The beginning stages of her career were seen through the eyes of MANUELA who garnered comparisons to the UK’s Corinne Bailey Rae with the release of her first full-length album "A Different Kind of Fire (2010)." This album was nominated for a 2011 Western Canadian Music Award for Urban Recording of the Year and the track "Summer" was licensed to the hit show Degrassi: Next Generation. The last two years have proven to be monumental in MANUELA’s growth as an artist and as a result MANUELA has taken on the name Nuela Charles – never changing who she was, but embracing who she has become.
"Aware" is the culmination of the introspective journey into Nuela’s current state of being and the total surrender of that which cannot be controlled – life. With empowering, anthem tracks like "Take It Or Leave It" and "The Good In Me," to the cinematic and inquisitive "Final Round" and "Traveling Heart" - it’s dark, moody and uplifting at the same time. "Unfortunate Love" has been described as “real, back in the day soul - a la I Put A Spell on You” and is shamelessly becoming the standout track on the album.
Take It Or Leave It
Nuela Charles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where the grass is greener I hope
Thought I had it figured out
But there's so much I don't know
I took a chance, dealt my hand
I remember so well, remember so well you say
Just take it or leave it
There's no in between it, no taste and see it
You gotta take it or leave it
Brought up with a simple state of mind,
Surrounded by glittering lights
Prince's parade past my eyes
While I'm locked in my tower so high
I took a chance, dealt my hand
I remember so well, remember so well you say
Just take it or leave it
Just take it or leave it
There's no in between it, no taste and see it
You gotta take it or leave it
What happens to the ones who, can't decide,
What they really need, I'm standing right
In front of their eyes, I'm trying to find
A balance between wrong and then right,
Pursuing their happiness it isn't quite,
As easy as living between the lines
The lyrics to Nuela Charles's song Take It or Leave It are a reflection of the challenges we face when we decide to make significant changes in our lives. In the first verse, the singer has moved to a new location in the hopes of finding greener pastures. However, even with this change, there is still so much that is unknown. This can be likened to the feeling one gets when they are embarking on a new journey, leaving behind what is familiar for something new and exciting. The fear of the unknown can be daunting, and the singer acknowledges this by stating that they thought they had it all figured out, yet there is still so much they don't know.
In the second verse, the singer's past is introduced, highlighting the stark contrast between their simple upbringing and the glamourous lifestyle that they are now exposed to. They use the metaphor of being locked in a tower to denote the feeling of being trapped and unable to fully enjoy the experience. The chorus emphasizes the importance of taking risks in life and being willing to accept whatever outcome may come our way. The line "There's no in-between it, no taste and see it" emphasizes that we cannot sit on the fence and must make a decision - we either take it or leave it.
The bridge of the song explores the common dilemma of individuals who cannot make a decision. They are presented with what they need, but they are unsure about whether it is what they truly want. The singer is right in front of these individuals but is still trying to find a balance between what is right and wrong. Pursuing happiness is not simple because it requires one to step out of their comfort zone and make a decision that may be difficult.
Line by Line Meaning
I moved to the other side of town
I left my comfort zone and took a risk by going somewhere unknown
Where the grass is greener I hope
I went to a place that I was led to believe would bring better things in my life
Thought I had it figured out
I believed I had a plan for my life to be successful
But there's so much I don't know
I realize now that I have a lot to learn and experience
I took a chance, dealt my hand
I took a risk and played my cards without knowing the outcome
I remember so well, remember so well you say
I recall you telling me that success is not guaranteed and I have to take responsibility for my actions
Just take it or leave it
This is what I have to offer and you have to accept it or move on
Just take it or leave it
There is no middle ground, you're either with me or not
There's no in between it, no taste and see it
You can't try it out and see if it works, you have to commit to it
You gotta take it or leave it
You have to decide whether this is what you want or not
Brought up with a simple state of mind
I came from a simple upbringing
Surrounded by glittering lights
I'm now in a flashy and exciting new environment
Prince's parade past my eyes
I see the glamour and extravagance of this new place
While I'm locked in my tower so high
But I feel trapped and isolated despite being in the midst of all this
What happens to the ones who, can't decide,
I'm thinking about those who struggle with making choices
What they really need, I'm standing right
I know what they need and I'm here to help
In front of their eyes, I'm trying to find
I'm looking for a solution to their indecisiveness
A balance between wrong and then right,
I'm trying to figure out how to balance what is right and wrong for them
Pursuing their happiness it isn't quite,
It's not easy to determine what will make them happy
As easy as living between the lines
It's not as simple as following a set of rules or guidelines
Contributed by Alaina E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@inyourmind4vr
saw you in Edmonton at the Mayor's Celebration of Arts...you were the highlight of the show....you were utterly breathtaking Nuela....thank you
@honeybcraine775
A nice summer day, driving on the highway with the sunroof open...is the vibe I get
@NuelaCharles
Good vibes only!
@jamiekensley4977
Outstanding!!
@NuelaCharles
Thanks!
@jamiekensley4977
I actually heard the acoustic version. Have been telling all my friends! Obviously musically talented BUT you have an amazing voice. Love!! Hope I get to see you live in my lifetime. Keep it real and from the soul. Cheers!!
@NuelaCharles
Thanks so much for sharing! Means the world!
@MrLeLedg
I took it rather than leave it!
@jayceewedmak9524
Just heard her on CBC radio 1 this afternoon - WHY?? She's amazing! Thanks so much for posting :)
@NuelaCharles
Thanks for finding me!!!