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.”
Only One
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is the best feeling I've ever felt
I know it took a long time, but now I'm here
And I ain't going nowhere, no more fear
Room full of people but I only see you
Yeah, I'm so focused, everything else is in my rear view
Tell me what it's going to take for you to see
I only wanna be with you,
Say girl, you know that you're the only one that I want
The one that I want, one that I want
You know that you're the only one that I need
The one that I need, one that I need
You know that you're the only one that I want
The one that I want, one that I want
You know that you're the only one that I need
The one that I need, one that I need
You know that you're the only one that I want
Ooh
I know you've heard me say the same things before
But this time's different, I'm sure that I want more
So give me just one more chance, I won't let you down
Just watch what i show you, watch what I show you now
I know that forever is a long time
But there is no other choice in my mind
Tell me what it's going to take to make you see
That I only wanna be with you
Say girl, you know that you're the only one that I want
The one that I want, one that I want
You know that you're the only one that I need
The one that I need, one that I need
You know that you're the only one that I want
The one that I want, one that I want
You know that you're the only one that I need
The one that I need, one that I need
You know that you're the only one that I want
Ooh
Oh I, I've made uṗ my mind
I know just what I want
I'm just waiting for you to see
What I see so clearly
I've never been more sure
Oh never in my life
But the time is right for you to be my one and only
You know that you're the only one that I want
The one that I want, one that I want
You know that you're the only one that I need
The one that I need, one that I need
You know that you're the only one that I want
The one that I want, one that I want
You know that you're the only one that I need
The one that I need, one that I need
PJ Morton's song "Only One" talks about a profound feeling of love and security within a relationship. The singer is absolutely positive that they do not need anything else but their significant other. They describe the best feeling they have ever felt and express their determination not to let go of their love. Amidst a room full of people, the person is so focused that they only see their partner. They reiterate that all they want is to be with their beloved one, they know that forever is a long time, but there is no other choice in their mind but to be with them. The singer wants to be given one last chance and guarantees not to let their partner down this time. They believe that the time is right, they are sure of what they want, and they hope their partner can see the same things as they do.
The song captures the feeling of intimacy and attachment that comes with being in love. It creates an atmosphere of assurance and commitment. The author of the song seems to have reached the point of understanding that their love is unique, and they want to do everything in their power to nurture and make it grow.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm pretty sure I don't need anything else
I am content and satisfied with what I have, and I do not require anything else in my life.
This is the best feeling I've ever felt
The emotions and feelings I am experiencing are unparalleled and cannot be described in words.
I know it took a long time, but now I'm here
It has been a long and challenging journey, but I have arrived at a point where I am happy and fulfilled.
And I ain't going nowhere, no more fear
I am committed and determined to stay where I am, and I am no longer scared or anxious about the future.
Room full of people but I only see you
Despite being surrounded by a crowded space, my attention and focus are solely on you.
Yeah, I'm so focused, everything else is in my rear view
My mind is entirely concentrated on you, and nothing else matters in my life now.
Tell me what it's going to take for you to see
I am curious to know what I can do to make you realize my intentions and feelings towards you.
I only wanna be with you
My ultimate desire and longing are to be with you and nobody else.
Say girl, you know that you're the only one that I want
You are the only person I desire and want to be with in my life.
The one that I want, one that I want
There is no one else I want, but you.
You know that you're the only one that I need
My emotional and physical wellbeing relies only on you, and nobody else.
The one that I need, one that I need
I need you in my life more than anything or anyone else.
I know you've heard me say the same things before
I understand that I have expressed my feelings for you in the past, and I want you to know that this time, it is different.
But this time's different, I'm sure that I want more
My feelings for you are more intense, and I am positive that I want to take our relationship to the next level.
So give me just one more chance, I won't let you down
Please trust me and give me another chance to prove my love for you, and I promise I will not disappoint you.
Just watch what i show you, watch what I show you now
I want you to see and experience the depths of my love and affection for you, watch closely as I demonstrate my feelings.
I know that forever is a long time
I understand that committing myself to you for a lifetime is a significant decision that requires much thought and contemplation.
But there is no other choice in my mind
Despite the enormity of the commitment, I have no doubt in my heart that you are the only one I want to spend forever with.
Oh I, I've made up my mind
My decision is made, and nothing can change my heart and mind about how I feel towards you.
I know just what I want
I am clear about my desires and intentions, and that is to be with you.
I'm just waiting for you to see
Now, I am waiting for you to see and understand my emotions and feelings towards you.
What I see so clearly
My vision and perception of our future together are clear and vivid in my mind.
I've never been more sure
I have never been more convinced that you are the only one for me.
Oh never in my life
Nothing I have ever experienced compares to the depth of my love for you.
But the time is right for you to be my one and only
I feel the timing is perfect, and now is the moment for you to become the only one in my life.
Ooh
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL SYLVESTER MORTON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@iAmDrQuin
This mans's gifts are too slept on. And he's so humble. He is Bishop Paul Morton's son (yes that Paul Morton from the black gospel community), a Morehouse graduate, a grammy winner while a college student for his work with India Arie, and that sole black dude from Maroon 5. lol PJ should be known around the world if you ask me.
@tammywilson494
Didn't realize he was his son. I didn't put 2 and 2 together. Talented brother.
@salliemae9284
I did not know that he won a Grammy already with his work with India Arie who i love also.
@MrRacecourser
@@tammywilson494 Don't feel bad, sis. I just found out last year! Lol
@astewart4888
GET OUTTA HERE....😵😵😵 I used to go to Bishop Morton's church in New Orleans...Greater St. Stevens. So AWESOME🙈
@bizarrenrugged3370
If you love PJ and this kind of Neo Soul stream indigo its 🔥🔥🔥🔥
@marktuggle6725
This song evokes the creative spirit of Dwele, Glenn Lewis and Raheem DeVaughn.
@natalieaskew784
Ryan Leslie too.
@TiteTrax
Damn, I miss Glenn Lewis. Such a talented Brother!!!
@inGodswill311
YESSS, and Lucky Daye! 😍