Spirited in her approach to communicate fitting and inspirational messages to the youth she’s been described by critics as the truth, one who will bring about real change with her powerful and captivating voice that at times seem flawlessly pure. Rebellious in her approach to denote systematic oppression against all races Etana takes pride in being an artist, she feels strongly that her responsibility as a recording artist is to express positive vibrations in her music and from this she will graceful admit to staying the course.
Born Shauna McKenzie Etana spent her youthful days playing in the hill side community of August Town situated in the South Eastern side of Jamaica. The only daughter of a fairly large family of boys she was as curious then as she is determined now doing the mischievous things most children tend to do at an early age. Attending school locally up until 1992 when she migrated to the U.S to start a new life in the sunshine state of Miami Florida Etana was a budding achiever; she finished grade school and eventually went off to college the year after with plans of becoming a Registered Nurse.
During her studies at Broward Community College Etana became extremely passionate about music, she was consumed with the joy of creating her own mix of the different genres she would attentively listen to in her earlier years. A hardened fan of Reggae, Pop, Hip Hop and Jazz Musicians she found inspiration in Whitney Houston, Lauren Hill, Jill Scott, Sizzla Kalongi, Marcia Griffiths and the legend Bob Marley all of who eventually gave the then academic the will to explore a new and potentially more suited career in Music.
In 2000 after making a tough decision to prematurely exit college Etana attempted a shot at stardom when she joined a girl group by the name "GIFT" which was being courted by Universal Records. Sexy, Reviling and conforming to the industry stereo type of how a woman should dress Etana fell victim to her dreams of becoming a mainstream star. It wasn’t her ideal fit but she conformed to the record labels requests and gave in to her groups glamorous appeal until one day while on a video shoot for their lead single she could bear it no more, walking away from the spotlights and returning to her place of birth Kingston, Jamaica to start fresh as an entrepreneur looking to grab a piece of the Cyber Market with an Internet Cafe.
Down but not out Etana still wanted to do music but only in her own way, she wanted to send a different message and portray a more eloquent look and this opportunity came in 2005 when a friend brought her to Fifth Element who at the time was prospering from the strength of Richie Spice who was heavily booked for several American and European Tours. Auditioning for a shot at becoming the backup vocalist for Spice Etana vocally floored his management team and was handed a plane ticket to do a few shows in the U.S. The ensuing fifteen months followed with the now permanent songstress soaking up valued experience as a stage performer with performance credits in Europe and North America. Eager to make her own mark Etana boldly attempted a hit single one day while chilling with the guitar player and Percussionist from Richie Spice’s band. The idea had been floating in her thoughts for weeks and like magic the melody for her debut smash single "Wrong Address" was born. Simple yet effective the single was a fusion of Jazz and Reggae, it was the first of its kind and in 2006 the song was rewarded with heavy radio rotations plunging it in the number 1 position of several local charts.
Describing her style back then Etana was quoted as saying "I do music straight from the heart, straight from the soul, straight from the people i see in everyday life" and so came about her second major hit Roots which was an intriguing mix of African and reggae cultural sounds fused with Jamaican Creole. The song became an anthem because of the definitive statement "You can’t water down and dilute" featured in the chorus.
Video’s for both songs helped bring Etana to the forefront of Reggae and during the summer and winter of 2007 she made her mark as a solo artist performing on international events like Reggae Sumfest, Fully Loaded, ATI Live Concert, Irie Jamboree, Welcome to Jamrock and Guinness Sting. Picking up where she left off in 2007 Etana began 2008 with the same level of focus rocking the likes of an Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in late January so much so that patrons lashed the promoters for putting her on too early. A few well deserved awards in the bag Etana took home Best Female Vocalist at both the Excellence in Music & Entertainment (EME) Awards and the IRIE FM Radio Awards not to mention an award for Best Solo Female Reggae Vocalist copped at the 1st annual Reggae Academy Awards for which she had nominations in 3 separate categories.
Currently promoting her new singles "Warrior Love" and "I Am Not Afraid" off her soon to be released debut album ETANA THE STRONG ONE on VP Records Etana is boldly taking on the world of music with the help of her new management team at Solid Agency. Owner of Free Mind Music / The Best Records Etana is poised to do Reggae proud.
Moving On
Etana Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He don't write no more, no, no, no, no
He don't come by no more
Yeah, he's gone, he's gone for sure
All I have is memories
These words and the melody
This song to keep me happy
I'm gonna find my favorite song in my car
And drive real fast and go real far
To the crest of the hills, to the top of the mountains
Stare at the stars, move on
I'm gonna find my favorite song in my car
And drive real fast and go real far
To the crest of the hills, to the top of the mountains
Stare at the stars, move on
(Move on)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, alright now
(Move on, move on)
Yeah
People are people, they're gon' be who they be
Got no time to be sad, baby, I gotta do me
I'm gonna get dressed up, put on some makeup, yeah, yeah
I'm gon' pick my cell phone, I gotta get me some love
I'm gonna find my favorite song in my car
And drive real fast and go real far
To the crest of the hills, to the top of the mountains
Stare at the stars, move on
I'm gonna find my favorite song in my car
And drive real fast and go real far
To the crest of the hills, to the top of the mountains
Stare at the stars, move on
(Move on)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
(Move on, move on)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, gimme love, gimme love, gimme lovin'
Gimme love, gimme lovin', lovin'
Oh, gimme love, gimme, please gimme lovin'
Oh, gimme love, gimme love, gimme lovin'
(Give love)
In Etana's song "Moving On," the singer talks about moving on from a past relationship. The song begins with her lamenting the fact that her former partner no longer communicates with her. However, she decides that she does not want to be lonely and will instead find happiness in the memories of their time together, as well as in her favorite songs. Etana then describes her plan to get in her car, turn up her favorite song and drive fast to escape from her troubles. She promises to find love and happiness, declaring that she will "gotta do me" and not waste time "being sad." The chorus repeats the idea of moving on, encouraging the listener to do the same.
Overall, the song suggests that even though a relationship has ended, there is hope for a happy future. Etana encourages listeners to focus on positive memories, embrace their favorite music, and to take active steps to find love and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
He don't call no more
The person the artist was involved with no longer contacts her through phone calls.
He don't write no more, no, no, no, no
The person the artist was involved with also no longer communicates through writing.
He don't come by no more
The person the artist was involved with no longer visits her.
Yeah, he's gone, he's gone for sure
The person the artist was involved with has completely left her life.
All I have is memories
The only thing the artist has left now is memories of their past relationship.
These words and the melody
The artist finds solace in the words and melody of the song she's playing.
This song to keep me happy
The artist depends on the song to cheer her up and help her move on.
No, I ain't gon' be lonely
Despite the breakup, the artist refuses to be lonely and will find ways to be happy.
I'm gonna find my favorite song in my car
The artist will seek comfort in her favorite song while driving.
And drive real fast and go real far
She'll drive fast and go far in an attempt to clear her mind and gain a new perspective.
To the crest of the hills, to the top of the mountains
The artist will explore the outdoors and find peace in nature.
Stare at the stars, move on
She'll look at the stars and be reminded of the vastness of the world, helping her move on from the past relationship.
People are people, they're gon' be who they be
The artist acknowledges that people will be themselves, and she can't change that.
Got no time to be sad, baby, I gotta do me
The artist has no time to be sad and dwell on the past. She needs to focus on herself and move on.
I'm gonna get dressed up, put on some makeup, yeah, yeah
The artist will take care of herself and boost her confidence by dressing up and putting on makeup.
I'm gon' pick my cell phone, I gotta get me some love
The artist will also seek love and support from her friends and family through her cell phone.
Oh, gimme love, gimme love, gimme lovin'
The artist wants love and affection from those around her.
Gimme love, gimme lovin', lovin'
She needs the support of others in order to heal and move on.
Oh, gimme love, gimme, please gimme lovin'
The artist begs for love and support from those around her.
(Give love)
The artist wants those around her to give her love and help her heal.
(Move on)
Yeah, yeah, yeah
(Move on, move on)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
The chorus repeats, reminding the artist to move on and seek happiness in her life.
Contributed by Ellie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
enock
on Love Song
nice
Nocawra Anreh
on The Prayer
nice ..i like d song
Ben le Noble
on Mocking Bird
etana's songs make me in other travel