After a short spell working as a model, 5'10" Kelis began appearing on songs by Neptunes produced rappers such as 'Got Your Money' by the late rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard. Soon afterwards, she released her debut album, Kaleidoscope in 1999 of which the first single was 'Caught Out There,' a song based on the time she caught her boyfriend cheating on her, and she beat him. The video feautures Kelis leading a pack of angry women down the street screaming 'I hate you so much right now!'. The album was released in USA, Europe and Asia, but did not find much audience in the USA. Not a great success, it only sold 249,000 copies to date.
After finding her largest audience in Europe, Kelis released her second album titled Wanderland (2001) in Europe only, which like her first album did not fare well. It only sold 80,000 copies and was entirely produced by The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) again, similarly to her debut. Only one single was released 'Young Fresh N New'.
In 2003 Kelis finally found fame in her country with the single 'Milkshake,' which was a massive success in Europe, Asia and USA, and she began dating rapper Nas (born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones). The single was from the album 'Tasty' which did not feature the Neptunes as heavily as her previous albums. Singles included the popular Dallas Austin produced 'Trick Me' and 'Millionaire', a collaboration with OutKast's Andre 3000. 'In Public's duet with Nas was the fourth single from the album, becoming a top twenty hit in the U.K. without a video.
In 2006, Kelis presented a new album to her fans, entitled Kelis Was Here, which was originally to be called 'The Puppeteer' which was released on 22 August but was due Fall 2005. No Neptunes tracks appeared on this album, but Kelis used other producers such as Max Martin, Will.I.Am (Black Eyed Peas) and Raphael Saadiq. Singles are the huge 'Bossy', 'Blindfold Me', and 'Lil Star'. Kelis wrote more of the material on this album than she did for Tasty, and carries off the sci-fi, electronica sounds so often considered Neptunes material without them. This is most evident on the brilliant 'Trilogy'. Kelis has said she wants to make her mark with this album, as it will be the last 'album like this' she will make.
In October 2007, Kelis was dumped by Jive Records, for poor sales of Kelis Was Here but a new album is in the pipeline. The Hits - a greatest hits collection - was released in March 2008, including tracks where she was a featured artist, eg, Got Your Money by Ol' Dirty Bastard , N.E.R.D's Truth or Dare, and Richard X's Finest Dreams.
Kelis then signed to Interscope Records, and released her fifth studio album entitled Flesh Tone in May 2010. The David Guetta-produced Acapella preceded the LP in February of that year. Other singles released from the album include '4th of July (Fireworks)', 'Scream' and 'Brave'. The following year, Kelis appeared on Calvin Harris' 'Bounce'.
In the beginning of 2010, Kelis received a letter by animal rights organization PETA, in which she was informed about the cruelty that comes along with the production of fur coats. She pointed out that the organization seems to have little concern about the treatment of people of color and that she will continue wearing fur and eating meat.
Songfacts reported that 'Distance', the planned first single from Kelis’ sixth studio album received its first play during the June 30, 2012 show of The Beatnik Mix on London's Reprezent 107.3FM. At the time, the album was set to be house/dance-inspired, but sessions with TV on The Radio's Dave Sitek led to it taking a soul-like direction.
Kelis completed her sixth album in April 2013, and her new label Ninja Tune confirmed details regarding the album in January the following year, 'Jerk Ribs' served as the lead single for the album; the track had however been previously released as a free download the previous year.
Food was released in April 2014 to critical acclaim. Kelis also appeared for the first time at the annual South by Southwest festival, both performing and serving meals to attendees from her food truck.
Bless the Telephone
KELIS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've waited all day long
Even wrote a song for you
It's strange the way you make me feel
With just a word or two
I'd like to do the same for you
It's nice to hear you say hello
I love you
But very soon it's time to go
An office job to do
While I'm here writing songs for you
Strange how a phone call can change your day
Take you away, away
From the feeling of being alone
Bless the telephone
It's nice the way you say my name
Not very fast or slow
Just soft and low, the same
'Cause when you tell me how you feel
I feel the same way too
I'm very much in love with you
Strange how a phone call can change your day
Take you away, away
From the feeling of being alone
Bless the telephone
Bless the telephone
In Kelis's song "Bless the Telephone," the main theme is the power of a phone call in connecting people and easing the feeling of loneliness. The song begins with the singer expressing her joy and relief to hear the voice of someone she loves. She reveals that she even wrote a song for them, which highlights the depth of her emotion towards this person.
Kelis goes on to describe the influence this person has over her, as they can change her entire mood with just a few words. She wishes to reciprocate these feelings, and hopes to bring the same comfort to this person. The love between them is palpable, and Kelis conveys it beautifully through the gentle melody and soothing lyrics.
The chorus emphasizes the transformative nature of a phone call, taking its listener away from the feeling of isolation and bringing them closer to the person on the other end of the line. Kelis repeats the phrase "bless the telephone," underscoring the immense gratitude she feels for this device that allows her to connect with her loved one.
Overall, "Bless the Telephone" is a touching and heartfelt song that speaks to the power of human connection and the importance of staying in touch with those we love, no matter the distance.
Line by Line Meaning
It's nice to hear your voice again
Hearing your voice brings happiness to my day
I've waited all day long
I've been eagerly waiting for your call
Even wrote a song for you
I was inspired to write a song for you
It's strange the way you make me feel
Your effect on me is unusual
With just a word or two
You can have a big impact with a few words
I'd like to do the same for you
I wish I could make you feel the same way
It's nice to hear you say hello
Hearing your greeting makes me happy
And how are things with you?
I'm interested in what's happening in your life
I love you
I deeply care for you
But very soon it's time to go
Our conversation must come to an end soon
An office job to do
I have to get back to work
While I'm here writing songs for you
I want to use this time to write music for you
Strange how a phone call can change your day
It's amazing how a call can have such an impact
Take you away, away
It can remove you from feeling lonely or sad
From the feeling of being alone
It can help alleviate the feeling of loneliness
Bless the telephone
The telephone is a blessing that can bring joy and connection
It's nice the way you say my name
Hearing you say my name is pleasant
Not very fast or slow
You say it at a comfortable pace
Just soft and low, the same
You say it with a gentle tone
'Cause when you tell me how you feel
When you express your emotions to me
I feel the same way too
I share those feelings with you
I'm very much in love with you
I'm deeply in love with you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Labi Siffre
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind