my middle name. She was just getting bigger and bigger, so I thought I just really need it."
A former medical student, Sandé appeared as a guest vocalist on Professor Green's 2011 UK #1 single Read All About It and soon went on to achieve her own chart success with her first solo release Heaven, which debuted in the UK Singles Chart at #2. Her debut album Our Version of Events was released on 12th February 2012. The album includes the singles Next To Me, Daddy and My Kind Of Love.
Before branching out on her own Sandé had already had a taste of chart success having collaborated with rapper Chipmunk on his song Diamond Rings, and then with Wiley on Never Be Your Woman. She has also written for or collaborated with artists including Let Go, Let It Rain, Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole.
In a major feature in their Saturday Review paper, The Times declared Emeli Sandé "The Voice of 2012". The New York Times said “Ms. Sandé has a perspective-altering voice, clear and brassy and weapons-grade”. Fellow artists have also proclaimed their admiration, including Alicia Keys, “I just love her style and her flow – super raw.”, and Adele, "How incredible is she?".
Our Version of Events is the UK's biggest selling debut album of 2012.
Sandé appeared at the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. She performed Abide with Me
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Look What You've Done
Emeli Sandé Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To stutter my words
To lose out on sleep
But with you, cat's got my tongue
And I'm wide awake, quarter to one
Ah, look what you've done, done, done
Look what you've done
Look what you've done
Look what you've done, done, done
Son of a gun
Look what you've done, done done
Look what you've done
I'll shout it from the mountains
I'll let it float across the breeze
You're deep within my conscience, oh
You've made it to my dreams
I feel you in my blood stream
You're in my DNA
Still every time you touch me
I don't know what to say
And it's not usually like me
To stutter my words
To lose out on sleep
But with you, cat's got my tongue
And I'm wide awake, quarter past one
Oh, look what you've done, done, done
Look what you've done
I'm so undone, done, done
Look what you've done
Look what you've done, done, done
Look what you've done
Look what you've done, done done
Look what you've done
Undone like the zip on the back of your dress
She's bang tidy, and I'm acting a mess
She's the air to my lungs, I'm catching my breath
When I inhale her, put that to the test
Yo, I'm acting the worst, she's reacting the best
One day I'm gonna ask you the ques'
Write with my chest, might smile like everything's good
But I'm hiding the fact I'm depressed
Yeah, it's not your fault, look what I did
It all comes back when I shut my eyelids
Yeah, I been 'round the block, done the mileage
Removed all the waste and claimed the prizes
Now I can't get no sleep when I'm faithless
Think I'm jealous of my loved up neighbors
Yeah, I'm sick of doing everybody favors
Time to start turning the p-p-pages
And it's not usually like me
To stutter my words
To lose out on sleep
But with you, cat's got my tongue
And I'm wide awake, quarter past one
Ah, look what you've done, done, done
Look what you've done
I'm so undone, done, done
Look what you've done (eyelids)
Look what you've done, done, done
Look what you've done (can't get no sleep)
Look what you've done, done done
Look what you've done
(It's not your fault)
(Look what I did)
(Can't get no sleep)
(Look what I did)
In "Look What You've Done," Emeli Sandé expresses the profound impact someone has had on her life, causing her to act differently from her usual self. The lyrics convey a sense of being speechless and unable to articulate her feelings, as symbolized by the image of a cat having her tongue. The line "And I'm wide awake, quarter to one" suggests that she is unable to sleep, further emphasizing the significance of this person's presence in her life.
The chorus, "Look what you've done, done, done," reveals a state of being "undone," or deeply affected, by this person. The repetition of these lines underscores the overwhelming emotional impact they have had on her. The phrase "Son of a gun" expresses a mix of surprise, admiration, and perhaps a touch of frustration towards this powerful influence in her life.
Sandé continues to explain that this person has become deeply ingrained within her being. They inhabit her thoughts, dreams, and even her bloodstream, as the imagery suggests. Despite this intense connection, she confesses her struggle to find the words whenever they touch her. This hints at a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty about how to express her feelings.
The second verse introduces a new perspective, as a male rapper, perhaps representing a romantic interest, offers his own reflections. He admits to feeling undone and a bit of a mess in the presence of this person. The description of her as "the air to my lungs" signifies her importance in his life. He suggests that despite his efforts to hide his internal struggles, he is actually battling depression.
The rapper also acknowledges that his own actions and past experiences may contribute to his emotional turmoil. He hints that he has gone through difficulties and has tried to move forward, but memories and consequences continue to haunt him. The mention of being jealous of his "loved up neighbors" refers to feeling envious of others' happiness and stability, further adding to his inner turmoil.
Overall, "Look What You've Done" expresses the overwhelming impact this person has had on both Emeli Sandé and the male rapper. It explores themes of vulnerability, the struggle to find words, and the emotional challenges faced when deeply affected by someone. The lyrics highlight the power of this connection, while also acknowledging the personal battles and baggage that can come along with it.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not usually like me
This behavior is out of character for me
To stutter my words
To struggle to speak clearly and fluently
To lose out on sleep
To have trouble sleeping
But with you, cat's got my tongue
But when I'm with you, I find it difficult to express myself
And I'm wide awake, quarter to one
And I am fully awake, at a quarter past one in the morning
Ah, look what you've done, done, done
Oh, see the impact you've had
Look what you've done
See the consequences of your actions
I'm so undone, done, done
I am completely overwhelmed
Look what you've done
See the result of what you've caused
Look what you've done, done, done
Observe the effects you've brought about
Son of a gun
Expression of surprise or exclamation
Look what you've done, done done
Take notice of the outcomes you've created
I'll shout it from the mountains
I will proclaim it loudly and proudly
I'll let it float across the breeze
I will allow it to be carried by the wind
You're deep within my conscience, oh
You are deeply embedded in my thoughts and awareness
You've made it to my dreams
You have become a recurring presence in my dreams
I feel you in my blood stream
I experience your presence in my every fiber, deeply within me
You're in my DNA
You are an intrinsic part of me, influencing my every aspect
Still every time you touch me
Yet, whenever you make contact with me
I don't know what to say
I am left speechless and unable to find the right words
Undone like the zip on the back of your dress
Completely unraveled and exposed, like an unzipped dress
She's bang tidy, and I'm acting a mess
She is put together and organized, while I am behaving chaotically
She's the air to my lungs, I'm catching my breath
She brings life and refreshment to me, while I struggle to regain composure
When I inhale her, put that to the test
When I take in her presence, it affirms her impact on me
Yo, I'm acting the worst, she's reacting the best
I am behaving poorly, while she remains composed and understanding
One day I'm gonna ask you the ques'
One day, I will gather the courage to ask you the question
Write with my chest, might smile like everything's good
Expressing boldly and confidently, even though things may not be as they seem
But I'm hiding the fact I'm depressed
But I am concealing my true feelings of sadness and despair
Yeah, it's not your fault, look what I did
Yes, it's not your responsibility, but see what I have done
It all comes back when I shut my eyelids
Everything resurfaces when I close my eyes
Yeah, I been 'round the block, done the mileage
Yes, I have been through various experiences, covered a lot of ground
Removed all the waste and claimed the prizes
Eliminated unnecessary things and attained valuable rewards
Now I can't get no sleep when I'm faithless
Now I struggle to sleep when I lack trust or commitment
Think I'm jealous of my loved up neighbors
I believe I am envious of those around me who are happily in love
Yeah, I'm sick of doing everybody favors
Yes, I am tired of constantly helping others
Time to start turning the p-p-pages
It's time to move forward and begin a new chapter
Eyelids
Reference to closing one's eyes, where emotions resurface
Can't get no sleep
Unable to find rest or peace
Look what I did
See the consequences of my actions
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Emeli Sande
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Vince Webb
A major voice for years! Why, Why... did I ask Why?? Emeli is so underrated.
Craig Quan
How is she underrated?
Evilasio Silva
Emeli tem um dos timbres de voz mais lindos do mundo da música. 😍
Intrepid Dudettes
Siiii!
Paulo Vitor
Nossa simm, ela é perfeita
Joel Sichela
I listened to this song a few days ago and I just can't get over it. #Family was also my everyday song before #lookwhatyoudone came out. Thank you so much @Emelisande for all the songs you've ever done, it's really beautiful and inspiring to know great talent like yours. Listening to your beautiful voice has really helped me become a better singer and I'm doing some fire music on my channel 🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️
weatherlicious
Miss Sande, thank you for sharing your beautiful voice with us!!! So glad you are releasing new music. Greetings from Boston US.
Charlie McDonald
Say Hi to the Dropkick murphys 🍀👌👍,, 🇨🇮
Christine Newton
You never cease to amaze me with your stunning voice keep it up Emilie xx
Hadokcotdamn
Really amazing singer and showcasing originality in singing music we all identify with - Keep it going Emeli 😘