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.
Good
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
I don't wanna look 'round no corner
I've been let down, disappointed
Stay in this minute
Safe when we're in it
Out there I'm not so sure, oh
I don't really know if this time
Is this for real?
Or just for the night?
Getting so close, completely exposed
All that I know is
I feel
Good
I never thought that I would
Didn't know if I ever could
I'm so used to bad
'Cause that's all I've had
But it's good, good
Good
Felt my feet float off the floor
Don't leave me here wanting more
Tired of being hurt
Feel like I deserve
To feel good, good, good
"It won't last forever" that's what they say
I should know better, Lord knows I've tried
Time after time
Love just keeps pulling me under
Oh, call me insane
Expect something new, when I'm doing the same thing
You're coming over and I'm starting over
Can't help myself 'cause it feels
Good (good)
I never thought that I would
Didn't know if I ever could
I'm so used to bad
'Cause that's all I've had
But it's good, good
Good
I felt my feet float off the floor
Don't leave me here wanting more
Tired of being hurt
Feel like I deserve
To feel good, good, good
Doesn't everyone want to feel good?
Everybody deserves to feel good
I've been waiting too long to feel good
Good, good, good
Good, good, good
I never thought that I would
Didn't know if I ever could
I'm so used to bad
'Cause that's all I've had
But it's good, good
Good
I felt my feet float off the floor
Don't leave me here wanting more
Tired of being hurt
Feel like I deserve
To feel good, good, good
Whoa oh, whoa oh
So good
Ayy, good (good, good, good)
Oh (ooh)
So good (so good)
Good, good, good (good)
In the song "Good" by John Legend, the lyrics reflect a deep desire for happiness and fulfillment in a relationship. The song begins with the singer expressing a reluctance to look towards the future, as they have experienced disappointment and letdowns in the past. In the present moment, however, they feel safe and content. There is uncertainty about whether this happiness will last or if it's just temporary.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's astonishment at experiencing something good in their life. They confess that they never thought they would be able to feel this way, as their previous experiences were mostly negative. The contrast between their past and current state is stark, and they cherish the goodness they have found.
The second verse highlights the skepticism the singer faces from others who warn them that their happiness won't last. Despite this, they continue to hope for something new and different, even though they find themselves engaging in the same patterns. The singer becomes infatuated with the person who enters their life and feels compelled to start anew.
The chorus repeats, with the singer recognizing that everyone deserves to feel good and that they have been waiting for too long to attain this state. The song ends with a declaration of the singer's longing for goodness and their realization that feeling good is a fundamental human desire.
Overall, "Good" by John Legend explores the yearning for happiness, contentment, and positivity in a relationship. It acknowledges the challenges and doubts that may arise, but ultimately celebrates the rarity and significance of experiencing genuine goodness.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh (it's good)
Expressing excitement and affirmation that something is truly good.
Yeah
Additional affirmation and agreement with the previous statement.
I don't wanna look 'round no corner
I have experienced disappointment and betrayals in the past, so I prefer to avoid uncertain situations.
I've been let down, disappointed
I have been betrayed and left feeling unsatisfied in the past.
Stay in this minute
I find solace and security in the present moment.
Safe when we're in it
I feel protected and secure when we are together.
Out there I'm not so sure, oh
In the outside world, I am uncertain and doubtful about what awaits me.
I don't really know if this time
I am unsure if this current situation or relationship is genuine and long-lasting.
Is this for real?
I question the authenticity and sincerity of the circumstances.
Or just for the night?
I wonder if this connection is only meant to be temporary or short-lived.
Getting so close, completely exposed
As I become emotionally closer to someone, I am vulnerable and open in every sense.
All that I know is
Despite the uncertainties, one thing remains certain.
I feel
I experience a strong and positive emotion.
Good
Feeling contented, satisfied, and happy.
I never thought that I would
I did not expect or believe that I would experience this feeling of goodness.
Didn't know if I ever could
I doubted my capability to feel this way.
I'm so used to bad
I have become accustomed to negative experiences and emotions.
Cause that's all I've had
I have predominantly encountered unpleasant circumstances.
But it's good, good
However, the current situation or relationship brings genuine happiness and satisfaction.
Felt my feet float off the floor
I experienced a sensation of bliss and euphoria, as if I was levitating.
Don't leave me here wanting more
Please do not abandon me in a state of longing or desire for more of this goodness.
Tired of being hurt
I have grown weary of enduring pain and emotional wounds.
Feel like I deserve
I believe I am worthy and entitled to experience
To feel good, good, good
Repeatedly emphasizing the desire to experience genuine happiness and satisfaction.
"It won't last forever" that's what they say
People often suggest that positive experiences are temporary and will eventually come to an end.
I should know better, Lord knows I've tried
Despite being aware of this notion, I have made numerous attempts to find lasting happiness.
Time after time
Repeatedly, with each new opportunity or relationship.
Love just keeps pulling me under
The power of love continuously draws me into uncertain and potentially harmful situations.
Oh, call me insane
Acknowledging that others may perceive me as irrational for expecting different results while engaging in the same patterns.
Expect something new, when I'm doing the same thing
Anticipating a fresh outcome while repeating the same actions and choices.
You're coming over and I'm starting over
The arrival of a new person prompts me to make a fresh start and approach things differently.
Can't help myself 'cause it feels
Despite my conscious efforts, I cannot resist the allure and positive sensations I experience.
Doesn't everyone want to feel good?
Rhetorical question emphasizing that the desire for happiness and contentment is universal.
Everybody deserves to feel good
Affirmation that everyone is worthy of experiencing genuine happiness.
I've been waiting too long to feel good
Expressing a sense of longing and impatience, as I have been deprived of happiness for an extended period.
Good, good, good
Reiterating the desire and expectation for continuous happiness and satisfaction.
Whoa oh, whoa oh
Exclamatory sounds of excitement and enthusiasm.
So good
Emphasizing the intense goodness and positive sensations experienced.
Ayy, good (good, good, good)
Celebratory exclamation of the continuous goodness being experienced.
Oh (ooh)
Expressing surprise and awe at the present state of contentment.
So good (so good)
Underscoring the greatness and satisfaction derived from the current situation.
Good, good, good (good)
Repeating the sentiment that the goodness being experienced is exceptional.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: John Stephens, Tiara Thomas, Frank Romano, Bernard Harvey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tcrittendon27
This is absolutely beautiful. Amazing blend, old school music you could just vibe to. Yes Yes!
@bobbyanderson7777
"Gives One The FEELING of STARTING Over"
@delesewilson429
Omg! Why didn't I knw these two legends created a master piece???👀😍🥳
@zelda609
Oh the lyrics!! "I felt my feet float off the floor." Such a lovely ode to days gone by. Refreshing!!
@adriannewilson714
Absolutely refreshing
@Finishme
All I know is I feel good and I never thought I would 🎤🎤
@laurabasskey
Ledisi i'm just italian sorry but i loved you from the first time i heard your voice......a long time ago...Thank you ....
@user-ur2wd8du4z
THIS SONG DESERVED SO MUCH MOOREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
@kimberlygriffin7639
Such a pretty old school style song with two powerhouse singers ! God loves u John Legend and Ledsi. Hope you come to Pittsburgh soon ! 🙏😊😘
@cheridaedrington3951
I love this. It's pure 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥