King was born to an international jazz duo, Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti. King and her brother were always exposed to music, especially jazz and classical sounds during their childhood. "It was an amazing experience," she says. "It was very challenging. We went from the fanciest hotels one day, to the dirtiest motels the next day -- you know, just living off a musicians paycheck. Also, being around so much incredible music. We were in the jazz world so I was with Dizzy Gillespie one day to Clark Terry the next day. It was my education."
As the daughter of two singers - one Italian, one African American - who performed internationally as a Jazz duo, King has always been exposed to music, its challenges and its rewards, from an early age. She always knew she would follow in her parents' footsteps. "I had a hard time in school," she says, "because I already knew what I wanted to do, so I was like, let me just get started." At age 16, King took two giant steps: She got her GED, and she started writing songs.
The music on her J Records debut, East Side Story, reveals roots that are both deep & ambitious. Kings words are packed with references to the wide range of great artists that inspired her - the Beatles, Nas, Sarah Vaughn, Radiohead & Michael Jackson. "Every record that I’ve ever heard has been an influence on me", she says.
The very first song that she completed, "Business Man" - a commentary on heartless capitalists - is a central moment on East Side Story. "I always thought if I write a song, it's not going to be about relationships," she says. "There are so many things in this world to talk about." She quickly advanced from banging around on a guitar in her apartment to performing on the local folk club circuit at such noted venues as the Bitter End and CBGB's Gallery.
In the meantime, King had discovered hip-hop and immersed herself in a culture that would add yet another ingredient to her musical mix. She met Sony Music publisher Bill Brown who introduced her to Sony writer/producer Chucky Thompson, a member of Bad Boy Entertainment's famed Hitman studio team who had recorded smashes with the likes of the Notorious BIG and Mary J. Blige. Thompson signed her to his production company, and together they began searching for the right sound to capture King's eclectic tastes and styles. After taking her demos to various labels, they signed with J Records.
In 2012, King was awarded the Holly Prize (a tribute to the legacy of Buddy Holly) from The Songwriters Hall of Fame for recognition of the "all-in songwriter" whose work exhibits the qualities of Holly’s music.
King's second studio album, The Switch, was self-released by her own label, Making Music Records, on 26 June 2015.
She signed with the independent label ATO Records in 2017 and with them released her third studio album, Scenery, on 1 February 2019.
King released her fourth studio album, Sides, on January 17, 2020.
More information can be found at www.emilykingfans.com or www.emilykingonline.com
Alright
Emily King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause I'm a keep movin' with my life
The time has come and I must grow
(Gotta keep movin' on)
I've been goin' through lots of changes
But no matter how long the days get
I'm gonna be good 'cause inside I know
Woke up this mornin' with these problems on my mind
And head is achin', I'm so tired of cryin'
See, my man broke up with me last night
Lately it seems like nothing's going right
Then suddenly, I hear a voice say
Em, get up, you can't be late for work today
Ya see, I'm tryna make my own way
But sometimes I think I might be going crazy
So I get ready and I head off to the studio
I'm in the cab and I get a message on my phone
It's the label sayin' they need one more song
Better make it today or your dream is gone
So I, take a minute try to catch my breath
When I go to pay the fare, got no money left
Tell me when will all this struggle end?
I just wanna smile again
But through all the hurt and pain
I know it's gonna bring me a brighter day
And no matter what might come my way
I know I'll be okay
The lyrics of Emily King's song Alright convey a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The first verse reflects on the need to accept change, to keep moving forward with life, even when things are tough. The second verse provides a glimpse into the singer's struggles, including a breakup and a professional setback, juxtaposed with an inner voice urging her to keep going. The chorus reinforces the idea that, despite the hardships, everything will be alright in the end.
The song's structure reinforces the message of the lyrics, with a buoyant rhythm and a melody that creates a sense of uplift. King's soulful vocals are filled with emotion, conveying both vulnerability and strength. The lyrics' repetition of "it's okay" and "it's alright" serve as a mantra, reinforcing the idea of perseverance through difficult times.
Overall, Alright is a song about resilience, inner strength and hope. It acknowledges the struggles that people face, but also fosters a sense of optimism and positivity, suggesting that while it may not be easy, ultimately everything will be alright.
Line by Line Meaning
And it's okay, and it's alright
It's alright and fine, even though things may not be as expected.
'Cause I'm a keep movin' with my life
Because I am going to continue the journey of my life.
The time has come and I must grow
It's time for me to grow and learn.
(Gotta keep movin' on)
I have to keep moving forward with my life.
I've been goin' through lots of changes
I've experienced many changes and transitions in my life.
But no matter how long the days get
Regardless of how long or difficult the days may be.
I'm gonna be good 'cause inside I know
I will be alright because I believe in myself.
(It's gonna be alright)
It's going to be okay in the end.
Woke up this mornin' with these problems on my mind
I woke up with many worries on my mind.
And head is achin', I'm so tired of cryin'
My head hurts, and I am exhausted from crying.
See, my man broke up with me last night
My partner broke up with me the previous night.
Lately it seems like nothing's going right
Recently, everything seems to be going wrong for me.
Then suddenly, I hear a voice say
All of a sudden, I hear someone's voice.
Em, get up, you can't be late for work today
Emily, wake up, and you cannot be late for work today.
Ya see, I'm tryna make my own way
I am trying to make my own path in life.
But sometimes I think I might be going crazy
However, at times, I feel like I am losing my mind.
So I get ready and I head off to the studio
I prepare for work and leave for the studio.
I'm in the cab and I get a message on my phone
I am in a cab, and I receive a message on my phone.
It's the label sayin' they need one more song
The record company is requesting one final song.
Better make it today or your dream is gone
I need to make the song today, or else my dream of success may disappear.
So I, take a minute try to catch my breath
So, I take a moment to pause and relax.
When I go to pay the fare, got no money left
When I attempt to pay the cab fare, I realize that I have no money.
Tell me when will all this struggle end?
I wonder when my hardship will come to an end.
I just wanna smile again
I desire to experience joy and happiness again.
But through all the hurt and pain
Despite all the suffering and agony I experience.
I know it's gonna bring me a brighter day
I am aware that my hardships will lead to a better future for me.
And no matter what might come my way
Regardless of any obstacle I may encounter.
I know I'll be okay
I am confident that I will be alright.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PETER CONWAY, ZALON THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind