Leela James is a Los Angeles native and soul singer who cites James Brown, … Read Full Bio ↴Leela James is a Los Angeles native and soul singer who cites James Brown, Roberta Flack, and Gladys Knight, among others, as influences. Her deep, rich and gritty vocals easily draw comparisons to Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight.

In 2004, James toured as an opening act for the Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray. That same year, she was featured on hip hop producer, DJ, and emcee Pete Rock's album Soul Survivor II, providing vocals to the track "No Tears".

Her debut album was released on June 21, 2005, entitled A Change Is Gonna Come. The album is a soul music record incorporating the styles of 1960s and 1970s American soul singers, with a mixture of funk, R&B and gospel influences. The first single from the album, entitled "Music," laments what Leela James sees as the decline of hip hop and soul music and asks for a return to the artistry of musicians of earlier decades. Leela co-wrote most of the tracks on her debut album, with two notable exceptions being her cover of No Doubt's "Don't Speak," and the classic song by Sam Cooke for which the album is named. Notable collaborators on the album include Raphael Saadiq of the 1990s R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, Kanye West, and former Fugees member Wyclef Jean.

After parting ways with Warner Bros., James signed with the independent label Shanachie Records and released her second studio album on March 24, 2009, an all-cover set entitled Let's Do It Again (the title being a homage to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name by The Staple Singers).

In 2005, she lent her voice to the posthumously released Ray Charles album Genius & Friends, duetting with the singer on the song "Compared to What". Leela also guested on Robert Randolph and the Family Band's 2006 album Colorblind, lending her vocals to "Stronger". In June 2009, she appeared on Moby's new album "Wait for Me", performing the vocal on "Walk with Me".

After parting ways with Warner Bros., James signed with the independent label Shanachie Records and released her second studio album on March 24, 2009, an all-cover set entitled Let's Do It Again (the title being a homage to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name by The Staple Singers).

In June 2009, she appeared on the Moby album Wait for Me, performing the vocal on "Walk with Me".

James' third album My Soul - her debut release for the Stax label - was released on May 24, 2010, and debuted on the US Hip Hop/R&B chart at #7. Speaking in May 2010 to UK soul writer Pete Lewis of Blues & Soul, she stated: "With this album I wanted to make sure that I showed all sides of me - in terms of variety in the music and in my vocal range - while at the same time making it clear that every song deeply came from my soul. Plus I also wanted to incorporate a little more hip hop this time, and infuse it with my traditional R&B - because I felt that. By making my beats edgier and harder-hitting, I'd show there was more to me than just doing ballads and things of that sort."

On July 8, 2014, Leela James released her fifth studio album, Fall For You. The album's first two singles, "Say That" feat. Anthony Hamilton and "Fall For You" both reached Top 15 on the Billboard Urban AC charts, with "Fall For You" reaching #12. Ms. James supported her album with tours nationwide, including performances at Essence Music Festival, Arizona Jazz Fest, San Diego Jazz Fest, Capitol Jazz Fest, and more.

James' sixth album, Did It for Love was released on March 31, 2017 by Shesangz Music under license to BMG.[5] The album has the singles "Don't Want You Back" released on October 28, 2016,[6] "Hard for Me" released on February 25, 2017, "Don't Mean a Thang" released on March 27, 2017,[8] and a video single "All Over Again" on May 4, 2017.[9] The single "Don't Want You Back" reached number 1 on Billboard' Adult R&B Songs chart on April 15, 2017, becoming her highest charting single ever.

It's a Man's Man's Man's World
Leela James Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This is a man's world, this is a man's world
Wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl

You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
And man made them trains to carry the heavy load
It's a man's world, man's world
Wouldn't be nothin' without a woman or a girl

Man made the electric light to take us out of the dark
And man made the boat for the water like Noah made the ark
It's a man's world, it's a man's world
Wouldn't be nothin', nothin' without

Man thinks about a little baby girl and a baby boy
And man makes them happy 'cause man made them toys
And it's a man's world, a man's world
Wouldn't be nothin' without a woman or a girl

Every man needs a woman, every woman need a man
Wouldn't be nothin', nothin', nothin'

Man's world, a man's world, a man's world
It is a man's world, it is a man's world
Nothin', nothin', a man's small world
You need a woman

Let me tell what a woman can do for you
She can have your baby, she can cook your food

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Leela James’s song “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” pointedly address the idea that the world has been historically dominated by men. The song highlights the significant contributions that men have made to society, such as inventing cars, trains, and electric lights. Yet, despite this progress, James notes that without the presence of women, none of it would be possible. Women are just as integral to the structure of society as men, despite not always being given the same opportunities and recognition.

The song’s most potent message is that while men have built the world we live in, women are the foundation that keeps it standing. The lyrics touch on the ways in which men depend on women, from raising children to cooking their meals. James highlights the vast contributions that women have made to society, even though they have not always been given the recognition they deserve.

The final verses of the song suggest that men and women are interdependent, and that neither can exist without the other. Every man needs a woman, and every woman needs a man, suggesting a more egalitarian vision of society where men and women work together as equals.

Line by Line Meaning

This is a man's world, this is a man's world
The world is ruled and dominated by men, giving them power and authority over everything.

Wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
Despite the dominance of men, women play a significant role in the survival and success of society.

You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Men created transportation methods, such as cars, to move people and things from one place to another.

And man made them trains to carry the heavy load
Men also invented trains to transport heavy and large items across long distances.

Man made the electric light to take us out of the dark
Men developed the electric light bulb to provide illumination during the night, ending people's reliance on candles or lamps.

And man made the boat for the water like Noah made the ark
Mankind also built boats and other watercraft that could navigate on water, providing access to other parts of the world.

Man thinks about a little baby girl and a baby boy
Men contemplate and imagine the birth of children and the joy and happiness that they bring.

And man makes them happy 'cause man made them toys
Men design and create toys that bring smiles and amusement to children, providing them with entertainment and enjoyment.

Every man needs a woman, every woman need a man
Both men and women require each other's love and companionship to lead fulfilling lives.

It is a man's world, it is a man's world
The world is dominated by men and their influence over society.

Nothin', nothin', a man's small world
Despite men's power, their world is limited and incomplete without women.

You need a woman
Men require women in their lives for support, love, and intimacy.

Let me tell what a woman can do for you
Women have many abilities and talents that enrich and improve the lives of the people around them.

She can have your baby, she can cook your food
Women have the unique ability to give birth to children, and they also excel in cooking and preparing food for their loved ones.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BROWN, JAMES / NEWSOME, BETTY JEAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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