Raised in Washington, D.C., Meshell Suhaila Bashir Shakur (as she became known) adopted the surname Ndegéocello, which means "free like a bird", while still in her teens. She has been hailed in the music press as a redeemer of soul music. Her music incorporates funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae, rock and jazz. She has been nominated for 9 Grammys. She has frequently toured with Lilith Fair.
Ndegeocello honed her chops on the D.C. Go-go circuit in the late 1980s before venturing out as a solo artist. She emerged as a recording artist in 1993 on Maverick Records/Sire Records with her debut, Plantation Lullabies. This recording presented a distinctly androgynous persona. Her music has been featured in a number of film soundtracks including How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Batman and Robin. She has also appeared on recordings by Basement Jaxx and The Blind Boys of Alabama, among others. Her biggest hit is a duet with John Cougar Mellencamp, a cover version of Van Morrison's Wild Night, which reached #3 on the Billboard charts.
Her singles If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night), Leviticus: Faggot, and her cover of Bill Withers Who Is He and What Is He To You? have all charted in the Billboard top 20. She sang background vocals on the song I'd Rather be Your Lover by Madonna, on her album Bedtime Stories. She also sang with Chaka Khan on the single Never Miss the Water, as well as providing her typical solid bass skills.
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I'm Diggin' You
Me'Shell Ndegéocello Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Listen to the 8-track
I'll dig you like an old soul record
Remember back in the day
When everyone was black and conscious
And down for the struggle
Love brought us all together
Cultivating a positive vibe
Blue lights in the basement
Freedom was at hand
And you could just taste it
Everything was cool
Diggin' on me diggin' on you
Everything was cool
And brothers were singing
"Ain't no woman like the one I got"
I'm diggin' you
I dig you like an old soul record
Just sit back
Relax
Listen to the 8-track
I'll dig you like an old soul record
Now brothers (be) base-in
Running from the beat-down cops that be chasin'
Running out of time
Running out of patience
In this war of the conscious mind
I need some black-on-black loveÂ
A slow grind for these changin' times
(the booty-slammin' part!)Â
Beautiful brown bodies
Pimp, switch and sway
To the soulful sounds
Gotta get up gotta get down
â??Cause you give me good feeling
You give me good feeling
Yes you do
I'm diggin' you
I dig you like an old soul record
Just sit back
Relax
Listen to the 8-track
I'll dig you like an old soul record
The song "I'm Diggin' You" by Me'Shell Ndegéocello is a tribute to the old soul music of the past. The artist uses lyrics to compare her love interest to an old soul record, expressing her admiration for the timeless sound of classic soul music. The lyrics mention the freedom and positivity that was prevalent during the time when soul music was at its peak. Me'Shell also makes reference to the black rights movement, which was a prominent feature of the era, as well as the love and camaraderie that permeated the community during this time.
The song uses imagery to bring back the memories of the past- the blue lights in the basement parties, the conversations about positivity and black-on-black love, and the relationships that were formed through these shared experiences. The song's groove is driven by a funk-inspired backbeat that adds to the nostalgic vibe of the lyrics. The chorus repeats the song's title and expresses the sentiment that Me'Shell is digging her love interest just like she would dig a rare soul record.
Line by Line Meaning
Just sit back and relax
Take it easy and unwind, let yourself get comfortable
Listen to the 8-track
Tune into some classic tunes, let the music wash over you
I'll dig you like an old soul record
I appreciate you deeply, like the timeless and soulful music of the past
Remember back in the day
Recall a time when things were different, better, and more authentic
When everyone was black and conscious
When there was a wave of awareness and pride within the black community
And down for the struggle
Unified in the fight for justice and equality
Love brought us all together
Affection and connection were the cohesive force uniting people
Just sittin' back and talkin'
Relaxed, casual conversation and companionship
Cultivating a positive vibe
Actively fostering a harmonious and uplifting environment
Blue lights in the basement
Dim, moody lighting that added to the ambiance
Freedom was at hand
It seemed like true liberation and progress was within reach
And you could just taste it
The sense of hope was tangible and palpable
Everything was cool
It felt like everything was in order and on track
Diggin' on me diggin' on you
Appreciating and enjoying each other's company
And brothers were singing
Fellow men were expressing their emotions and sentiments through music
"Ain't no woman like the one I got"
Celebrating the unique and special qualities of their significant others
Now brothers (be) base-in
Nowadays, men are busy striving and working hard
Running from the beat-down cops that be chasin'
Trying to evade and escape from the authorities who use violence and intimidation
Running out of time
Feeling like time is running out, and there's no room for leisure
Running out of patience
Experiencing frustration and annoyance due to the current circumstances
In this war of the conscious mind
In the battle for mental clarity and awareness
I need some black-on-black love
I crave affection and support from my own community
A slow grind for these changin' times (the booty-slammin' part!)
A steady, deliberate pace that matches the tempo of the uncertain times we're living in
Beautiful brown bodies
Physically attractive individuals with dark skin tones
Pimp, switch and sway
Move and groove stylishly and confidently
To the soulful sounds
To the groovy and emotional music
Gotta get up gotta get down
Need to dance and get lost in the music
â??Cause you give me good feeling
Because being around you makes me feel positive and content
Yes you do
Absolutely, undoubtedly
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind