Spalding continued to branch out, playing with jazz groups as well as leading her own septet and trio. In 2002 she joined the hip-hop group Black Science Tribe, which gained a sizable following touring along the West Coast.
Since moving East to attend the Berklee College of Music, Ms. Spalding has regularly worked as a freelance bassist and singer, both locally and internationally. Ms. Spalding has worked with many notable Grammy-winning artists such as pianist Michel Camilo, vibraphonist Dave Samuels, saxophonist Joe Lovano, violinist Regina Carter, guitarist Pat Metheny, and singer Patti Austin.
She has also performed as a member of the Boston Pops, with drummers Bill Stewart (John Scofield, Chris Potter, Joe Lovano), Terri-Lyne Carrington (Herbie Hancock), Mark Walker (Paquito D'Rivera), as well as guitarist Adam Rogers (Michael Brecker, Chris Potter), saxophonist Seamus Blake (Mingus Big Band, Bloomdaddies), and trumpeter Byron Stripling and performed as an opening act for comedian and sometimes-jazz drummer/vocalist Bill Cosby.
Recently, Ms. Spalding released her debut album as a leader, Junjo on the Barcelona based jazz label Ayva Music. Her CD features pianist Aruan Ortiz, and drummer Francisco Mela.
She is the 2005 recipient of the prestigious Boston Jazz Society scholarship for outstanding musicianship. Spalding holds a B.M. from Berklee College of Music, where she also enjoys the status as the youngest faculty member ever in the history of the College. Esperanza recently became a new artist represented by the Montuno management agency.
In 2009 she played at the Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo(Norway), as the Nobel Peace Prize winner,
Barack Obama, artist of choice.
In 2011 she was awarded the Grammy for best new artist, the only Jazz musician to be awarded the Grammy.
Radio Song
Esperanza Spalding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Traffic won't speed up, so you turn the radio on
But it's the same old stuff that makes you yawn
Well somehow he feels it and the DJ here at the station
Sends sweet salvation, when he starts to play this song
Now you can't help singin' along
Even though you never heard it
This song will keep you grooving
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
Words are speaking through you
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Yes, this song's the one
Even though you never heard it
You keep singing it wrong, this song's the one
And then they start mixing it up
When you're tired and scared of missing something
Waiting for some magic to come and make you feel better
Enter that song
Now that's how we know the power of song can save
When you're tired and scared of missing something
Waiting for some magic to come and make you feel better
Enter that song
Now that's how we know the power of song can save
That's how we know the power of song can save
Well it can surely save the day and keep you grooving
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
Words are speaking through you
Yes, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Yes, this song's the one
Smiling and driving, sounds like soon it might be over
So you pull over, and start scrambling for a pen
But another comes in again
Paper in hand, you, can't help movin' while you're listenin'
Your skin starts bristlin', here comes the part you know
And you can't help singing along, even though you never heard it
And you keep singing it wrong
This song will keep you grooving
(Can't stop it moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
The words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
When the words are speaking through you
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Yes, this song's the one
Yes, this song's the one
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
(Play it to lift your spirits)
Because you like to, because you need to
This song's the one
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
Because you like to, because you need to
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
Because you like to, because you need to
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
Because you like to, because you need to
The lyrics of Esperanza Spalding's "Radio Song" convey the power of music to uplift and inspire us through difficult times. The singer is driving through traffic, feeling stuck and bored, but turns to the radio to find solace. However, it's not until the DJ plays a particular "song" that the singer finds true salvation and can't help but sing along, even though they've never heard it before. The song's lyrics are "speaking through" the singer, as if they were written just for them. The song keeps them grooving and moving, providing a much-needed lift in difficult times.
The song acknowledges the universal human experience of feeling tired, scared, and waiting for something to make us feel better. But it offers a ray of hope that music can save the day and keep us moving forward. The repeated line "this song's the one" emphasizes the power of music to connect us to something greater than ourselves and provide a sense of purpose and joy.
Overall, the lyrics of "Radio Song" celebrate the transformative power of music. When we feel stuck or alone, music can connect us to something greater and inspire us to keep going. It reminds us that we are never truly alone as long as we have the universal language of music to help us through.
Line by Line Meaning
Right now you need it, driving yourself through the hard times
In your current state, you are in need of something to help get you through the difficult times, as you drive yourself forward.
Traffic won't speed up, so you turn the radio on
Since traffic is not clearing up, you attempt to find relief by turning on the radio.
But it's the same old stuff that makes you yawn
However, the music playing on the radio is nothing new, and it fails to pique your interest.
Well somehow he feels it and the DJ here at the station
Still, the DJ broadcasting over the radio feels the same way that you do.
Sends sweet salvation, when he starts to play this song
Luckily, the DJ is able to provide some relief by playing a specific song that can evoke powerful emotions.
Now you can't help singin' along
Even if you do not recognize the song playing, you cannot resist singing along.
Even though you never heard it
Despite not having heard this song before,
You keep singin' it wrong
you still keep singing it, albeit with the incorrect lyrics.
This song will keep you grooving
The song has the power to keep you feeling upbeat,
(You gotta make moving)
and you must keep moving to the rhythm to maximize the effect of the song.
Play it to lift your spirits
By playing the song, your mood can be immediately lifted.
(Soon as you hear it)
The moment the song begins playing,
Words are speaking through you
The lyrics are speaking directly to you,
(As if they knew you)
as if they are specifically catered to your thoughts and needs.
Well it can surely save the day and keep you grooving
The song has the capability to turn your day around and keep you feeling good.
Smiling and driving, sounds like soon it might be over
As you drive and smile, it seems that the song may soon be finished.
So you pull over, and start scrambling for a pen
In an attempt to remember the song to use in the future, you pull over and search frantically for a writing utensil.
But another comes in again
However, another song soon begins playing once again.
Paper in hand, you, can't help movin' while you're listenin'
Although you now have a pen in hand, you cannot resist moving to the beat while listening to the new song.
Your skin starts bristlin', here comes the part you know
The familiar part of the new song is approaching and you can feel your excitement building up.
Now if you want to
If you so desire,
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
you can sing the song out loud, with love and with your heart full.
(Play it to lift your spirits)
(The song has the power to lift your mood.)
Because you like to, because you need to
It can be done simply because you enjoy it or because you need the song's power to brighten your day.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Esperanza Spalding
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dunadinha4737
Right now you need it, driving yourself through the hard times
Traffic won't speed up, so you turn the radio on
But it's the same old stuff that makes you yawn
Well somehow he feels it and the DJ here at the station
Sends sweet salvation, when he starts to play this song
Now you can't help singin' along
Even though you never heard it
You keep singin' it wrong
This song will keep you grooving
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
Words are speaking through you
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Yes, this song's the one
Even though you never heard it
You keep singing it wrong, this song's the one
And then they start mixing it up
When you're tired and scared of missing something
Waiting for some magic to come and make you feel better
Enter that song
Now that's how we know the power of song can save
When you're tired and scared of missing something
Waiting for some magic to come and make you feel better
Enter that song
Now that's how we know the power of song can save
That's how we know the power of song can save
Well it can surely save the day and keep you grooving
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
Words are speaking through you
Yes, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Yes, this song's the one
Smiling and driving, sounds like soon it might be over
So you pull over, and start scrambling for a pen
But another comes in again
Paper in hand, you, can't help movin' while you're listenin'
Your skin starts bristlin', here comes the part you know
And you can't help singing along, even though you never heard it
And you keep singing it wrong
This song will keep you grooving
(Can't stop it moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
The words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
When the words are speaking through you
Ooh, this song's the one
(You gotta make moving)
Play it to lift your spirits
(Soon as you hear it)
Words are speaking through you
(As if they knew you)
Yes, this song's the one
Yes, this song's the one
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
(Play it to lift your spirits)
Because you like to, because you need to
This song's the one
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
Because you like to, because you need to
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
Because you like to, because you need to
Now if you want to
Sing it loud, with love, with love in your heart
Because you like to, because you need to
@staceRN
I met Esperanza last night...she is absolutley as wonderful as her music!!
@NmpK24
This lady is pure class.
@JayBlanche
I get that lump in my throat, shortness of breath. Eyes well with joyous tears. I love what she does to me. No one else ever did this in my 38 years of loving music.
@MrGmanDan
This Song needs a LOVE button!! Warm & Fuzzy good feeling listening to this!
@11thstring43
Playing bass so skilled and singing so effortless is crazy difficult. She's truly brilliant and groovy hair to bootsy
@elsamiller2233
This song deserves more views than Anaconda.
@douses
Thank you!
@kibijit
Mathews Barbosa Or, y'know, personal taste.
Just because something is popular (or unpopular, for that matter) doesn't automatically make it good or bad. Putting down one musician to big up another is just silly and unnecessary.
@HJules-cw6fb
***** Exactly. I agree 100%. Its not on the same wave length whatsoever.
@harmonnathan4627
on god it does