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.
High
Ledisi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nah nah nah
I've been thinking 'bout time
I've been thinking 'bout space
I know I might sound crazy
But I'm tryna get down in a real good space
I just wanna be safe
Every morning that I wake
I've been looking for a place
Where the sun shines all the time
Good loving in my soul is what I crave
I ain't worried 'bout the hate (uh-uh)
Last year was a good year for your girl
I've been keeping up with the pace
So don't be coming with the bull
Had a good year, now you starting to see my face
Ain't worried 'bout the fate
Kinda over all he hard times I've been through
(Love brought me to you)
And I kinda feel loose
My heart I choose
My heart been broke down in the dirt and I finally see blue
Raised hands feel focused
And I'm done being broken
And I talked about love, real love
You the only thing that get me up
I'm high
Got me so far off that I could fly
Watch me fly
Keep me high in your blue sky
It's about damn time
I just wanna be high
You're making me high (hi-hi-high)
Oh baby, let's fly
I just wanna be high
Don't know what you did to me
But I know how you feel for me
I just wanna be high
Ooh, let me just fly in blue skies
I just wanna be
Deep down and I'm feeling
Finally I'm winning
Finally I'm feeling real good
'Cause you're loving deep down, working in my soul
I ain't never felt this damn whole
Politics, they kill me (yep)
But your love can heal me
'Cause your love feel good when I'm down
You could pick me up
I ain't never in the dust
Got me falling deep down in your love
Oh, and when you never gotta rush
Kinda over all he hard times I've been through
(Love brought me to you)
And I kinda feel loose
My heart I choose
My heart been broke down in the dirt and I finally see blue
Raised hands feel blessed
I ain't worried 'bout the stress
I'm talking 'bout love, real love
You the only thing that get me up
I'm high
Got me so far up, I could fly
Watch me fly
Oh, keep me high in your blue sky
Watch me fly
I just wanna be high
Oh, you're making me high
I just wanna be high
High in your blue sky
I just wanna be high
You don't know what you did to me
Making me, making me high
High, high
I wanna be high, I wanna be just loved
Wanna be just loved, wanna be, wanna be
I just wanna stay right here
Away from the world
In Ledisi's song "High", she expresses her desire to be in a good space where she feels safe and loved. She has gone through hard times in the past, but she has found someone who brings her happiness and healing. She uses the metaphor of flying in a blue sky to represent her state of bliss.
In the first verse, Ledisi talks about her quest to find a place where it's always sunny and she can feel good every day. She dismisses any negativity or hate from the past and focuses on the present moment. She acknowledges that love brought her to this point and that she's done being broken.
In the second verse, Ledisi talks about how she's finally feeling good and winning in life. She's grateful for the healing power of love and how it can pick her up when she's down. She's not interested in politics or stress because she's got love to keep her high.
Overall, "High" is a song about finding love and happiness after going through hard times. It's an uplifting track that encourages listeners to focus on the good things in life and to stay in a positive space.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, feels so good to be back again
It's a great feeling to be back in a good place.
I've been thinking 'bout time
I've been reflecting on the past.
I've been thinking 'bout space
I've been considering my place in the world.
I know I might sound crazy
I'm aware that my thoughts may seem strange to others.
But I'm tryna get down in a real good space
But I'm trying to find a positive, happy place in my life.
I just wanna be safe
I just want to feel secure and protected.
I just wanna feel good every morning, every single day
I want to wake up feeling happy and content each day.
Every morning that I wake
Each day that I'm alive.
I've been looking for a place
I've been searching for somewhere to belong.
Where the sun shines all the time
Where life is always positive and bright.
Good loving in my soul is what I crave
I desire love and positivity in my life.
I ain't worried 'bout the hate (uh-uh)
I'm not concerned about negativity or criticism from others.
Last year was a good year for your girl
Last year was a positive year for me.
I've been keeping up with the pace
I've been moving forward and keeping up with life's challenges.
So don't be coming with the bull
Don't bring any negativity or drama my way.
Had a good year, now you starting to see my face
I had a positive year and now people are paying attention to me.
Ain't worried 'bout the fate
I'm not concerned about what the future holds for me.
Kinda over all he hard times I've been through
I'm tired of all the difficult experiences I've had to endure.
(Love brought me to you)
(Love led me to find you).
And I kinda feel loose
I feel more relaxed and free.
My heart I choose
I've made a conscious decision to follow my heart.
My heart been broke down in the dirt and I finally see blue
My heart has been hurt in the past, but I'm beginning to see hope again.
Raised hands feel focused
I feel more in control and confident about my life.
And I'm done being broken
I'm finished with feeling broken and defeated.
And I talked about love, real love
I'm speaking about genuine, authentic love.
You the only thing that get me up
You are my source of motivation and inspiration.
I'm high
I feel elated and happy.
Got me so far off that I could fly
I feel so uplifted that it's like I could fly.
Watch me fly
Look at me soar and thrive.
Keep me high in your blue sky
Help me stay happy and positive.
It's about damn time
It's long overdue.
You're making me high (hi-hi-high)
You are responsible for my happiness and positivity.
Oh baby, let's fly
Let's continue to thrive and grow together.
Don't know what you did to me
I'm not sure how you've impacted my life so positively.
But I know how you feel for me
I know that you care for me deeply.
Ooh, let me just fly in blue skies
I want to continue to feel happy and positive.
Deep down and I'm feeling
I'm feeling genuine emotions from within.
Finally I'm winning
Finally, I'm succeeding and achieving.
Finally I'm feeling real good
I'm genuinely feeling happy and positive.
'Cause you're loving deep down, working in my soul
Your love is deeply felt and impacting my inner self.
I ain't never felt this damn whole
I've never felt this complete and content before.
Politics, they kill me (yep)
I'm frustrated with politics and how it affects people's lives.
But your love can heal me
Your love is a source of healing and positivity.
'Cause your love feel good when I'm down
Your love helps me feel better when I'm feeling low.
You could pick me up
Your support and love can help me feel better.
I ain't never in the dust
I'm never feeling left behind or neglected with you.
Got me falling deep down in your love
I'm deeply in love and committed to you.
Oh, and when you never gotta rush
We don't have to rush our relationship.
Raised hands feel blessed
I feel thankful and blessed.
I ain't worried 'bout the stress
I'm not concerned about any stress or difficulties in my life.
High in your blue sky
Happy and positive with you.
High, high
Elevated and elated with you.
I wanna be high, I wanna be just loved
I want to be elated and feel genuine love.
Wanna be just loved, wanna be, wanna be
I just want to feel genuine love for who I am.
I just wanna stay right here
I'm content with where we are now.
Away from the world
Away from all the negativity and stress of the outside world.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rex Rideout, Darhyl Camper, Charles Inshaw Jr, Ledisi Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Emerald Tanner
Oh, feels so good to be back again
Nah nah nah
I've been thinking 'bout time
I've been thinking 'bout space
I know I might sound crazy
But I'm tryna get down in a real good space
I just wanna be safe
I just wanna feel good every morning, every single day
Every morning that I wake
I've been looking for a place
Where the sun shines all the time
Good loving in my soul is what I crave
I ain't worried 'bout the hate (uh-uh)
Last year was a good year for your girl
I've been keeping up with the pace
So don't be coming with the bull
Had a good year, now you starting to see my face
Ain't worried 'bout the fate
Kinda over all he hard times I've been through
(Love brought me to you)
And I kinda feel loose
My heart I choose
My heart been broke down in the dirt and I finally see blue
Raised hands feel focused
And I'm done being broken
And I talked about love, real love
You the only thing that get me up
I'm high
Got me so far off that I could fly
Watch me fly
Keep me high in your blue sky
It's about damn time
I just wanna be high
You're making me high (hi-hi-high)
Oh baby, let's fly
I just wanna be high
Don't know what you did to me
But I know how you feel for me
I just wanna be high
Ooh, let me just fly in blue skies
I just wanna be
Deep down and I'm feeling
Finally I'm winning
Finally I'm feeling real good
'Cause you're loving deep down, working in my soul
I ain't never felt this damn whole
A lot of dicks, they kill me (yep!)
But your love can heal me
'Cause your love feel good when I'm down
You could pick me up
I ain't never in the dust
Got me falling deep down in your love
Oh, and when you never gotta rush
Kinda over all he hard times I've been through
(Love brought me to you)
And I kinda feel loose
My heart I choose
My heart been broke down in the dirt and I finally see blue
Raised hands feel blessed
I ain't worried 'bout the stress
I'm talking 'bout love, real love
You the only thing that get me up
I'm high
Got me so far up, I could fly
Watch me fly
Oh, keep me high in your blue sky
Watch me fly
I just wanna be high
Oh, you're making me high
I just wanna be high
High in your blue sky
I just wanna be high
You don't know what you did to me
Making me, making me high
High, high
I wanna be high, I wanna be just loved
Wanna be just loved, wanna be, wanna be
I just wanna stay right here
Away from the world
Lisa❤️Love
Couldn’t stop smiling throughout this song. A beautiful song and video❤😂🎉
Tia Evans
This is a song that speaks to my heart, soul, mind, & spirit. I play it throughout my day, every single day. I'm currently going through a transition, and this gives me such inspiration and validation for what I'm feeling and what's yet to come!! Thank you Creator for Ledisi and the raw gift you've bestowed upon this QUEEN 👑👑
Jacquilla Hauser
Just pure raw talent. A black queen that doesn't have to use her body to get her message across. I love this type of music
RJ Harvey
Ledisi is immaculate. Impeccable voice
CurvyAries
This song has such a feel-good vibe, I love it. Her voice is amazing, makes me smile.
Dr Ujasiri
This is my first time hearing this song on my app and it gave my straight life. The lyrics and the music!! Fire!!!
My goodness!! I’ve listened almost 10
Times back to back!!
Lady V Ann
Ledisi is so uplifting & inspiring ! She definitely can take you HIGH 😍
Victoria Tilghman
I just love all her songs 🤩💖💜❤️💙👀
ENTITLED
THIS SONG 🎧 SPOKE TO ME LIKE JESUS TALKING TO ME! I feel just like this! This “WAS” my life! I’m just looking forward to feeling high as a kite 🪁🪁🪁🪁🪁🪁🪁GLORY’ to the most high! Yes’ lord ! Finally! I’m over my past hurt and the foolishness 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😄😃😄😄😄😄😄😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄
AbraTV
Dear Ledisi,
I'm very glad I found you, you're my top list favorite singer now, I don't know why but your voice gives me goosebumps everytime I listen to it. Daamn. Such a talent you.