She is best known for her singles You Got Me her collaboration with The Roots, as well as her own songs Tyrone, Love of My Life, On & On, Bag Lady, The Healer, Honey and Soldier. Her lyrics are highly personal urban philosophy which throw emotional challenges in the face of the listener. She weaves unusual musical influences together creating a rich texture of sound.
Some music journalists have labeled her Nu soul, nouvelle-soul or neo soul, often comparing her to Billie Holiday in lyrical delivery and grouping her with Maxwell and D'Angelo in musical genre.
Baduizm, Badu's highly acclaimed debut album, was released in early 1997 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts. Lead single On & On reached #12 on the singles charts in both the U.S. and UK. Badu received notice for her introspective lyrics and jazzy, bass-heavy sound, and was hailed as one of the leading lights of the burgeoning neo soul genre. Her sophisticated style of singing drew many comparisons to Billie Holiday. Baduizm eventually went triple platinum and, along with On & On, won Grammy Awards at the 1998 ceremonies.
During that year, Badu became involved with rapper André 3000 of OutKast, with whom she had a child, Seven, who was born in 1997. Their relationship ended sometime in the late 90s. Badu recorded her first live album, Live, while pregnant with Seven, and the release of the recording coincided with the birth to her child. Live reached #4 on the Billboard charts, selling double platinum, and spawned another R&B hit single in Tyrone a song chiding a selfish, cheap, and inattentive boyfriend. Badu also collaborated with The Roots (who had previously handled production duties on a number of tracks on Baduizm) on their breakthrough 1999 release, Things Fall Apart. She was featured on the song You Got Me co-written by Jill Scott, which hit the top 40 and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
After taking some time off to raise her child, Badu returned in 2000 with Mama's Gun, an album more organic in sound than her previous studio album, and primarily produced by the Soulquarians and noted bassist Pino Palladino. A remix of one of the album's songs, Bag Lady was issued as the first single and topped the R&B charts for seven weeks. The album was well-received, with the lyrical content winning notices from many publications who found some of her lyrics hard to decipher on her initial releases. Despite not charting as high as her first two albums, Mama's Gun was another platinum-selling success, and Bag Lady was nominated for a Grammy.
By 2000, Badu was in a romantic relationship with fellow Soulquarian Common, and Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop) was released as a collaboration between the two on the Brown Sugar soundtrack. Love of My Life hit #9 on the pop charts, topped the R&B listings, and Badu was awarded her fourth Grammy for the song in 2003.
After the release of Mama's Gun and Love of My Life, Badu went through a period of writer's block. She hit the road throughout 2002 and much of 2003 on what she dubbed the "Frustrated Artist Tour," in search of inspiration to write and perform new material. The conclusion of the tour saw Badu head back to the studio with new material, and in September of 2003, the Worldwide Underground was released. More jam-oriented than any of her prior releases, Badu was quoted as saying that the release was designed to serve as one continuous groove. Worldwide Underground reached #3 on the Billboard charts and was certified gold not long after its release, and Badu received four further Grammy nominations for the EP.
After almost four years and the birth of a daughter, Puma, it was revealed in 2007 that Badu had three albums in the works over the course of 2007 and 2008. Honey, a new single produced by 9th Wonder, was leaked online in November 2007, and the new album, titled New Amerykah Part One (4th World War), was released on February 26, 2008.
On August 23, 2008, Badu joined the rock band My Morning Jacket on stage at their show in Dallas, Texas to perform her song Tyrone. Her surprise appearance was met with an enthusiastic reaction from the audience.
On February 1, 2009 Badu gave birth to her third child, a girl named Mars Merkaba with her boyfriend Jay Electronica.
Her album New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh) was released on March 30, 2010.
Jump Up in the Air and Stay There
Erykah Badu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
I know you want to jumped, up, out my seat
I know you want, tooooo
Something musta got in me
I know you want, tooooo
Church never felt this good befo'
I know you want, tooooo
'Cept I was at the club - uh oh
I know you want, tooooo (Bounce - hey) c'mon
I know you want to, reach to the higher level
Much further from the devil
Until you feel the weather
I know you want to, reach to the higher level
Much further from the devil
Until you feel the weather
I know you, want to
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Hi - G-H-two oh, dial never
My level far from the devil
Have some manners
Say hello, to angels and watch out for Uranus
I go nuts like a Danish
Then vay-nish into thin air
And stay in there
This is Deep Carter, betta bring ya swimwear
Heh but I'm shallow and when ya this high
Everybody else balow - oops, I meant below!
Mijo, zero degree yo, frio
Get into your soul like Neo, whee oh
Oh, I meant oh-whee - or is it ooh-whee?
Truly, I don't give a fuck
I am on the ceiling stuck
Like a fan full of dust
Like a hand full of bucks I'm
Spendin like crazy
I'm in Wayne's World where
The women like ladies
And you don't need a telescope
To see Weezy F baby, hah!
Elevate with us (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (heeey)
Like a fan full of dust
Like her hand full of bucks
We spendin' like, cra-zay
Come Fly with us (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (hey yea)
Like a fan full of dust
Like a hand full of bucks
We spending like, crazy
Come Fly with us (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (hey yea)
Like a fan full of dust
Like a hand full of bucks
We spending like, crazy
Come Fly with us (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (hey yea)
Like a fan full of dust
Like a hand full of bucks
We spending like, crazy
I know you, want to
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
Jump up in the air and stay there
The lyrics to Erykah Badu's song "Jump Up in the Air and Stay There" convey a powerful message about liberation, self-expression, and breaking free from societal constraints. The repetition of the line "Jump up in the air and stay there" emphasizes the desire to rise above limitations and stay in a state of freedom and empowerment. The song encourages listeners to transcend their current circumstances and reach for a higher level of consciousness and personal growth.
In the first verse, the lyrics suggest that there is something within the singer that compels them to break free from the norm. The mention of being at a club implies a desire to let go of inhibitions and experience a different kind of spiritual high. The reference to church signifies that this newfound freedom is comparable to a religious experience. The lyrics also suggest that reaching this higher level is a way to distance oneself from negativity and temptation, represented by the devil.
The second verse includes wordplay, as the lyrics playfully reference Lil Wayne's alter ego, Weezy F Baby. The line "I am on the ceiling stuck, like a fan full of dust" illustrates the idea of being elevated and liberated, removed from the ordinary and mundane. The lyrics further depict a carefree attitude and a disregard for societal norms, emphasizing the idea that embracing one's true self and experiencing personal freedom is more important than conforming to expectations.
Overall, "Jump Up in the Air and Stay There" encourages listeners to embrace their individuality, challenge societal constraints, and reach for higher levels of self-awareness and personal growth.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you, want to
I understand that you desire to
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
I know you, want to
I understand that you desire to
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
I know you want to jumped, up, out my seat
I am aware that you desire to rise enthusiastically and leave my position
I know you want, tooooo
I am aware that you have a strong desire
Something musta got in me
Some unknown force or influence has affected me
I know you want, tooooo
I am aware that you have a strong desire
Church never felt this good befo'
The experience of being in a church has never been this enjoyable in the past
I know you want, tooooo
I am aware that you have a strong desire
'Cept I was at the club - uh oh
Except, I was at the club - oh no
I know you want, tooooo (Bounce - hey) c'mon
I am aware that you have a strong desire to bounce and come along
I know you want to, reach to the higher level
I am aware that you desire to attain a higher state
Much further from the devil
Far away from evil influences
Until you feel the weather
Until you experience the atmosphere and its effects
I know you want to, reach to the higher level
I am aware that you desire to attain a higher state
Much further from the devil
Far away from evil influences
Until you feel the weather
Until you experience the atmosphere and its effects
Hi - G-H-two oh, dial never
Greetings - G, H, 2, and 0, always connected
My level far from the devil
My position is distant from the devil
Have some manners
Display politeness and courtesy
Say hello, to angels and watch out for Uranus
Greet the celestial beings and be cautious of Uranus
I go nuts like a Danish
I become crazy like a Danish pastry
Then vay-nish into thin air
Then vanish into the ether
And stay in there
And remain in that state
This is Deep Carter, betta bring ya swimwear
This is Deep Carter, you better bring your swimwear
Heh but I'm shallow and when ya this high
Heh, but I am shallow and when you are this elevated
Everybody else balow - oops, I meant below!
Everyone else below - oops, I meant beneath!
Mijo, zero degree yo, frio
Son, at a zero degree, it's cold
Get into your soul like Neo, whee oh
Penetrate your soul like Neo, whee oh
Oh, I meant oh-whee - or is it ooh-whee?
Oh, I meant oh-whee - or is it ooh-whee?
Truly, I don't give a fuck
Honestly, I don't care at all
I am on the ceiling stuck
I am stuck on the ceiling
Like a fan full of dust
Similar to a dusty fan
Like a hand full of bucks I'm
Like a hand full of money I am
Spendin like crazy
Spending in an extravagant manner
I'm in Wayne's World where
I am in Wayne's World where
The women like ladies
The women are elegant
And you don't need a telescope
And you do not require a telescope
To see Weezy F baby, hah!
To see Weezy F baby, hah!
Elevate with us (hey)
Rise to a higher position with us (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (heeey)
We are stuck to the ceiling (heeey)
Like a fan full of dust
Similar to a dusty fan
Like her hand full of bucks
Similar to her hand full of money
We spendin' like, cra-zay
We are spending in an extremely extravagant manner
Come Fly with us (hey)
Join us in flying (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (hey yea)
We are stuck to the ceiling (hey yea)
Like a fan full of dust
Similar to a dusty fan
Like a hand full of bucks
Similar to a hand full of money
We spending like, crazy
We are spending in an extremely extravagant manner
Come Fly with us (hey)
Join us in flying (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (hey yea)
We are stuck to the ceiling (hey yea)
Like a fan full of dust
Similar to a dusty fan
Like a hand full of bucks
Similar to a hand full of money
We spending like, crazy
We are spending in an extremely extravagant manner
Come Fly with us (hey)
Join us in flying (hey)
We on the ceiling stuck (hey yea)
We are stuck to the ceiling (hey yea)
Like a fan full of dust
Similar to a dusty fan
Like a hand full of bucks
Similar to a hand full of money
We spending like, crazy
We are spending in an extremely extravagant manner
I know you, want to
I understand that you desire to
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Jump up in the air and stay there
Leap into the sky and remain suspended
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERICA WRIGHT, JAHMAL D. CANTERO, GEORGE JR. CLINTON, RONALD FORD, JIMMY GILES, SYLVESTER STEWART, R. C. WILLIAMS, DWAYNE CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Café com Rafa
I never get tired of this song.
cchhhris
me too bro
Das Rhodruna
The masses have slept on this one because they are the masses... Wayne sounds sensible and appealing; and Erykah's voice and lyrics over the track is phenomenal!!! If I heard this in the club or at a party, I would JAAAAMMMM no matter WHAAAAAT!!!!!
Flex Luthor
I love this song. I come back from time to time just to watch the video when I need some creative inspiration.
Octagon9
feels like your in their living spaces
RayJ Brown
When this first came out, all my friends were irritated because I kept demanding everybody jump up in the air and stay there. EB is a musical GENIUS
Angel Witcher
She's a great artist and have talent. I love her style and the song.
Octagon9
and him did justice
AeonFlux_504
I love Bilal's vocals on this song!!! 2021 is here and I'm still banging that New Amerykah in my speakers!!!
MrAIMright
After all these years I had no idea it was Bilal's background vocals. Are you a fan of Aeon Flux the animated series or the movie?