In 1997, Moodymann released his debut album, Silentintroduction, on Planet E Communications.[10] It compiled the previously released tracks from his own KDJ Records.[11] He released Mahogany Brown in 1998,[12] Forevernevermore in 2000,[13] and Silence in the Secret Garden in 2003.[14]
In 2012, he released Picture This as a free download.[15] It was followed by ABCD in 2013.[16] His self-titled album, Moodymann, was released in 2014.[17] He released Sinner in 2019,[18] and Taken Away in 2020.[19] In December 2020, Moodymann appeared as himself in the video game Grand Theft Auto Online, serving as one of the resident DJs at the newly-opened nightclub called the Music Locker.[20]
Moodymann is considered to have "developed hybrid modes of recording and performance incorporating analog and digital media—the playing of 'real' instruments with 'pushing buttons live'."[21] Philip Sherburne of Pitchfork wrote: "His sample-heavy productions have drawn on artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Chic, not to mention gospel music, and his beats have always remained rooted in disco's bump and swirl."[22]
In January 2019, Moodymann released a video on Instagram, which he later removed, showing the Highland Park police holding him at gunpoint in his parked car, on his property.[23] The Highland Park police department released a statement saying that during the incident, Moodymann did not show proof of ownership of the property or even an ID, which led to the arrest.[24] Moodymann was later released after an investigation showing that he was indeed the owner of the property.[24]
Desire
Moodymann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She appeared in my life, like a dream, only half-remembered
She entered my heart, stayed a while
She entered my heart, stayed a while, made me the smile then gone
Gone from my life, yeah
I heard her love was like a burning flame of desire, desire
Make me free to love
Make me free to know how it feels to be loved
How it feels to be loved in return
There's some things you just gotta learn on your own, yeah
Yeah, you gotta feel love?
I awoke from a nightmare, you're the only survivor to have felt love
Planets spinning madly and I'm the only one to see it
Fall through time, time do heal all wounds but mine
No-one but myself to love, no-one but myself to love
But then, I awoke to your touch
You said
Baby, everything's going to be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
The opening lines of Moodymann's "Desire" introduce a vivid image of a woman appearing in the distance, almost like a prayer that has been uttered once. The reference to prayer suggests that this woman may hold a special place in the singer's heart. He further describes her as having entered his life like a dream, only half-remembered. This image conjures up feelings of uncertainty and confusion, perhaps indicating that this woman did not play a prominent role in his life at first, but later captivated his heart.
The singer reminisces on the time she spent in his heart, the way she made him smile, but then suddenly leaving his life, leaving behind only the memory of her love that burned as brightly as a flame. He pleads with her to make him free to love and to know how it feels to be loved in return. The recurring phrase "everything's gonna be all right" marks a shift in the singer's perspective, suggesting that he was once in a bad place emotionally, but is now finding solace in the presence of his significant other.
The song's central theme is about the elusiveness of love, and how it can feel like a half-remembered dream, yet it can also be fiery and all-consuming, leaving behind a lasting impact. The lyrics also touch upon the transformative power of love, how it can heal wounds caused by loss, and how it empowers us to navigate our way through life's trials and tribulations. Through its nuanced storytelling and expressive vocals, "Desire" presents a deep and contemplative exploration of love's complexities and contradictions.
Line by Line Meaning
She appeared in the distance, like a prayer I had uttered once
I saw her in the distance, as if my past prayers had been answered
She appeared in my life, like a dream, only half-remembered
She came into my life like a half-remembered dream
She entered my heart, stayed a while
She came into my heart and stayed a while
She entered my heart, stayed a while, made me the smile then gone
She came into my heart, made me happy, then left
Gone from my life, yeah
She's gone from my life
I heard her love was like a burning flame of desire, desire
I was told her love was like an intense desire
Baby, just set my body free
Please, set me free
Make me free to love
Allow me to love freely
Make me free to know how it feels to be loved
Let me experience what it's like to be loved
How it feels to be loved in return
To know the feeling of being loved back
There's some things you just gotta learn on your own, yeah
Some things you need to learn by yourself
Yeah, you gotta feel love?
Do you really have to experience love?
I awoke from a nightmare, you're the only survivor to have felt love
I had a nightmare and you're the only one I know who has truly felt love
Planets spinning madly and I'm the only one to see it
The world is chaotic and I'm the only one who notices
Fall through time, time do heal all wounds but mine
Time heals most wounds, but not mine
No-one but myself to love, no-one but myself to love
I have no one to love but myself
But then, I awoke to your touch
But then, you woke me up with your touch
You said
You told me
Baby, everything's going to be all right
Everything will be okay
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything will be okay
Contributed by Arianna P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.