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.”
Heavy
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
So can you help me , yeah
'Cause it's getting heavy on me
Don't wanna struggle no more
It lasted longer than I thought
I'm one that's always for the drive
But it's just taking to much time
But it's just taking to much time
So can you help me with the loan
'Cause I'm breaking right down to the floor
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
So can you help me , yeah
'Cause it's getting heavy on me
I thought I had it figured out
Thought I'd knew what life was about
But it's starting to mess with my mind
I can't tell my left from my right
Somebody calling me my guy
Don't work it have to run and hide
'Cause I'm too strong
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
So can you help me , yeah
'Cause it's getting heavy on me
PJ Morton's song Heavy talks about the pressure and burden that life can sometimes bring. The lyrics express the feeling of being overwhelmed by difficult situations and feeling unable to handle them alone. The song is a cry for help, asking for someone to support and alleviate the weight of the struggles faced by the singer. The lines "I'm one that's always for the drive, but it's just taking too much time" and "thought I knew what life was about, but it's starting to mess with my mind" highlight the frustration and exhaustion that arise from striving for success.
The repetition of "it's getting heavy on me" emphasizes the catchy and relatable theme of the song. The chorus is a plea for help, inviting someone to offer assistance and support. The repetition of the word "heavy" also serves as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological burden that the singer is carrying. The song's melody and rhythm are smooth and soulful, further adding to the authenticity and poignancy of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
The weight of my problems is becoming too much to bear.
So can you help me, yeah
I need assistance or support to deal with my struggles.
'Cause it's getting heavy on me
The gravity of my issues is worsening and intensifying.
Don't wanna struggle no more
I'm tired of facing and battling difficult situations.
It lasted longer than I thought
The duration and extent of my problems have exceeded my expectations.
I'm one that's always for the drive
I'm a motivated and ambitious person.
But it's just taking too much time
My efforts to overcome my difficulties are not producing results fast enough.
So can you help me with the loan
I require financial aid or debt to aid in solving my problems.
'Cause I'm breaking right down to the floor
The burden of my struggles is causing me to reach my breaking point.
I thought I had it figured out
I believed I knew how to manage my life and problems.
Thought I'd knew what life was about
I had a solid understanding of the purpose of life.
But it's starting to mess with my mind
My struggles are beginning to cause psychological and emotional turmoil.
I can't tell my left from my right
I'm uncertain and disoriented about my next steps and decisions.
Somebody calling me my guy
An individual is addressing or referring to me in a friendly and casual manner.
Don't work it have to run and hide
If I cannot overcome my struggles, I'll have to evade the situation instead.
'Cause I'm too strong
I frequently project an image of strength and resilience, but the weight of my struggles is testing my fortitude.
Contributed by Isabella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Raden Ayu Mutiara Dennon
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
So can you help me, yeah
'Cause it's getting heavy on me
Don't wanna struggle no more
It lasted longer than I thought
I'm one that's always for the drive
But it's just taking to much time
I'm one that's always for the drive
But it's just taking to much time
So can you help me with the loan
'Cause I'm breaking right down to the floor
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
So can you help me, yeah
'Cause it's getting heavy on me
I thought I had it figured out
Thought I'd knew what life was about
But it's starting to mess with my mind
I can't tell my left from my right
Somebody calling me my guy
Don't work it have to run and hide
'Cause I'm too strong
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
It's getting heavy, heavy on me
So can you help me, yeah
'Cause it's getting heavy on me
Apro
Never heard of PJ Morton before, but this song has an amazingly catchy beat to it.
Pito Perez
Hes one of the 4 Maroon V's members
experiment0003
forlornspawn817 he's a member of maroon 5. I'm sure you've googled him by now.
TheAndrewGorny
By FAR the most underrated artist in the US OF A
Jae Bohman
Pj is so dope lol if he could make a whole album like this I would praise him
T C
He has a few out...very good stuff!
Somebody who ain't worth it apparently
dude those guitar solo's were amazing James killed it
casteryuuske
What an underrated song I love it!
SURA
What a masterpiece. So glad I finally found P.J. Morton!
yoosung’s omelette
Omg James!! Great job at the guitar and PJ has an awesome talent and Adam what can I say love ur voice Perfect combination, I'm in love with this song!