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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One of These Things First
Emeli Sandé Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A real live lover, could have been a book
I could have been a signpost, I could have been a clock
As simple as a kettle, steady as a rock
I could be
Here and now
I would be, I should be
But how?
One of these things first
One of these things first
I could have been your pillar, could have been your door
I could have stayed beside you, could have stayed for more
Could have been your statue, I could have been your friend
A whole long lifetime could have been the end
I could've been yours so true
I would be, I should be through and through, yeah, yeah
I could have been
One of these things first
One of these things first
One of these things first
One of these things first
One of these things first
One of these things first
One of these things first
One of these things first
In the first two verses, the lyrics present a series of hypothetical possibilities, illustrating the singer's contemplation of different identities or roles they could have taken on in life. The options mentioned - sailor, cook, lover, book, signpost, clock, kettle, and rock - represent a wide range of possibilities, from adventurous professions to everyday objects. This suggests that the singer has a vivid imagination and is reflecting on the various paths their life could have taken.
The chorus, "I could be here and now, I would be, I should be, but how?" expresses a sense of longing and uncertainty. The singer acknowledges that they have the potential to be present and engaged in the present moment, but they are grappling with the "how" - the process or the factors that have prevented them from fully embodying this ideal.
In the second half of the song, the lyrics shift to the perspective of a potential romantic relationship. The singer describes how they could have been a "pillar" and a "door" - symbols of stability and support. They could have stayed by someone's side and offered more love and support. The mention of being a "statue" suggests that the singer could have been a solid and unchanging presence in the other person's life. The lyrics also suggest the possibility of a deep and lasting friendship, one that could have endured throughout a "whole long lifetime."
The repetition of the phrase "I could have been" in each verse and the chorus emphasizes a sense of missed opportunities or potential unrealized. The lyrics evoke a feeling of longing and reflection, as the singer considers the different paths they could have taken and the potential they could have fulfilled. Overall, "One of These Things First" explores themes of self-identity, missed chances, and the introspective contemplation of what could have been.
Line by Line Meaning
I could have been a sailor, could have been a cook
I had the potential to explore the world or create delicious meals
A real live lover, could have been a book
I could have experienced passionate love or shared wisdom through storytelling
I could have been a signpost, I could have been a clock
I had the potential to guide others or keep time consistently
As simple as a kettle, steady as a rock
I could have been uncomplicated like a kettle and reliable like a rock
I could be
I have the possibility to exist
Here and now
In the present moment
I would be, I should be
I could have been, I was meant to be
But how?
However, circumstances prevented it
I could have been
I had the potential to become
One of these things first
One of these various options could have been my initial choice
I could have been your pillar, could have been your door
I had the potential to be your support or gateway
I could have stayed beside you, could have stayed for more
I had the potential to remain by your side and continue the relationship
Could have been your statue, I could have been your friend
I could have become an admired symbol or a loyal companion
A whole long lifetime could have been the end
Our relationship could have lasted for a significant lifetime
I could've been yours so true
I had the potential to be completely devoted to you
I would be, I should be through and through, yeah, yeah
I had the potential to be true and genuine in every aspect
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Nick Drake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dirtypatwalsh
I’m a long time fan of Nick Drake…it’s been really interesting to hear these interpretations. Like I’ve seen many comments say “Nick would have been proud”. I am sure he had no idea what he would become to music. So sad he’s gone.
@satorarepo744
I think he knew, just got the timeline a little mixed up
@bigboabbief
I've been listening to Nick Drake for 40 years and I am a music snob ! I think Emeli has nailed this song!!! Not may covers are worth the breath but this has been beautifully transposed, Much love
@kathyhollenbach7413
I have always loved this Nick Drake song. Thanks for a great interpretation! ❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
@KraigFang
I agree, one of my favorite songs all around 🤟😝
@TimMeyerMusic
Inventive, original reincarnation of this classic — and so much feeling is what this sing deserves.
@barbaraschumacher3861
This singer is amazing---why doesn't this have gazillion likes?
@denisemeredith2436
Love it.
@BasketCase
Smooooooth...
Loving the drum beat :0)
@shimmerer__00000
finally the beauty of peeling painted walls getting the recognition that they deserve ! ! !