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."
I'm Right Here
Jonathan Butler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, oh, oh,
Lately it?s been strange
I could feel it - something missing
You use to talk to me no matter what time of day
Mmm?
Is something else taking my place?
Is anything to say?
Chorus
I?m right you
When you need me
I?m right here
Wherever you call
I?m right you
When you need me
I?m right here
Wherever you call
We can put so much, but love, faith has kept us
When no else can see the power of love inside
We always worked it out before
I?m never gone to let you go
I promise I?ll be there for you
Of this you can be sure
Repeat Chorus
When you feel the weight is getting to you
Babe here?s my shoulder you can lean on me
Lean on me?
Oh, I said whenever you call me
Repeat and Ab lib fading out
The lyrics to Jonathan Butler's song "I'm Right Here" speak of a relationship that has changed and grown distant, with one partner feeling as though something is missing. The singer asks if there is someone or something else taking their place, and pleads for communication to be restored. Despite the struggles, the singer assures their partner that they are always going to be there for them, for better or for worse, and that they can lean on them for support whenever they need it.
The lyrics of "I'm Right Here" are a poignant reminder that relationships require communication and effort to continue to thrive. By acknowledging the changes in the relationship and expressing a willingness to work together to overcome them, the singer embodies a spirit of dedication and devotion that is essential to any successful partnership. The repeated refrain of "I'm right here" reinforces the idea that no matter what challenges may arise, the singer is committed to being a constant source of love and support for their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Woh_woh_woh, Baby
Beginning of the song, no actual meaning
Oh, oh, oh,
Beginning of the song, no actual meaning
The singer acknowledges that things have been strange lately and he senses something missing.
You use to talk to me no matter what time of day
The singer misses the times when the other person would communicate with him no matter what time of day it was.
Mmm?
The singer is questioning whether something else has taken his place.
Is something else taking my place?
The singer is concerned that someone or something else may be taking his place in the other person's life, causing distance between them.
Is anything to say?
The singer is asking the other person if there's anything they want to say about how they are feeling or about the situation they are in.
Why you keep running from this love that?s here to stay?
The singer wants to know why the other person is avoiding their love, when it is clear that it's here to stay.
Chorus
The singer repeats the chorus, which is his promise to always be available to the other person when they need him.
We can put so much, but love, faith has kept us
The singer acknowledges that they have gone through a lot, but their love and faith have kept them together.
When no else can see the power of love inside
The singer believes that their love is powerful, even if others cannot see it.
We always worked it out before
The singer is confident that they have always been able to work through their problems in the past.
I?m never gone to let you go
The singer is reassuring the other person that he will never let them go.
I promise I?ll be there for you
The singer is making a promise to always be there for the other person, no matter what.
Of this you can be sure
The singer wants the other person to be sure of his promise.
When you feel the weight is getting to you
The singer wants the other person to know that he is there for them when they feel overwhelmed.
Babe here?s my shoulder you can lean on me
The singer is offering his shoulder for the other person to lean on when they need support.
Lean on me?
The singer is asking the other person if they will lean on him for support.
Oh, I said whenever you call me
The singer repeats his promise to always be there for the other person when they need him.
Repeat and Ab lib fading out
The song repeats the chorus and the singer ad-libs until the song fades out.
Contributed by Isaiah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@yessicadelossantos7500
Such an amazing piece! Jonathan Butler is one of my favorite singers. He has such a heavenly combination of talents. May God always bless him and and all of us who listen to his extraordinary music!!!
@rickandcharmercer6117
One of the best artists ever! Beautiful lyrics and voice.
@ianbezuidenhout620
damn hot song