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.
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though sometimes you see that I am mad
No-one can always be an angel
When everything goes wrong, you'll see some bad
But I'm just a soul, who's intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
Most of the time, I'm so full of worries
And then you're bound to see my other side
But I'm just a soul, who's intentions are good
Oh Lord please don't let me be misunderstood
Don't let me be misunderstood
If I seem edgy, I want you to know
I never mean to take it out on you, no
'Cos life has its problems
And I've got more than my share
That's one thing that I never wanna do
Cause I love you baby
I'm just human, I have faults like anyone
Sometimes I think I'll spend the rest of my life regretting
Some simple things that I have done
But I'm just a soul, who's intentions are good
Oh Lord please don't let me be misunderstood
Don't let me be misunderstood
Don't let me be
Don't let me be misunderstood
Don't let me be
Don't let me be misunderstood
The song Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by John Legend is a plea for understanding and acceptance from a lover or partner. The lyrics suggest that while the singer may sometimes act out or seem angry, it doesn't mean they don't have good intentions. The chorus, "Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood" is a prayer to be heard and seen for who they are, rather than being judged for their actions in moments of frustration.
The verses describe the duality of the singer's personality, with moments of carefree joy and other times heavy with worry and stress. However, they emphasize that even when they seem edgy or upset, they never intend to take it out on their partner. Life can be difficult and the singer acknowledges that they have their share of problems, but they never want to hurt the person they love.
The song speaks to a universal human desire for understanding and acceptance, and the fear of being judged or misinterpreted. It's a reminder that even when people may act out or make mistakes, it doesn't mean that their intentions are bad.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, you understand me now
You seem to know me well and comprehend my feelings
Though sometimes you see that I am mad
Even though you witness me getting angry at times
No-one can always be an angel
Nobody has the ability to be perfect at all times
When everything goes wrong, you'll see some bad
In adverse situations, one might display unpleasant behavior
But I'm just a soul, who's intentions are good
I am a person with positive intentions, despite my actions
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood
My actions should not be misinterpreted or misconstrued
Sometimes I'm so care-free, with the joy that's hard to hide
Occasionally I am happy and energetic, and it's evident to everyone
Most of the time, I'm so full of worries
Usually, I am anxiety-filled and have lots of concerns
And then you're bound to see my other side
During these times, you might see a different aspect of my personality
If I seem edgy, I want you to know
When I appear irritable, I'd like you to understand
I never mean to take it out on you, no
I do not want to direct my frustration towards you
'Cos life has its problems
Because life is full of issues
And I've got more than my share
I have a significant amount of problems to deal with
That's one thing that I never wanna do
One thing I never want to do is take my frustrations out on you
Cause I love you baby
Because I have deep affection for you
I'm just human, I have faults like anyone
I am only human, and like everyone, I have shortcomings
Sometimes I think I'll spend the rest of my life regretting
At times, I contemplate that I might spend the rest of my life feeling remorseful
Some simple things that I have done
Over minimal actions that I have done
Don't let me be misunderstood
Please do not misinterpret or misconstrue my intentions or actions
Don't let me be
I implore that you do not make a mistake in comprehending me
Don't let me be misunderstood
Again, my actions or intentions should not be misinterpreted or misunderstood
Lyrics © CHRIS-N-JEN MUSIC
Written by: Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell, Sol Marcus
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.