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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LOYALTY
Me'Shell Ndegéocello Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He believed in himself only
In his oversize Dickeys
Cinched up way high
She lived in her books and fantasies
They both searched for some sort of loyalty
When they made love
Come be with me
Soothe my broken heart
Show me loyalty
Her mother's heart has been shattered
Told her daughter to be ware
But secrets and dreams you should never share
Trust only in change â??cause hearts change
But betrayal always feels the same
But with him she found loyalty
Come be with me
Soothe my broken heart
Show me loyaltyÂ
â??Cause like a child
You will never want for love
â??Cause all that I have I give to you
Come and take my hand
And share my life with me
â??Cause you are my soul
And I will always love you
Come be with me
Soothe my broken heart
Show me loyalty
I'll be there for you
Right there for youÂ
Come be with me
Soothe my broken heart
Show me loyalty
The song "Loyalty" by Me'Shell Ndegéocello tells the story of two young people who are struggling to find loyalty within themselves and in their relationship with each other. The song begins with a description of the couple's physical appearances- him wearing oversized Dickeys and her living in her books and fantasies. Despite their differences, they both yearn for loyalty and trust in their love making, begging each other not to betray them.
Later in the song, the girl's mother warns her of being careful and not trusting others easily. She tells her that although hearts change, betrayal always feels the same. However, the girl finds loyalty in her partner and asks him to stay with her and not break her heart. The song ultimately ends with the girl assuring her partner that she will always love him and be there for him, and asking for his loyalty in return.
The song explores themes of loyalty, trust, and betrayal, and highlights the complexities of relationships. It emphasizes the importance of open communication and honesty in maintaining a healthy relationship. "Loyalty" is a beautiful and emotional song, delivered with Ndegéocello's soothing voice and poignant lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
They were both young
At a youthful age, they met each other.
He believed in himself only
He had faith only in himself and his abilities.
In his oversize Dickeys
Cinched up way high
He used to wear baggy Dickeys and tie them tightly.
She lived in her books and fantasies
She found refuge in books and imagination.
They both searched for some sort of loyalty
Both of them sought faithfulness in their relationship.
When they made love
Begged each other just don't betray me
During their intimacy, they asked each other not to be disloyal.
Come be with me
Soothe my broken heart
Show me loyalty
He invited her to be with him, comfort him, and prove loyal to him.
Her mother's heart has been shattered
Told her daughter to be ware
But secrets and dreams you should never share
Trust only in change â??cause hearts change
But betrayal always feels the same
But with him she found loyalty
Her mother, after experiencing betrayal, cautioned her daughter to be careful and not share her secrets and dreams indiscriminately, to put her faith only in change as people change, but betrayals hurt. However, with him, she found loyalty.
'Cause like a child
You will never want for love
'Cause all that I have I give to you
Come and take my hand
Just like a child, he would always offer love, and anything he has is hers to have, and hence, he invites her to take his hand.
And share my life with me
'Cause you are my soul
And I will always love you
He wants her to share his life, recognizing her as his soulmate, and promises to love her always.
I'll be there for you
Right there for you
He vows to be there and stand beside her, always.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLEN CATO, MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind