In 1999 Jazz legend Joe Sample collaborated with Lalah on the album The Song Lives On, which became a staple on both Jazz and Smooth R&B radio, as well as topping the Jazz charts. However, it would not be until 2004 that Lalah Hathaway would resurface with her own project. She had her biggest hit single in years with an inspired cover of the late Luther Vandross' Forever, For Always, For Love, topping the Urban AC Chart and reaching Top 40 on Billboards mainstream R&B chart, a feat repeated by Outrun the Sky, Hathaway's first solo album in a decade, which was released late in the year.
I Gotta Move On
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You must understand
Why I have to leave
Get away while I can
The weather has changed
If I'm to survive
I must go away
Like the waves of the sea
That cool the burning sand
Turning shores of the beach
Into faults of new land
The weather has changed
If I'm to survive
I must go away
I'm not the same
Girl you used to know
My feelings have changed
And inside me is a need to grow
The weather has changed
If I'm to survive
I must go away
The lyrics to Lalah Hathaway's song "I Gotta Move On" provide a poignant metaphorical expression of someone leaving a relationship to find self-growth and survival. The opening phrase of the first verse, "As the bird who flies south," alludes to the natural phenomenon where birds migrate to a different location to adapt to changes in weather or ecosystem for their survival. Similarly, the person in the song recognizes that they have to understand why they have to leave the relationship and "get away while [they] can." The change in the "weather" could refer to personal emotional turmoil or issues in the relationship that have forced them to make the difficult decision of leaving.
The following verse introduces another metaphor - the waves of the sea. The waves have an essential role in shaping the shoreline and creating new land, just as the person leaving the relationship is creating a new life for themselves. The metaphor also signifies the continuing, inevitable nature of change - as the waves relentlessly shape the beach, the person's transformation and search for growth will continue to occur. The final verse indicates an emotional change within the person- they are not the girl the other person used to know, and their feelings have evolved. They acknowledge this by acknowledging their need to grow and take strides in their individual journey. Ultimately, the comparison to natural phenomena solidifies the idea that as part of the world, humans are subject to change, growth, and re-adaptation essential for survival.
Line by Line Meaning
As the bird who flies south
Just as migratory birds travel towards the south to survive, I must also leave to survive.
You must understand
I need you to fully comprehend my decision to leave.
Why I have to leave
I have to go away to face the challenges of life and become a better person.
Get away while I can
I need to leave immediately before it becomes too late.
The weather has changed
My current situation has changed, and I need to adapt to it to survive.
If I'm to survive
If I want to live and thrive, I must leave and begin anew.
Like the waves of the sea
The tide of life is changing, and I must move with it like the waves of the ocean.
That cool the burning sand
Just as the waves cool the sand, I need to cool down and find inner peace.
Turning shores of the beach
The waves cause a change in the shoreline that may not be immediately obvious but is significant.
Into faults of new land
The change caused by the waves creates new lands, and I want to create a new life for myself.
I'm not the same
I have transformed into a different person.
Girl you used to know
I am no longer the same person you were familiar with in the past.
My feelings have changed
My emotional state has altered, and I feel the need to move on.
And inside me is a need to grow
I have an internal desire to develop and progress.
Writer(s): ANGELA WINBUSH
Contributed by Jason M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jae White
Lalah Hathaway is one of the RARE artist who REFUSES to alter her artistry to keep up with the industry, so she is not played on radio or promoted! "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL"
These are the Neo-Soul Artists that are staying true to their craft people like Angela Johnson, Angie Stone, Amel Larrieux, Adriana Evans, Alice Smith, Alice Russell, Bilal, Carol Riddick, Chico Debarge, Cilla K., Conya Doss, The Endangered, Eric Roberson, Gaelle, Renee Neufville, Jean Baylor, Shana Tucker,
The Foreign Exchange, Frank McComb, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Incognito,
Janelle Monáe, Jarrard Anthony, Marcell Russell, Gwen Bunn,
Jesse Boykins III, Jose James, Groove Theory, Carlitta Durand,
Karen Bernod, Keite Young, Lady,
Laura Mvula, Little Dragon, Lynne Fiddmont, Marcell & The Truth, Marlon Saunders, Maysa, Me'Shell Ndegéocello, Omar, Quadron, Minnie Riperton, Navasha Daya, Solange, Zo!, Repercussions, Rahsaan Patterson,
Rhonda Thomas, Teri Tobin, Tess Henley, Caron Wheeler,
The Internet, Terri Walker, Thundercat, Rajdulari, Maurissa Rose,
Tracy Cruz, Trizonna McClendon, Gina Carey, Quentin Moore,
Valerie June, Vannessa Simon, Kem, Kloud 9,
Vikter Duplaix, W. Ellington Felton, Alison Crockett,
Yolanda Rabun, Sandra St. Victor, AYA, Chantae Cann,
India.Arie, Heston, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Phonte,
Fertile Ground, Deborah Bond, Darien,
Deborah Jordan, Darien Brockington, Darrius,
Corinne Bailey Rae, Choklate, ReneeDion,
Ola Onabule, Cooly's Hot-Box, Clara Hill, Nik West,
Big Brooklyn Red, Carmen Rodgers, Carol Riddick, April Hill, Avani, Avery*Sunshine,
Abby Dobson, D'Angelo, ,The Brand New Heavies, Res,
Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael Saadiq, Andy Allo, Zap Mama, Lady Alma,
The Floacist, Cherokee, Bria Valente, Zhané, YahZarah, Chandlar, Blue Six, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Van Hunt, Wayna, Will Downing, Yolanda Johnson, Trina Broussard, Jsoul, V (Valvin Roane), Teedra Moses,
Deirdre Gaddis, Don-E, Donnie, Elisabeth Withers, Emily King, Esperanza Spalding, Swing Out Sister, KING,
Eric Benét, Geno Young, Giovanca, Gordon Chambers, Governor, Green Tea, Jiva, Gretchen Parlato, Heston, Hiatus Kaiyote, Leon Timbo, Leigh Jones, Natalie Gardiner, Dionne Reid, Society of Soul,
Hil St. Soul, Jazzyfatnastees, Jesse Johnson, Prince, Julie Dexter, Joss Stone,
Joy Denalane, Kendra Ross, Kindred The Family Soul, Ladybug Mecca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Izibor, Laurneá, Lauryn Hill, Bilal Salaam, Joi,
Leela James, LeNora Jaye, Les Nubians, THEESatisfaction, Tiombe Lockhart, Tawana Lael, Terri Lyne Carrington, Reel People, Timothy Bloom, V.Bozeman,
Stacy Epps, Slakah The Beatchild, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Seek, Rotary Connection, Rogiérs, Robert Gee, Rhonda Thomas, Rhonda Smith, Remy Shand, Reggie B, The Rebirth, Raul Midón, Rachelle Ferrell,
PJ Morton, NYR, Noel Gourdin, Nneka, N'Dambi, Nikka Costa, Muhsinah, Monica Blaire, Monet, Mint Condition, Maya Azucena, Mycah Chevalier, Nicholas Ryan Gant, Jeanne Jolly,
Mavis "Swan" Poole, Martin Luther, Lynne Fiddmont, Lucy Pearl, Lorenzo Owens, Mamas Gun, Lizz Wright, Liv Warfield, Lizz Fields, Lina, Leon Ware, Dwele, Corneille, Lisa Taylor, Charles Bradley, Bluey, Ayo, DivaGeek, Kendra, Timotha Lanae, Shamika Phoenix, Dionne, Soulpersona, Kaleem Taylor, Bosra Sham, Rachel Walker, N'dea Davenport, D'Influence, Ms. Irene Renee, Melanie Durrant, Jazzhole, John Stoddart, Mo'j, E. Bland, Elaine Stepter, Carmen Lundy, Dionne Farris, Lisa Shaw, Shae Fiol, Lira, Morisha Danee,
Snarky Puppy, Antoine Dunn, Anthony Hamilton, Anthony David, Amy Winehouse, Chris Rob, Marques Toliver, Sade, Soulstice, Sunshine Anderson, Jaguar Wright, L'Renee, Lianne La Havas, Sy Smith AND A WHOLE LOTS MORE....
"THE DEFINITION OF NEO-SOUL"
Neo-Soul is a timeless musical genre that fuses real instrumental, Jazz, contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul,funk,and rock with some elements of hip-hop. As it's name (new soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from contemporary R&B in that it's organic and obviously more soulful,and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B.
THE ORIGINAL BOHEMIAN GODDESS
This song says a lot for me. Have been in a relationship on and off for 25 years. Have felt this way for awhile. This song has just fueled my realization. Moving on to my happiness.
pamela lucas
Loving to hard always leaves you with too little love to give to yourself after all the love you gave was taken for granted. Someone who understands...
MOONLIGHT MAGIC TAROT
pamela lucas I can definitely relate😢
Dinnelle Oddie
me too...
Gerald Davis
I remember buying this when it first came out on tape. It's a classic, on many ways. But if it resonates your spirit listen too it, because it's your true self speaking the desire what you must do to authenticate yourself claim your walk, and then you will find peace with in... Be Blessed
Dinnelle Oddie
I also bought this when it was on a tape lol. And to this day it touches my soul, now so more than ever! I don't believe in coincidences. I believe everything in life happens for a reason. As I was uploading this video to listen to this song, my mouse landed on your comment after I said a prayer asking God to give me a sign as to whether or not I needed to move on from a negative situation in my life. And then I read your words and tears immediately came down my face bc it was confirmation that I need to tune in to as you said my true self speaking the desire of what I MUST do to authenticate myself and find peace within. Thank you for sharing. You have helped me more than you know.
Angel
When you're at that crossroad in your life ! You have to be brave as this song commands !!
Jae White
Lalah Hathaway is one of the RARE artist who REFUSES to alter her artistry to keep up with the industry, so she is not played on radio or promoted! "PLEASE SUPPORT NEO-SOUL"
These are the Neo-Soul Artists that are staying true to their craft people like Angela Johnson, Angie Stone, Amel Larrieux, Adriana Evans, Alice Smith, Alice Russell, Bilal, Carol Riddick, Chico Debarge, Cilla K., Conya Doss, The Endangered, Eric Roberson, Gaelle, Renee Neufville, Jean Baylor, Shana Tucker,
The Foreign Exchange, Frank McComb, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Incognito,
Janelle Monáe, Jarrard Anthony, Marcell Russell, Gwen Bunn,
Jesse Boykins III, Jose James, Groove Theory, Carlitta Durand,
Karen Bernod, Keite Young, Lady,
Laura Mvula, Little Dragon, Lynne Fiddmont, Marcell & The Truth, Marlon Saunders, Maysa, Me'Shell Ndegéocello, Omar, Quadron, Minnie Riperton, Navasha Daya, Solange, Zo!, Repercussions, Rahsaan Patterson,
Rhonda Thomas, Teri Tobin, Tess Henley, Caron Wheeler,
The Internet, Terri Walker, Thundercat, Rajdulari, Maurissa Rose,
Tracy Cruz, Trizonna McClendon, Gina Carey, Quentin Moore,
Valerie June, Vannessa Simon, Kem, Kloud 9,
Vikter Duplaix, W. Ellington Felton, Alison Crockett,
Yolanda Rabun, Sandra St. Victor, AYA, Chantae Cann,
India.Arie, Heston, Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Phonte,
Fertile Ground, Deborah Bond, Darien,
Deborah Jordan, Darien Brockington, Darrius,
Corinne Bailey Rae, Choklate, ReneeDion,
Ola Onabule, Cooly's Hot-Box, Clara Hill, Nik West,
Big Brooklyn Red, Carmen Rodgers, Carol Riddick, April Hill, Avani, Avery*Sunshine,
Abby Dobson, D'Angelo, ,The Brand New Heavies, Res,
Tony! Toni! Toné!, Raphael Saadiq, Andy Allo, Zap Mama, Lady Alma,
The Floacist, Cherokee, Bria Valente, Zhané, YahZarah, Chandlar, Blue Six, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Van Hunt, Wayna, Will Downing, Yolanda Johnson, Trina Broussard, Jsoul, V (Valvin Roane), Teedra Moses,
Deirdre Gaddis, Don-E, Donnie, Elisabeth Withers, Emily King, Esperanza Spalding, Swing Out Sister, KING,
Eric Benét, Geno Young, Giovanca, Gordon Chambers, Governor, Green Tea, Jiva, Gretchen Parlato, Heston, Hiatus Kaiyote, Leon Timbo, Leigh Jones, Natalie Gardiner, Dionne Reid, Society of Soul,
Hil St. Soul, Jazzyfatnastees, Jesse Johnson, Prince, Julie Dexter, Joss Stone,
Joy Denalane, Kendra Ross, Kindred The Family Soul, Ladybug Mecca, Lalah Hathaway, Laura Izibor, Laurneá, Lauryn Hill, Bilal Salaam, Joi,
Leela James, LeNora Jaye, Les Nubians, THEESatisfaction, Tiombe Lockhart, Tawana Lael, Terri Lyne Carrington, Reel People, Timothy Bloom, V.Bozeman,
Stacy Epps, Slakah The Beatchild, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Seek, Rotary Connection, Rogiérs, Robert Gee, Rhonda Thomas, Rhonda Smith, Remy Shand, Reggie B, The Rebirth, Raul Midón, Rachelle Ferrell,
PJ Morton, NYR, Noel Gourdin, Nneka, N'Dambi, Nikka Costa, Muhsinah, Monica Blaire, Monet, Mint Condition, Maya Azucena, Mycah Chevalier, Nicholas Ryan Gant, Jeanne Jolly,
Mavis "Swan" Poole, Martin Luther, Lynne Fiddmont, Lucy Pearl, Lorenzo Owens, Mamas Gun, Lizz Wright, Liv Warfield, Lizz Fields, Lina, Leon Ware, Dwele, Corneille, Lisa Taylor, Charles Bradley, Bluey, Ayo, DivaGeek, Kendra, Timotha Lanae, Shamika Phoenix, Dionne, Soulpersona, Kaleem Taylor, Bosra Sham, Rachel Walker, N'dea Davenport, D'Influence, Ms. Irene Renee, Melanie Durrant, Jazzhole, John Stoddart, Mo'j, E. Bland, Elaine Stepter, Carmen Lundy, Dionne Farris, Lisa Shaw, Shae Fiol, Lira, Morisha Danee,
Snarky Puppy, Antoine Dunn, Anthony Hamilton, Anthony David, Amy Winehouse, Chris Rob, Marques Toliver, Sade, Soulstice, Sunshine Anderson, Jaguar Wright, L'Renee, Lianne La Havas, Sy Smith AND A WHOLE LOTS MORE....
"THE DEFINITION OF NEO-SOUL"
Neo-Soul is a timeless musical genre that fuses real instrumental, Jazz, contemporary R&B and 1970s-style soul,funk,and rock with some elements of hip-hop. As it's name (new soul) implies, Neo-Soul music is essentially modern-day soul music, with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities. It differs from contemporary R&B in that it's organic and obviously more soulful,and it also tends to have deeper messages and meanings than R&B.
Sle-a
I have ALWAYS LOVED this song!
tmontyb100012
I'm confused as to why anyone would down rate this heart wrenching song. Oh well, I just tell them to get a damn life! :-)