Emerging from the English-Indian underground, Sean's first album featured political content as well as emotional songwriting baring his personal insecurities and struggles, all of it drawing influence from the traditional pop music of India (such as Bhangra). Released 8 November 2004 in the U.K., January 2005 in Malaysia, and February 2005 in India on 2Point9 Records, Relentless Records, and Virgin Records, 'Me Against Myself' achieved highly supportive critical reviews, with Dan Gennoe of Yahoo! Music praising Sean's work as "an album of phenomenally accomplished R&B". His release was certified as multi-platinum in his native India and gold in the U.K. His three singles (composed with help from Sean's mentor Rishi Rich) also met with British chart success: "Dance With You" (#12), "Eyes On You" (#6), and "Stolen" (#4).
Sean's touring, as well as the success of his singles in clubs, led Tareck Ghoneim of Contactmusic.com to call Sean an "Asian sensation". Still, he had his eyes on breaking into the U.S. while also keeping his stride with the U.K. charts, and he wanted as well to incorporate more of a slick pop sound to his coming work. His sophomore release, 'My Own Way', featured him on the cover looking as dapper in his light brown suit as a master of business. Released 12 May 2008 on Jayded Records and 2Point9 Records, the work suffered from various leaks and also received some mixed reviews from critics.
Nonetheless, the album became commercially successful in the U.K., reaching #6 on the U.K. Albums Chart and #1 on the UK R&B Chart. It eventually became certified platinum. Lead single "Ride It" also garnered major airplay throughout Europe, featuring Sean remarking about "all about the games people play across the dance-floor on a night out". Momentum building, his third studio album, 'All or Nothing', came out 23 November 2009 with strong promotion in the U.S.
International top 40 singles "Down" and "Do You Remember" cemented Sean's status as a global superstar. With massive tours leading him from TV show to stadium across countries, "Down" (also known as "Down (Feat. Lil' Wayne)" and other titles due to Lil' Wayne's presence) in particular hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming later known as one of the iconic singles of 2009 in American memory. Other nation's listeners also gave his singles strong airplay.
The first official single from Jay Sean's fourth studio album, titled 'Worth It All', was "I'm All Yours", which he sent for airplay on April 18, 2012. The song featured rapper and entertainer Pitbull. Although not quite achiving as much success as he had hoped in the U.S., it became a major international hit, reaching the top 40 in both Germany and New Zealand, and it ended up being mutli-platinum certified in Australia.
When it comes to the business of being a singer there are artists, there are stars and there are phenomenons. Jay Sean is all of the above. The proof is in the press, the sales, the fans and above all, the music.
ALL OR NOTHING is both Jay Sean's first American release and first for Cash Money/Universal Republic Records. But while it's his debut over here, the 29-year-old Pop/R&B singer/songwriter/producer has been a major sensation and multi-platinum artist over there since 2004; releasing two smash albums, scoring two top ten singles, nominated for Britain's heralded MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Award twice and building a worldwide, fervid fan-base that stretches from Russia to Australia to NYC.
In some ways ALL OR NOTHING is the best of both worlds. Featuring sizzling, brand new tracks like the lead off single "Down" (featuring label mate Lil' Wayne), ALL OR NOTHING also includes some of the songs that helped Jay Sean blow up around the rest of the world.
One of those songs is "Ride It" written "strictly on a vibe," built on a hypnotic, sinewy track, and delivered with Jay Sean's slick vocals. The video for "Ride It" clocked an astonishing 12 million hits on You Tube (20+ million hits across all online video channels) and captivated fans everywhere; including Cash/Money Records CEO and co-founder, Ronald "Slim" Williams who was turned on to Jay Sean's music by one of the singer's producers. Slim liked what he heard and proved it by making Jay Sean the first UK artist to join the Cash/Money family.
The match up of Nawlins swagger and UK Pop/R&B drives ALL OR NOTHING's first single "Down" ft/ Cash/Money soldier Lil' Wayne. Already taking radio by storm, "Down" resulted from a conversation that began about what's wrong in the world, and blossomed into a celebration of everything that's right - namely love.
Offers Jay Sean, "I'm a very positive, optimistic person and thought let me write a song about the idea that if you've got someone special in your life then nothing else really matters how you need to appreciate the little things. The title is a play on the word 'down.' That's why Lil' Wayne says, 'Are you down like the economy.' It's a fun, very easy track something to pump in your car."
Another mid tempo breeze born out of real life is "War." The message? "To battle with anybody, whether it's your girl, family or another country never solved anything," explains Jay Sean.
It is that mix of introspection and keenly crafted Pop/R&B songs that has brought Jay Sean from where he was to where he is.
Born and raised in London, England and of Indian/Punjabi heritage, Jay Sean started rapping at 12 and credits rap with helping him structure, produce and write songs. Inspired by R&B stars Jodeci, Brian McKnight, Joe, and Musiq Soulchild, Jay Sean started singing hooks and then stepped it up.
Amazingly, at the same time he was exploring his artistic side, Jay Sean was at med school; surely a steadier profession than "pop-star." Luckily Jay Sean's parents had his back.
"It wasn't as though they suddenly went 'you sing?' Jay Sean laughs. "They knew there might be a strong possibility I'd do music. They told me, 'The same way you apply yourself to your studies you have to work hard doing music.' That's always stayed with me."
Jay Sean's songs caught the attention of a producer putting together a groundbreaking project fusing traditional Punjabi music and contemporary Pop/R&B. As soon as the single dropped, Jay Sean became the face and voice of a new generation.
"It was so interesting that the kids who love listening to Pop/R&B and traditional Indian music said, 'What the hell is this, it's brand new.'"
Along with galvanizing a heretofore, untapped demographic, Jay Sean caught the ears of the industry, because as he explains, "The English labels knew I had this huge following.
His solo debut ME AGAINST MYSELF dropped in 2004 and exploded on the Internet. Jay Sean toured through Europe, South East Asia, as well as spot dates in the US. He even performed, with Akon, at the Ruler of Dubai's daughter's sweet sixteen. In India, this album outsold Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Madonna.
"I have a heavy fan-base in many countries including India. I'm in a minority culture but in many countries, there's still Indians there and they all knew me," says Jay Sean.
After dealing with creative issues and the desire to change his musical direction to straight-forward Pop/R&B, Jay Sean made the decision in 2008 to go for self.
"I realized I had a global fan base so why not make the music myself?"
Those instincts paid off and then some when MY OWN WAY, his first release on his own label, Jayded Records, out sold and then some Jay Sean's prior effort. The album peaked at #6 on the UK album chart.
All of which brings Jay Sean to ALL OR NOTHING and a future that is just beginning.
Speaking with a refreshing mix of humility and confidence, Jay Sean says, "I've got a different up-bringing and take on a music that you guys make so well and would like to think that I'm a fresh new face and voice. Hopefully American audiences will like it. People always like a change. That's what I have to offer."
See: www.jaysean.com
Break of Dawn
Jay Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's gon be one hell of a night
I'm in my car
I'm in my car
She said she meet me at the bar
She at the bar
The vip is popping off
Girl you know that
When we do it
Girl you know
We do it right
We running from the a.m to the a.m
Threating everyday like the weekend
And we gon rock it out-no sleepin
Tell ya friends, tell ya friends
And we ain't goin hone till the early morn
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
No we ain't goin hone till the early morn
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
Until the break of dawn
Uh uh on
On uh uh on
Untuil-until the break of dawn
Uh uh on
On uh uh on
Look!
Put it on me shawty
While we keep them glasses up
Yes we in the party
Put that molly keep the ashes up
She could hardly walk
With a donkey ass
Pass another cup
We could hardly talk
When I watch her past
And I ain't even drunk
Play and catch up
Then I snatch her up and skin it on
And try ta pull it out
Right on the couch
Without no type of warning
Shawty keep it easy
Baby girl let's keep the liqour pouring
Pace it and be patient
We gon turn it up until the morning
We running from the a.m to the a.m
Threating everyday like the weekend
And we gon rock it out-no sleepin
Tell ya friends, tell ya friends
And we ain't goin hone till the early morn
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
No we ain't goin hone till the early morn
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
Until the break of dawn
Uh uh on
On uh uh on
Untuil-until the break of dawn
Uh uh on
On uh uh on
You know we only got one lifetime
And I am making the most of mine
I am living a good life
I am having a good time
I am looking to go-oh
And we ain't goin hone till the early morn
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
No we ain't goin hone till the early morn
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
Until the break of dawn
Uh uh on
On uh uh on
Untuil-until the break of dawn
Uh uh on
On uh uh on
Until the break of dawn
The lyrics to Jay Sean Ft. Busta Rhymes's song "Break of Dawn" describe a wild, non-stop night of partying and indulgence. The singer of the song is out with his friends, hitting up the VIP section of a club and drinking until the wee hours of the morning. He's clearly enjoying living life to the fullest and is in no rush to go home. He centers both the chorus and bridge around the idea of not stopping until the break of dawn, signifying his dedication to having a good time.
Busta Rhymes's featured verse in the middle of the song adds to the hedonistic feel, with him rapping about a woman he's attracted to and the drugs they're taking together. The lyrics in his verse ramp up the energy and tempo of the song considerably, driving home the idea of intense partying and losing oneself in the moment.
Overall, "Break of Dawn" is a song that celebrates a certain kind of lifestyle: one that's marked by carefree hedonism and living in the moment. While the lyrics may not be particularly groundbreaking or nuanced, they capture the youthful, reckless energy of a night out with friends.
Line by Line Meaning
This
Referring to the situation or experience about to be described in the song.
It's gon be one hell of a night
The night ahead is going to be an amazing and unforgettable one.
I'm in my car
The singer is in his car, probably on his way to meet someone.
She said she meet me at the bar
The singer is meeting a girl he knows at the bar.
She at the bar
The girl is already at the bar waiting for the singer.
The vip is popping off
The VIP section of the club is very lively and exciting.
We fucking star ymcmb
The singer and his crew are enjoying the VIP treatment and feeling like stars, since they are part of Young Money Cash Money Billionaires (ymcmb).
Girl you know that
The singer is addressing the girl he's with.
When we do it
The singer is referring to spending time together with the girl.
Girl you know
The singer is reminding the girl that they enjoy themselves to the fullest when they're together.
We do it right
The singer and the girl have a good time together and enjoy life to the fullest.
We running from the a.m to the a.m
The singer and his crew are having a nonstop and busy lifestyle, from early in the morning until the next morning.
Threating everyday like the weekend
They treat every day as if it's the weekend, partying and enjoying themselves.
And we gon rock it out-no sleepin
The singer and his crew are going to continue having fun and partying without getting any sleep.
Tell ya friends, tell ya friends
The singer wants others to know about the amazing time they are having and to join them.
And we ain't goin hone till the early morn
The singer and his crew are not going home until early in the morning, since they are still enjoying their night out.
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
They will continue partying and having fun until the sun rises and morning comes.
Until the break of dawn
The singer and his crew will party until the sun rises.
Uh uh on
A vocalization used to add emphasis.
On uh uh on
Another vocalization used for emphasis.
Untuil-until the break of dawn
Reiterating that they will party until sunrise.
Look!
The singer is getting ready to describe a new situation or event happening.
Put it on me shawty
The singer is suggesting that the girl should come close to him.
While we keep them glasses up
They should keep their glasses up while they're enjoying their time together.
Yes we in the party
The singer confirms that they're still at the party.
Put that molly keep the ashes up
The singer and his crew are using drugs (molly) and need to keep the ashes off their clothing.
She could hardly walk
The girl is so intoxicated that she is having trouble walking.
With a donkey ass
She has a large and desirable backside that the singer finds attractive.
Pass another cup
The singer is asking for another cup (of alcohol or some other drink).
We could hardly talk
The singer and the girl are so intoxicated that they are now having trouble talking.
When I watch her past
The singer is admiring the girl as she walks past him.
And I ain't even drunk
The singer is pointing out that he is not as drunk as the girl, but still having a good time.
Play and catch up
He wants to catch up with the girl and have a good time together.
Then I snatch her up and skin it on
The singer is trying to seduce the girl by holding her close and dancing with her.
And try ta pull it out
The singer is getting aroused and wants to have sex with the girl.
Right on the couch
He wants to have sex with the girl on the couch.
Without no type of warning
The singer wants to have sex with the girl without any warning or preamble.
Shawty keep it easy
The singer is asking the girl to take it easy and not rush into anything.
Baby girl let's keep the liqour pouring
He wants to continue drinking and having a good time with the girl.
Pace it and be patient
The singer is asking the girl to pace herself and be patient with him.
We gon turn it up until the morning
He promises to keep the party going all night and into the morning.
You know we only got one lifetime
The singer is reminding the girl that they need to make the most of their time and enjoy life to the fullest.
And I am making the most of mine
The singer is having a great time and making the most of his life.
I am living a good life
The singer is happy with his life and enjoying himself.
I am having a good time
The singer is having fun and enjoying the moment.
I am looking to go-oh
He doesn't want to stop the good times and wants to continue partying and enjoying himself.
Until the break of dawn
The singer wants to continue partying all night long.
Uh uh on
A vocalization used to add emphasis.
On uh uh on
Another vocalization used for emphasis.
Until-until the break of dawn
He's reinforcing the idea of partying until the sun rises.
No we ain't goin hone till the early morn
The singer and his crew are not ready to go home yet and will continue partying until early in the morning.
We'll be going on till the break of dawn
They will continue to party and have a good time until the sun comes up.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: THERON MAKIEL THOMAS, TIMOTHY JAMAHLI THOMAS, JEREMY DAVID SKALLER, KAMALJIT SINGH JHOOTI, NIC MARTIN, TREVOR SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind