Jessica Hillda Mauboy's father is of Timorese-Indonesian origin while her mother is of Indigenous Australian, Native American and English descent.
At 14, she won the Telstra 'Road to Tamworth' competition, with the grand prize being a single recording contract with Sony BMG. She then recorded a country version of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun". Years later, during Australian Idol, this contract became a source of controversy, with certain media reports stating that already having a recording contract was against the rules of Idol. Grundy Television said Mauboy's experiences in Tamworth had no bearing on her involvement in Australian Idol and that she no longer had a contract with Sony, allowing her to participate in the competition.
Jessica cites Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson as her musical influences; naming Carey's hits "My All", "Anytime You Need A Friend", "Butterfly" and "Hero" as personal favourites.
In the summer of 2006, Jessica auditioned for the fourth season of Australian Idol in Alice Springs. She sang the Whitney Houston hit "I Have Nothing" and her powerful rendition impressed all three judges Mark Holden, Marcia Hines and Kyle Sandilands. Marcia stated that Mauboy was one of the most naturally blessed singers she had ever come across. She made it through to the theatre rounds with a unanimous "yes" and performed at the Kimberley Moon Experience. She came first runner-up in the finale.
On 10 December 2006, it was announced that Mauboy had secured a recording contract with Sony BMG, with company spokesman Denis Handlin stating that her debut album would be released in mid-2007.
On 24 December 2007, Mauboy performed "When a Child Is Born" and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" at the annual 'Carols by Candlelight' event in Melbourne.
Rather than rushing through a debut album as most Idol contestants do, it was decided that while Jessica recorded her first studio album, she would release a live album containing performances from her appearances as a contestant on Australian Idol, in order to keep her in the mind of the public.
On 24 February 2007, Mauboy released The Journey, a live album containing her Idol performances. The album debuted and peaked at number four on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold for the sale of 35,000 copies.
On 26 September 2007, after much speculation, Mauboy was introduced to the public as the new member of The Young Divas - a group of four female contestants from Idol who cover old songs. Mauboy replaced one of the group's founding members, Ricki-Lee Coulter, who had featured on the group's debut album, but departed in June 2007 in order to concentrate on her solo career. The first Young Divas single to feature vocals from Mauboy, "Turn Me Loose", was released on 17 November 2007, and after debuting at number 21, the song peaked at number fifteen. The group's second studio album (and first with Mauboy) 'New Attitude' was released a week later on 24 November and debuted at #10. The album was quickly certified gold for sales of 35,000 copies.
On 28 March 2008, after six months of apparent inactivity, the Young Divas' record label, Sony BMG announced in The Daily Telegraph that due to the under performance of "Turn Me Loose", a second single would not be released from New Attitude. However, it was also stated that the group were not being dropped from the record label's line-up of artists and would continue to record music.
In early June 2008, Mauboy signed on to the Australian Government 'In2Oz' program, designed to promote closer ties with Indonesia. As a part of this program, she travelled to Indonesia for a week long trip performing around the country. She also performed on Indonesian Idol, singing "Crazy in Love" and "Sempurna" (Perfect) with former Indonesian Idol stars Mike, Judika and Lucky.
On 24 August 2008, following months of rumours, it was officially announced that after a year with the group, Mauboy had decided to quit the Young Divas in order to focus on her solo career. Founding member Paulini Curuenavuli had also decided to depart, leaving Kate DeAraugo and Emily Williams as the only remaining members of the group, though their manager David Champion stated that the Divas would undergo a third line-up change following the departures of Mauboy and Paulini, with a third album to be released later in the year.
Mauboy's debut solo single "Running Back", featuring American rapper Flo Rida, was released for download on 23 September 2008 and physical sales commenced on 11 October 2008. The single peaked at number 3, spent nineteen weeks on the singles chart and achieved double platinum status for sales of over 140,000 copies. It has also peaked at number 1 on the ARIA Urban Charts. The music video was filmed in the Docklands area of Melbourne, Victoria in Australia. Her debut studio album 'Been Waiting' was released on 22 November 2008 and debuted at number 16 peaking at number 11 on the ARIA Album Charts in its ninth week. It peaked at number 1 on the ARIA Urban Charts and was certified platinum for sales of over 70,000 copies. The album was released in Japan on April 22, 2009 and she will promote the album there later in the year. In March 2009, it was announced that Mauboy would release her debut album in the UK and would start promotion in June after signing a contract with the Ministry of Sound label. The deal made Mauboy only the second Australian Idol contestant ever to sign a UK record deal, after Ricki-Lee.
Mauboy's second single, "Burn" was released on December 6, 2008 and debuted at number 30 but after 7 weeks of rising up the ARIA singles chart it hit the number 1 spot, making it Mauboy's first number one single. It spent over twenty weeks on the chart and achieved platinum status. Like her first single, it too peaked at number 1 on the ARIA Urban Charts. The single made its debut on the Japan Hot 100 at number ninety-two on April 25, 2009.
On January 26, 2009 at the annual Australia Day concert Mauboy announced that the title track of her album "Been Waiting" would be her next single. The song was meant to make its debut on radio on February 16, 2009 but was pushed forward due to Burn being removed from most radio playlists in light of the devastating bush fires in Victoria. The single was officially released on 14 March 2009 and Mauboy performed it live on Funniest Home Videos on Saturday 4 April. The single peaked at number 12 on the official ARIA charts and at #6 on the ARIA Urban Charts.
In the week of 25 May 2009, fourth single "Because" was the number-one most added track on Australian radio. The single was released on June 12 and debuted on the ARIA Charts at number nine.
Her fifth single, "Up/Down", is expected to be released in September 2009 to coincide with her appearances supporting Beyoncé Knowles and Flo Rida on their Australian tours.
Also in 2009, Mauboy signed with cosmetic company Bloom to create a range of designer nail-polishes and in June performed at the Sydney launch of video game The Sims 3.
Jessica Mauboy's hit debut album "Been Waiting" is set for a Re-Release, it will contain a CD and DVD. It Is set to be called "Been Waiting - Deluxe Edition" The Double Disc Deluxe edition has been confirmed to come out on the 21st of August, 2009.
Automatic
Jessica Mauboy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do-do-do-do-do (woo)
Move for me, baby
Say I'm your only lover, yeah
And if you're gonna cruise with me, baby
Tell me there ain't no other, oh, yeah
So don't you be wasting mine, don't you do it, ooh
If you're fallin' behind then you're just messin' my vibe
You can lose it
It's automatic, hands free, babe
Pump the gas and don't hit the brakes
Locked and loaded, I love the gain
Hit the metal and drive me away
It's automatic, hands free, babe
Pump the gas and don't hit the brakes
Locked and loaded, I love the gain
Hit the metal and drive me away
Reachin' a hundred, I'm only goin' faster, yeah
Don't be scared, take my hand
When you're with me, nothin' gon' matter, yeah
I only got so much time
So don't you be wasting mine, don't you do it, ooh (don't you do it, baby)
If you're fallin' behind, then you're just messin' my vibe
You can lose it (yeah, c'mon)
It's automatic (yeah), hands free, babe
Pump the gas and don't hit the brakes
Locked and loaded, I love the gain
Hit the metal and drive me away
It's automatic, hands free, babe
Pump the gas and don't hit the brakes
Locked and loaded, I love the gain
Hit the metal and drive me away
You know what to do
Come and wrap your arms around me, baby (yeah)
I'm your controller (yeah), you know what I want, yeah
You drive me so easily
It's all automatic, baby, yeah
And I love it when I'm hands free (and I love it, yeah)
Locked and loaded (locked and loaded)
Are you ready? (Hit the metal and drive me away)
Automatic, hands free, babe
Pump the gas and don't hit the brakes (don't hit the brakes)
Locked and loaded (locked and loaded), I love the gain
Hit the metal and drive me away
It's automatic (automatic), hands free, babe
Pump the gas and don't hit the brakes
Locked and loaded (locked and loaded), I love the gain
Ooh-ooh, yeah, ooh-ooh, yeah
The lyrics to Jessica Mauboy's song "Automatic" convey a message of freedom, empowerment, and living life to the fullest without hesitation. The song starts with a catchy and energetic melody, setting the tone for a high-energy experience. The opening lines emphasize the desire for commitment and exclusivity in a relationship. The singer asks for assurance that she is the only love interest and that there is no one else in the picture.
The chorus of the song captures the main theme of "Automatic." It speaks to the exhilaration and sense of liberation that comes with surrendering to the moment, going with the flow, and not holding back. The metaphor of driving a car is used to symbolize this experience. The singer urges her partner to pump the gas and not hit the brakes, metaphorically meaning to keep moving forward without hesitating or holding back. The idea is to let go of inhibitions, take risks, and fully embrace the enjoyment of life.
The lyrics also touch on the concept of time, suggesting that life is short and should not be wasted. The singer warns against falling behind or slowing down, as it disrupts her vibe and prevents her from fully experiencing the thrill she seeks. It's a call to live in the present and to seize every opportunity without hesitation.
Overall, "Automatic" encourages listeners to embrace their desires, take charge of their own happiness, and live life fearlessly and without restrictions. It celebrates a carefree and adventurous mindset, urging people to fully indulge in the moment and enjoy the journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Do-do (woo)
Making a repetitive sound to create a catchy rhythm and get the listener's attention.
Do-do-do-do-do (woo)
Continuing the repetitive sound pattern, emphasizing the catchy rhythm.
Move for me, baby
Take action and show me your commitment and dedication.
Say I'm your only lover, yeah
Express that I am the only person you have feelings for and that we have a special connection.
And if you're gonna cruise with me, baby
If you want to be with me and enjoy our time together.
Tell me there ain't no other, oh, yeah
Assure me that there is no one else in your life and that I have your full attention and affection.
I only got so much time
I have limited time available for a relationship or interaction.
So don't you be wasting mine, don't you do it, ooh
Do not use up my valuable time without a purpose or waste it on unimportant matters.
If you're fallin' behind then you're just messin' my vibe
If you are not keeping up with my pace or disrupting the harmony and mood we have established.
You can lose it
You may lose the opportunity to be with me or experience what I have to offer.
It's automatic, hands free, babe
Our connection and interaction should happen naturally, without unnecessary effort or complications.
Pump the gas and don't hit the brakes
Keep moving forward with enthusiasm and without any hesitation or obstacles.
Locked and loaded, I love the gain
Prepared and ready for action, I feel excited and motivated by the benefits and rewards.
Hit the metal and drive me away
Go full speed ahead and take me on a thrilling journey or adventure.
Reachin' a hundred, I'm only goin' faster, yeah
Continuously progressing and accelerating towards success and fulfillment.
Don't be scared, take my hand
Do not be afraid, trust me and let me guide you.
When you're with me, nothin' gon' matter, yeah
In my presence, all other worries or distractions will become insignificant.
You know what to do
You understand how to please me and fulfill my desires.
Come and wrap your arms around me, baby (yeah)
Embrace me closely and show me your affection.
I'm your controller (yeah), you know what I want, yeah
I am in control of the situation and you are aware of my desires and needs.
You drive me so easily
You have the power to excite and satisfy me effortlessly.
It's all automatic, baby, yeah
Our relationship or connection flows naturally and effortlessly without complications or resistance.
And I love it when I'm hands free (and I love it, yeah)
I enjoy the ease and freedom of our interaction without any burdens or limitations.
Locked and loaded (locked and loaded)
Prepared and ready to take on challenges or adventures.
Are you ready? (Hit the metal and drive me away)
Are you prepared to embark on an exciting journey or experience with me?
Ooh-ooh, yeah, ooh-ooh, yeah
Expressing enthusiasm and enjoyment of the current situation or relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Cosmo Liney, Jessica Mauboy, Patrick Liney, Sophie Curtis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alexander Bihn
This is one of Jessica's best music videos! The song is perfect for summer! She never misses 🙌🏻🖤
William Judd
Where she is it was winter
lernco
Australian producers should be ashamed.
Sou Centelha %©
She's so talented and underrated!
Deserves more recognition definitely worldwide 👏👏
Hugo Osment
Br???
ThePlandaly
she really isn't
Michelle Singleton
🤩🥰😁👍
marianulover4298
Love the vibes, its so energetic and fresh, good soul Mauboy.
Raymond K
I can play and dance to this song again and again. Absolutely fabulous!
D.I.
I’m going to keep replaying this so that Jess gets the views she deserves, plus this is insanely amazing, I love the groove and Jess’s tone 😃