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.
Please Come Home For Christmas
Ledisi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But oh what a Christmas when you have the blues
'Cause my baby's gone and I have no friends
To wish me greetings once again
Choirs will be singing 'Silent Night'
And Christmas carols by candlelight
Please come home for Christmas
And if not for Christmas by New Year's night
Friends and relations send salutations
And sure as the stars shine above
'Cause this is Christmas, Christmas my dear
And it's the time of year to be with the one you love
So won't you tell me that you never gonna roam?
Christmas and New Years will find you right here at home
And there'll be no more sorrow, no more grief and no more pain
And I'll be happy this Christmas once again
Oh, so won't you tell me that you never gonna roam?
And Christmas and New Year you gonna bring your butt home
Oh, and there'll be no more sorrow, no more grief and pain
And I'll be happy this Christmas once again
Please come home for Christmas, come home for Christmas
I need you here with me on Christmas
I'm tired of being by myself, tired of being by myself
I don't wanna be by myself no more, yeah
I need you to love, love me
I don't wanna be by myself
Oh, will you be home for Christmas?
Please come home for Christmas
Be home for Christmas
The lyrics to Ledisi's "Please Come Home For Christmas" tell a story of sadness and loneliness during the holiday season. The song speaks of the traditional Christmas festivities, such as the ringing of bells and singing of carols, but for the singer, those traditions aren't enough to fill the void left by the absence of a loved one. She is alone without her baby, and no friends are around to offer comfort. She pleads for her loved one to come home for Christmas, in hopes that they can spend the holiday together and bring joy back into her life. The singer's desperation is amplified by the repetition of the chorus, "Please come home for Christmas," and the addition of "I need you here with me on Christmas." She makes it clear that she does not want to spend another Christmas alone.
The lyrics also acknowledge the idea that Christmas is typically a time for loved ones to be together. Friends and family send greetings and salutations, and it's the "time of year to be with the one you love." The song emphasizes the importance of being together during the holidays, and the pain that comes from being apart from those we care about.
Overall, "Please Come Home For Christmas" is a classic holiday tune that speaks to the hearts of many who find themselves alone during the festive season. The nostalgic tones and the bluesy delivery add to the emotional weight of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Bells will be ringing the glad, glad news
The sounds of happiness and joy will fill the air.
But oh what a Christmas when you have the blues
Though the season may bring joy, it can be difficult to feel that way when you are dealing with sadness or disappointment.
'Cause my baby's gone and I have no friends
The absence of a loved one and social isolation can make the holiday season painful and lonely.
To wish me greetings once again
To have someone extend good wishes during the holiday season would bring comfort and joy.
Choirs will be singing 'Silent Night'
The traditional songs of the season will be sung in celebration.
And Christmas carols by candlelight
Music and peaceful ambiance will set the mood for the season.
Please come home for Christmas
The singer longs for a loved one to return home for the holiday, hoping it will bring them joy and comfort.
And if not for Christmas by New Year's night
Even if the loved one cannot make it for Christmas, the singer still hopes they will come home soon after.
Friends and relations send salutations
During the holiday season, people send well wishes to loved ones, whether they are near or far away.
And sure as the stars shine above
The artist is certain that the holiday season will always bring certain traditions and emotions, just as the stars will always be in the sky.
'Cause this is Christmas, Christmas my dear
The singer reminds the audience of the occasion- it is Christmas, a special time to be with loved ones.
And it's the time of year to be with the one you love
The season of Christmas is particularly special and important for strengthening relationships, and spending time with loved ones.
So won't you tell me that you never gonna roam?
The singer pleads for their loved one to commit to staying with them throughout the holiday season.
And Christmas and New Years will find you right here at home
It is important for the singer to be with their loved one throughout the holidays, at home where they belong.
And there'll be no more sorrow, no more grief and no more pain
The joys of being with the one you love will help the singer forget any sadness or pain they may have felt before.
And I'll be happy this Christmas once again
Being reunited with their loved one will make the holiday season joyful once again.
Oh, so won't you tell me that you never gonna roam?
The artist repeats their plea for commitment from their loved one.
And Christmas and New Year you gonna bring your butt home
The singer emphasizes the importance of their loved one being with them for the holidays, urging them to be there by any means necessary.
I need you here with me on Christmas
The singer conveys how much it means to have their loved one with them for the holiday.
I'm tired of being by myself, tired of being by myself
The artist is tired of being alone, and desires companionship.
I don't wanna be by myself no more, yeah
The artist wants to eliminate their loneliness and feel the joy of being with the one they love.
I need you to love, love me
The artist needs their loved one's affection and support during this time.
Be home for Christmas
The singer hopes their loved one will return home to them for the holiday season.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Mose Brown, Gene Redd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind