At thirteen, Jonathan's talents caught the ears and eyes of British record … Read Full Bio ↴At thirteen, Jonathan's talents caught the ears and eyes of British record producer Clive Caulder. He was signed to Caulder's Jive Records and as the old cliche goes, the rest is history.

Jonathan's first single broke down racial barriers, becoming the first song by a black artist to be played by white radio stations in South Africa. Because Jive was headquartered in England, Jonathan decided to move there to focus on his recording career. His commitment to his craft paid off with his self-titled debut album, which received a Grammy nomination for the pop hit "Lies."

Jonathan's ability to blend his roots in African music with western pop sensibilities would be a trademark of many albums to follow, though never more refined than in his latest release.

For example, the first single from Jonathan is a rendition of the folk-rock classic "Fire and Rain." Butler breathes new life into this classic, infusing the vocals with intensity, as subtle as it is powerful. The musical arrangement is lively and soulful, indicative of his roots in World music. "Fire and Rain" is already garnering accolades from top radio programmers. Lori Lewis, program director for WSMJ in Baltimore states, "It literally gave me a lump in my throat. I walked into the studio and introduced it live on air. Vocals this great are really rare."

Be Here with You
Jonathan Butler Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sittin' here with the picture
There is a glow in your eyes
Lookin' back and reminiscin'
Of that warm and gentle smile

I can't wait to see you
Walk through the door
The reason why I'm excited

'Cause you're my love
My friend and much more

Will you love to hold me?
'Cause I only want to be here by you
Will you love to be here?
'Cause I only want to be here with you

I am completely dedicated to our love
You have my heart and attention
And there's no one who treats me like you

I can't wait to see you
When I walk through that door
Reason why I'm excited
'Cause you're my love
My friend and much more

Will you love to hold me?
'Cause I only want to be here by you
Will you love to be here?
'Cause I only want to be here with you

My only intention
Is to give you everything that you need
'Cause time is not the issue
'Cause when you hold me, I feel so complete

Will you love to hold me?
'Cause I only want to be here by you
Will you love to be here?
'Cause I only want to be here with you

Will you love to hold me?
'Cause I only want to be here by you
Will you love to be here?
'Cause I only want to be here with you

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Be here by you
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Be here with you

Be here with you
Be here with you

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Be here by you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Jonathan Butler's song "Be Here with You" express the deep affection and dedication the singer has for his love. He is sitting with a picture, reminiscing the warm and gentle smile of his love. He eagerly waits for her to walk through the door, excited to see her as she is not just his love, but also his friend and much more. The singer's only intention is to give his love everything she needs, and time is not an issue when they are together as he feels complete in her arms. The chorus repeatedly conveys the message of the singer's strong desire to be with his love.

The song portrays how love can be all-consuming, making the singer's only wish to spend time with his love. The lyrics reflect the comfort, trust, and happiness that the singer feels in the company of his love. The singer's voice along with the gentle background music creates a romantic ambiance, emphasizing the emotions conveyed in the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

Sittin' here with the picture
I'm looking at a photo of you and feeling sentimental

There is a glow in your eyes
I see happiness and love reflected in your eyes

Lookin' back and reminiscin'
I'm looking back on our memories and feeling nostalgic

Of that warm and gentle smile
I remember your kind and soft smile

I can't wait to see you
I'm excited to be reunited with you

Walk through the door
When you come home

The reason why I'm excited
Why I'm feeling this way

'Cause you're my love
It's because you're my partner in love

My friend and much more
And so much more than that

Will you love to hold me?
Can you express affection for me physically?

'Cause I only want to be here by you
Because I want to be close to you