She absorbed musical skill early in life, encouraged by both parents: her mother, Joyce, herself a former singer, and now India Arie's stylist; and her father, former ABA and NBA basketball player Ralph Simpson (not former NBA star player Ralph Sampson, as has been mistakenly reported in some media). She had taken up a succession of musical instruments throughout her schooling in Denver, Colorado, but her interest in the guitar while attending the Savannah College of Art and Design led to a personal revelation about songwriting and performing. "When I started tapping into my own sensitivity, I started to understand people better. It was a direct result of writing songs," she said at the press release of her debut album, Acoustic Soul.
Co-founding the Atlanta-based independent music collective GroovmentEarthseed (Groovement was the collective artists' name and Earthshare was their independent label name), her one-song turn on a locally released compilation led to a second-stage gig at the Lilith Fair. Their Universal Records/Motown music scout spotted her and made an introduction to Motown CEO Kedar Massenburg. Sidestepping all the devices of flavor-of-the-month record-making, Acoustic Soul acquainted listeners with a brave and eloquent new voice, drawing an uncommonly broad swath of listeners from hip-hop, the so called neo-soul, blues, folk, and classic troubadour-style singer/songwriting, all at once. The album, released in 2001, debuted at number ten on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart and number three on the R&B album chart. Within months, without the concentrated radio play that typically powers pop and rap albums, Acoustic Soul was certified double-platinum.
India.Arie also features on Stevie Wonder's album A Time To Love which was released on October 18, 2005. India.Arie and Stevie Wonder duet on the title track "A Time To Love" that India wrote, which was nominated in the 2006 forty-eighth Grammy Awards, for Best Pop Vocal Collaboration with Vocals.
On the September 2005 premiere of The Tyra Banks Show, Arie performed "Just 4 2day". She wrote this song especially for Tyra's show. Arie also wrote "What About the Child", a song that did not air but was made available as a $1 internet download to support child victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Voyage to India
India.Arie followed the success of her debut in 2002 with the release of Voyage to India. Debuting at number six on the Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B chart, the album eventually earned a 2003 Grammy for Best R&B Album. The single "Little Things" also won a 2003 Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Soon after its release, Voyage to India was certified gold; and it was certified platinum on Friday 4 August 2006.
Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship
India.Arie's third studio album, Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship, was released on June 27, 2006. Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship gave India.Arie her first number-one on the Billboard 200 and was her second chart-topper on the U.S. R&B album chart. This album was also the first #1 album for the Motown record label in 33 years since Diana Ross's #1 Lady Sings the Blues Its first week sales of 161,000 copies is Arie's best sales week to date and was certified gold on Friday, August 4, 2006.
Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics was released on Tuesday, February 10, 2009.
Songversation (2013)
Christmas with Friends (2015)
Worthy (2019)
Little Things
India.Arie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nothin' like my neighborhood
And of all the fancy satin and silk
My white cotton feels so good
Searched high and low for a place
Where I can lay my burdens down
Ain't nothin' in the whole wide world
(It's the little things) It's the little things
And the joy they bring
(The little things) It's the little things
And joy they bring
As simple as a phone call just to make it known
That you're gonna be a little late
Pure as a kiss on a cheek in a word
That everything will be okay
Call in the mornin' from my little sister
Singin' to me, "Happy Birthday"
In the quest for fortune and fame
Don't forget about the simple things
(It's the little things) It's the little things
And the joy they bring, yeah
(The little things) It's the little things
And joy
Give me some good food, give me cute shoes
Give me some piece of mind
Bring me some sunshine, bring me some blue sky
Runnin' 'round in circles, lost my focus
Lost sight of my goal
I do this for the love of music
Not for the glitter and gold
Got everything that I pray for
Even a little more
When I ask to learn humility
This is what I was told
(It's the little things) It's the little things
And the joy they bring, it's the little things
(The little things) It's the little things
Give me my guitar, give me a bright star
Give me some good news, give me some cute shoes
Give me Atlanta, give me Savannah
Give me my peace of mind
Give me some Stevie, give me some Donny
Give me my daddy, give me my mommy
Pour me some sweet tea, spoonful of honey
I don't need no Hollywood
In India.Arie's song "Little Things," the singer reflects on the simplicity and beauty of life experiences that bring true joy and contentment to our lives. She compares her travels around the world to the comfort and familiarity of her neighborhood, emphasizing the importance of feeling at home and finding peace. Despite the allure of luxury and high-end fashion, she declares her love for her white cotton clothes and how good they make her feel. Ultimately, she reminds us to appreciate the value of simple acts of kindness and connection, from a phone call to a kiss on the cheek, and to not lose sight of what truly matters in our pursuit of success and fame.
The recurring phrase "It's the little things" serves as a chorus throughout the song, emphasizing the message of finding joy in the small things in life. India.Arie lists the little things that bring her happiness, such as a phone call informing her of a delay, a kind kiss, a birthday serenade from her sister, or a spoonful of honey. These actions may seem insignificant, but they carry deep emotional resonance and make our lives immeasurably richer.
Overall, India.Arie's "Little Things" is a heartfelt reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures in life and to not let the quest for material wealth and fame overshadow what truly brings us joy and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Been around the whole world, still ain't seen
I may have traveled to different places, but there's nothing that compares to my roots.
Nothin' like my neighborhood
I find comfort and familiarity in the little things around me that make up my community.
And of all the fancy satin and silk
Even though there may be luxurious things in life, I prefer the simplicity of cotton.
My white cotton feels so good
There's something refreshing and freeing about something as basic as wearing white cotton clothes.
Searched high and low for a place
I have been on a quest for a place where I can feel at ease and unburden myself of anxieties.
Where I can lay my burdens down
I long for a space where I can release my worries and doubts without consequence.
Ain't nothin' in the whole wide world
After all my travels and experiences, I've realized that there's truly nothing that can compare to a sense of inner peace.
Like the peace that I have found
I've discovered a tranquility that comes from enjoying the little things in life rather than striving for material success.
(It's the little things) It's the little things
I've learned to appreciate the small gestures and joys in life.
And the joy they bring
These little things bring a profound happiness that can't be found in grandiose experiences or possessions.
(The little things) It's the little things
Again, it's those seemingly insignificant moments that have the most significance and impact on my well-being.
As simple as a phone call just to make it known
Something as basic as a phone call to inform me that someone may be running late can relieve unnecessary stress and concerns.
That you're gonna be a little late
Being informed of someone's tardiness can provide a sense of calm and mindfulness that eases my anxiety.
Pure as a kiss on a cheek in a word
Sometimes a kind kiss on the cheek or a caring word can do more than any extravagant gesture.
That everything will be okay
Assurance and reassurance from loved ones can provide a sense of security and stability.
Call in the mornin' from my little sister
A call from a sibling wishing me happy birthday can make my day and provide a sense of familial love and appreciation.
Singin' to me, "Happy Birthday"
Being celebrated and feeling recognized by someone close can be one of the most fulfilling experiences.
In the quest for fortune and fame
Amidst the pursuit of money and success, it's easy to forget about the simple pleasures of life.
Don't forget about the simple things
I am reminding myself and others to not lose sight of the little things that can bring true and long-lasting joy and contentment.
Give me some good food, give me cute shoes
Though I may enjoy material items, I still crave basic needs such as good food and comfortable footwear.
Give me some piece of mind
While possessions can provide temporary satisfaction, tranquility and stability of mind are integral to my well-being.
Bring me some sunshine, bring me some blue sky
Nature and its elements are often the source of revitalization and inspiration for me.
Runnin' 'round in circles, lost my focus
It's easy to get caught up in the rat race of life and forget about what's truly important.
Lost sight of my goal
I can become so obsessed with achievements and accolades that I forget about my personal values and objectives.
I do this for the love of music
I try to do what I do for the pure love of it, not for the external validation or material perks that may come along with it.
Not for the glitter and gold
I am not motivated by fame or fortune, but rather by the fulfillment of creating something I feel passionate about.
Got everything that I pray for
Though my requests may seem petty or small, I am grateful for having everything I've asked for.
Even a little more
I am content with what I possess and am even more thankful for anything extra that comes my way.
When I ask to learn humility
I pray to continue finding ways to be grounded and self-aware in spite of external success or attention.
This is what I was told
I've been reminded how important it is to not lose focus on the little things that matter most.
(It's the little things) It's the little things
Again, it's the little joys and moments that are truly the most meaningful and fulfilling.
And the joy they bring, it's the little things
I continue to find happiness and gratitude in the smallest gestures and pleasures of life.
(The little things) It's the little things
The message continues to be that true contentment comes from appreciation of the simple pleasures and not the grandiose.
Give me my guitar, give me a bright star
My personal passions and love for music and the natural world bring me immense fulfillment and happiness.
Give me some good news, give me some cute shoes
While I may have desire for materialistic items, they are not what truly bring me contentment or happiness.
Give me Atlanta, give me Savannah
My roots and connection to my home state of Georgia have always been a source of blessing and joy for me.
Give me my peace of mind
Ultimately, tranquility and stability of my thoughts are what fuel my appreciation for the little things in life.
Give me some Stevie, give me some Donny
Music itself and the legends that have inspired me have always been a source of joy and fulfillment.
Give me my daddy, give me my mommy
Ultimately, nothing can compare to the love and support of family and loved ones.
Pour me some sweet tea, spoonful of honey
There's nothing like the sweet and comforting taste of tea and honey to bring a little bit of happiness into my day.
I don't need no Hollywood
Despite societal pressures to have accomplishments and a grandiose lifestyle, I find contentment in the simplicity of life's pleasures and joys.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anthony Lamar Roberson, India Arie Simpson, Shannon B. Sr. Sanders
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@blackcosmos
"Runnin round in circles
Lost my focus
Lost sight of my goals
I do this for the love of music
Not for the glitter and gold
Got everything that I prayed for
Even a little more
When I asked to learn humility
This is what I was told"
India writes the BEST lyrics🖤
@MsKnights11
Been around the whole world, still ain't seen
Nothin' like my neighborhood
And of all the fancy satin and silk
My white cotton feels so good
Searched high and low for a place
Where I can lay my burdens down
Ain't nothin' in the whole wide world
Like the peace that I have found
It's the little things
And the joy they bring
(The little things) It's the little things
And joy they bring
As simple as a phone call just to make it known
That you're gonna be a little late
Pure as a kiss on a cheek in a word
That everything will be okay
Call in the mornin' from my little sister
Singin' to me, "Happy Birthday"
In the quest for fortune and fame
Don't forget about the simple things
It's the little things
And the joy they bring, yeah
(The little things) It's the little things
And joy
Give me some good food, give me cute shoes
Give me some piece of mind
Bring me some sunshine, bring me some blue sky
Runnin' 'round in circles, lost my focus
Lost sight of my goal
I do this for the love of music
Not for the glitter and gold
Got everything that I pray for
Even a little more
When I ask to learn humility
This is what I was told
It's the little things
And the joy they bring, it's the little things
(The little things) It's the little things
Give me my guitar, give me a bright star
Give me some good news, give me some cute shoes
Give me Atlanta, give me Savannah
give me my peace of mind
Give me some Stevie, give me some Donny
Give me my daddy, give me my mommy
Pour me some sweet tea, spoonful of honey
I don't need no Hollywood
@shortfuse75
Some people will think I am nuts, but this is actually gospel music. Her messages are divinely inspired. No doubt in my mind.
@LadyCharity
Agreed! Even my parents said her music is really inspirational/gospel because it is so positive. The gospel is the good news of the Lord. She is saying she is grateful for the little things and it reminds me during the New Year to be grateful :)
@brittcole9807
I concur my brother!! It is music from the Soul...God wants us to love and appreciate the little things in life...it is those things that some overlok but are so valuable in life! Love is the essential focus. :)
@everythingisaprocess
That doesn't sound nuts to me. Makes perfect sense. The lyrics, truth and feeling it gives you - there are important messages to be learned in India Aries music.
@CassieJazz96
That's why I love her music and what she stands for so much...............
@alexiab.9394
If you pay close attention you'll see a cross in the background, toward to end of the video. Great that we can feel the light, through her words.
@graceoakinbode
I don't understand how some people have disliked this.... This is beautiful music for the soul
@angelacrapps8078
Because those people are not tune in
@alishamoss6801
We All Know Who DisLiked It Rhymes With Like 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
@thalialopez4331
Only kind hearts be touched by her music😊😇