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.
Prayer
Leela James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Livin' in a cold, cold world
Sometimes it gets hard and you feel like
You can't make it out
When I was just a little girl
My momma told me don't you worry
And wear a smile
'Cause you're gonna have days
When you feel like things ain't goin' your way
Just take a moment
And pray
[Chorus]
Where would I be? (I don't know)
Where would I be?
Where would I be?
If you ain't never heard a prayer from me?
What would I do?
What would I do?
What would I do
If I didn't have you to be there for me?
And I'm so thankful for
All the things you've done
Showing me right from wrong
And cleansing my soul
When all my friends turned their back on me
You made me see
You're the only one I need
[Chorus: x2]
Way in the midnight hour
I called your name
'Cause I knew you were watchin' over me
And I don't know just where I'd be
If somebody never said a prayer for me
And I thank you, Lord
Where would I be without you?
And what would I do?
I just want to thank you, Lord
For never leaving my side
Through my trials
And all my tribulations
You stayed beside me
And I thank you
I just want to thank you, Lord
Leela James's song "Prayer" is a moving and emotional tribute to the power of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. The song speaks to the difficulty of living in a "cold, cold world" where life can be tough and overwhelming. James uses her powerful voice to communicate the message that even when things are at their darkest, there is always hope to be found in prayer and in the love of God.
The first verse of the song focuses on James's childhood and the words of encouragement she received from her mother. Her mother urged her to hold her head high and wear a smile even on the difficult days, and to turn to prayer in times of trouble. The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of prayer and asks the listener to consider where they would be without it. The song ends with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God for always being there and for helping James through her trials and tribulations.
The lyrics of "Prayer" are powerful and deeply moving, but the song is made even more special by James's soulful vocals and the stirring gospel choir backing her up. The result is a powerful and uplifting song that reminds listeners of the importance of faith, hope, and the power of prayer.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, oh, oh
Expressing emotion and excitement about what's to come
Livin' in a cold, cold world
Acknowledging the challenging circumstances of life
Sometimes it gets hard and you feel like
Recognizing the difficulty of certain situations
You can't make it out
Feeling stuck and unable to overcome challenges
When I was just a little girl
Reflecting on personal history and experiences
My momma told me don't you worry
Revealing the advice passed down from a parent
Hold your head
Encouraging self-confidence and strength
And wear a smile
Promoting positivity and optimism
'Cause you're gonna have days
Anticipating moments of struggle and weakness
When you feel like things ain't goin' your way
Describing the feeling of things being out of one's control
Just take a moment
Encouraging a pause and reflection
And pray
Suggesting the power of prayer in tough times
Where would I be? (I don't know)
Expressing gratitude and recognizing the role of prayer
If you ain't never heard a prayer from me?
Questioning the hypothetical outcome without prayer
What would I do?
Reflecting on the unknown
If I didn't have you to be there for me?
Considering the impact of someone's support
And I'm so thankful for
Expressing appreciation for life's blessings
All the things you've done
Acknowledging the acts of kindness and support received
Showing me right from wrong
Describing guidance and mentorship
And cleansing my soul
Highlighting the spiritual impact of such actions
When all my friends turned their back on me
Revealing times of abandonment and loneliness
You made me see
Describing the influence of another's presence
You're the only one I need
Expressing the value of a supportive individual
Way in the midnight hour
Describing a specific moment in time
I called your name
Acknowledging the act of prayer
'Cause I knew you were watchin' over me
Believing in a force greater than oneself
And I don't know just where I'd be
Reflecting on the possibility of a different life without prayer and support
If somebody never said a prayer for me
Stressing the impact of someone else's actions
And I thank you, Lord
Expressing gratitude and faith
Where would I be without you?
Posing a rhetorical question to emphasize gratitude
And what would I do?
Reflecting on the unknown without divine intervention
I just want to thank you, Lord
Repeating gratitude and faith
For never leaving my side
Acknowledging constant support and presence
Through my trials
Recognizing personal struggles and challenges
And all my tribulations
Expressing the hardships and difficulties of life
You stayed beside me
Highlighting the consistent support of another
And I thank you
Closing with gratitude and faith
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: ANDREW MYRIE, ROY THOMPSON, ROY AUGUSTUS THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@monicaapperwhite2921
Where would I be if it had not been for the Lord on my side...thank you Lord!
@edithcoleman457
Where would I be it I had not had the Lord on my side? I always stay prayed up! 🙏🏽
@richlam5947
I listen to this song daily to cleanse my soul in the morning. Just a perfect song
@denisepamela9570
Lord have mercy.I just want to thank you Lord..
@jamesperry5140
Yes Lord I thank you for keeping me
@justgt1965
I love this song. God Bless You Ms. Leela James♡This song ministers to my soul.
@missfranklin4742
God bless you Ms. Leela James . Your God given gift is Amazing. Black Love Forever
@ericshead4129
Beautiful woman with a beautiful voice!!!
@eugeniataylor3225
0:49 Ms. Leela, you are a very powerful soul that has been sent to awaken souls for the Lord! I truly thank you from my heart, never Stop! I stand with you.
I know what the LORD can do. Amen! 4:01
@mimo1141
This song is blessing me this morning. Grateful. 🙏🏽