New Orleans marks the Cash Money imprint’s first step toward broadening its already wide appeal, thanks to a hit-making and award-winning roster that includes founder Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj. And there’s no better ambassador to musically personify that message than Morton, whose self described “soulful pop” seamlessly spans multiple genres from gospel and R&B/funk to pop and rock.
“I’ve always pushed boundaries,” says Morton, “but I always remain true to who I am musically. New Orleans is a natural progression of who I am. I can’t explain it except through my music. That proves it better than anything I can say.”
Building that case is “Only One” featuring Stevie Wonder. Quickly garnering strong reaction following its January premiere on Billboard.com, the song is the lead single from New Orleans. Armed with an infectious hook and a head-boppin’ groove, the up-tempo number showcases Morton’s velvety tenor, songwriting skills and musicianship, accented by Wonder’s distinctive harmonica.
“Stevie joining me on the track is the ultimate start. It’s my dream come true,” says Morton of teaming with Wonder. “I want to continue the legacy he represents: musicianship and positivity.”
New Orleans itself stems from Morton’s acclaimed 2012 EP, Following My First Mind, featuring guest cameos from Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Lil Wayne and Jazmine Sullivan. A nod to Morton’s hometown and musical roots, the forthcoming New Orleans finds Morton at the keyboard playing with a full backing band complete with horns and strings. The result is a lush, melodic yet organic 10-track set that grabs listeners right from the opening title track.
“New Orleans is where I learned how to play music,” recalls Morton. “It’s the physical and mind space I was in when I fell in love with music. It wasn’t about marketing, radio and publicity. It was just about making music because I loved it. It made me feel good. Young Money wanted me creatively as I am. That’s why I’m excited about this next chapter.”
Also featuring rapper Busta Rhymes, New Orleans comes packed with a diverse slate of musical influences. There’s the reggae-infused “Hard Enough,” which explores relationship issues. “I’m looking for a love unconditional / Not one that goes wherever the wind blows,” declares Morton as the song opens.
The self-described “Dr. Love” traverses the same landscape on the mid-tempo “Work It Out.” Set off by a touch of synth and a hypnotic drumbeat, the song once again spotlights Morton’s tantalizing tenor. Also noteworthy is “Heavy,” a song revamped from Morton’s 2012 EP and featuring Adam Levine. Sporting a funk/rock track reminiscent of Sly Stone and Prince, the song’s lyrics were inspired by Morton’s frustration at one point with his indie career.
“It was at a point where I was trying to figure out what the next step was,” says Morton, who hadn’t yet connected with pop hitmakers Maroon 5. “This was me getting those feelings out. Since that frustration, I’ve had one of the biggest years in my career. It’s crazy.”
Influenced by acts ranging from the Beatles and James Taylor to Wonder and Donny Hathaway, the New Orleans native is the son of gospel singer Paul S. Morton. His formal foray into the industry was as a member of the band Freestyle Nation, which debuted in the early 2000s. But it was as a songwriter/ producer that Morton left his first indelible impression. He won a Grammy Award for his songwriting/ production of India.Arie’s “Interested” from her 2002 album Voyage to India.
That opened the door to more collaborations (Jermaine Dupri, LL Cool J, Monica, Musiq Soulchild, Trinitee 5:7) and additional accolades (Dove and Stellar Awards) for his work with gospel singer DeWayne Woods. Woods’ “Let Go, Let God” spent a record 70 weeks on the gospel chart. Along the way, Morton released several acclaimed indie solo albums. He also attracted the attention of Academy Award-winning producer AR Rahman (“Slumdog Millionaire”), who asked Morton to contribute a song (“Sajna”) to the soundtrack for the Vince Vaughn comedy “Couples Retreat.”
Morton’s next big break occurred three years ago, when he was asked to audition by friend and Maroon
5 music director Adam Blackstone for a spot in the band as its keyboardist/vocalist. Soon after, childhood friend and Young Money Entertainment president Mack Maine championed Morton’s music and vision to Cash Money co-CEO’s Roland “Slim” Williams and Bryan “Birdman” Williams. With Lil Wayne co-signing his approval as well, Morton is ready to bring his journey full circle with New Orleans.
“My indie years and working with various artists, including Maroon 5, have helped me understand who I am as both an individual and an artist,” says Morton. “It has allowed me to create a fan base that will forever be with me. Now I’m being given the opportunity to do on steroids what I’ve been doing for years.”
Be Like Water
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let it flow
Water
Just let go
Be like water
Where we'll end up we don't know
Water
Just let it flow
I think by now you should know
Things won't always go your way
Can't change things you can't control
So let those worries wash away
Just be like water, oh
Let it flow
Be like water, yeah
Just let go
Be like water
Where we'll end up we don't know
Water, yeah
Just let it flow
Obstacles seem to be everywhere
Elevator's out of order, use the stairs
But don't you ever let it make you question your path
Be that still and quiet or as loud as a crash
Be like water
Let it flow
Water
Just let go
Be like water
Where we'll end up we don't know
Water
Just let it flow
Be like water, yeah
Let it flow
Water, ohh
Just let go
Be like water
Where we'll end up we don't know
Water
Just let it flow
I been away from lames so long
I thought the world was perfect
So when y'all bring hater stuff up
I don't even get nervous
Kinda like it don't exist
Just a figment of imagination
A wickedness I'm not relating
Situation looking at it lately
With a wisdom of a man who made it
The bright side, the light side
Never dealing with the fakers
An aqueous vernacular, aquatic
A splash of love quenching you
With a drip and style more elevated than fashion, bruh
Drenching you, I sit and watch everybody miss the view
They too concerned with the minuscule
Instead of working on many skills that they have, yeah
Stay clear stay pure
Life too short for you to stay mad
Be like water, yeah
Just let it flow
Water, oh
Just let go
Be like water
Where we'll end up we don't know
Water
Just let it flow
Know that you're never alone
The lyrics to "Be Like Water" by PJ Morton, Stevie Wonder, and Nas convey a message of resilience, adaptability, and letting go of control. The song encourages listeners to embrace the fluidity of life and learn from the unpredictable nature of water. It advises against getting caught up in worries or obstacles, instead urging individuals to flow freely like water, accepting the unknown destination.
The chorus emphasizes the central theme of the song: "Be like water, let it flow, just let go." This mantra implies that one should not resist or try to control every aspect of life but rather go with the natural flow of events. The lyrics acknowledge that things won't always go as planned and that certain circumstances are beyond our control. Therefore, it suggests that we should allow our worries to dissolve and trust in the process.
The second verse, delivered by Nas, touches on the idea of remaining undisturbed by negativity and doubts. He refers to "hater stuff" and acknowledges that it exists but doesn't let it affect him. Nas presents himself as someone who has risen above such negativity and gained wisdom and success. He encourages others to focus on their own growth and skills rather than getting caught up in trivial matters or holding grudges.
Overall, "Be Like Water" encourages listeners to embrace the uncertainty of life, adapt to change, and maintain a positive and calm mindset in the face of challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Be like water
Adapt to your surroundings and circumstances
Let it flow
Allow things to happen naturally without resistance
Water
Symbolizes the fluidity and flexibility of life
Just let go
Release control and surrender to the flow of life
Where we'll end up we don't know
Embrace the uncertainty of life's journey
I think by now you should know
By now, you should have learned
Things won't always go your way
Life doesn't always go as planned
Can't change things you can't control
Accept that you cannot alter situations beyond your control
So let those worries wash away
Allow your worries to fade and disappear
Obstacles seem to be everywhere
Difficulties and challenges are abundant in life
Elevator's out of order, use the stairs
When faced with obstacles, find alternative paths towards your goals
But don't you ever let it make you question your path
Do not doubt or question your chosen direction in life
Be that still and quiet or as loud as a crash
Remain adaptable in different situations, whether calm or intense
I been away from lames so long
I have distanced myself from unimpressive individuals
I thought the world was perfect
I had a naive belief that everything was flawless
So when y'all bring hater stuff up
When others bring negativity or criticism
I don't even get nervous
I am unaffected and confident
Kinda like it don't exist
Treating it as if it doesn't exist
Just a figment of imagination
Mere fabrication or invention
A wickedness I'm not relating
I refuse to engage with malicious intentions
Situation looking at it lately
Examining the circumstances recently
With a wisdom of a man who made it
With the insight of someone who has achieved success
The bright side, the light side
Focusing on positivity and optimism
Never dealing with the fakers
Avoiding insincere or dishonest individuals
An aqueous vernacular, aquatic
Using a fluid and adaptable language or communication
A splash of love quenching you
A burst of affection and care satisfying your needs
With a drip and style more elevated than fashion, bruh
Exhibiting a refined and sophisticated approach
Drenching you, I sit and watch everybody miss the view
Enveloping others while observing their inability to perceive
They too concerned with the minuscule
They are overly preoccupied with insignificant matters
Instead of working on many skills that they have, yeah
Rather than developing their talents and abilities
Stay clear stay pure
Maintain clarity and integrity
Life too short for you to stay mad
Life is too brief to hold onto anger
Know that you're never alone
Understand that you always have support and companionship
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Nasir Jones, PJ Morton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Derek
Stevie is 71 years old and he still sounds good like he just signed his deal with Motown
Mr. T
Studio engineering
queen V
Faaaccts
Naj Singhs - ASMR COOKING LIFE
😂 VERY true ❤❤❤🔥
Filiz Erkasap
Great 👍💃
Will Haynes
I absolutely agree
Darryl Cloyd
Stevie gonna have a hit in every decade since 1960s. Amazing.
Jane D
Stevie is my favorite of all time! 💜🎵💜
TRU Essence
Yes. His vibe is timeless. Love it!!!!
Charmaine J. Davis-Bey
@ArmyNN - YESSS! His vocals and sound is very reminiscent and reflects a deep respect/impact/influence from Bro. Stevie. LOVE IT!