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.
This Christmas
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna get to know you better
This Christmas
And as we trim the tree
How much fun it's gonna be together
This Christmas
We're caroling through the night
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me, yeah
Ah yeah
Presents and cards are here
My world is filled with cheer and you
This Christmas
And as I look around
Your eyes outshine the town, yes they do
Yeah, this Christmas
Fireside is blazing bright
We're caroling through the night
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me, yeah
Ah, shake a hand, shake a hand now
Oh, fireside is blazing bright
Caroling through the night
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me, yeah
Shake a hand, shake a hand now
Ooh, Merry Christmas now
Yeah, shake a hand, shake a hand now, ooh ooh ooh yeah
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
The lyrics of John Legend's song "This Christmas" capture the joy and warmth of the holiday season. The song begins with an invitation to hang mistletoe and get to know someone better, symbolizing a desire for closeness and intimacy during this festive time. The singer expresses anticipation for a fun and memorable experience as they trim the tree together, emphasizing the importance of being united and creating special moments with loved ones.
The imagery of a blazing fireside and caroling through the night conjures feelings of coziness and togetherness, painting a picture of a traditional and joyful Christmas celebration. The singer reflects on the significance of the holiday, declaring that this Christmas will be a very special one for them, suggesting that being surrounded by loved ones and sharing meaningful experiences can make the festive season truly magical.
The lyrics continue to mention the exchange of presents and cards, symbolizing gestures of love and appreciation. The singer acknowledges that their world is filled with cheer and expresses admiration for their partner, highlighting the beauty they see in their eyes that outshines the festive decorations. This reinforces the idea that the true spirit of Christmas lies in the connections we make with others and the love we share.
The song concludes with a call to shake hands and spread holiday cheer, reaffirming the message of unity and joy during this special time of year. The repetition of the phrase "Shake a hand, shake a hand now" emphasizes the importance of connection and togetherness, while wishing listeners a merry Christmas. Overall, "This Christmas" by John Legend celebrates the magic of the holiday season and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones, creating lasting memories and cherished moments together.
Line by Line Meaning
Hang all the mistletoe
I want to create a romantic and festive atmosphere for us to enjoy during the holiday season.
I'm gonna get to know you better
I'm looking forward to spending quality time with you and deepening our connection.
And as we trim the tree
While we decorate the Christmas tree together, we will have a lot of fun and create wonderful memories.
How much fun it's gonna be together
We will have a great time enjoying each other's company during this Christmas season.
Fireside is blazing bright
The warm fireplace creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for us to relax and enjoy each other's company.
We're caroling through the night
We are spreading joy and cheer by singing Christmas carols together.
And this Christmas will be
This year's holiday season will be filled with special moments and love.
A very special Christmas for me, yeah
This Christmas will hold a special place in my heart, making it a memorable and meaningful time for me.
Presents and cards are here
Gifts and greetings surround us, adding to the festive spirit of the season.
My world is filled with cheer and you
Your presence brings happiness and joy to my life, making this holiday season even more special.
And as I look around
As I take in the holiday decorations and festive atmosphere, I am grateful for the love and warmth you bring into my life.
Your eyes outshine the town, yes they do
The sparkle in your eyes lights up the holiday season and fills my heart with joy and love.
Ah, shake a hand, shake a hand now
Let's share greetings and spread goodwill by shaking hands and connecting with others during this festive time.
Ooh, Merry Christmas now
Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with love, happiness, and peace.
Yeah, shake a hand, shake a hand now, ooh ooh ooh yeah
Let's make connections, share joy, and spread Christmas spirit by reaching out and shaking hands with those around us.
Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Just enjoy the festive and joyful atmosphere of this Christmas season.
Lyrics Β© Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Donny Edward Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@poppehopkee7434
Whoever carelessly lived in the past
Later, do not underestimate
That person is called bright to this world.
Like the full moon has passed from that cloud.
IS Spiritual Good.
Virtue of mind.
Desire to do charity.
1. Be friendly, help share happiness
2. Help those who suffer
3. Faith, tenderness and generosity.
4. Speaking in front and behind, I do the same.
5. Do not think that you are better than others. Be humble. Not enough.
I AM KORNKAN The palms of the hands and eyes caught the beings suffer have bad luck.
Every world that we were born in
With straight mind and consciousness and good wisdom
Along with excellent perseverance as a companion.
@Bebenno_AB
I'm in love with this kind of christmas songs, full of joy and happiness, God bless you all β€οΈ
@shanejong1347
Literally every year John legend will be there to celebrate Christmas with you π
@user-tp6io5gt5c
Thatβs so true π π
@quartzzhuit
My favorite rendition β₯οΈπ€ΆπΎπ
@Disney65Fan
His version is just like the original one. Good
@StuartJrBarrett
Bass player is playing this tune!
@YenneyRossi
Stupendo brano e interpretazione caro John Legend β Auguri per il tuo nuovo album β₯ Grazie infinite per averlo condiviso β Complimenti e Applausi!!
@tylermason6613
Have always loved this song & bein' a fan of John Legend & gettin to hear him sing it is dope!!! π―
@jaquitasmith5330
Preach
@stefanopaganini7503
John Legend........What else! GREAT!!!!!!!!!!