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/.
One Step Closer To You
Michael Franti & Spearhead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Till my faith was nearly gone
I never knew somebody just like you
Could be a friend I could call my own
Till I let go of a broken heart
I let go to an open heart
I let go of my broken dreams
And I believe in the miracles
I believe in the spiritual
I believe in the one above
I believe in the one I love
And take one step closer to you
I just take one step closer to you
And even when I've fallen down
My heart says follow through
I take one step closer to you
I never meant to hurt you, no
And you never meant to hurt me too
But it seems like you always do
And even though I'm scared sometimes
If ever see you fallen down
I will be the one that's there for you
So I let go of a broken heart
I let go to an open heart
I let go of my broken dreams
I let go to the mystery
And I believe in the miracles
I believe in the spiritual
I believe in the one above
I believe in the one I love
And take one step closer to you
I just take one step closer to you
Even when I've fallen down
My heart says follow through
I take one step closer to you
I'm walking, I keep on walking to you
I keep on walking to you
I'm walking, I keep on walking to you
I'm walking and I'm never going to stop now
I just take one step closer to you
I just take one step closer to you
I take one step closer to you
And it don't stop, I take one step closer to you
I just take one step closer to you
I just take one step closer to you
Even when I've fallen down
My heart says follow through
I'll take one step closer
I'll take two steps closer
Just take one step closer to you
I just take one step closer to you
And even when I've fallen down
My heart says follow through
I take one step closer to you
The lyrics of Michael Franti's "One Step Closer To You" are deeply introspective, reflecting the emotional journey of the singer. In the beginning, he reveals his state of depression and frustration, having lost faith and hope in life. However, he then mentions finding someone special who could help him move on from his past, infusing positivity and hope in his life. He speaks of the transitions from a broken heart to an open heart and from relinquishing broken dreams to exploring the mysteries of life.
The singer's belief in miracle, spirituality, and the idea of a higher power is another prominent theme of the lyrics. He seems to have discovered a path of healing and recovery with the help of these beliefs. As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the 'you' referred to here is not just a romantic interest but an inspiration for the singer to keep moving forward, despite setbacks and challenges.
Overall, the lyrics convey a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the importance of human connections in finding hope and meaning in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been down for far too long
I have been feeling sad and depressed for a very long time
Till my faith was nearly gone
My belief and trust in myself and others was almost lost
I never knew somebody just like you
I have never met someone with your qualities and characteristics before
Could be a friend I could call my own
You have become a true friend that I can rely on and call my own
Till I let go of a broken heart
Until I moved on from a painful past relationship
I let go to an open heart
I opened my heart to new possibilities and relationships
I let go of my broken dreams
I stopped holding onto dreams that were no longer achievable
I let go to the mystery
I embraced the unknown and uncertain future with optimism and hope
And I believe in the miracles
I have faith in the existence of miracles, rare and seemingly impossible events
I believe in the spiritual
I believe in the existence of a spirit or higher power that guides and influences our lives
I believe in the one above
I believe in a higher being or force that governs the universe and all living beings
I believe in the one I love
I have confidence and trust in the person I care about deeply
And take one step closer to you
I am moving closer to you in a physical, emotional, or spiritual sense
Even when I've fallen down
Even when I have experienced failures, setbacks or challenges
My heart says follow through
My intuition and inner voice tells me to keep going and not give up
I'm walking, I keep on walking to you
I am making continuous efforts to reach you or to strengthen our bond
I'm walking and I'm never going to stop now
I am committed to pursuing the relationship and will not give up easily
I'll take one step closer
I will continue my efforts to approach you or to enhance our connection
I'll take two steps closer
I will increase my efforts and make more progress in approaching you or in improving our relationship
And even when I've fallen down
Despite facing failures, difficulties or obstacles
My heart says follow through
I am motivated and determined to keep going and not give up on my goals
I just take one step closer to you
I focus on making gradual, steady progress in approaching you or in building our relationship
And it don't stop, I take one step closer to you
I am persistent and consistent in my efforts to reach you or improve our relationship
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL FRANTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kristina Dalcour
I lost my Faith for a while but Thank God🙏I’ve found it again! This is Beautiful ❤️🥰
Michael Bradshaw
This is in my top 10 songs ever. And to qualify, that list includes Johnny Cash's "Man in black," Beethoven's 9th, and "The rainbow connection." thank you Mr. Franti, and don't ever stop what your doing. Btw, the Chocolate Supra Highway was awesome.
Jeff B
Some of the most beautiful lyrics in a song made in my day and time. Thank you
Vernon Madsen
I’ve met Micheal several times a d each time he always has open arms. I even stepped on his big toe and he just smiled. So much love for his walk.
h1pst3r88
Unique and Beautique! Everyday is better with a little Franti & Spearhead. Thank you, good people, for sharing your vibe and your stories.
Elwood J. Blues
We spend our lives preparing for the adult we are, and spend the rest of it looking at the child we were.
Love those you have. And tell them every day. Wish I understood that for far longer than I haven't.
Peace to you all.
Carmen Nelson
Love this so much.
Andrew Masc
Beautiful!
Marirose
I love this entire album and you, Michael and Spearhead. I live in Concord NH and went up on stage when you called 60 yr olds on up b/c it was your Dad's birthday. What a great night.
Billy McClurg
Good ass song. Really helps. helps me keep the right focus, specially when things are tough.