Subsequently, she collaborated with Eric Benet, Will Smith, Lupe Fiasco, Common and broadened her performing experience by touring Canada in a production of the Broadway musical Rent. Signed to Steve McKeever's newly formed Hidden Beach Recordings label, she released her debut album Who Is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 in July 2000. The following summer she released Experience:Jil Scott 826+ after she released the single "A Long Walk." Scott continued to gain more recognition, eventually earning a Grammy nomination in early 2003 for Best Female Vocal Performance for "A Long Walk". Jill Scott also won a Grammy award at the 2005 Grammy awards for Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Male or Female.
Jill Scott appears in David Chappelle's Block Party performing with The Roots and Erykah Badu.
Scott released a new album, entitled Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 in 2004. Her book of poetry, The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours was released in April 2005.
Recently, Scott was prominently featured on hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco's 2006 single "Daydreaming" which also appeared on a new Scott collection called Collaborations on January 30, 2007.
The Collaborations collection served as "an appetizer" for her next studio album, The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3 released September 25, 2007. A clip of the title track was released on a bonus disc from Hidden Beach Records and included with Collaborations. The lead single, "Hate on Me", gained airplay in May 2007 with a video released in mid-July. In advance of the album's release, Hidden Beach released a 17-minute album sampler through their forums. Interspersed between the dozen songs previewed on the sampler was a personal explanation from Jill for the inspiration behind some of her songs.
Jill Scott is also an accomplished actor, appearing as detective Precious Ramotswe in the BBC's dramatisation of Alexander McCall Smith's series of books: "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency". Scott also appeared as "Sheila" in the Tyler Perrry film, "Why Did I Get Married" (2007) and its sequel, "Why Did I Get Married Too" (2010) .
Whenever You're Around
Jill Scott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen to me, listen to me, listen to me, listen to me
Listen to me, listen to me, listen to me, listen
I've been talking to this man
He's been saying what I like and
He makes me smile
When I'm down, so down
All the things I needed to hear
But that's as far as it's gone
I promise, I promise
But I enjoy it, I love it so
'Cause it seems like I'm always alone
You're at arms reach
But baby, where are you?
Where are you?
'Cause I got this fire
Sweet and true
But I'm cold as ice around you
'Cause I'm lonely
Whenever you're around
'Cause I'm lonely
Whenever you're around
Whoa, whoa, whoa
What happened to the wonderful thing we had?
It seems like you're missing in action
And I'm tired, I'm tired
I'm tired, I'm tired, I'm tired, I'm tired
I don't wanna lose this good life
But I ain't scared
If I'm going to be the only one participating in this
'Cause I'm lonely
Whenever you're around
'Cause I'm lonely
Whenever you're around
'Cause I'm lonely
Whenever
you're around
Jill Scott's "Whenever You're Around" is a song about a woman who is involved in a casual relationship with a man who gives her attention and says all the right things. But, despite the fulfillment of this relationship, the woman still feels lonely because it doesn't develop into anything beyond just casual. The woman is confused about the feelings, she admits to enjoying the seductive attention he gives her, but at the same time, she feels isolated because she can't deepen the relationship.
The song is an honest portrayal of the blurred lines when it comes to casual relationships. The woman in the song likes the attention and affection the man gives her, but she longs for something deeper. Moreover, the song presents a situation where a person can feel empty and lonely even though they are physically with someone they like. The lyrics are layered, complex, and showcase Scott's songwriting at its finest.
In conclusion, "Whenever You're Around" is a melancholic and poignant song that highlights the complexities of casual relationships. The track captures the feeling of isolation and the desire for human connection, which is a relatable feeling for many people.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey mhm
A casual greeting or expression of acknowledgement.
Listen to me, listen to me, listen to me, listen to me
A plea for attention, emphasizing the importance of what is about to be said.
I've been talking to this man
The singer has been having conversations with a man.
He's been saying what I like and
The man has been saying things that the singer finds enjoyable or agreeable.
He makes me smile
The man brings joy to the singer's life.
When I'm down, so down
The man is a source of comfort and support when the singer is feeling low.
He says sweet things in my ear
The man compliments the singer and expresses affection for her in intimate ways.
All the things I needed to hear
The man is saying things that the singer has been wanting or needing to hear.
But that's as far as it's gone
There has not been any physical or romantic progress in their relationship beyond words.
I promise, I promise
The singer assures herself and the listener that she has not acted on any feelings beyond conversation.
But I enjoy it, I love it so
Despite the lack of progress, the singer still finds satisfaction and pleasure in the conversations.
'Cause it seems like I'm always alone
The singer feels lonely despite the comforting conversations with the man, suggesting a disconnect or unfulfilled longing.
You're at arms reach
The man is physically accessible and available to the singer.
But baby, where are you?
Despite the physical proximity, the singer feels emotionally distant from the man.
Where are you?
A repetition of the previous line to emphasize the feeling of detachment.
'Cause I got this fire
The singer has strong feelings or desires.
Sweet and true
These feelings are genuine and sincere.
But I'm cold as ice around you
Despite the passion and sincerity, the singer feels emotionally frozen or distant around the man.
'Cause I'm lonely
The singer is experiencing loneliness.
Whenever you're around
This feeling of loneliness is specifically triggered by the presence of the man.
What happened to the wonderful thing we had?
The singer is questioning the status of their relationship and the reasons for the emotional distance.
It seems like you're missing in action
The singer perceives the man's absence or lack of emotional presence.
And I'm tired, I'm tired
The singer is expressing weariness or exhaustion, possibly from attempting to bridge the emotional gap.
I don't wanna lose this good life
Despite the emotional challenges, the singer values the positive aspects of her interactions with the man.
But I ain't scared
The singer is expressing strength and resolve in the face of potential emotional disappointment or loss.
If I'm going to be the only one participating in this
The singer is acknowledging the potential imbalance or lack of reciprocity in their emotional connection.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEE HUTSON, LEE HUTSON JR., JILL H SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind