Hailing from Liverpool, England, fans first got a taste of Marsha’s talent as the singing half of the duo Floetry. Their 2000 debut Floetic produced signature singles like “Say Yes" and "Getting Late" as well as four Grammy nods. Following the 2005 release of their second studio album, Flo’Ology, the ladies veered creatively and personally. While the split was difficult, Marsha continued to build a name for herself as a songwriter and producer, creating “Butterflies” for the late Michael Jackson and other hits for artists such as Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx and Nas. She’s been nominated for a total of six Grammys and has been honored by BMI as their Songwriter of the Year.
Over the years, Marsha has stayed relevant as an artist via touring, writing/producing and mixtapes like 2007’s Neo Soul is Dead, 2008’s Yours Truly and 2010’s Yours Sincerely. She also appeared as a featured artist on projects from Patti Labelle, The Game, Busta Rhymes, Jamie Foxx and Earth, Wind & Fire, among others. Eventually, Marsha signed with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Records however a much-buzzed about solo debut never materialized due to creative glitches. Equipped with plenty of her own talent, she found herself being given songs from producers that were “great but not songs that made sense in relation to each other.” Marsha calls her sound “honest and consistent” and it was important for her to make an album with an overall cohesive sound. She explains, “I think with an album everything has to make sense, like ‘Where is this story going?’”
But that wasn’t the only situation posing a challenge for Marsha. A basketball player since childhood, when her music career took off, her diet remained the same as when she was regularly active. Constantly on the road touring and promoting wasn’t conducive to a healthy diet and resulted in her gaining 70 pounds in just one year. She finally got serious about her health and lost the weight safely and slowly over about a two-year period.
Now at a strong place mentally and physically, Marsha’s ready to present her sound to the world. The first single, “Hope She Cheats on You (With a Basketball Player),” is an anthem that women and men can relate to. Marsha explains, “It’s the reality of a bad break up. We wanna be decent human beings and say the right thing, you know, ‘I wish you well.’ But this is ‘Everything that could go wrong for him I want it to because my ego is bruised and I’m acting out.’” There’ve been many songs written about heartbreak, but Marsha’s approach to “Hope She Cheats on You” gets in your face rather than plays the victim.
LATE NIGHTS & EARLY MORNINGS is destined to be a classic, as Marsha offers a candid glimpse of her life and perspectives as a woman. Inspired by musical icons like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Prince, she concedes there is an overall male influence in her songwriting, such as the assertive sentiments heard on hits like “Say Yes.” She explains, “My pen and my point of view has a certain aggression to it because I’ve listened to a lot of male influenced music, which I think makes me one of the most outspoken writers out here. Sometimes as a woman you don’t wanna say what’s on your mind for fear of being judged. But why wouldn’t I say it like that if that’s how I felt?” Musical peers recruited to contribute to the project include Alicia Keys, a reunion with Dre and Vidal (producers of “Say Yes”), Just Blaze and Focus.
While her success in the industry is already solidified, Marsha knows it’s never easy to win over fans as a solo artist. Fortunately, she says, “It’s like being thrown in the deep end. ‘Okay I have to swim? Oh well.’ I’ve taken that attitude and it’s carried me forward.”
(from MarshaAmbrosius.com)
Your Hands
Marsha Ambrosius Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My body reacts yeah
You know just what I need and where to be (your hands)
Lead the way, I'll follow you wherever you lay
'Cause here up high, here we fly together you and I
Oh why, must you lead me on if I'm want you want just say it
Don't lie
Here's my heart now don't you break it baby
Said my heart I leave it here in your hands
My broken heart I leave in your hands
I leave it here in your hands
Don't you break it baby
Kiss here on my lips I've never felt like this
I let down my guard and then I fall for you
Here my cry, I'm yearning for you deep inside
Let me reach for the stars, be where you are
All we can do is try baby
Baby you do anything to satisfy me baby
And I will give you anything you need
Baby when you touch me there with your hands
I love it when you touch me baby (your hands)
Caress me up and down make me say (your hands)
I leave my love your hands
My love, my soul
I leave my broken heart in your hands
So baby wont you save me
My love I leave it in your hands baby
(your hands)
My love I leave it in your hands baby
The lyrics to Marsha Ambrosius's "Your Hands" are about the power dynamic in a romantic relationship, where one partner has control over the other, but the other is willing to give in completely to the passion and affection that they offer. The first verse sets the tone by describing the physical contact between the two partners, with the singer feeling an undeniable attraction to the other's touch. The singer is willing to follow the other partner wherever they want to go, to be close to them and experience the high of being in love. However, the chorus reveals that there is some hesitation on the part of the singer, who is afraid of being hurt and wants the other to be honest about their intentions. The second verse then delves into the passion and vulnerability of the relationship, with the singer giving themselves completely to the other, in exchange for love and satisfaction.
Line by Line Meaning
Your hands hold the small of my back
Your touch is intimate and comforting, you make me feel secure and protected.
My body reacts yeah
Your touch is arousing and stimulating, it awakens my physical desire.
You know just what I need and where to be (your hands)
You understand my desires and know precisely where to touch me to fulfill them.
Lead the way, I'll follow you wherever you lay
I trust you and I am willing to follow you to any destination, whether physical or emotional.
'Cause here up high, here we fly together you and I
We are in a state of blissful ecstasy when we are together, and we elevate each other to new heights.
Oh why, must you lead me on if I'm want you want just say it
If you desire me as much as I desire you, why do you play games and lead me on? Please be honest with me.
Don't lie
I value honesty and transparency in our relationship, so please do not deceive me.
Here's my heart now don't you break it baby
I am vulnerable and entrusting you with my heart, please handle it with care and protect it.
I'll leave it here in your hands
My heart is in your control, and I trust that you will take care of it.
Said my heart I leave it here in your hands
I am emphasizing that my heart is yours to cherish and protect.
My broken heart I leave in your hands
I am acknowledging that I have been hurt in the past and that my heart is still vulnerable, but I am giving it to you to heal and mend.
Kiss here on my lips I've never felt like this
Your kiss is unique and unparalleled, and it fills me with joy and bliss.
I let down my guard and then I fall for you
I am allowing myself to be vulnerable and trust you, and as a result, I am falling deeply in love with you.
Here my cry, I'm yearning for you deep inside
I am expressing my deep desire and longing for you, both emotionally and physically.
Let me reach for the stars, be where you are
I want to take risks and go on adventures with you, I want to be wherever you are.
All we can do is try baby
I am acknowledging that our relationship may not be perfect, but we should try our best to make it work and overcome any challenges together.
Baby you do anything to satisfy me baby
You are willing to do whatever it takes to please me, and I appreciate your dedication to our relationship.
And I will give you anything you need
I am equally dedicated to our relationship and am willing to fulfill your needs and desires as well.
Baby when you touch me there with your hands
Your touch in a specific spot on my body is particularly arousing and pleasurable.
I love it when you touch me baby (your hands)
Your touch brings me immense pleasure and happiness, and I want you to touch me all over.
Caress me up and down make me say (your hands)
I want you to touch me intimately and sensually all over my body, and your touch has a powerful effect on me.
I leave my love your hands
I am entrusting you with my love, and I trust that you will take care of it.
My love, my soul
My love is an essential part of me, and I am giving it to you as an act of love and trust.
So baby wont you save me
I am asking you to protect me and keep me safe from harm, both physical and emotional.
My love I leave it in your hands baby
I am emphasizing that my love is yours to cherish and protect, and that I am willing to trust you with it completely.
(your hands)
The singer is emphasizing the importance of the partner's hands in their relationship, as they bring tremendous pleasure, comfort, and security.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANDRE HARRIS, MARSHA AMBROSIUS, VIDAL DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
No Name
Your hands hold the small of my back
My body reacts yeah
You know just what I need and where to be (your hands)
Lead the way, I'll follow you wherever you lay
'Cause here up high, here we fly together you and I
Oh why, must you lead me on if I'm want you want just say it
Don't lie
Here's my heart now don't you break it baby
I'll leave it here in your hands
Said my heart I leave it here in your hands
My broken heart I leave in your hands
I leave it here in your hands
Don't you break it baby
Kiss here on my lips I've never felt like this
I let down my guard and then I fall for you
Here my cry, I'm yearning for you deep inside
Let me reach for the stars, be where you are
All we can do is try baby
Baby you do anything to satisfy me baby
And I will give you anything you need
Baby when you touch me there with your hands
I love it when you touch me baby (your hands)
Caress me up and down make me say (your hands)
I leave my love your hands
My love, my soul
I leave my broken heart in your hands
So baby wont you save me
My love I leave it in your hands baby
(your hands)
My love I leave it in your hands baby
Jenai Smith
I just don't understand why this woman doesn't get the recognition she deserves! her music , her voice is just .... ugh !!!
Mika May
Jenai Smith man right 💯💯
JuriAmari
Jenai Smith A Billboard review even said that if Adele didn't release 21 at the same time as Late Nights Early Mornings, it easily would've made number 1.
I just wish it made it number one regardless!
La'Krisha Hill
Jenai Smith that's usually how it is
LadyP777
I agree real music is always deep and so soulful she deserves more recognition
Seretha Lee
EXACTLY!!
M Moore
2022 and this is still fire. her voice is amazing. its like she can feel what shes singing and you can hear it too
That guy over there
100 percent. I showed this to my wife and emphasized the emotion in her voice--it's like she's sobbing when she sings. She feels it. Whitney and Aretha, even Beyonce have amazing voices--but Marsha truly transports you.
Miss King
Yasssssss🥰🥰🥰
bellydanza85
I feel chills all over my whole body when she sings.