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.
Witness
Macy Gray Lyrics
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That I still look good when I get old
I hate to admit it
But I hope you stay, you stay beautiful
And I see how you're cryin'
I see how much you get high
All your explosions and trials and I love you
Turn your tears to wine
And baby glorify you, put it all behind you
Can't believe we're in this
How I wish I was Jesus
I would make sure to fix it
Can't believe we're in this
How I wish I was Jesus
I would know how to fix it
Can I get a witness?
Can I get a witness?
No place for the cynical
You'll fit right in if you're criminal
So say what you're feelin'
Show me, show me all your rituals
And I see how you're cryin'
I see how much you get high
All your explosions and trials and I love you
Wish I could make you rise up
Turn your tears to wine
And baby glorify you, put it all behind you
Can't believe we're in this
How I wish I was Jesus
I would make sure to fix it
Can't believe we're in this
How I wish I was Jesus
I would know how to fix it
Can I get a witness?
Can I get a witness?
Save us, like you promised to
Hey, no disrespect but I would fix it if I was you
Wish I could read your mind
We'd all be happy all the time
If the choice was mine, if the choice was mine
Can't believe we're in this
How I wish I was Jesus
I would make sure to fix it
Can't believe we're in this
How I wish I was Jesus
I would know how to fix it
Can I get a witness?
Can I get a witness?
In Macy Gray's song "Witness," the lyrics reflect the singer's desire for things to be different in the world and their longing to have the power to fix it. The song begins with the singer praying and hoping that they will still be beautiful when they grow old, a reflection of their insecurity and vulnerability. They admit their hope that someone they care about will stay in their life and remain beautiful despite the challenges they face.
The chorus reveals the singer's observation of the struggles and pain faced by the person they love. They express a deep love for this person and a desire to help them rise above their difficulties, wishing they could turn their tears into wine and glorify them. The singer wishes that they were Jesus, symbolizing the desire to have the power to heal and fix the problems in their loved one's life. They seek validation and support from others, asking for a witness to acknowledge the struggles they are witnessing.
The second verse introduces a sense of rebellion and acceptance of those who might be considered "criminals." The singer encourages open expression of emotions and traditions, inviting others to show them their rituals. The chorus repeats, emphasizing the singer's longing to have the power to fix the world's problems, echoing the sentiment of wanting to be like Jesus.
In the final verse, the singer pleads for salvation, acknowledging their own limitations but still offering their desire to fix things if they had the ability. They express a wish for the ability to read minds and make everyone happy all the time. The chorus repeats once again, emphasizing the singer's longing for validation and support in their quest for change.
Overall, "Witness" explores themes of vulnerability, love, longing for power, and the desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I pray as I sit and roll
I reflect and hope for the best outcome
That I still look good when I get old
I desire to maintain my beauty as I age
I hate to admit it
Though reluctant to confess
But I hope you stay, you stay beautiful
I hope you remain lovely and true
And I see how you're cryin'
I observe your tears
I see how much you get high
I notice your excessive indulgence
All your explosions and trials and I love you
Despite your struggles, I still love you
Wish I could make you rise up
I desire to uplift and empower you
Turn your tears to wine
Transform your sorrows into joy
And baby glorify you, put it all behind you
I want to celebrate you and help you move forward
Can't believe we're in this
I am overwhelmed by our current situation
How I wish I was Jesus
I long for the power to fix everything
I would make sure to fix it
I would ensure all problems are resolved
Can I get a witness?
Can I receive confirmation or support?
No place for the cynical
Negativity has no room here
You'll fit right in if you're criminal
You'll be accepted if you have a troubled past
So say what you're feelin'
Express your true emotions
Show me, show me all your rituals
Reveal all the unique things you do
Save us, like you promised to
Rescue us as you previously pledged
Hey, no disrespect but I would fix it if I was you
Without offense, I would solve the issues if I were in your shoes
Wish I could read your mind
I desire the ability to understand your thoughts
We'd all be happy all the time
Everyone would be constantly joyful
If the choice was mine, if the choice was mine
If I had the power to decide
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anton Goranssen, Isabella Sjorstrand, Macy Gray, Thomas Lumpkins, Viktoria Hansen
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