In 2009, Ledisi released her fourth album Turn Me Loose , which earned her a couple more Grammy nominations.
Ledisi's fifth album, Pieces Of Me, was released on June 14, 2011 debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200, her first entry on the top 10 of the album chart.
She and her band are from a new breed of modern soul singers (that fall into the New Organic Soul movement in the U.K.) that do not bow to the formulated 'pop' format that permeates the national charts of the U.K. and the U.S.A.
Her mother sang in an R & B band and opened her daughter's ears to classical music, then to jazz and gospel.
‘My mother is an inspiration to me because she was an R & B singer when I was growing up, and I'd watch her perform in the park by our house. I grew up on Earth, Wind and Fire. Tina Turner is my favorite’.
As a teenager Ledisi first sang in a friend’s band, but soon realised she'd have to form her own if she was going to get the creative freedom she desired.
She formed the group Anibade.
The band consisted of:
Sundra Manning (keyboards)
Cedrickke Dennis (guitar)
Nelson Braxton (bass)
Wayne Braxton (saxophone)
and Tommy Bradford on (drums)
Anibade means ‘my mother is great’ in Yoruba and also happens to be Ledisi's middle name.
The band the group performed at several nightspots including Bruno's, The Black Cat, and Rasselas, in the San Francisco area before, successfully, getting a local radio station, KMEL, to play the single ‘Take Time’, without any major label distribution.
Ledisi said, ‘We took it to other labels to try and get a deal, but we found that they didn't get it 'cause it wasn't already out there. We got frustrated with that.’
Ledisi is said to be recording a jazz record with bassist Marcus Shelby on Noir Records.
That album was due in early 2000, although the set has not yet surfaced.
Her first solo album ‘Soulsinger’, was, however, released in 2000, to critical acclaim.
The album addressed several personal issues, none more so than the track ‘Papa Loved To Love Me’, a harrowing tale of a father sexually abusing his daughter.
The track is uncomfortably close to home.
Ledisi said ‘My family heard it, though, and they said, 'Wow, you went and told everything!'. I know it's giving something away about myself, but it's a part of me. That's why people relate to a story like that.’
Eric Benét and Rahsaan Patterson recently attended her groups' concerts and they have opened for Eric Benet, D’Angelo and Angie Stone.
A second album entitled 'Feeling Orange And Sometimes Blue' was released in early 2002.
Ledisi travelled to London's Jazz Cafe in March 2003 for more gigs following a successful concert at Subterranea in the autumn of 2002.
She was supported by the Braxton Brothers along with several other performers.
Be Mine For Christmas
Ledisi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I could make a little fire we could break it down Eskimos
Simply state it there's no place I rather be
It's Christmas time for you and me girl
Spread love peace and joy throughout the world
While every little boy is trying to find something for his favourite girl
Yes baby your Santa clause is on his way
What can I do, to make your dreams come true
For Christmas
What can I bring, to make your heart sing
So you'll be mine
For Christmas
Have a merry Christmas babe
Hey girl
They'll be jingle bells for you and me
We'll snuggle by the Christmas tree
A celebration of green and gold
We'll sing along tonight King Cold
Get tiding to all and to all good cheer
I just wanna know my baby is here
Keeping me warm all through the night yea
I got an angel by my side
What can I do to make your dreams come true
For Christmas
What can I bring to make your heart sing tonight
So you will be mine
Christmas is finally here
I'll be yours anytime of the year
And I would do anything
All I want is the joy you bring
I'll give you my heart wrapped up in a bow
Fa la la la la all the way we go
It's Christmas when I'm loving you
What can I do to make your dreams come true
For Christmas
Be mine for Christmas
What can I bring you girl
I wanna make your dreams come true
So you'll be mine
I wanna be yours
Will you be mine babe?
Yes be mine
For Christmas
Be mine for Christmas
I just wanna love you girl
I will do anything baby
We can cuddle over by the fire
Yeah I like that
Have a merry Christmas girl
You rarely get that don't you
You said anything
Girl I'll give you anything
Ledisi's song "Be Mine For Christmas" is a romantic holiday tune that expresses the desire for companionship during the festive season. The lyrics are filled with imagery that brings to life the coziness of the season. She suggests building a fire in the snow and playing like Eskimos, snuggling by the Christmas tree, and basking in the euphoria of the season. Ledisi appeals to the need for love, peace, and joy to be spread across the world since it's the time for giving and sharing. She acknowledges that finding the perfect gift for a significant other can be a difficult task, but reassures her lover that Santa Claus is on his way to bring happiness.
Ledisi's use of rhythmic variations within the lyrics delivers a jovial tone to the song that is inviting to its listeners. The repetition of the statement, "What can I do to make your dreams come true," solidifies the importance of giving during the season of giving. The lyrics express a genuine desire to make her lover feel special and loved. The song ends with Ledisi asking her lover if she can be his for Christmas and promising to do anything to make him happy.
In summary, "Be Mine For Christmas" is a beautiful song that captures the spirit of Christmas while addressing a universal human need for companionship and the expression of love. It's a song that represents the longing for warmth, joy, and love during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
We could go outside and play in the snow
Let's take advantage of the winter weather and spend time together building a snowman or going sledding.
I could make a little fire we could break it down Eskimos
We can stay warm and cozy by a fire while we cuddle up together and share a lovely intimate moment like an Eskimo kiss.
Simply state it there's no place I rather be
Spending Christmas with you is the only thing I desire and I feel like I am right where I belong.
It's Christmas time for you and me girl
Christmas is a special time for us and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share it with you and make wonderful memories.
Spread love peace and joy throughout the world
Let's use this season as a chance to share love, peace, and joy wherever we go and demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas.
While every little boy is trying to find something for his favourite girl
Many people are searching for gifts to demonstrate their love, and I want to make sure I've given you the perfect present for Christmas.
Yes baby your Santa clause is on his way
Just like Santa Claus, I'm on my way to give you the best Christmas you've ever had and make your every wish come true.
He'll be keeping you satisfied Christmas day
I'll be your Santa Claus and ensure that you feel loved, cherished, and fulfilled on Christmas Day with all the gifts and surprises I have in store for you.
What can I do, to make your dreams come true
I want to learn how I can bring joy and fulfilment into your life this holiday season by fulfilling your dreams and desires.
What can I bring, to make your heart sing
My goal is to give you the perfect gift that will make your heart sing with joy and fill you with pleasure.
So you'll be mine
For Christmas
I am hoping you will be with me for the holidays so we can spend the festive season together and continue our love story forward.
Have a merry Christmas babe
Wishing you a happy, festive, and cheerful Christmas with lots of laughter, love, and joy!
They'll be jingle bells for you and me
We will get to hear the sound of jingle bells, which is a reminder that it's the most wonderful time of the year, and should be cherished and remembered.
We'll snuggle by the Christmas tree
We will enjoy a warm cosy moment being affectionate in front of a festive Christmas tree, which will make the holiday special and unforgettable.
A celebration of green and gold
We'll commemorate the festival by highlighting the green and gold colors of the season that symbolize renewal, hope, and abundance.
We'll sing along tonight King Cold
We'll get to sing Christmas carols in the style of the legendary Nat King Cole, and his music will make our holiday festivities extra special.
Get tiding to all and to all good cheer
Let's spread festive cheer and goodwill to everyone this holiday season as we wish them merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
I just wanna know my baby is here
All I want for Christmas is to spend it with you, as it's the only conclusive ingredient that will make my merry.
Keeping me warm all through the night yea
I want you by my side, to keep me warm and comfortable through the chilly winter nights, as we celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
I got an angel by my side
With you by my side, I feel like I have my guardian angel during the holiday season; it's a surreal gift that I'll cherish forever.
Be mine for Christmas
I want to share this festive season with you, and enjoy various festive traditions, and build more unforgettable memories that will last for all time.
I wanna make your dreams come true
This Christmas, I want to ensure that all the fulfilment and happiness you crave is realized, and I will spare no effort to satisfy you in every way.
I wanna be yours
Will you be mine babe?
Yes be mine
For Christmas
I want to be your partner and have you by my side for the festive season, and I'm delighted that you have accepted! Let's create an unforgettable holiday experience together!
Christmas is finally here
I'll be yours anytime of the year
Christmas is a time of love and happiness, and I want to share that love with you all year round, and be there for you any time you need me.
And I would do anything
All I want is the joy you bring
I'm excited by the overwhelming joy and happiness you bring me, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep that joy thriving.
I'll give you my heart wrapped up in a bow
My heart belongs to you this Christmas season, and I've wrapped it up like a present so it's yours to keep.
Fa la la la la all the way we go
Festive cheer and good spirit will follow us throughout the holiday season, and we will thrive in the merriment and joy of the occasion.
It's Christmas when I'm loving you
My Christmas season is defined by the undying love I have for you; it unmistakably colours and makes the season unforgettable.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KIM L. OWENS, KENNETH GAMBLE, CARY GILBERT, LEON HUFF, MELANIE SHAREE RUTHERFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Edmond Brown III
One of the greatest Christmas duets of all-time. Seriously ❤️🌲
Christian Bennerman
This is one of those songs that should be played year round. Sounds that good
Cedell kindle
i love it, i can play it over and over....GO KEM AND LEDISI.
Presshus
One of the best Christmas duets of all time they killed it ☃️
Belinda Barrett
Two great voices sounding like angels. Kem I have been reminded why I Love this CD.
Mz. Mocha
One of my favorite Christmas songs. ...
"what can I bring..to make your heart sing....."
Dee Burton
I so love this Christmas song💝! Kem and Ledisi sound so good singing this song together❤️❤️
Francille St. Claire
Love this song, it’s a fantastic duet! The entire album What Christmas Means is outstanding! Jesus ft Patti Labelle and Ron Isley is amazing!
Mary Mary
I Love ,Love, Love this song so much, I have it on repeat 💞💞💞!!
Joy Chatman
Tis the season. ❤️ This song here says it all.