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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Oxygen
Emeli Sandé Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, my darling, that's bad for our health
Turns your talk so small you'll turn into somebody else
Swimming in the shallow end really ain't getting us far
I want to know where you've been, who you need
Why you laugh, why you cry
I want to know who you are
Whisper all our secrets under sheets
Take me where you visit in your dreams
Then kiss me hard like I'm your only oxygen
Oxygen
Now, baby, please
Let me wash my sins deep in your stream
Feels as if you're teaching me to breathe
Baby, please stay close you are my oxygen
My oxygen, yeah
My mama said
"My, baby, please be careful with your heart
Thugs and thieves and wolves are lurking out there in the dark"
I tried to live a life in fear but that didn't really get me far
I want to know who you are, where you've been
What you need, how you love
I want to know who you are
So, baby, let's get deep
Whisper all our secrets under sheets
Take me where you visit in your dreams
Then kiss me hard like I'm your only oxygen
Oxygen
Now, baby, please
Let me wash my sins deep in your stream
Feels as if you're teaching me to breathe
Baby, please stay close you are my oxygen
My oxygen, yeah
I wanna be what you need, who you need
Whenever you need it I just wanna be there
I wanna be what you need, who you need
Whenever you need it I just wanna be there
I wanna be what you need, who you need
Whenever you need it I just wanna be there
I wanna be what you need, who you need
Whenever you need it I just wanna be there
And if you trust me with spirit
I will trust mine with you
If you fall from the building
I will hold on to you
If you kneel by the river
I will wash over you
I wanna be what you need, who you need
Whenever you need it I just wanna be there
So, baby, let's get deep
Whisper all our secrets under sheets
Take me where you visit in your dreams
Then kiss me hard like I'm your only oxygen (only oxygen)
Oxygen, yeah
In the first verse, the lyrics convey a sense of dissatisfaction with surface-level conversations and a yearning for deeper connection. The small talk is described as detrimental to one's health because it turns the person into someone they are not. The shallow end refers to a lack of progress or growth in the relationship. The singer expresses a genuine desire to truly know their partner - where they have been, who they need, and what makes them laugh or cry. This demonstrates a longing for authenticity and vulnerability in the relationship.
The chorus reinforces the call for intimacy and depth in the relationship. The singer wants to share secrets in the privacy of their shared space, symbolized by being under the sheets. They also desire to be taken into the realms of their partner's dreams, experiencing the most intimate and personal aspects of their lives. The mention of "kiss me hard like I'm your only oxygen" suggests that the passion and intensity of their love is necessary for their survival, just like oxygen is essential for life.
The second verse reveals a cautionary message from the singer's mother, warning them about the dangers of heartbreak and deceit in relationships. Despite living in fear, the singer realizes that a life based on fear does not lead to fulfillment. They continue to express their desire to understand their partner's true identity - their experiences, needs, and way of showing love. This further emphasizes the yearning for emotional connection and authenticity.
The bridge expresses an unwavering commitment to being there for the partner in times of need. The lyrics symbolize trust and support, promising to hold on and protect the partner even at their lowest points. The singer acknowledges the reciprocity of trust and expresses a willingness to share their own vulnerabilities in return. The repeated refrain of wanting to be what the partner needs and always being there highlights a deep sense of devotion and willingness to provide emotional support.
Overall, "Oxygen" is a heartfelt plea for intimacy and genuine connection in a relationship, emphasizing the desire to understand and be understood, as well as the necessity of emotional support and commitment. The lyrics convey a longing for authenticity and a willingness to go beyond surface-level interactions in order to truly know and be there for the partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Too much small talk
Engaging in meaningless conversation is detrimental to our well-being
Well, my darling, that's bad for our health
Excessive trivial talk negatively affects our emotional and mental state
Turns your talk so small you'll turn into somebody else
Talking about shallow topics can lead to losing one's true identity
Swimming in the shallow end really ain't getting us far
Staying in superficial relationships or conversations limits our personal growth
I want to know where you've been, who you need
I desire to understand your past experiences and who you rely on
Why you laugh, why you cry
I'm interested in the reasons behind your laughter and tears
I want to know who you are
I yearn to truly comprehend your authentic self
So, baby, let's get deep
Let's delve into profound and meaningful conversations
Whisper all our secrets under sheets
Share our deepest vulnerabilities and confessions in moments of intimacy
Take me where you visit in your dreams
Reveal to me the places you explore within your subconscious mind
Then kiss me hard like I'm your only oxygen
Express your love and passion for me as if I'm the essential source of your existence
Now, baby, please
Now, my love, I implore you
Let me wash my sins deep in your stream
Allow me to find forgiveness and redemption through the purity of our connection
Feels as if you're teaching me to breathe
I feel like you're guiding me to find inner strength and vitality
Baby, please stay close you are my oxygen
Please remain by my side as you provide the life-giving sustenance I need
My oxygen, yeah
You are my essential source of life and energy
My mama said
My mother once advised me
"My, baby, please be careful with your heart
"My dear child, safeguard your heart
Thugs and thieves and wolves are lurking out there in the dark"
Beware of malicious and deceitful individuals who hide in the shadows
I tried to live a life in fear but that didn't really get me far
Attempting to live in constant fear hindered my progress and growth
I want to know who you are, where you've been
I desire to understand your true self and your past experiences
What you need, how you love
I long to comprehend your desires and the way you express love
I wanna be what you need, who you need
I aspire to fulfill your necessities and be the person you rely on
Whenever you need it I just wanna be there
I want to be present for you whenever you require support
And if you trust me with spirit
If you have faith in me deeply and sincerely
I will trust mine with you
I will reciprocate that trust by entrusting my own spirit to you
If you fall from the building
If you find yourself in a precarious situation
I will hold on to you
I will cling to you and support you through your hardships
If you kneel by the river
If you seek solace or cleansing at the river's edge
I will wash over you
I will provide you with comfort and reassurance
Oxygen, yeah
You are the vital essence that keeps me alive
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Adele Emily Sande, Lee Stashenko
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RodrigoPereira-xu1wd
Dedicated to everyone who stays on the surface as a defense mechanism. Bravo, Emeli!
@amielaurent5256
This song makes me want to dance with the love of my life I haven't met yet
@HausofLane
I wanna know where you’ve been, who you need, why you left, why you cry, I wanna know who you are…
@andybennett3504
At least there is still some talent left in the music industry these days 👌
@MamaMenisha
Emali sande God bless you 🙏
@iamalexandra.
"I tried to live a life in fear but that didn't really get me far." - I felt that. Living in fear will only make terrible things happen... Wish I knew that before I went ahead and did it.
@HallAroundTheWorld
The most beautiful song I've ever heard.
@SpiritualTiasMusic
"Take me where you visit in your dreams" 😍
@skyeevans5190
Such a pure voice, there's something so soothing about it
@mose4419
I can not breathe without this Oxygen.