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.
Waterslide
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Slip inside those hips
Let's go down together
Into your waterslide
Save the drama for later
We can just let it slide, enjoy the ride
And stumble together
Splash in your summer, holdin' each other
Into your waterslide, your waterslide, oh
The silk on my shirt won't fade
My shoulders got a sign with your name
Let your eyes go ahead and reign, let 'em reign, oh
I know it from the look of your face
You're tired of running in place
I wanna be the change in your pace, pace
Groove all night in the living room
Get sky-high in the afternoon
Ooh la la, ooh la la
We'll be coming soon, baby
Let's go down together
Into your waterslide
Save the drama for later
We can just let it slide, enjoy the ride
And stumble together
Into your waterslide
Splash in your summer, holdin' each other
Into your waterslide, your waterslide, oh
Honey, let me look in your mind
Let me get a piece of your time
And show you what a real lover feels like
When he tries
Groove all night in the living room
Get sky-high in the afternoon
Ooh la la, ooh la la
We'll be coming soon, baby
Let's go down together
Into your waterslide
Save the drama for later
We can just let it slide, enjoy the ride
And stumble together
Into your waterslide
Splash in your summer, holdin' each other
Into your waterslide, your waterslide, oh
Yeah, let's go
Ooh
Oh, baby
Ooh la la, ooh la la (let's go)
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, ooh la la
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, ooh la la
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, ooh la la
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, ooh la la
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (in your waterslide)
Ooh la la, ooh la la (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (woo)
The lyrics of "Waterslide" by John Legend depict an intimate and passionate encounter between two people. The references to a "waterslide" can be seen as a metaphor for a thrilling and exciting journey of love and desire. The song encourages the listener to let go of any inhibitions or worries and fully embrace the experience of being with someone they deeply care about.
The opening lines, "Oh no, slip inside those hips," suggest a sense of anticipation and desire, where the singer is inviting their partner to surrender to their sensual connection. The phrase "Let's go down together" indicates a mutual decision to embark on this journey of passion and pleasure, symbolized by the metaphorical waterslide. The mention of saving drama for later suggests that, in this moment, they are fully present and focused on enjoying one another without distractions.
The next verse highlights the allure and attraction between the two individuals. The silk on the singer's shirt represents luxury and sensuality, while their shoulders bear a sign with the name of their partner, symbolizing a deep emotional connection. The lines "Let your eyes go ahead and reign, let 'em reign" suggest that they should let their desires and emotions guide them without reservation. The singer acknowledges that their partner may be tired of a monotonous routine, and they want to bring a change and excitement into their life.
The chorus reiterates the invitation to embrace this passionate journey together. The lines "Stumble together, splash in your summer, holdin' each other" embody the idea of living in the moment, being fully present in the experience, and finding solace and joy in their connection. The repetition of "into your waterslide" emphasizes their desire to dive deep into this thrilling experience of love and passion.
The bridge of the song shifts the focus to the emotional aspect of their relationship. The singer expresses a desire to understand their partner's thoughts and emotions, seeking a deeper level of intimacy. They want to demonstrate what real love feels like when someone genuinely tries to connect and understand their partner's needs.
Overall, "Waterslide" conveys a message of embracing passion, surrendering to desire, and finding joy in the intimate connection between two individuals. It encourages listeners to let go of inhibitions and enjoy the thrill of a thrilling love affair.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh no
Expressing concern or surprise
Slip inside those hips
Immersing oneself in the sensual experience of dancing or moving to the rhythm
Let's go down together
Into your waterslide
Embarking on an intimate journey with the person, exploring their emotional depths and vulnerabilities
Save the drama for later
Not allowing conflict or negative emotions to disrupt the present moment
We can just let it slide, enjoy the ride
Choosing to let go of worries and uncertainties, embracing the experience with a carefree and positive attitude
And stumble together
Into your waterslide
Navigating through difficulties or challenges as a team, finding strength and support in each other
Splash in your summer, holdin' each other
Into your waterslide, your waterslide, oh
Enjoying the warmth and joy of summer together, immersing in the excitement and freedom of the moment
The silk on my shirt won't fade
Assurance that the love or connection between them is enduring and won't diminish over time
My shoulders got a sign with your name
Symbolizing the weight or responsibility he carries for the affection and commitment they share
Let your eyes go ahead and reign, let 'em reign, oh
Encouraging the other person to embrace their desires and passions, allowing their vision and dreams to take control
I know it from the look of your face
Understanding someone's emotions or desires by observing their facial expressions
You're tired of running in place
Recognizing their desire for change or progress from their stagnant situation
I wanna be the change in your pace, pace
Expressing his willingness to be the catalyst for positive change in their life, bringing excitement or rejuvenation
Groove all night in the living room
Get sky-high in the afternoon
Ooh la la, ooh la la
We'll be coming soon, baby
Finding joy and pleasure in spending time together, creating memorable moments and anticipating future adventures
Honey, let me look in your mind
Let me get a piece of your time
And show you what a real lover feels like
When he tries
Expressing his desire to understand the other person on a deeper level, offering his time and affection to prove his capacity for genuine love
Yeah, let's go
Reaffirming the eagerness and excitement to embark on this emotional journey together
Ooh
Oh, baby
Expressing adoration and affection
Ooh la la, ooh la la (let's go)
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, ooh la la
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, ooh la la
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, ooh la la
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (ooh-ooh)
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (in your waterslide)
Ooh la la, ooh la la (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Ooh la la, in your waterslide (woo)
Repetition of the phrase 'Ooh la la' emphasizes the excitement, pleasure, and anticipation of the journey together, specifically through the symbolism of a 'waterslide'
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bernard Harvey, Eren Ross Cannata, John Roger Stephens, Julia Michaels, Justin Drew Tranter
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.