La Havas was born in London, England to a Greek father and Jamaican mother. She was raised in Tooting and Streatham, spending the majority of her time with her grandparents, following her parents' separation as a child. La Havas' cites her parents' diverse musical tastes as having the biggest influence on her music. She began singing at seven. Her mother played Jill Scott and Mary j. Blige, while her father, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, taught her the basics of guitar and piano. Lianne wrote her first song at the age of 11 but did not learn to play the guitar until she was 18 years old. At 18, Lianne began attending Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls in Croydon, where she studied art and planned to take her A-Levels in art foundation. However, she left college and decided to pursue a career in music full-time.
While attending sixth-form in Croydon, a friend of La Havas', (who attended the Brit School) introduced her to other musicians who assisted La Havas in the recording of her first demos. Through that same friend, La Havas was also introduced to British singer, Paloma Faith; she later sang backing vocals on tour for Faith. La Havas was co-writer and performer in 'The Paris Parade' alongside Christian Pinchbeck (who designed the artwork for Lost & Found) and also is now part of the duo Elephant (Memphis Industries). They had a short career but it began La Havas' career in commercial music. In 2010, Lianne signed to Warner Bros. Records, spending two years developing her songwriting skills before releasing music publicly.
La Havas made her television debut on October 21, 2011, broadcast of BBC Two's Later, with Jools Holland, a program that also featured Wisconsin folk band Bon Iver. Following her appearance on Later, with Jools Holland, it was announced on October 25, 2011 that La Havas would be the supporting act for Bon Iver's December 2011 North American tour.
La Havas released her debut EP, Lost & Found, on October 12, 2011 on the Labour of Love label and featured Willy Mason on the opening track, No Room For Doubt. That same month, La Havas released a live EP, titled Live in LA, which was made available for free download on her website. La Havas released her third EP titled Forget, on December 30, 2011 on the label Warner Brothers.
Her official debut single, Lost & Found was released in the UK on April 30, 2012. Her debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough?, was released on July 9, 2012 in the UK on Warner Brothers.
Is Your Love Big Enough?
Lianne La Havas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I found myself in the secondhand guitar
Never thought it would happen
But I found myself in the secondhand guitar
So I've just got to know
I truly have to know
So you've got to let me know
Got so hot in the city
That I forgot everything I was looking for
Make my way to the dance floor
And I danced 'til I wasn't drunk anymore
So I've just got to know
I truly have to know
So you've got to let me know
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Is your love big enough?
Underground, underground
With the friends I've found, friends I've found
Underground, underground
With the friends I've found, friends I've found
I scream
I scream
On second avenue
I scream on second avenue
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Is your love big enough?
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
In Lianne La Havas's song "Is Your Love Big Enough?", the artist reflects on a new love and the uncertainties that come along with it. In the first verse, she describes finding herself in possession of a secondhand guitar, which can be contrasted with the concept of a new relationship. She never thought she would find herself in this situation, but it has happened nonetheless. The repetition of this line emphasizes her surprise at this unexpected turn of events.
In the second verse, La Havas describes getting caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle of the city and losing sight of what she was looking for in a relationship. However, she was able to find her way to the dance floor and danced until she was no longer under the influence. This could symbolize her realizing that she needs to stay grounded and not get swept up in the excitement without considering if the person she's with is the right fit for her.
The repetition of the question, "Is your love big enough for what's to come?" in the chorus shows that she is still unsure if the love is strong enough to handle the challenges ahead. The verses leading up to the chorus demonstrate the struggles she has faced and the uncertainties that the future may hold. Overall, the song is a reflection on the importance of finding a love that is strong enough to withstand any obstacles that come your way.
Line by Line Meaning
Found myself in the second
I acquired a secondhand guitar
Never thought it would happen
I never anticipated getting a secondhand guitar
But I found myself in the secondhand guitar
But now I have a secondhand guitar
So I've just got to know
I need to find out
I truly have to know
I have a strong desire to know
So you've got to let me know
You need to tell me
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Will your love be sufficient for whatever lies ahead?
Got so hot in the city
I was overwhelmed by the heat of the city
That I forgot everything I was looking for
I became distracted and lost sight of my goal
Make my way to the dance floor
I went to the area for dancing
And I danced 'til I wasn't drunk anymore
And I kept dancing until I was no longer under the influence of alcohol
Underground, underground
In the subway system
With the friends I've found, friends I've found
With the people I have met and befriended
I scream
I shouted loudly
On second avenue
On the street named Second Avenue
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Will your love be sufficient for whatever lies ahead?
Is your love big enough?
Is your love strong and resilient?
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Will your love be sufficient for whatever lies ahead?
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Will your love be sufficient for whatever lies ahead?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LIANNE CHARLOTTE BARNES, MATTHEW NICHOLAS HALES, WILLY MASON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sandrinedoyen602
Is Your Love Big Enough?
Found myself in the second
I found myself in the secondhand guitar
Never thought it would happen
But I found myself in the secondhand guitar
So I've just got to know
I truly have to know
So you've got to let me know
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Got so hot in the city
That I forgot everything I was looking for
Make my way to the dance floor
And I danced 'til I wasn't drunk anymore
So I've just got to know
I truly have to know
So you've got to let me know
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Is your love big enough?
Underground, underground
With the friends I've found, friends I've found
I scream
I scream
On second avenue
I scream on second avenue
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Is your love big enough?
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
Is your love big enough for what's to come?
@jonnybreakwell
This album is absolutely incredible, there are no words good enough to describe it!!
@Scotseasy
There are, if you try hard enough to find them.
@bzert281
This song is just Sooo "anthem" - i cant stop hearing Lianne. Big Heart, Big Sound. If you haven't seen it, find Lianne's street concert of "no room for doubt" - It's so quiet and powerful. This one is rapturous, but THAT one, will leave you slack-jawed, forgetting to breathe. Ice Cream I Scream on 2nd Avenue I scream on 2nd Avenue
@Rubetube1st
This is an artist that should be picking up some Grammy's!!!
@SkateboardIssie
She's beautiful, her voice is astoundingly amazing, this song is incredible, and from the video she looks really down to earth. I'm so going to go get her album now!!
@backlashza
love her. The tone of her voice is so rich and all the tracks i have heard are so catchy.
@335fusion
When you hear a real star, you know it instantly. I'm a bluesrockjazz man and this girl's voice grabbed me from the first second. Love that guitar playing and tone too. Looking forward to seeing you live girl, don't get into the big gigs too soon, give us a break on the club circuit first.
@Spivlarr
Cannot stop listening to this. Such a great sound
@Thomazz46
This lady's got a whole lotta soul going for her!
@guitargeekette
Her voice is incredible. Thank you to my fave Korean actor Park Kiwoong, for making me aware of this song and this woman.