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.
Should I
Maxi Priest Lyrics
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Should I put my faith in you
Should I let you stick around
Should I let you float around
My desire was for us
To live clean and strong
Then we could go on in life
But woman you went away
Left me here to stay
Now you're coming back to me
On your bended knees
Should I put my trust in you
Should I put my faith in you
Should I let you stick around
Should I let you float around
Should I, should I, should I, should I,
Let you float around, stick around, stay around, oh yeah
It's not so long ago
That we were together
Sharing and caring
For each other
The people used to say
Our love would never fade
Now will I be the fool
To let you stay here again
Should I let you stick around
Should I let you float around, oh yeah
Should I, should I, should I, should I
Let you float around, stick around, stay around, oh yeah
Should I, should I, should I, should I
Let you float around, stick around, stay around, oh yeah
You wrote me a letter
You found someone better
You say you can't face me
And you're sorry you hurt me
My heart was torn in two
I didn't know what I should do
Should I let you stick around
Should I let you float around, oh yeah
Should I, should I, should I, should I,
Let you float around, stick around, stay around, oh yeah
It's not so long ago
That we were together
Sharing and caring
For each other
The people used to say
Our love would never ever fade
Should I let you stick around
Should I let you float around...
"Should I" by Maxi Priest is a ballad that explores the singer's conflicted feelings towards his former lover who had left him but has now returned, asking for forgiveness. The song presents a series of rhetorical questions as Maxi Priest contemplates whether he should put his trust, faith or let her stick or float around again. He acknowledges that their past relationship was built on love, care, and solidarity, but he feels betrayed by her sudden departure. However, after her apology, the singer is unsure whether he should give her another chance or not.
The lyrics present a complex emotional struggle that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced a failed romantic relationship. Maxi Priest's soft voice, accompanied by slow beats and gentle melodies, mirrors the intimacy and vulnerability that characterizes the song. His delicate phrasing and use of repetition create a reflective mood that invites listeners to ponder the nature of love and forgiveness.
In summary, "Should I" is a poignant ballad that unpacks the conflicting emotions of a man who must decide whether to forgive his former lover and let her back into his life. Maxi Priest's introspective lyrics and tender voice create a moving and immersive listening experience that evokes empathy and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Should I put my trust in you
Can I trust you and rely on you for support and honesty?
Should I put my faith in you
Can I have faith in you and believe in your promises and commitment?
Should I let you stick around
Is it in my best interest to allow you to stay in my life?
Should I let you float around
Should I let you come and go as you please without any stability?
My desire was for us
I wanted us to be happy and strong together.
To live clean and strong
To have a healthy and pure relationship.
Then we could go on in life
We could continue our journey together in a positive direction.
To live and grow
To improve and evolve as individuals and as a couple.
But woman you went away
You left me and our relationship behind.
Left me here to stay
You left me alone and confused.
Now you're coming back to me
You want to come back into my life.
On your bended knees
You are begging and pleading for another chance.
Should I, should I, should I, should I,
Am I supposed to make a decision?
Let you float around, stick around, stay around, oh yeah
Should I allow you to be inconsistent or commit to our relationship?
It's not so long ago
It feels like it wasn't too long ago.
That we were together
That we were in a relationship.
Sharing and caring
We shared a close and caring bond.
For each other
We were there for each other.
The people used to say
Others used to comment on our relationship.
Our love would never fade
They believed our relationship would never diminish.
Now will I be the fool
Am I a fool to consider letting you back in my life?
To let you stay here again
To allow you to be a part of my life once more.
You wrote me a letter
You expressed your thoughts and feelings in written form.
You found someone better
You found a new person in your life that you prefer over me.
You say you can't face me
You can't confront me about the situation.
And you're sorry you hurt me
You regret causing me pain.
My heart was torn in two
You broke my heart into pieces.
I didn't know what I should do
I was uncertain on how to move forward.
Contributed by Chase I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@LARabsatt
This is surely a classic hit by Maxi Priest!
@Versiongurl
Why isn't this song more popular? Sweet tune!
@corkandi
It's popular with me!
@escexxking8376
Can't just play one maxiiii ! Big up 2020
@gerinoferguson2656
Been looking for this song for 5 years finally found it 🔥
@manofhue
Maxi priest never dies even in 2049
@adrianharrison5497
Foundation tune! nice bass line excellent vocals. This is Reggae!
@valeriebrock5830
www.prince Lincoln
@gleecepower521
All way
@shaquanes7655
2021 and I still playing maxi constantly!!!