Career:
Jon Batiste was born in Kenner, Louisiana, into a long line of musicians, including Lionel Batiste and Harold Battiste. At the age of 8, he played percussion and drums with his family's band, the Batiste Brothers Band. At his mother's suggestion, he switched to piano at the age of 11. Jon developed his piano skills by taking classical music lessons and transcribing songs from video games such as Street Fighter Alpha, Final Fantasy VII and Sonic the Hedgehog.
At 17, Batiste released Times in New Orleans. He attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts with Trombone Shorty and graduated in 2004 before going on to receive a bachelor's and master's degree from the Juilliard School. While at Juilliard, he released his second album Live in New York: At the Rubin Museum of Art, and by the end of 2006, had been a featured performer in South Africa, London, Lisbon, Spain, Paris and the United States.
In 2007, Batiste made his debut at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam at the age of 20, both producing and performing his own show. He conducted music clinics, classes and workshops throughout Netherlands in inner city schools and underprivileged neighborhoods. He was invited back to Carnegie Hall to produce and perform in his own show including six young musicians from the Netherlands. The performance concluded with a finale he composed for choir, jazz combo and orchestral instruments. In the year following, Batiste released a number of music projects including Social Music (2013) which spent over a month at the top of the Billboard and iTunes jazz charts, "The Late Show EP" (2016) with Stay Human and a holiday album "Christmas with Jon Batiste" (2016). In 2017, he released the singles "Ohio" with Leon Bridges and Gary Clark Jr. as well as "Battle Hymn of the Republic" for The Atlantic. Batise's debut solo album Hollywood Africans was released under Verve Records in September 2018. "Don't Stop" served as the lead single. Leading up to the album release, Batiste completed a Summer Festival tour across the U.S. with The Dap-Kings.
Batiste's notable career performances include a tribute to Chuck Berry and Fats Domino during the 60th annual Grammy Awards (performing alongside Gary Clark Jr.), the Kennedy Center Honors in tribute to Carmen De Lavallade, the Concert for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama as well as the National Anthem at the 2017 NBA All Star Game and Opening Night of the 2017 US Open. He has curated the Global Citizen Advocacy Concert with Tom Morello and the Louis Armstrong Wonderful World Festival in Queens, N.Y. Batiste is currently signed with Mick Management.
Stay Human.
In 2005, Batiste began performing regularly around the New York music scene with his Juilliard peers, bassist Phil Kuehn and drummer Joe Saylor. He later added Eddie Barbash on alto saxophone and Ibanda Ruhumbika on tuba. Batiste named the band Stay Human, which draws its moniker from the belief that human interaction during a live musical performance can uplift humanity in the midst of the "plug in/tune out" nature of modern society. The band leads impromptu street performances, which Batiste calls "love riots."
In 2011, Stay Human released the album MY N.Y., which was recorded in its entirety on New York City Subway trains, an idea that came to Batiste after questioning how to connect with people.
On April 22, 2017, the band played for the March for Science rally at the Washington Monument in Washington D.C.
Television and film:
In 2014, Batiste and Stay Human appeared on The Colbert Report to perform the group's single, "Express Yourself", written and produced with Austin Bis. On June 4, 2015, it was announced that the group would serve as house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The show premiered on CBS on September 8, 2015. On the show, Batiste and Stay Human have performed alongside Billy Joel, Will Smith, Wynton Marsalis, John Legend, Grace Vanderwaal, and Nas.
Batiste was cast in the HBO television series Treme, appearing in seasons 2, 3 and 4. He was also cast as T.K. Hazelton in director Spike Lee's film Red Hook Summer and composed and performed the Hammond B-3 organ music that was a part of the film score. Other film scores composed by Batiste include the television documentary Duke 91 & 92: Back to Back and the short film Melody of Choice. He also appears in the film Thrive by Paul Szynol.
Miscellaneous.
Batiste was included in the 2016 Forbes 30 Under 30 music list and was named Grand Marshal of Endymion Parade in New Orleans in 2018. He has been awarded the American Jazz Museum Lifetime Achievement Award, the Harry Chapin ASCAP Humanitarian Award and the Movado Future Legend Award. In May 2017, Batiste received an honorary degree from Salve Regina University for his musical achievements and contributions to Newport's 2014 International Jazz Day.
Batiste has been featured in campaigns for Chase Bank, Apple Watch, Lincoln Continental, and numerous fashion brands including Ralph Lauren, Barneys, Nordstrom, Frye Boots and Bonobos.
In April 2022, his album 'We Are' won Album of the Year at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, making Batiste the first Black artist to win the award since Herbie Hancock in 2008.
Discography
Times in New Orleans (2005)
Live in New York: At the Rubin Museum of Art (2006)
In the Night (2008)
The Amazing Jon Batiste! (2009)
MY N.Y. EP (2011) with Stay Human
Social Music (2013) with Stay Human
The Process (2014) with Chad Smith and Bill Laswell
The Late Show EP (2016) with Stay Human
Christmas with Jon Batiste (2016)
Music of Johny Lewis (2017) with Wynton Marsalis
Hollywood Africans (2018)
Drink Water
Jon Batiste Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take a deep breath, drink water
Take a deep breath, drink water
You know that these streets just now, calm down
Take a deep breath drink water
You know that these streets just now
Where you at? Right now
In the East, in the West, Louisiana, Down South
I'll be there with the cleats
I'll be there with the squeaks
If you stuck, if you stuck, if you stuck, said truth (free)
When they lie, when they lie
Just hit the reach out I'll call you
When they try, when they try you
You know I'll be there for ya
So take a deep breath, drink water
You know that these streets just now calm down
Take a deep breath, drink water
You know that these streets just now
Calm down, oh, calm down, oh, calm down
Whenever you feel like you might drown
Oh, calm down, oh, calm down
You know that these streets just loud
Relax and calm down
You got a man now, man now
And I know you're messed up right now
When you are down dance to my sound, my sound
You know say I no fi shout
When they lie, when they lie
Just hit the reach out, I'll call ya
When they try, when they try you
You know I'll be there for ya
So take a deep breath, drink water
You know that these streets just now calm down
Take a deep breath, drink water
You know that these streets just now
Calm down, oh, calm down, oh, calm down
Whenever you feel like you might drown
Oh, calm down, oh, calm down
You know that these streets just loud
I'll set you free
Free, free at last
Take me to the river
Take me to the O
Take me to the river
Wave over me, girl
Take me to the ocean
And it washed out on me
Take me to the river
Take me to the O
Take me to the river
Wave over me, girl
Take me to the ocean, ocean
So take a deep breath, drink water
You know that these streets just now calm down
Take a deep breath, drink water
You know that these streets just now
Calm down, oh, calm down, oh, calm down
Whenever you feel like you might drown
Oh, calm down, oh, calm down
You know that these streets just loud
Drink water
Calm down (calm down)
The lyrics of Jon Batiste's song "Drink Water" convey a message of finding solace and peace amidst the chaos of life. The repeated line "Take a deep breath, drink water" serves as a reminder to pause, breathe, and take care of oneself. It emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and grounded, both physically and mentally.
The song also touches on the idea of geographical and emotional presence. The lines "Where you at? Right now / In the East, in the West, Louisiana, Down South" suggest that no matter where one is in the world, Batiste will be there, symbolically represented by his "cleats" and "squeaks." This portrays his desire to support and offer comfort to those who feel "stuck" or trapped in their situations.
The lyrics further acknowledge the presence of falsehoods and deception in the world. When someone is lied to or manipulated, Batiste encourages them to reach out to him and promises to be there for them. This highlights his role as a reliable and trustworthy friend or support system.
The refrain "Calm down, oh, calm down, oh, calm down / Whenever you feel like you might drown" reflects the need to find inner calmness amidst the overwhelming noise and intensity of life's struggles. Batiste encourages listeners to relax, take a step back, and regain control over their emotions. He acknowledges the loudness of the streets as a metaphor for the chaos and challenges we face.
The final lines of the song, "I'll set you free / Free, free at last," indicate a sense of liberation and release. Through his music and presence, Batiste aims to uplift and empower his audience, offering them a sense of freedom from their worries and burdens.
In summary, "Drink Water" by Jon Batiste urges listeners to pause, take care of themselves, and find inner peace amidst the chaos of life. It emphasizes the importance of being present, remaining grounded, and reaching out for support when needed. The song carries a message of comfort, empowerment, and liberation.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a deep breath, drink water
Pause and refresh yourself, replenish your soul
You know that these streets just now, calm down
Understand that the chaotic world around you can find peace
Where you at? Right now
Where are you in this moment?
In the East, in the West, Louisiana, Down South
Everywhere, no matter the location
I'll be there with the cleats
I'll support you, step by step
I'll be there with the squeaks
I'll make my presence known
If you stuck, if you stuck, if you stuck, said truth (free)
When you're trapped, speak your truth and find freedom
When they lie, when they lie
When others deceive
Just hit the reach out, I'll call you
Just reach out to me, I'll be there for support
When they try, when they try you
When they attempt to harm you
You know I'll be there for ya
You know I'll stand by your side
Calm down, oh, calm down, oh, calm down
Find peace, ease your worries
Whenever you feel like you might drown
During moments of overwhelming despair
Relax and calm down
Unwind and find tranquility
You got a man now, man now
You have someone to rely on now
And I know you're messed up right now
And I understand you're going through difficulties
When you are down dance to my sound, my sound
In your lowest moments, let my music uplift you
You know say I no fi shout
You know I won't raise my voice
I'll set you free
I'll liberate you
Take me to the river
Bring me to a place of cleansing
Take me to the O
Take me to the sea
Wave over me, girl
Let the waves wash over me, bringing renewal
Take me to the ocean
Lead me to the vastness and serenity of the ocean
And it washed out on me
And it cleansed and rejuvenated me
Drink water
Hydrate and refresh yourself
Calm down (calm down)
Find tranquility and peace
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc., EMPIRE PUBLISHING
Written by: Adedamola Adefolahan, Elijah Noll, Johnny Simpson, Jon Batiste, Jonathan David Bellion, Pete Nappi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joyce_oates
Jon Batiste is a gift to the human species. He shows the way of how we should treat people with kindness ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@DashingPartyCrasher
Upbeat and uplifting to fight the uptight!
Calming down, drinking more water, and reaching out to friends are what we all need to do more of.
@phyllism677
I absolutely love this song. Much love to John Baptiste ❤️
@Anthony-uf3oz
*Jon
@NerdCoreOfficial
*Batiste
@GabeLazarYT
never in my life did I imagine I'd get to hear the two Jons collaborate but I'm so happy! 2 of the greatest musicans of the 2010-2020s and 2 of my favourites.
@angelamercado7228
Mr. Bellion sir., we missed your voice so much 😭💖
@lukeyy5745
this^^^
@ametista..
Exactly 🥹👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@KateInTheCity
Jon Batiste is such a cool guy. You know he has such a beautiful heart.