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."
Color Green
Jonathan Butler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love that is deep within the sea
Lifting me high
High as the eagle in the sky
Soaring above the cloud
Where I can find the sea
Closer to you, I feel
Like the color green
You're in every stream
You're in everything
Even in my dreams
You're my color green
You're my favorite thing
Like the song I sing
What a precious thing
Great is your love
Touching the deepest part of me
You open my heart
Revealing to me the mystery
You never grow old to me
With you each day is new
For all that you've done for me
I give my life to you, you
Like the color green
You're in every stream
You're in everything
Even in my dreams
You're my color green
You're my favorite thing
Like the song I sing
What a precious thing
Like the color green
You're in every stream
You're in everything
Even in my dreams
You're my color green
My favorite thing
Like a song I sing
What a precious thing
You're my color green
You're in every stream
What a precious thing
Like the color green, yes
You're in everything
Like the color green
You're in every stream
You're in everything
Even in my dreams
Like the color green
You're my favorite thing
Like the song I sing
You're in everything
What a precious thing
You're my color green
You're my, you're my everything
You're in every stream
What a precious thing
Jonathan Butler's song "Color Green" is a beautiful love song that speaks to the depth and vastness of love. The lyrics speak of a love that is so deep, it is compared to the depths of the sea and the heights of an eagle in flight. The love being described is all-encompassing and ever-present, like the color green that surrounds us in nature. The color green is used as a symbol of this all-encompassing love because it is the color of growth, renewal, and life.
The song speaks to the way in which love can lift us up, both physically and emotionally. It takes us soaring above the clouds, closer to our loved one, and surrounds us with its embrace. It is a love that is not fleeting or temporary, but is a constant presence in our lives. The love is described as touching the deepest part of the singer, revealing to them the mystery of life and love.
The use of the repetition of the phrase "color green" throughout the song serves to emphasize the central theme of the song - that this love is all-encompassing and ever-present. It is in every stream, in everything and even in the singer's dreams. The chorus repeats the phrase "you're my color green, you're my favorite thing, like the song I sing, what a precious thing" over and over, further emphasizing the beauty and importance of this love.
Line by Line Meaning
Deep is the love
The love that Jonathan feels is profound and intense.
Love that is deep within the sea
The love that he feels is so great that it is compared to the depth of the sea.
Lifting me high
His love elevates him to new heights.
High as the eagle in the sky
His love takes him to a place where he is soaring like an eagle in the sky.
Soaring above the cloud
His love lifts him up, above the clouds.
Where I can find the sea
He finds the sea, which represents his love, as he soars through the sky.
Closer to you, I feel
The closer he gets to his love, the more he feels it surrounding him.
Your love surrounding me
He is completely encompassed by his love.
Like the color green
His love is compared to the color green, which is commonly associated with growth and life.
You're in every stream
His love is everywhere and in everything, like water flowing in streams.
You're in everything
His love is all-encompassing and present in every aspect of his life.
Even in my dreams
His love is so strong that it even exists in his subconscious, as seen in his dreams.
You're my color green
Jonathan's love is deeply intertwined with the color green.
You're my favorite thing
His love is the most important thing in his life.
Like the song I sing
His love is like a beautiful, joyful melody that he sings.
What a precious thing
His love is valuable and cherished.
Great is your love
His love is vast and immense.
Touching the deepest part of me
His love penetrates into the core of his being.
You open my heart
His love unlocks his heart, allowing him to love more deeply.
Revealing to me the mystery
His love reveals to him the mysteries of life and love.
You never grow old to me
His love never ages or fades in his eyes.
With you each day is new
His love brings newness and freshness to each day.
For all that you've done for me
He is grateful for everything that his love has done for him.
I give my life to you, you
He pledges his life to his love.
My favorite thing
His love is the most cherished and beloved thing in his life.
Like the color green, yes
Reiterating that his love is like the color green.
You're my, you're my everything
His love is everything to him.
What a precious thing
His love is incredibly valuable and highly treasured.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JONATHAN K BUTLER, KURT LYKES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind