Legend also played the piano on Lauryn Hill's 1998 song "Everything is Everything" and sang background vocals on Jay-Z's "Encore" and Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name". Legend frequently cites gospel, R&B, and hip hop music as his main musical influences.
Legend released his critically acclaimed and Billboard Top Ten second album, Once Again, in October 2006. Produced by Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West and will.i.am, it is again a mixture of gospel and classic soul showcasing his extraordinary voice, particularly on "Show Me".
Grammy Award Wins:
*2005 Best New Artist
*2005 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Ordinary People"
*2005 Best R&B Album- Get Lifted
*2007 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Heaven
*2007 Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: Family Affair
Neo-soul singer and pianist John Legend combined the raw fervor of contemporaries Cody ChesnuTT and the burning precision of D'Angelo. Born John Stephens, Legend was a child prodigy who grew up in Ohio, where he began singing gospel and playing piano at the tender age of five. Legend left Ohio at 16 to attend college in Philadelphia, and it was there that he first found a larger audience. Not yet out of his teens, Legend was tapped to play piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" in 1998. After completing college, he moved to New York, where he began to build a loyal following playing in nightclubs and releasing CDs that he would sell at shows. He also became an in-demand session musician, playing and occasionally writing for a wide array of artists, including Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson, and Kanye West. It wasn't until West signed the young talent to his new label that he adopted the Legend name with 2004's Solo Sessions Vol. 1: Live at the Knitting Factory. Get Lifted, his first studio album, was released later in the year. On the strength of enduring single "Ordinary People," the album reached the Top Five of the Billboard 200. This led to three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Once Again, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, followed in October 2006. Live from Philadelphia, sold exclusively at Target stores, was a successful stopgap release that predated October 2008's Evolver.
Aim High
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Girl, I know you're hurt
Did you know that you can dry your pillows with your dreams and smile
It really works
Lay your head back in my arms, oh, I know your worth
So just reach inside your heart and pack your bags
And let's leave this earth
All you gotta do is close your eyes and - and visualize
Let's aim high
You work so hard for your boss, to him it's just work
Never considers your dreams, selfish and mean
Damn, that's gotta hurt
Just lay your head back in my arms, girl
I know you're worth
So allow me indulge your mind with these words
Open your eyes, you're now a bird
Let's aim high, girl
All you gotta do is close your eyes and - and visualize
Let's aim high
You possess the power to do
If you concentrate, mountains will move
If you just believe that it's true
Please make no mistake I'll be there too
You possess the power to do
If you concentrate, mountains will move
If you just believe that it's true
Make no mistake I'll be there too
Let's aim high
In "Aim High," John Legend is talking to a woman who is hurting and feeling unfulfilled in life. He tells her that she doesn't need to cry herself to sleep every night because she has the power to change her situation. Legend encourages her to use her dreams and her smile to dry her tears and reminds her of her worth. He tells her to pack her bags and leave this earth. He then paints this beautiful picture of how powerful and unlimited she can be if she sets her mind to it. He tells her that she possesses the power to do anything she sets her mind to if she concentrates and believes it to be true. Even if she might face obstacles, Legend assures her that he will be there to help her overcome them. The song promotes self-belief and empowers the listener to aim high in life.
Overall, the song highlights the beauty and possibilities of life beyond the present circumstances. The song encourages the listener to focus on their dreams and aspirations and not to let life's challenges discourage them. The lyrics celebrate self-belief, resilience, and determination to overcome obstacles and make the most of life.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't have to cry yourself to sleep at night with wet pillows
You do not have to feel alone and sad in bed with a wet pillow from tears.
Girl, I know you're hurt
I understand that you are feeling pain and suffering.
Did you know that you can dry your pillows with your dreams and smile
Your happy thoughts and positive attitude can help to ease your pain and dry your tears.
It really works
Having a positive attitude can truly make a difference in your life.
Lay your head back in my arms, oh, I know your worth
Rest your head on my shoulder and know that I believe in you and value you greatly.
So just reach inside your heart and pack your bags
Dig deep inside yourself and find the courage to leave your troubles behind.
And let's leave this earth
Let's escape the negativity and unhappiness of our current situations and find a better place.
Let's aim high, oh girl
Let's set our sights on great achievements and strive for success.
All you gotta do is close your eyes and - and visualize
Simply use your imagination to see yourself accomplishing your goals.
You work so hard for your boss, to him it's just work
Your employer sees your efforts as nothing more than a job to be done.
Never considers your dreams, selfish and mean
Your boss is not interested in your personal dreams or ambitions, which is unfair and unkind.
Damn, that's gotta hurt
It must be difficult and painful to feel like your aspirations are not recognized or valued by your employer.
Just lay your head back in my arms, girl
Rest your head on my shoulder and find comfort in my support and love.
Allow me indulge your mind with these words
Let me give you some inspiration and motivation to pursue your dreams.
Open your eyes, you're now a bird
Imagine yourself soaring freely and achieving your goals.
You possess the power to do
You have the ability within yourself to accomplish great things.
If you concentrate, mountains will move
If you focus and work hard, you can overcome even the biggest obstacles.
If you just believe that it's true
If you have faith in yourself and your abilities, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Please make no mistake I'll be there too
I will support you and stand by your side every step of the way.
Let's aim high
Let's not settle for mediocrity, but strive towards our greatest potential.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PHARRELL WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jaxon
on All of Me
really really good I love it
Rickie
on All of Me
Good
Christine Bañega
on All of Me
like
Promise Sokyes
on All of Me
A perfect love song.