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 MotΓ©ma 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]
Thank You
Gregory Porter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Opening my eyes, and now I see
Thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you for shining a light on me
Putting me right where I'm supposed to be
Thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you
I'll never, never know just why you love me so
How do you do what you do when you say that you love me
I have to stop and sing about the love you bring
You put the spark and the flame in the fire
You inspire me
Thank you for making a place for me
Opening my eyes, and now I see
Thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you for shining a light on me
Putting me right where I'm supposed to be
Thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Whatever I do is in your name (I will thank you)
Whatever I say is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
However I sing is in your name (I will thank you)
However I love is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
Whatever I do is in your name (I will thank you)
Whatever I say is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
However I sing is in your name, oh (Lord I will thank you)
Rough-cut stone, I couldn't polish myself
Had to be done by someone else
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you for lighting a fire under me
If I rise, there you'll be
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
How I thank you
Oh, I thank you
(Wanna give thanks) Wanna give thanks
(Wanna give thanks, I wanna thank God) Got to give thanks, oh
(Thank you)
(Wanna give thanks, I wanna thank God) Wanna give thanks
(Thank you)
(Wanna give thanks, I wanna thank God) Got to give thanks
Whatever I do is in your name (I will thank you)
Whatever I say is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
Whatever I sing is in your name (I will thank you)
However I love is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
Whatever I do is in your name (I will thank you)
Whatever I say is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
However I sing is in your name, oh (I will thank you)
Oh, how I love is in your name (I will thank you)
If I cross that seven seas (Lord, I thank you)
It won't be because of me (I will thank you)
I can't move no mountain with my hand (Lord, I thank you)
But with you, I can (I will thank you)
If I think the Lord can change this land (Lord, I thank you)
He got the whole thing in the palm of his hand (I will thank you)
I wanna thank you
I wanna thank you (Lord, I thank you)
Oh, I thank you (Lord, I thank you)
(I will thank you) You own the lightning in your hand
(Lord, I thank you) I am just a mortal man
(I will thank you) Even when I'm at my best
(I will thank you) I need you to do the rest
(I will thank you) Oh, I thank you
(Even when I'm at my best, I am blessed that you do the rest)
(Even when I'm at my best, I am blessed that you do the rest)
(Even when I'm at my best, I am blessed that you do the rest)
(Even when I'm at my best, I am blessed that you do the rest)
When I was nine or ten
You became my beginning and my end
In between Lakeview and Haley Street
That's where the outdoor church would meet
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
In Gregory Porter's song "Thank You," the lyrics express profound gratitude and appreciation for someone or something that has significantly impacted the singer's life. The repeated phrase "Thank you" reflects the overwhelming sense of gratitude and emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the positive influence.
The opening lines, "Thank you for making a place for me, Opening my eyes, and now I see," suggest that the person or entity being thanked has played a crucial role in providing a sense of belonging and understanding. It implies that they have helped the singer gain clarity and perception in their life.
The lines "Putting me right where I'm supposed to be, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you" convey the idea that the person being thanked has carefully guided and directed the singer to their destined path. They have helped the singer find their purpose and place in life.
The verse "I'll never, never know just why you love me so, How do you do what you do when you say that you love me" expresses a sense of wonder and awe towards the love and support received. The singer questions the reasons behind this affection and admires the ability of the person to consistently demonstrate their love.
The lyrics also mention the inspiration and motivation that the person being thanked provides. Lines like "You put the spark and the flame in the fire, You inspire me" signify the significant impact they have had on the singer's creativity and drive.
The last verse of the song includes references to the singer's faith and the belief that their actions, words, and even love are dedicated to a higher power. They acknowledge that everything they do is grounded in their spiritual beliefs, and they express gratitude for the guidance and blessings they receive.
The final lines of the song take a nostalgic tone, reflecting on a specific time and place where the singer's connection with the person being thanked was established. This suggests that the gratitude expressed in the song is rooted in a long-standing relationship and shared experiences.
Overall, "Thank You" by Gregory Porter is a heartfelt expression of gratitude towards someone or something that has had a profound impact on the singer's life. The lyrics convey a deep appreciation for guidance, love, inspiration, and a sense of belonging that the person being thanked has provided.
Line by Line Meaning
Thank you for making a place for me
I am grateful to you for creating a space where I belong
Opening my eyes, and now I see
You have enlightened me and now I understand
Thank you
I express my gratitude
Thank you, thank you, thank you
I am immensely thankful, and I repeat my gratitude
Thank you for shining a light on me
I appreciate you for illuminating my path
Putting me right where I'm supposed to be
You have placed me exactly where I should be
I'll never, never know just why you love me so
I will never fully understand why you love me deeply
How do you do what you do when you say that you love me
I wonder how you manage to express your love for me
I have to stop and sing about the love you bring
I cannot help but pause and sing about the love you bring into my life
You put the spark and the flame in the fire
You are the one who ignites and fuels my passion
You inspire me
You fill me with inspiration
Whatever I do is in your name (I will thank you)
Everything I do is dedicated to you, and I will express my gratitude
Whatever I say is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
Every word I speak is influenced by you, and I thank you, Lord
However I sing is in your name (I will thank you)
Whenever I sing, it is in praise of you, and I will thank you
However I love is in your name (Lord, I thank you)
The way I love is guided by you, and I express my gratitude, Lord
Rough-cut stone, I couldn't polish myself
I was unrefined, unable to improve on my own
Had to be done by someone else
It required the intervention of another to transform me
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you
I am overwhelmed with gratitude, and I repeat my thanks
Thank you for lighting a fire under me
I am grateful for motivating me and igniting my passion
If I rise, there you'll be
Whenever I succeed, you will be there by my side
How I thank you
This is how I express my gratitude
Oh, I thank you
I am sincerely thankful
(Wanna give thanks) Wanna give thanks
I have a strong desire to express my gratitude
(Wanna give thanks, I wanna thank God) Got to give thanks, oh
I must acknowledge and thank God
If I cross that seven seas (Lord, I thank you)
If I travel far and wide, I will thank you, Lord
It won't be because of me (I will thank you)
My accomplishments won't be solely due to my efforts
I can't move no mountain with my hand (Lord, I thank you)
I cannot achieve great feats on my own, Lord, and I acknowledge it
But with you, I can (I will thank you)
However, with your assistance, I can accomplish anything, and I will thank you
If I think the Lord can change this land (Lord, I thank you)
If I believe that the Lord can bring positive transformation to this world, I will thank you, Lord
He got the whole thing in the palm of his hand (I will thank you)
The Lord has complete control over everything, and I will express my gratitude
When I was nine or ten
During my childhood
You became my beginning and my end
You became the origin and purpose of my life
In between Lakeview and Haley Street
In the vicinity of Lakeview and Haley Street
That's where the outdoor church would meet
It was the place where the community would gather for religious gatherings
Thank you
I express my gratitude
Thank you
I express my gratitude
Thank you
I express my gratitude
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Gregory Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Don Mckinney
Just what is needed in these stressful times. Thank you Lord and Thank you Mr. Porter!!
Thefunksoulbro
Faith moves mountains.
Adjowa Duckett
Thank youβ Asante sana!!ππΎπ
Tamu Thrower
Love how Mr. Porter stays true to his church upbringing. What a wonderful song and a lovely voice.
ANGEL ROA YUSTIZ
Thank you to both...to God for life and hope and to you for putting my feelings in your lyrics.
Lord Sycamore
What a beautiful and uplifting song! His lyrics reminded me of Colossians 3:17:
Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
Alton Cooper
What an Amazing song. You're music brings warmth and joy to our hearts. Thank you sharing you're voice with the world. Can't wait to see in Houston.
Marissa Santa Cruz
Gratitude felt & not given is like wrapping a present and never giving it. You donβt even understand the hard times your music has gotten me through. I am truly grateful for your rich spirit & soul always in every song you release!!! Inspired.
Kelilah Qetsiyah
Praise Him ... HalleluYah! Selah! π π€²π½
Tavtrac4ever
As we reflect on 2020 and LIFE, thank you Mr. Porter for reminding us to be THANKFUL π