Imelda Mary Higham (born Imelda Mary Clabby on 10 July 1974), professionall… Read Full Bio ↴Imelda Mary Higham (born Imelda Mary Clabby on 10 July 1974), professionally known as Imelda May, is an Irish musician and singer-songwriter. Born and raised in The Liberties area of Dublin, May began her career in music at age sixteen - performing with a number of local bands and musicians - before forming her own band in 2002. She released her debut studio album, No Turning Back, in 2003 and relocated to London, United Kingdom, with husband and guitarist Darrel Higham after its release. Following an appearance on the BBC music programme Later... with Jools Holland in 2008, she released her second studio album, Love Tattoo (2009). At the 2009 Meteor Awards she won the Best Female Artist of the Year award . Her 2010 album, Mayhem, earned her a nomination for the Choice Music Prize.

Although known primarily as a singer, May also plays the bodhrán, guitar and tambourine. Described as "a unique vocal talent," May is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival and has also been compared to female jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday.

Born in Dublin, the youngest of five children, she fell in love with rockabilly at the age of nine, though was also exposed to a range of musical styles, from Irish traditional music to Elvis Presley. She now specialises in rockabilly, singing her own material and covers. Her debut album with Blue Harlem was No Turning Back, which was followed by Swing Street, and Talk to Me. Her first solo release was Love Tattoo.

May has shared the stage with Alison Moyet, Dionne Warwick, Bryan Ferry, Anastasia, The Supremes, Sister Sledge, Scissor Sisters, Matt Bianco, Elvis Costello, Jools Holland, Elton John, and Jeff Beck.

All For You
Imelda May Lyrics

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Watch my lips while I'm telling you this
Yeah it's all for you
Every flick of the wrist, every swing of the hips
Yeah its all for you
When I toss my hair, throw my head in the air
It's all for you
Every hook, every clip every twitch of the zip
It's all for you

I'm spelling it out it's not written in code
I want you so much I think I'm gonna explode

Watch my lips while I'm telling you this it's all for you

All for you

When I move real slow, babe I want you to know
It's all for you
Every bump every grind oh I think that you'll find that
It's all for you

I'm spelling it out it's not written in code
I want you so much I think I'm gonna explode

Watch my lips while I'm telling you this it's all for you

All for you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Imelda May's "All for You" are an expression of the intense desire and passion that the singer has for someone. She wants this person to know that every move, every gesture, every action she takes is all for him. She emphasizes this by repeatedly asking him to watch her lips while she speaks, as she spells out her intentions in plain language. The way she moves her hips, tosses her hair, and even every flick of the wrist is all directed towards this person.

The singer emphasizes that she wants this person to know that her feelings are sincere and not written in code. She wants him to fully understand that she wants him so much that it feels like she's going to explode. The repetition of the phrase "all for you" reinforces the intensity of her feelings and desires.

Overall, the lyrics capture the raw and unfiltered emotions that come with being deeply infatuated with someone. They express a desire to communicate this passion in a clear and direct way, without any ambiguity or hesitation.

Line by Line Meaning

Watch my lips while I'm telling you this
Pay attention to my words because what I'm about to say is important

Yeah, it's all for you
Everything I'm doing is solely for your benefit

Every flick of the wrist, every swing of the hips
Every movement I make is a deliberate attempt to please you

When I toss my hair, throw my head in the air
Even the smallest actions, like flipping my hair, are all for you

Every hook, every clip, every twitch of the zip
Every little detail, from my clothing to my mannerisms, is for your enjoyment

I'm spelling it out, it's not written in code
I'm being straightforward and honest with you

I want you so much I think I'm gonna explode
I desire you so intensely, I feel like I'm on the verge of bursting

When I move real slow, babe I want you to know
I am purposefully moving slowly to show you how much I want you

Every bump every grind, oh I think that you'll find that
Even the most sensual movements are all for your pleasure

All for you
Everything I'm doing, every movement I'm making, every thought I'm having, is solely for you

Watch my lips while I'm telling you this it's all for you
I want you to fully grasp and understand that everything I'm doing is for you