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.”
Fly Away
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Into the sky
So very high
Just like a dragonfly
I'd fly above the trees
Over the seas in all degrees
To anywhere I please
Oh I want to get away
Yeah yeah yeah
I want to get away
I want to fly away
Yeah yeah yeah
Let's go and see the stars
The milky way or even Mars
Where it could just be ours
Let's fade into the sun
Let your spirit fly
Where we are one
Just for a little fun
Oh oh oh yeah!
I want to get away
I want to fly away
Yeah yeah yeah
I want to get away
I want to fly away
Yeah yeah yeah
I got to get away
Feel I got to get away
Oh oh oh yeah
I want to get away
I want to fly away
Yeah with you yeah yeah
Oh Yeah!
I want to get away
I want to fly away
Yeah with you yeah yeah
I got to get away
I want to get away
I want to get away
I want to get away
I want to get away
Yeah
I want to get away
I want to fly away
Yeah with you yeah yeah
I got to get away
I want to get away
I want to get away
I want to get away
I want to get away
Yeah
I want to get away
I want to fly away
Yeah with you
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
The lyrics to PJ Morton's "Fly away" express a deep sense of longing for transcendence and freedom. The singer wants nothing more than to break free from the constraints of the world and soar into the sky, just like a dragonfly. Through the simple act of flying, the singer hopes to escape the mundane and experience a sense of wonder and adventure.
The chorus is particularly powerful, with the singer repeating the phrase "I want to get away, I want to fly away" over and over again, as if to emphasize the intensity of their desire. The verses are filled with vivid imagery, as the singer envisions flying over the trees, over the seas, and even to the stars and beyond. The song has a joyous, upbeat tone that suggests that the singer is filled with hope and optimism despite whatever troubles they may be facing in their life.
Overall, PJ Morton's "Fly away" is a deeply emotional song that speaks to the human desire for freedom, transcendence, and adventure. The lyrics are simple yet powerfully evocative, and the upbeat tone of the music helps to reinforce the message of hope and optimism.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish that I could fly
I long for the ability to soar through the air
Into the sky
Up towards the limitless expanse above
So very high
Far beyond the heights achievable by mere mortal means
Just like a dragonfly
Elevating with grace and ease, weightless and free
I'd fly above the trees
Cruising above the foliage, beyond their reach
Over the seas in all degrees
Navigating the endless depths of the ocean without constraint
To anywhere I please
Without limitations or hindrances, able to go wherever I desire
Oh I want to get away
Longing to escape from the constraints of reality
I want to fly away
Yearning to drift aloft, leaving constraints below
Yeah yeah yeah
Expressing pleasure and eagerness
Let's go and see the stars
Venturing out to the distant celestial bodies
The milky way or even Mars
Exploring the galaxy, perhaps setting foot on the red planet
Where it could just be ours
Claiming territory in the vastness for ourselves
Let's fade into the sun
Approaching the radiant star without harm, blending with its warmth and light
Let your spirit fly
Releasing internal limitations, allowing the soul to soar
Where we are one
Connecting with others in a transcendent state, a shared experience
Just for a little fun
A brief, exhilarating break from the mundane
Oh oh oh yeah!
An expression of enthusiasm and excitement
I got to get away
Required to break free from the constraints of everyday life
Feel I got to get away
Feeling a pressing desire to escape through flight
Yeah yeah yeah
Expressing pleasure and eagerness
Yeah with you yeah yeah
Inviting a companion to join in the escape
Oh Yeah!
An expression of enthusiasm and excitement
I want to get away
Longing to escape from the constraints of reality
Yeah with you yeah yeah
Inviting a companion to join in the journey
I got to get away
Necessitating a departure from current reality
I want to get away
Yearning to transcend above physical limitations
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Expressing joy and exhilaration
I want to get away
Craving an escape from the mundane
Yeah with you
Inviting a partner to share in the experience
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Conveying unbridled excitement and pleasure
Writer(s): pj morton
Contributed by Sadie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.