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.
Naked Truth
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Under my skin, (I feel it)
Reaching my soul, (I can't resist)
My safe illusion, (Of control)
Slowly fading, (You already know)
The dance were dancing, (We?ve danced before)
Matter of time (Before I let go)
We?ve come together, (To tear us apart)
Chorus
It?s just the naked truth (Truly alive when I?m with you)
It?s just the naked truth (You?ve changed all I thought I knew)
Yet you were living proof (It was given, the times you spent)
As we climb to heights anew (And the naked truth)
Verse 2
Dead Energy (The currency)
Close the space (Between you and me)
Without a touch ascender (Burning within)
Threatens to spread (Before it begins)
With baited breath I ponder (What you just said)
The band is broken (Want you dead in my head)
I?m going down (And I love the feeling)
Filling me up (And your taken me down)
Chorus
It?s just the naked truth (Truly alive, truly alive)
It?s just the naked truth (You?ve changed all I thought I knew)
Yet you were living proof (It was given, the times you spent)
As we climb to heights anew (And the naked truth)
The lyrics to Lalah Hathaway's "Naked Truth" delve into the feeling of losing control and giving oneself completely to a passionate connection with someone else. The first verse sets the stage with the idea of losing control ("My safe illusion, of control/Slowly fading") and the inevitability of being pulled deeper into a familiar cycle ("The dance we're dancing, we've danced before/Matter of time before I let go"). The chorus reiterates this sentiment with the idea that being with this person, as uncomfortable and chaotic as it may be ("Dead energy, close the space/Without a touch, ascender burning within"), is the only true way to feel alive and to gain new perspectives that challenge our previously held beliefs ("You've changed all I thought I knew").
The second verse takes a slightly darker turn with the suggestion that giving into this connection can be dangerous ("Threatens to spread before it begins", "The band is broken, want you dead in my head"). However, the overall message is one of acceptance and surrender, even at the risk of being hurt ("I'm going down and I love the feeling/Filling me up and you're taking me down"). The chorus reinforces the idea that facing the truth of our connection with someone, no matter how naked and raw it may be, is the only way to grow and move forward.
Overall, "Naked Truth" highlights the tension between wanting to control our emotions and the inevitability of losing that control when we form deep connections with other people.
Line by Line Meaning
Under my skin, (I feel it)
I am deeply affected by your presence and it's evident in the way I feel.
Reaching my soul, (I can't resist)
You have a profound impact on my very being and I cannot ignore it.
My safe illusion, (Of control)
I thought I was in control of my feelings, but you have shattered that illusion.
Slowly fading, (You already know)
Despite my attempts to hide it, you are aware that my control is slipping away and my true feelings are surfacing.
The dance were dancing, (We've danced before)
Our relationship is familiar and we have been through similar situations before.
Matter of time (Before I let go)
It is only a matter of time before I give in to my feelings and let go of my control.
We've come together, (To tear us apart)
Although we have connected, our relationship may ultimately lead to our separation.
And though it was written (With that look in your eyes)
It was predetermined that we would end up in this situation and it was evident in your gaze.
It's just the naked truth (Truly alive when I'm with you)
The truth of my feelings towards you is raw and exposed, and I feel more alive when I'm with you.
It's just the naked truth (You've changed all I thought I knew)
Your presence has completely altered my outlook on life and love.
Yet you were living proof (It was given, the times you spent)
Your actions have proven that our time together is meant to be and cannot be ignored.
As we climb to heights anew (And the naked truth)
As we continue to build our relationship and progress forward, we will continue to expose and embrace the truth of our feelings.
Dead Energy (The currency)
The energy between us is stagnant and dull.
Close the space (Between you and me)
We need to break down the barriers between us and become closer.
Without a touch ascender (Burning within)
Despite the lack of physical touch, there is a strong flame of attraction and desire present.
Threatens to spread (Before it begins)
Our connection and intimacy may spread and escalate before we even realize it.
With baited breath I ponder (What you just said)
I am deeply contemplating the meaning behind your words and waiting to hear more.
The band is broken (Want you dead in my head)
The connection between us is broken and I am struggling to move on.
I'm going down (And I love the feeling)
My emotional state is spiraling downward, but I can't help but enjoy the intensity of the experience.
Filling me up (And you're taking me down)
Although my emotions are overwhelming, I am deeply fulfilled by my connection with you and cannot resist being pulled in further.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SANDRA ST VICTOR, KENNETH CROUCH, REX RIDEOUT, terrace martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind