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.
When I
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's unreal
When I'm with you
Comin' through the air
Up and down
My feet never touch the ground
I wanna be with you
The lyrics of âWhen Iâm With Youâ by Lalah Hathaway express the surreal emotions that she experiences when she is with her significant other. The first line, âCanât explain what I feel,â suggests that the sensation Lalah has is incredibly overwhelming and almost indescribable. She then follows up with âItâs unreal,â which can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, it can mean that the emotions she is experiencing are so intense that they almost feel unreal. Secondly, it can also signify that she cannot believe she has met someone who has made her feel this way.
The next line goes, âWhen Iâm with you, cominâ through the air.â This line is used to convey the idea that her feelings are all-encompassing and all-consuming, like the air she breathes. The next line, âUp and down, my feet never touch the groundâ adds to this idea of being transported to another realm of emotion. The fact that her feet donât touch the ground suggests that she is almost floating or drifting, as if in a dream-like state. The final line, âI wanna be with you,â emphasizes her desire to remain in this state of euphoria and continue experiencing this intense emotion.
In conclusion, Lalah Hathawayâs lyrics in âWhen Iâm With Youâ perfectly capture the unique and surreal feelings that being with someone special can evoke.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't explain what I feel
Words cannot express the depth of emotions that stir within me
It's unreal
The intensity of my feelings is surreal and almost unbelievable
When I'm with you
My strongest emotions are evoked by your presence
Comin' through the air
My love for you is all-encompassing and surrounds us like air
Up and down
My feelings fluctuate like a rollercoaster, but my love for you remains constant
My feet never touch the ground
Being with you lifts me up and makes me feel weightless and carefree
I wanna be with you
My desire to be by your side is overwhelming and unrelenting
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARCUS MILLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidwalters8353
Musicians Credits
Joe Sample Piano
Lalah Hathaway Vocals
Jay Anderson Bass
Walfredo Reyes Jnr Drums
Kirk Whalum Saxophone
Michael Thompson Guitar
David Delhomme Synthesizers
Lenny Castro Percussion
Music by Joe Sample , lyrics by Will Jennings.
@jadeyknoxville
this song touches my heart in so many ways. it sounds like it's being sung from God's point of view, when people would only turn to Him when they were down and out. and when they reach prosperity and happiness, they tend to forget that it was God that delivered them to that place. this just puts God's everlasting love in perspective, because i know that no matter how high or low i get in life, He will always love me endlessly.
@diiamomdprincess745
Oooooh my sentiments exactly!!
@lojoy.3322
Lov your perspective...
@teachakidtofish5247
Very well said!!!!!
@alesiawashington7814
@Jadey Knoxville...I so agree with you.. Every time I hear this song, that is what I think of God saying to those who have forgotten him as they moved pass the storm.
@anthonywilliams3822
I never thought of that....that choked me up
@tnpeaches1
I fell in love with someone who I later found out that he used me because he had no where to live. I picked him up and encouraged him, and now heâs on top of the world. He has never picked up the phone to check on me, nor has he ever said thank you. Itâs taken three years to for me to let go. Every time I listen to this song, it brings back memories; however Iâm stronger now and walk with my head up high. One day he may have to pass this way again.
@achosenvessel6563
I'm glad you were able to let go. That person will down again and will remember your love and kindness. I promise you it will happen.
@924Momma
Itâs okay you sowed a good seed
@davidgrant6263
The same faces you see on the way up, you see those same faces on the way down. Remember, everything that goes up must come back down.