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.
Temporarily Painless
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
The beat is way too loud
Even though the lights faded
I still saw you in the crowd
When I put you in my arm
Feel it all through me
When you promise me nothing
You give me everything I need
She comes over
We both not sober
It's like we're losing our minds
We kiss like lovers
And Cupid hovers
Like he's just learning to fly
And even though it's dangerous
It's temporarily painless
I'm falling for a stranger, stranger
No need to justify
Looking for a little bit of love tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
No need to justify
All I wanna be is your drug tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
I need somebody
You need somebody too
I need somebody
Don't even know what your name is
When I taste your skin
I don't wanna sound shameless
I just wanna bring your body
Wanna put you in my place
Here to hear you scream
You don't even have to stay
Oh but I don't think you wanna leave
She comes over
We both not sober
It's like we're losing our minds
We kiss like lovers
And Cupid hovers
Like he's just learning to fly
And even though it's dangerous
It's temporarily painless
I'm falling for a stranger, stranger
No need to justify
Looking for a little bit of love tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
No need to justify
All I wanna be is your drug tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
I need somebody
And even though it's dangerous
It's temporarily painless
I'm falling for a stranger, stranger
Even though it's dangerous
It's temporarily painless
I'm falling for a stranger, stranger
No need to justify
Looking for a little bit of love tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
No need to justify
All I wanna be is your drug tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
I need somebody
You need somebody too
I need somebody
You need somebody too
In the song "Temporarily Painless" by John Legend, the lyrics capture the excitement and intensity of a passionate but temporary romantic encounter. The opening lines suggest that the situation doesn't require any explanation as the beat of the music is too loud and overpowering. Despite the dimmed lights, the singer still notices someone in the crowded room who catches their attention.
The next set of lyrics describes the experience of being with this person. Both individuals are not sober, and their actions seem reckless and impulsive. The mention of kissing like lovers and Cupid hovering suggests a strong physical attraction and a sense of being swept away in the moment. Although they are aware that it may be dangerous, the experience is described as temporarily painless, indicating that the pleasure derived from their connection outweighs any potential negative consequences.
The chorus emphasizes the desire for intimacy and connection, expressing the need to find love and companionship for the night. The singer acknowledges that both parties involved are seeking companionship and understanding, and there is no need to justify this desire.
The following lyrics express the singer's admiration for the person they are with, despite not knowing their name. The tactile sensation of tasting their skin is highlighted, as the singer becomes intoxicated with the desire to bring them pleasure and put them in their own place. There is an understanding that this encounter may not be long-lasting, but the singer doesn't believe the other person wants it to end either.
The chorus is repeated, reinforcing the temporary and exciting nature of the relationship. The final lines of the song acknowledge the danger in pursuing this connection but also acknowledge the singer's growing feelings for this stranger. Despite the potential consequences, the experience is seen as momentarily blissful.
In summary, "Temporarily Painless" explores the exhilaration and intensity of a short-lived romantic encounter where both parties seek temporary companionship and affection. The lyrics convey the excitement of the physical connection while acknowledging the potential dangers and emphasizing the transient and fleeting nature of the relationship.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: John Roger Stephens
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kateroble
We don't have to explain it
The beat is way too loud
Even though the lights faded
I still saw you in the crowd
When I put you in my arm
Feel it all through me
When you promise me nothing
You give me everything I need
She comes over
We both not sober
It's like we're losing our minds
We kiss like lovers
And Cupid hovers
Like he's just learning to fly
And even though it's dangerous
It's temporarily painless
I'm falling for a stranger, stranger
No need to justify
Looking for a little bit of love tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
No need to justify
All I wanna be is your drug tonight
I need somebody
You need somebody too
I need somebody
You need somebody too
I need somebody
@DOSHuaTOKwa
If you're reading this, I hope you have a great day!
@DearSunflower
DOSHuaTOKwa thank you
@DearSunflower
DOSHuaTOKwa same to you
@bibijagnarayan4714
Hope, Faith, and Encouragement u 2
@mms652
Hope, Faith, and Encouragement i
@Godsnotdead2013
Hope, Faith, and Encouragement
Thank You! Your name says it all.
@madridcentral1468
possibly one of the most underrated songs ever
@Pistolero891
My favorite song on the album, good shit
@hunterandrus3320
blake mills produced this beautiful work! thank you to all the talented souls who helped make this happen
@colinsznaider-thepolishcom7061
Such an undderated song from this album.