Of Jamaican descent, and the second youngest of nine children, he was born in Lewisham, London. He is known as the 'King of Lovers Rock'. His music is sometimes closer to R&B, and pop, than to reggae music itself. His first major album was the self-titled Maxi Priest (1988) along with his cover of Cat Stevens' Wild World established him as one of the British reggae top singers this internationally acclaimed vocalist, is the only UK reggae act to score an American Billboard Number One. That was with a track entitled "Close To You", which was released in 1990.
In addition, a duet with Roberta Flack - "Set The Night To Music", also reached the U.S. Top Ten in 1991. In the latter half of his lengthy recording career, he has favoured working alongside other established, or up and coming, artistes. For example, Maxi Priest has worked with Sly & Robbie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Jazzie B, Apache Indian, Roberta Flack and Shabba Ranks.
Ain't It Enough
Maxi Priest Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This time I'll make things right
Listen
Lately I've been thinking
That we need some time together
Nothing ever seems to go
The way we planned
I used to think that nothing
Would ever come between us
And what we have is slipping
Right through our hands
Ain't it enough to say I love you?
Ain't it enough to know I care?
What would it take to prove that I need you?
I'll do anything, I swear
You're always trying to tell me
That I never understand you
The trouble is you never get what I say
You never listen to my side of the story
So tell me, do I really have to beg you to stay?
Tell me, tell me, tell me baby
Ain't it enough to say I love you?
Ain't it enough to know I care?
What would it take to prove that I need you?
I'll do anything, I swear
Much too far from being over
Much too close to let it go
It's our time to get it back together
'Cause I can't stand to lose you right now
Ain't it enough to say I love you?
Ain't it enough to know I care?
What would it take to prove that I need you?
I'll do anything, I swear
Ain't it enough to say I love you?
Ain't it enough to know I care?
What would it take to prove that I need you?
I'll do anything, I swear
Ain't it enough to say I love you?
Ain't it enough to know I care?
What would it take to prove that I need you?
I'll do anything, I swear
In Maxi Priest's song "Ain't It Enough", the singer reflects on the challenges that arise in a relationship and vows to make things right. He admits that things have not gone according to plan, and that it feels like their connection is slipping away. Despite this, he believes that his love for his partner should be enough to sustain them through the tough times. He wonders what it would take to prove how much he needs her, and vows to do anything to keep their relationship intact.
The lyrics of this song tap into a universal struggle that many couples face. It's common for people to feel like their partner doesn't understand them, or to worry that their love isn't enough to keep a relationship going. The singer's willingness to do anything to save his relationship is both romantic and relatable. The repetition of the refrain "Ain't it enough" emphasizes his frustration and determination, and the melody of the song is catchy and upbeat.
Overall, "Ain't It Enough" is a song about the power of love to overcome obstacles. Its message is one of hope and perseverance, encouraging listeners to hold onto their relationships even when things get tough.
Line by Line Meaning
This one's for you, baby
I am dedicating this song to you, my love
This time I'll make things right
I acknowledge my faults and promise to fix them
Lately I've been thinking
I have been reflecting on our relationship
That we need some time together
We must spend quality time together
Nothing ever seems to go
Our plans and expectations never seem to work out
The way we planned
As we originally intended them to
I used to think that nothing
I was certain that nothing
Would ever come between us
No obstacle could damage our relationship
And what we have is slipping
Our bond is weakening
Right through our hands
Our love is escaping us
Ain't it enough to say I love you?
Is expressing my love verbally not sufficient?
Ain't it enough to know I care?
Does my caring for you mean nothing?
What would it take to prove that I need you?
What action would convince you that I need you in my life?
I'll do anything, I swear
I vow to do anything to show you how important you are to me
You're always trying to tell me
You always attempt to explain to me
That I never understand you
That I never comprehend your feelings
The trouble is you never get what I say
The issue is that you never understand my point of view
You never listen to my side of the story
You never pay attention to my perspective
So tell me, do I really have to beg you to stay?
Do I need to plead for you to remain in this relationship?
Much too far from being over
Our relationship is far from finished
Much too close to let it go
We are too invested to give up on our love
It's our time to get it back together
The opportunity has arrived for us to restore our relationship
'Cause I can't stand to lose you right now
I cannot bear to lose you at this moment
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: 2) ANDY BENSON GAR MARVEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind