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.”
Please Don't Walk Away
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's never been this bad
But I won't let it erase the memories
Of good times we've had, oh
And even with everything, hmm
That we've been going through, ah
You never have to ask me
I still choose you
Oh, girl
Please don't walk away from my love (ooh)
Please don't walk away from my love (mmm)
I hope you can hear my heart
I hope it's speaking clearly
I don't wanna be apart
I just want
You near me
Please don't walk away from my love (ooh)
Please don't walk away from my love (mmm)
Please don't walk away from my love (walk away from my love, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Please don't walk away from my love (walk away from my love)
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Mmm-mmm-mmm, mm-mm
In the song "Please Don't Walk Away" by PJ Morton, the lyrics express a sense of desperation and pleading to not let go of a relationship that has hit a rough patch. The first two lines of the song state that the situation has escalated to a point that they have never experienced before. However, he is determined to hold on to the good memories they have shared together and not let the bad times completely overshadow them. Despite everything they have been through, he wants her to know that he still chooses her.
The chorus of the song is a direct plea to his partner to not walk away from their love. He hopes she can hear his heart and that he is expressing his desire for them to be together. He does not want to be apart from her and just wants her by his side. The repetition of the plea emphasizes his desperation and need for her.
Overall, the lyrics of the song "Please Don't Walk Away" convey the theme of a relationship that is hanging by a thread and the potential loss of something that is valuable and worth fighting for. The song also highlights the vulnerability and emotional pain that comes with the possibility of losing love.
Line by Line Meaning
It's never gone this far
Our relationship has never been in such a difficult position before
It's never been this bad
We've never struggled through such tough times before
But I won't let it erase the memories
Despite the difficulties, I won't let them overshadow the good times we've shared together
Of good times we've had, oh
I cherish the memories of our happy moments together
And even with everything, hmm
Even with all that's happened between us
That we've been going through, ah
The problems we've been facing
You never have to ask me
You never have to question my commitment to you
I still choose you
I continue to actively and willingly choose to be with you
Oh, girl
I address you as a term of endearment
Please don't walk away from my love (ooh)
I plead with you to not end our relationship
I hope you can hear my heart
I'm expressing how strongly I feel about you
I hope it's speaking clearly
I hope that my love and commitment to you is evident
I don't wanna be apart
I don't want us to be separated
I just want
My desire is
You near me
To have you close to me
walk away from my love, yeah, yeah, yeah
I don't want you to leave the love that we share
Yeah, yeah
An expression of affirmation
Yeah, yeah
Another expression of affirmation
Mmm-mmm-mmm, mm-mm
A vocalization of ad-libbing and emotional expression
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Sylvester Morton Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Love2Worship
God has gifted this man so greatly. It’s an honor to be a recipient of his excellency.
Norma Hill
AMEN!!
LifeLearner45 Lloyd
❤️
kang sae beyok😏
Fii8
Catherine Lewis
Very well said i love this💕💖💪🏽👑🎤😍🥰🔥
B Ready
PERFECTLY STATED❤❤❤
Drea Talks
The most beautiful song i've heard this year. I fell in love with it immediately after i heard it.
what's up yaul
Man, I feel the same way you do. How can you stop listening to this song. I CAN'T!!!
Carolyn Ghant
The lyrics are beautiful, but that hook is everything. Bravo PJ my favorite neo-soul, contemporary gospel artist. It's what my heart has been saying for years...
LifeLearner45 Lloyd
Hook 🔥