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.
The Letter
Macy Gray Lyrics
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I could dance in the raw in the sun underneath the stars
When I walk over to my money tree ain't nobody there
Trying to take from me
When they ask "Are you truly free?" I'd say "Yes, truly"
But down here in reality everybody knows there ain't
No such thing
And It's clear
On and on and on I've searched
What I'm looking for is not here on earth
I can't stand I can't take no more
So I know that I gotta go
So long everybody
Mama don't be sad for me
Life was a heartache and now I am finally free
Don't know where I'm headed
Hope I see you someday soon
So long everybody
I have gone beyond the moon
All I ever wanted was some love and peace and harmony
Just to be live and shine
When I get ready I up and fly
And I can't remember none of the things that I want
To forget
It's the best - satisfaction no less
Ask if I'm free and I'll say "Oh yes"
But down here in reality everybody knows there ain't
No such thing
And It's clear
It's obviously this is not the place I'm supposed to be
On and on and on I've searched
What I'm looking for is not here on earth
I can't stand I can't take no more
So I know that I gotta go
So long everybody
Mama don't be sad for me
Life was a heartache and now I am finally free
Don't know where I'm headed
Hope I see you someday soon
So long everybody
In Macy Gray's song "The Letter," the artist sings about her longing for love, peace, and harmony. She describes her desire to find a place where she can dance freely in the sun under the stars, and where she is not burdened by the constant threat of people trying to take from her. She longs to be truly free, but acknowledges that in reality, this is not possible. Throughout the song, she searches for something she cannot seem to find on earth, and ultimately comes to the conclusion that she must go beyond the moon to find what she is looking for. The artist is resigned to the fact that she cannot take it anymore and must leave this life behind, hoping to one day reunite with those she loves.
The song's lyrics are undoubtedly powerful, offering a poignant insight into the struggle to find happiness and meaning in life. Gray's soulful voice communicates a sense of longing and desperation, as she searches for some elusive goal that always seems just beyond her reach. Ultimately, the song is a meditation on the ideal of true freedom, and the difficulties that come with trying to achieve it.
Line by Line Meaning
All I ever wanted was some love and peace and harmony
I desired a life of love, peace, and harmony
I could dance in the raw in the sun underneath the stars
I longed for the freedom to dance naked under the stars
When I walk over to my money tree ain't nobody there, Trying to take from me
I have no one to steal from my wealth, which is rare
When they ask "Are you truly free?" I'd say "Yes, truly"
I am free in all senses of the word
But down here in reality everybody knows there ain't No such thing
In reality, true freedom cannot be achieved
And It's clear, It's obviously this is not the place I'm supposed to be
It's apparent that Earth is not my destined location
On and on and on I've searched, What I'm looking for is not here on earth
I've searched ceaselessly, but what I seek cannot be found on Earth
I can't stand I can't take no more, So I know that I gotta go
I am unable to tolerate this life any longer, and must depart
So long everybody, Mama don't be sad for me
Farewell to all, Mother do not grieve for me
Life was a heartache and now I am finally free
Life had been filled with sorrow, but now I am liberated
Don't know where I'm headed, Hope I see you someday soon
I am unsure of my destination, but long to see you again
So long everybody, I have gone beyond the moon
Farewell to all, I have journeyed beyond the moon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAMIE HOUSTON, MATT SHERROD, MACY GRAY
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