Gregory Porter was born in Sacramento and was raised in Bakersfield, California, where his mother was a minister. A 1989 graduate of Highland High School, he received a "full-ride" (tuition, books, medical coverage, and living expenses) athletic scholarship as a football lineman to San Diego State University (SDSU Aztecs), but a shoulder injury during his junior year cut short his football career.[3] At the age of 21, Porter lost his mother to cancer, but only after she entreated him from her death bed: "Sing, baby, sing!"
Porter moved to the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in 2004, along with his brother Lloyd. He worked as a chef at Lloyd's restaurant Bread-Stuy (now defunct), where he also performed. Porter performed at other neighborhood venues including Sista's Place and Solomon's Porch, and moved on to Harlem club St. Nick's Pub, where he maintained a weekly residency. Out of this residency evolved what would become Porter's touring band.[4]
Porter released two albums on the Motéma label together with Membran Entertainment Group, 2010's Water and 2012's Be Good, before signing with Blue Note Records (under Universal Music Group) on May 17, 2013. His third album, Liquid Spirit, was released on September 2, 2013, in Europe and on September 17, 2013, in the US.[5] The album was produced by Brian Bacchus.[6] The album won the 2014 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album.[7]
Liquid Spirit enjoyed commercial success rarely achieved by albums in the jazz genre, reaching the top 10 on the UK album charts. It was certified gold by the BPI, selling over 100,000 units in the UK.[8]
In August 2014 Porter released "The 'In' Crowd" as a single.[9] On May 9, 2015 Porter participated in VE Day 70: A Party to Remember, a televised commemorative concert from Horse Guards Parade in London, singing "As Time Goes By".[10]
His fourth album, Take Me to the Alley, was released on May 6, 2016.[11] In UK's The Guardian it was Alexis Petridis's album of the week.[12]
On June 26, 2016, Porter performed on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2016. Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Neil McCormick said, "The portly middle-aged jazzer may be the oddest pop star on the planet but he is a refreshing testament to the notion that the most important organ for musical appreciation should always be our ears. And Porter has one of the most easy-on-the-ear voices in popular music, a creamy baritone that flows thick and smooth across a rich gateaux of juicy melody. It's a voice that makes you want to lick your lips and dive right in."[13]
In September 2016 Porter performed at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park from Hyde Park, London. He would go on to perform in the annual BBC Children in Need show in November, a night dedicated to Sir Terry Wogan, who hosted it in previous years and was a fan of Porter.[14]
In January 2017 Porter performed the song "Holding On" on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show.[15] In September 2017 he performed as part of the Later... with Jools Holland: Later 25 concert at the Royal Albert Hall.[16]
In October 2017 he performed the song "Mona Lisa" on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show with Jeff Goldblum on piano.[17]
PICK YOURSELF UP
Gregory Porter Lyrics
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Take a deep breath
Dust yourself off
Start all over again
Nothing's impossible, I have found
For when my chin is on the ground
I pick myself up
And start all over again
Don't lose your confidence if you slip
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
And pick yourself up
Dust yourself off
And start all over again
Work like a soul inspired
'Til the battle of the day is won
You may be sick and tired
But you'll be a man, my son
Will you remember the famous men
Who had to fall to rise again?
So, pick yourself up
Take a deep breath
Dust yourself off
Start all over again
Work like a soul inspired
'Til the battle of the day is won
You may be sick and tired
But you'll be a man, my son
Will you remember the famous men
Who had to fall to rise again?
So, take a deep breath
Pick yourself up
Dust yourself off
Start all over again
The lyrics to Gregory Porter's song "Pick Yourself Up" are a powerful message of resilience and encouragement in the face of adversity. The song begins by urging the listener to pick themselves up, take a deep breath, and dust themselves off, emphasizing the importance of not giving up and starting over. It suggests that nothing is impossible and that even when feeling defeated, one can find the strength to rise again.
The lyrics highlight the idea that setbacks and failures are a natural part of life, depicted as having one's chin on the ground. However, the key lies in picking oneself up, dusting off any self-doubt or negativity, and beginning anew. It suggests that one should not lose confidence when they stumble, but instead be grateful for the experiences, even the pleasant ones, that have brought them to where they are.
The song's message extends beyond personal growth and resilience, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance. It encourages the listener to work diligently and passionately, as if their soul is inspired, until they conquer the challenges of the day. It also references the famous men who have fallen and risen again, reminding us that setbacks are not indicative of failure, but rather opportunities for growth and eventual success.
Overall, "Pick Yourself Up" is a motivational anthem that encourages resilience, determination, and the belief that one can overcome obstacles. It serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward, even when faced with difficulties, and to embrace each new beginning with a renewed spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Pick yourself up
Don't let yourself stay down, get back on your feet
Take a deep breath
Calm yourself and find inner strength
Dust yourself off
Remove any negativity or failures from your mind
Start all over again
Begin anew, with a fresh perspective and determination
Nothing's impossible, I have found
I have discovered that there are no limits or barriers
For when my chin is on the ground
During times of hardship or defeat
I pick myself up
I lift myself up and keep going
Be grateful for a pleasant trip
Appreciate the positive experiences along the way
Work like a soul inspired
Put in dedicated effort with passion and motivation
'Til the battle of the day is won
Keep working until you achieve your goals for the day
You may be sick and tired
You might feel exhausted and weary
But you'll be a man, my son
You'll become strong and resilient, my child
Will you remember the famous men
Will you recall the renowned individuals
Who had to fall to rise again?
Who had to experience failure in order to succeed?
So, take a deep breath
Pause, gather yourself, and regain composure
Start all over again
Begin anew, with renewed determination
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind