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
Here's Hope
Jay Sean Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everywhere everybody
Needs a neighbour
Showin up when times get hard
But there's friends of sons
And daughters
Saying grace without supper
Who doesn't wanna be a hero
Or atleast little bit of
Helping out
There's something you're
Never gonna help or change
But hunger's
Somthing we can turn
Around.
[Chorus:]
Heres hope heres hope
Showing up at your front door
Heres hope heres hope
You have what everybody's looking for
It's your one chance to make a difference
And your one choice to give a helping hand
There's room at the table for more
So heres hope
Oh ooo oh oo
Heres hope
Oh ooo oh oo
Oh
[Verses]
Well, there's a small town
Girl in thirdgrade
Making sure sisters get enough
She sees her mama working two jobs
Worrying and crying, doing
Everything but giving up
If a miracle's a gift when
You need it
Then it's time for stepping in
Here's to families and kids
Where ever you live
Never ever wondering again
[Chorus:]
Heres hope heres hope
Showing up at your front door
Heres hope heres hope
For what everybody's looking for
It's your one chance to make a difference
And your one choice to give a helping hand
There's room at the table for more
Well heres hope
Oh ooo oh oo
And heres hope
Oh ooo oh oo
Ohhh
[Verses]
Here's going to bed not hungry
Here's to changing the story
Here's to bigger hearts and
Brighter days
Let me hear you sing it for me
For me
[Chorus:]
Heres hope heres hope
Showing up at your front door
Heres hope heres hope
For what everybody's looking for
It's your one chance to make a difference
And your one choice to give a helping hand
There's room at the table for more
Oh ooo oh oo
Ohhh heres hope
Oh ooo oh oo
Ho
Hope
Sorry for the mistakes.
The song "Here's Hope" by Jay Sean is about the importance of having hope in difficult times and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. The first verse talks about how everyone needs a neighbor to help them out when times get hard, and how there are friends and family members who may be struggling but still say grace without supper. Despite the fact that we cannot help or change everything, hunger is something that can be turned around with determination and effort.
The chorus emphasizes the idea that hope is showing up at your front door and that everyone has the ability to make a difference in the world. It's an invitation to give a helping hand and to make room for more people at the table. The second verse tells the story of a small town girl in third grade who is doing her best to take care of her sisters while her mother works two jobs. The narrative conveys that sometimes all it takes to help someone is a simple act of kindness or stepping in when someone is in need.
The overall message of the song is one of solidarity and hope, emphasizing that small acts of goodness can have a ripple effect and create positive change in the world. It's a reminder that even when things are tough, there is always hope and that everyone has the power to make a difference in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Everywhere everybody
No matter where you look, everyone is in need of help
Needs a neighbour
People need someone to rely on, especially during difficult times
Showin up when times get hard
A true friend will be there for you in times of need
But there's friends of sons
There are children who have friends but still go hungry
And daughters
As well as girls
Saying grace without supper
Some kids have to pray before a meal even when there is no food to eat
In your backyard
This is happening in our own communities
Who doesn't wanna be a hero
Everyone wants to be a hero and help others in need
Or atleast little bit of
Even a little bit of help can make a difference
Helping out
Lending a hand to someone who needs it
There's something you're
Not everything can be solved or changed
Never gonna help or change
At least not by one person alone
But hunger's
However, hunger is something that has a solution
Somthing we can turn
We can take action and solve this problem
Around.
Heres hope heres hope
The chorus introduces hope as a solution to hunger
Showing up at your front door
Hope can come to you when you least expect it
You have what everybody's looking for
Hope is what everyone needs in their lives, especially those who are struggling
It's your one chance to make a difference
You have the power to make a positive impact in someone's life
And your one choice to give a helping hand
The decision to help someone is in your hands
There's room at the table for more
There is enough to share, and there is always more room for people who need help
Well, there's a small town
The second verse tells a story of a small town girl trying to help her sisters and mother
Girl in thirdgrade
This girl is only in the third grade, but she already knows the value of helping others
Making sure sisters get enough
She is doing her best to make sure her sisters don't go hungry
She sees her mama working two jobs
The girl sees her mother working tirelessly to provide for the family
Worrying and crying, doing
Her mother is struggling, worrying about her children and how to make ends meet while crying from the stress and hardship
Everything but giving up
Despite everything, her mother doesn't give up and continues to do her best
If a miracle's a gift when
The girl wonders if miracles are only given to those who deserve them
You need it
When you are in dire need of help
Then it's time for stepping in
That's when it's time to step in and offer a helping hand
Here's to families and kids
The song encourages helping families and children in need
Where ever you live
This is a worldwide problem that can and should be addressed everywhere
Never ever wondering again
Families who once struggled with hunger will never have to worry about it again if we take action
Here's going to bed not hungry
The third verse paints a picture of people being fed and not going to bed with empty stomachs
Here's to changing the story
Those in need will have a different story to tell if we help them overcome hunger and poverty
Here's to bigger hearts and
We should aspire to have bigger hearts and be more compassionate to those around us
Brighter days
If we help those who need it, the future will be brighter for everyone
Let me hear you sing it for me
The song ends on a hopeful note and encourages listeners to join in singing the lyrics of the chorus to spread hope and make a difference for those in need
Contributed by Brooklyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@IpwnU38
Funny how something as simple as the voice can change the view of the song completely. I just heard this version now and I think both Adam's and Jay's are great.
@juztcantfallinluv
I love thisss so much, i know what these lyrics mean cuz it happened to me until i was toke away from my parents
@qoa95
jaysean....... no 1 can win me with their voice like u do!!
@maxravenhoneyboo
I love you Jay!!!!
@MICKSINGHMASHUP
they are both good but this is better
@MICKSINGHMASHUP
just listen to this with beatsbydre headphones sounds so good
@Razgriz-YT
I like this beat better, but Adams voice fits the song better. They're both great though
@Boberito11
me too, but this one is also great!
@JSJaydedSoulja
I find Jay Sean better than Owl City. That's just my opinion, but also. I'm a huge fan of Jay Sean, so of course I prefer him ;) I love this cover. It's amazing :) - Proud Jay Sean Soulja <3
@SpicePrincess1890
Lol Owl City/Adam Young is my favorite artist EVER but I love every type of music (just about) but when it comes to this song and which version is better... it depends on my mood. xD