His project Spearhead produced the critically acclaimed Home in 1994. The album contained his biggest single, "Hole in the Bucket," a thoughtful lament on the plight of the homeless, and "Positive," which addressed the growing AIDS epidemic. The album boasted adept funk samplings, sinuous guitar vamps, and soulful, melodic tracks about family and social injustice. 1997's Chocolate Supa Highway was not as pop-friendly as Home, but neither did its themes of kidnappings and police brutality lend themselves to such overt accessibility. Its mixture of harsher musical styles -- techno, rock, and funk -- was a step forward for Franti as his world view broadened and deepened. In 2001, Franti released Stay Human. In it he expresses his anger at the system, his advocacy of love, and his belief in freedom through individuality and self-expression through a set of songs that revolve around a fictitious death penalty case. In it, his embrace of the genres that inspired him is achieved with eloquence.
Earlier projects of Franti include The Beatnigs and The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, which had more of an experimental/industrial sound, but addressed many of the same social/political issues.
As a celebration of the Election of Barack Obama Franti recorded the Obama Song, offered as a free track on downloaded at their offical website, www.michaelfranti.com/.
I'll Be Waiting
Michael Franti & Spearhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To live in, to breathe in
The best things in life are things
That something you can believe in
Well do you believe me?
Well do you believe me when I say
Tonight won't last for long?
But I won't leave you alone, no, no
Whenever you call me, whenever you need me
Wherever you wander until you see me
I'll be waiting, I'll be waiting for you
For you, for you, for you
The best things in life are things
The laughing and crying
The best things in life are things
The frightened, they're still fighting
Well do you believe me?
Well do you believe me, yeah,
When I say tonight won't last for long?
Soon it will be gone
But I won't leave you alone, no, no
Whenever you call me, whenever you need me
Wherever you wander until you see me
I'll be waiting, I'll be waiting for you
For you, for you, for you
You said that you were leaving
But it's alright, it's alright
You said you were sorry
But it's alright, yes, it's alright
The best things in life are things
Broken and bleeding
The best things in life are things
They're chosen to believe in
So whenever you call me,
Whenever you need me
Wherever you wander
Until you see me
I'll be waiting,
I'll be waiting
For you, for you,
For you, for you
And I say, eeoh, eeoh, eeoh, eeoh
Eeoh, eeoh, eeoh, eeoh
Eeoh, eeoh, eeoh, eeoh, eeoh
I say it's alright, it's alright
It's alright, it's gonna be alright now
The song "I'll Be Waiting" by Michael Franti & Spearhead talks about the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing the things that make life worth living. The lyrics suggest that the best things in life are not material possessions but rather intangible things like love, laughter, and courage. These are the things that define our existence and give our lives purpose.
The verses of the song describe how life is fleeting and temporary and that we need to make the most of it while we can. The chorus highlights the importance of having someone to share life's experiences with, someone who will always be there for you no matter what. This person is the one who will wait for you whenever you need them, and they will never leave you alone.
The bridge of the song talks about the struggles and hardships of life, and how we can still find meaning and purpose even in the midst of the pain. The lyrics suggest that the things in life that are broken and bleeding can still be valued and cherished, and that we can find hope and comfort in our beliefs.
Overall, the song is an uplifting and optimistic message about the importance of living life fully and cherishing the people and experiences that make life worthwhile.
Line by Line Meaning
The best things in life are things
Material possessions aren't what truly matter in life
To live in, to breathe in
Life's greatest joys are the experiences we have
That something you can believe in
The best things in life are grounded in something tangible
Well do you believe me?
Asking for confirmation of trustworthiness
Well do you believe me when I say
Asking for confirmation when making a statement
Tonight won't last for long?
Time passes quickly, and we should cherish each moment
And soon it will be gone
Time is fleeting and we should make the most of it
But I won't leave you alone, no, no
Promising to always be there
Whenever you call me, whenever you need me
Offering support whenever it is needed
Wherever you wander until you see me
Promising to meet up and help in person
I'll be waiting, I'll be waiting for you
Constantly present and waiting for an opportunity to help
The laughing and crying
All emotions, good and bad, are a part of life's best moments
The frightened, they're still fighting
Courage in the face of adversity is another of life's best moments
You said that you were leaving
A reference to a past breakup or separation
But it's alright, it's alright
Suggesting that everything will be okay in the end
You said you were sorry
Apologizing for past mistakes
The best things in life are things
A reminder that true happiness comes from experiences, not possessions
Broken and bleeding
Experiencing pain and suffering is a part of life
They're chosen to believe in
People choose to believe in something as a way of finding meaning in life
I say it's alright, it's alright
Repeating the sentiment that everything will be okay
It's alright, it's gonna be alright now
A message of hope and reassurance
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JASON BOWMAN, MICHAEL J. FRANTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
InGodsCountry
Beautiful video..... Michael is such a great performer! Thank you for your joyful sound!
Brandy Thompson
Michael will probably never know just how much his music has just brightin' my day. I try and share his music as much as possible. He makes my mornings always a good one. :)
garrey price
His music and message brings sunshine with tears to a heavy troubled heart ! Thank You !!! 👍
Vilhelm Onderhueval
This dude has some amazing music I havent heard one song of his that I dont like. The first time I heard Life is Better with you, I was at work and it made me tear up a lot because it made me reflect on my life with my wife. Thank you Micheal Franti and Spearhead for your beautiful music and inspiration.
Elias Finney
He is fantastic in concert, go see him if you get the chance
Elizabeth k
Love this song and your music videos! Very inspiring
Chad Poore
beautifully written song, amazing video and just a great uplifting ride to listen to... much respect.
Dan LaMere
My eyes are a little teared up also, my true love, my father and my self just had the most amazing experience seeing these guys live, they are so down to earth.
gumpotronic
Saw these guys this weekend at the Southern Ground Music & Food Festival. This song was one of the highlights of the entire weekend. Hearing the story behind the song really made it sink in - and it's already a great tune. Never thought I'd like this band, but I most definitely do after seeing them hold it down in Charleston.
Susan Wale
Beautiful message, thank you Michael, you are powerful and there is so much love in your songs💕💕🌷