Macy Gray was originally hesitant to record a studio album due to what is, arguably, her most recognizable feature -- her voice. She started her music career as a songwriter. Her first album was actually a mistake; she was at the studio waiting for the person who was supposed to be singing her song, and the producer wanted to hear what one of the songs was supposed to sound like. Once she started singing, the producer liked the rough sound of her voice so much he offered her a record deal.
Buddha
Macy Gray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So baby cry, if you hide, how will I know it?
And I pray every night that my dreams come true
Will I finally be happy if they do?
Hurry, hurry up, my days are numbered
This is what I feel when I stand in the sun
And I think of all the bad that I've done
And I realize it's where I'm at
Hurry, hurry up, my days are numbered, yeah
But I'm alright now
(I'm alright, I am, I'm alright)
Yes I'm alright now
(I'm alright, I am, I'm alright)
Yeah our future is in the air, and the past is in the ground
But I'm alright now
(I'm alright, I am, I'm alright)
It's what you know, it's what you don't, you watch the news
And very soon you're amazed and confused
So you put on your cape to save the world
But it's a big and a cold and a shady world
Hurry, hurry up, our days are numbered, yeah
Yeah we're alright now
(We're alright, we are, we're alright)
Yes we're alright now (Hey)
(We're alright, we are, we're alright)
Yeah our future is in the air, and the past is in the ground
Yeah we're alright now (We are all alright now)
(We're alright, we are, we're alright)
We're alright, we are, we're alright
We're alright, we are, we're alright
It's what I know, it's what I mean, what I'm tryna say is
Is thank God that I'm free, and it's a new day
All of these things have control of me
And I can't guarantee what's in store for me
So take your time, 'cause I'm alright, right now, hey
Yeah we're alright now (All of us, yes all of us)
(We're alright, we are, we're alright)
Yes we're alright now (Right, aye)
(We're alright, we are, we're alright)
Yeah our future is in the air, and the past is in the ground
(We're alright, we are, we're alright)
Yeah we're alright now (Yeah we're alright now)
(We're alright, we are, we're alright)
The lyrics to Macy Gray's song "Buddha" are a reflection on life and the fleeting nature of time. The opening lines, "If it's what you feel, my advice is that you show it, so baby cry, if you hide, how will I know it?" suggest that honesty and vulnerability are important in relationships. The next line, "And I pray every night that my dreams come true, will I finally be happy if they do?" speaks to the universal desire for happiness and the uncertainty of whether achieving one's dreams will actually bring it. The repetition of "Hurry, hurry up, my days are numbered" emphasizes the urgency of making the most of one's time.
The second verse focuses on reflection and self-evaluation. "This is what I feel when I stand in the sun, and I think of all the bad that I've done, and I'm looking ahead, and I'm looking back, and I realize it's where I'm at" suggests that the singer is contemplating their past mistakes and trying to find meaning in their current situation. The chorus reassures that everything will be okay. "But I'm alright now," is repeated several times, indicating that the singer has found some measure of peace and acceptance.
The final verse takes a broader view of the world and society. "It's what you know, it's what you don't, you watch the news, and very soon you're amazed and confused, so you put on your cape to save the world, but it's a big and a cold and a shady world," highlights the overwhelming nature of the problems facing the world. Despite this, the repeated affirmation of "Yeah we're alright now" suggests that there is always hope and the possibility of finding happiness even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
If it's what you feel, my advice is that you show it
Don't hide how you truly feel, it's better to express it to others.
So baby cry, if you hide, how will I know it?
It's important to show emotions and not keep them bottled up so others can understand how you truly feel.
And I pray every night that my dreams come true, Will I finally be happy if they do?
Hope for a fulfilled future, but recognize that achieving these dreams may not guarantee happiness.
Hurry, hurry up, my days are numbered
Time is limited, not to be wasted or taken for granted.
This is what I feel when I stand in the sun
A sense of clarity or peace when surrounded by nature or beauty.
And I think of all the bad that I've done, And I'm looking ahead, and I'm looking back, And I realize it's where I'm at
Reflecting on past actions and decisions and how they shape one's current situation and future choices.
But I'm alright now (I'm alright, I am, I'm alright)
A sense of acceptance and contentment with one's current state of being.
Yes I'm alright now (I'm alright, I am, I'm alright)
Reinforcement of the aforementioned sense of inner peace and acceptance.
Yeah our future is in the air, and the past is in the ground
The future is unpredictable, while the past has already happened and cannot be changed. The only certainty is the present moment.
It's what you know, it's what you don't, you watch the news, And very soon you're amazed and confused
Emphasizing the confusion and uncertainty that arises from trying to understand and make sense of current world events and information.
So you put on your cape to save the world, But it's a big and a cold and a shady world
Despite our individual efforts to make a positive change in the world, the reality is that our impact may be limited and the world can be a harsh and difficult place.
We're alright, we are, we're alright
Repeating the idea that things are okay and we should be content with our current state of being.
It's what I know, it's what I mean, what I'm tryna say is, Is thank God that I'm free, and it's a new day
Being thankful for the freedom and new opportunities that each day brings, despite past struggles and difficulties.
All of these things have control of me, And I can't guarantee what's in store for me
Acknowledging that external factors can influence one's life and future, and that total control is not always possible.
So take your time, 'cause I'm alright, right now, hey
Urging others to take their time with life decisions, while reassuring them that everything is currently okay.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Macy Gray, Johan Carlsson, Gary Clark Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Randy Figueroa
I’ve been a fan since Day 1
I’ve seen you live and have met you
I’ve seen your growth
And just know you always make us happy and proud
Never stop chasing ur dreams and goals
You inspire us
And no matter what u do as long as ur happy
We are happy for u and with you
Your a goddess a Queen a icon a legend
Above all a beautiful human ❤️
Beautiful video
Mayson Storm
Thank God that there are still artists out there who chose to use the art to educate and uplift. I love Macy Gray. Her voice is beautiful. Her spirit is beautiful. She is beautiful.
Mr Wodabe
I don't like her tone...
Never did.
Hanzy Larkspur
@Mr Wodabe , uhm, so what are you doing here exactly? 🤔😂
Valerie Cheers Brown
In-person, she is super friendly and I love Macy Gray!
Joemnc M
Beautifully said…..
pwrhouse81
This album is so slept on!! Every song is 🔥 She’s legendary👑♥️
Regina Smith
Yes, it is.................
Cá cá
Vim depois que passou essa música no capítulo final da novela Vai na Fé
Lucas de Sousa
I'm in tears. This song speaks to my heart. As always, thanks, Macy for the beautiful work. I love you for it!
Nicky J
A voice like no other 😇 “thank god that I’m free and it’s a new day”