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.
Breakfast
KELIS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've been more than just a man
You've really been a friend
And I wanna say thank you (thank you)
You put me to the test
When I know you could've left me behind
When I feel like I'm knocked back off my feet
You're the one who carries me
Simple things like giving me your peace
You're strong enough to be
Exactly what I need
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
Sometimes it's just so dark
And I can't see past my hand
But you're solid as a rock
You're everything I love
And I done all that I can
You told me still stand
When it's said and done
I am just what I am
So much of who we are
Is from who taught us how to love
So much of who we are
Is from who first taught us how to love
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
Maybe we'll make breakfast
Maybe we'll make breakfast
Maybe we'll make breakfast
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
This is the real thing
The real thing about us
Welcome to the world
In Kelis's song Breakfast, she expresses her gratitude towards a person who has been more than just a friend to her. She thanks him for being there for her when she needed support and for never leaving her side even when she was going through tough times. The person has been a solid support for Kelis, and she emphasizes this in the lyrics "You're the one who carries me. Simple things like giving me your peace. You're strong enough to be exactly what I need."
Kelis goes on to talk about how sometimes life can be very daunting and scary, and it's easy to lose oneself. But the person she is referring to is like a rock, always there for her, and always solid. The lyrics "Sometimes it's just so dark, and I can't see past my hand. But you're solid as a rock. You're everything I love" paint a vivid picture of the person who keeps Kelis's world balanced.
Towards the end of the song, Kelis reflects on the importance of love, and how much it shapes our lives. She acknowledges that the people who teach us how to love are the ones who make us who we are. The final lines ("Maybe we'll make breakfast. Maybe we'll make breakfast") show that the bond between these two people is not just about words but also about spending time together, and enjoying each other's company.
In summary, Kelis's Breakfast is an ode to a person who has been a constant support in her life. The lyrics paint a picture of the struggles and fragility of life and how we need someone to hold us up and support us when we stumble.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna say thank you (thank you)
Expressing gratitude and appreciation
You've been more than just a man
Acknowledging the importance of this person
You've really been a friend
Describing the close relationship
And I wanna say thank you (thank you)
Reiterating gratitude
You put me to the test
Highlighting challenges faced with this person's guidance and support
When I know you could've left me behind
Recognizing this person's choice to stay and help
When I feel like I'm knocked back off my feet
Describing feelings of defeat and vulnerability
And I swear I'm all alone
Feeling isolated and unsupported
You're the one who carries me
Recognizing this person's unwavering support
Simple things like giving me your peace
Noticing the small gestures that bring comfort
You're strong enough to be
Emphasizing this person's strength and resilience
Exactly what I need
Acknowledging how this person meets specific needs
This is the real thing
Affirming the authenticity of their relationship
The real thing about us
Defining what makes their relationship genuine
Welcome to the world
Inviting this person into a world of trust and love
Sometimes it's just so dark
Describing the difficult times
And I can't see past my hand
Feeling lost and uncertain
But you're solid as a rock
Noting this person's stability and reliability
You're everything I love
Recognizing this person's importance and value
And I done all that I can
Reflecting on efforts made
You told me still stand
Recalling this person's encouragement and support to persevere
When it's said and done
Referring to the past and what has been accomplished
I am just what I am
Accepting oneself as is
So much of who we are
Reflecting on the importance of upbringing and influence
Is from who taught us how to love
Realizing the impact of those who have taught about love
Maybe we'll make breakfast
Suggesting a simple, enjoyable activity to share
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DAVID ANDREW SITEK, KELIS ROGERS, TODD SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind