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.
Stand
Macy Gray Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hope that you know
Sometimes it has to rain
When you see the clouds coming
Get yourself ready
You gotta prepare for change
Is it wrong, is it right?
From fear and kind of stench
My heart's beating faster
And faster and faster
I'm finally batting again
Mama, I'm sorry
I didn't mean to cause you pain
Everything's okay now
And today's a better day
(Stand up, stand up)
So stand up, stand up
(Stand up, stand up)
Stand up, pick yourself up, yeah
(Stand up, stand up)
Pick yourself up, yeah
(You gotta stand up, stand up)
Stand up, hands up
(Stand up, stand up)
Pick yourself up, yeah
(Stand up, stand up)
Stand up, stand up
Come on now and pick yourself up, yeah
Well, it's a bad situation
The world is hatin'
And, baby, you're not alone
'Cause you can count on your mother
Your sister, your brother
Hold you down and keep you goin'
Now when the time is right
We'll see the light
Is shining from up above
It'll guide the way
Just map the day
And, everybody, express some love
Oh, yeah, mama, I'm sorry
I didn't mean to cause you pain
And everything's okay now
And today's a better day
(Stand up, stand up)
So stand up, stand up
(Stand up, stand up)
Stand up, stand up, pick yourself up, yeah
(Stand up, stand up)
Stand up, stand up
(Pick yourself up, yeah)
Pick yourself up, yeah
(You gotta stand up, stand up)
Stand up, stand up
(Stand up, stand up)
Stand up, stand up
(Stand up, stand up)
Stand up, hands up
I saw a rainbow for real, ooh, ooh, ooh, baby
Gonna get to the end of it, oh, ooh, ooh
Start now, make a real revolution, please stand up
We are getting down, now we are getting down
Ooh, yeah, we are getting down
Get down
Mama, I'm sorry
(Stand up, stand up)
Yeah, I didn't mean to cause you pain
(Stand up, stand up)
(Stand up, stand up)
I know we're out of the pain now
Stand up, stand up
(Pick yourself up)
(You gotta stand up, stand up)
Oh, oh, oh, oh
(Stand up, stand up)
Yeah, we're getting down
(Stand up, stand up)
Stand up, oh, yeah
Pick yourself up, yeah
Pick yourself up, yeah
(Stand up, stand up)
(Stand up, stand up)
(Stand up, stand up)
Pick yourself up, yeah
The song "Stand" by Macy Gray talks about facing challenges in life and standing up for oneself. The song encourages the listener to be ready for change and to prepare for difficult situations. The lyrics "every break, every Sunday, I hope that you know, sometimes it has to rain" suggest that difficult times may happen, but it is important to face them head-on. The song also talks about the importance of family and friends, as they can provide support during tough times. The line "And, everybody, express some love" encourages everyone to come together and support one another.
Moreover, the chorus "Stand up, stand up, pick yourself up, yeah" is a motivational message that urges people to stand up for themselves and not give up. The lyrics "I'm finally batting again" suggests a personal victory after a struggle, and "we are getting down" indicates progress in overcoming difficulties.
One interesting fact about the song "Stand" is that it was written and produced by Macy Gray herself. The song was also included in the soundtrack of the movie "Spider-Man" in 2002. Macy Gray has admitted that she wrote the song as a reaction to the September 11 attacks. She wanted to create a song that would inspire people to come together and overcome their challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Every break, every Sunday
In all of life's moments, both good and bad
I hope that you know
I want you to understand
Sometimes it has to rain
Challenges are a natural part of life
When you see the clouds coming
When things start to get difficult
Get yourself ready
Prepare yourself for what's to come
You gotta prepare for change
Anything can happen, and you need to adapt to it
Is it wrong, is it right?
Uncertainty and questioning the status quo
You get rid of this light
Referring to leaving behind negative emotions and attitudes
From fear and kind of stench
These negative emotions produce a foul, unpleasant experience
My heart's beating faster
Heart racing with emotion
And faster and faster
Increasing intensity and urgency
I'm finally batting again
The feeling of taking control of your life
Mama, I'm sorry
I apologize for any hurt I've caused
I didn't mean to cause you pain
My actions were not intended to hurt you
Everything's okay now
Things are better now
And today's a better day
Things have improved and today is a good day
Stand up, stand up
Take action, get up
So stand up, stand up
Urging listeners to take control of their lives
Pick yourself up, yeah
Get back on your feet and make a change
Stand up, hands up
Inspirational message to continue fighting for a better life
Come on now and pick yourself up
Encouragement to fight through hard times
Well, it's a bad situation
Present circumstances are unfavorable
The world is hatin'
The world is filled with negativity
And, baby, you're not alone
You don't have to face these challenges alone
Cause you can count on your mother, your sister, your brother
Family is always there for you
Hold you down and keep you goin'
Family will support you and keep you motivated
Now when the time is right
Timing is important
We'll see the light
We'll find our way in life
Is shining from up above
A sign of hope and guidance from a higher power
It'll guide the way
We'll be led in the right direction
Just map the day
Follow your path one day at a time
And, everybody, express some love
Spread positivity in the world and share love with others
I saw a rainbow for real, ooh, ooh, ooh, baby
Symbolic of hope and a better future
Gonna get to the end of it, oh, ooh, ooh
Working towards a better future
Start now, make a real revolution, please stand up
Take control and make a difference
We are getting down, now we are getting down
Persisting despite challenges
Oh, yeah, we are getting down
People are beginning to make a change
Pick yourself up, yeah
Get back up and try again
I know we're out of the pain now
We overcame hardships
Stand up, stand up
Get back up and fight
Oh, oh, oh, oh
Expressing emotion
Yeah, we're getting down
People are making progress
Stand up, oh, yeah
Encouragement to keep moving forward
Pick yourself up, yeah
Don't give up and keep fighting
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NATALIE MCINTYRE, JEFFREY SCOTT BLUESTEIN, MELLISSA LAROCHELLE, KANNON CROSS, COREY SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anonymous
on I Try
Redemption Song - Macy Gray - Lyrics
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold out to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly
Won't you help me sing
These songs of freedom?
It’s all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fulfill the book
Won't you help me sing
These songs of freedom?
It’s all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
It’s all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
It’s all I ever have
Redemption songs