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.
You Want Them Nervous
Macy Gray Lyrics
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You know what I mean?
Right
Your fans should be more scared to you, right?
You should go on stage and get you a microphone stan made out of a old school sword, or something like that, right?
And just whip it around?
No, no whip it, just, no, they don't know what a sword's for that's what a sword swept somebody, right? Just a presence of a long, of a long sword people get it like wow, you gonna step somebody's ass before it solds over and when it's gonna happen this gonna know whenit will be done or somebody else
No, they won't leave 'cause they scared If you lay turn your back adn you're gonna step in the air with the sword
SO I'm gonna when performing I'll be nervous
Of course you want them nervous You don't wanna em leave You want to be performant with that damn mike stand the sword, I mean the big owen like an old school, like Escalibur, you know what I mean? A big ass one, and while you sing it you hold the microphone standing, you're leaning the doors stuff but then they gonna move and soon they will turn their back
Macy Gray's song You Want Them Nervous conveys the idea of an artist wanting to intimidate their audience with their stage presence. The lyrics suggest the artist wants their fans to be scared of them and to feel nervous in their presence. The first paragraph implies that the artist wants to use an old-school sword microphone stand on stage to add to their intimidating persona. The second paragraph says that the artist wants to make their fans feel scared, but not to the point of leaving the concert, using the sword microphone stand as an intimidation tactic.
These lyrics showcase the idea that some artists use their stage presence to control their audiences. There have been numerous artists throughout history that have utilized various techniques to create an aura of power and intimidation on stage. For some music fans, the added energy that these artists bring to their shows is part of the appeal.
Overall, Macy Gray's song You Want Them Nervous provides listeners with a glimpse into the mind of an artist who wants to evoke a strong reaction from their audience. The lyrics suggest that this artist wants to be perceived as a powerful figure who can control the emotions of those around them. Whether or not this is an achievable goal is up for debate, but the song provides an interesting look at the psychology behind performing on stage.
Line by Line Meaning
You know you make people scared to you
You have a reputation for making people feel uneasy or intimidated when they're around you.
You know what I mean?
You understand the concept of having a commanding presence that can put people on edge.
Right
I see that you're following what I'm saying.
Your fans should be more scared to you, right?
Your fans should feel even more intimidated by you than they already do, is that what you're hoping for?
You should go on stage and get you a microphone stan made out of a old school sword, or something like that, right?
You should use a microphone stand that looks like an ancient sword to enhance your intimidating image on stage, don't you think?
And just whip it around?
Should you swing the sword-like microphone stand around to add to the fear factor on stage?
No, no whip it, just, no, they don't know what a sword's for that's what a sword swept somebody, right? Just a presence of a long, of a long sword people get it like wow, you gonna step somebody's ass before it solds over and when it's gonna happen this gonna know whenit will be done or somebody else
No, you don't need to swing it, just having a long sword-like microphone stand on stage is enough to make people think you're capable of violence and they will be too afraid of you to cause any trouble.
Don't you think they'll leave?
Won't people be too scared to stay around if you look so intimidating on stage?
No, they won't leave 'cause they scared If you lay turn your back adn you're gonna step in the air with the sword
No, they won't leave because they're too scared of you, but if you turn your back and pretend to lunge at them with the sword they will be even more terrified.
SO I'm gonna when performing I'll be nervous
I will feel uneasy and intimidated when performing on stage with a sword-like microphone stand.
Of course you want them nervous You don't wanna em leave You want to be performant with that damn mike stand the sword, I mean the big owen like an old school, like Escalibur, you know what I mean? A big ass one, and while you sing it you hold the microphone standing, you're leaning the doors stuff but then they gonna move and soon they will turn their back
Of course you want them to feel nervous around you because that adds to your intimidating presence on stage. You don't want them to leave, but rather to be transfixed by your performance with the sword-like microphone stand, something big and powerful like Excalibur. As you sing, you will hold the microphone stand like a weapon, leaning into the crowd, causing them to back away, but soon they will be so captivated by your presence that they will be unable to resist turning their backs on you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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