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.”
This Feeling
PJ Morton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Since you made your way in my mind
Things are much different then they were
I'm used to being so in control
But now, sometimes I seem to let my self go
Because
Every time I look at you I melt away
I don't know if I want this to go away
Lord stay
I look up to the sky and now I'm wondering why can't I
Can't fight this feeling of mine
I try to hide it deep inside
But I can't fight this feeling of mine
You can look into my eyes
I know I look brand new
cause I don't do the things I used to do
I got a new plan
I've planned to stand next to you
through anything you go through
Every time I look at you I melt away
I don't know if I have ever felt this way
I don't know if I want this to go away
Lord stay
I look up to the sky and now I'm wondering why can't I
Can't fight this feeling of mine
I try to hide it deep inside
But I cant fight this feeling of mine
I look up to the sky and I
I look up to the sky and now I'm wondering why can't I
Can't fight this feeling of mine
I try to hide it deep inside
But I cant fight this feeling of mine
I look up to the sky and I
i look up to the sky and now I'm wondering why can't I
Can't fight this feeling of mine
I try to hide it deep inside
But I cant fight this feeling of mine
of mine
The song "This Feeling" by PJ Morton is about falling deeply in love and being unable to fight the overwhelming emotions that come with it. The singer describes how their life has changed ever since that person came into their life and how they have become different. They admit to feeling out of control and give in to the feelings that they experience every time they look at the person they love. The singer acknowledges that they have never felt this way before and doesn't want the feeling to go away. It is clear that the singer is now willing to do anything to stay alongside this person and help them through anything they go through.
The lyrics are written in a poetic way that captures the feeling of helplessness and desperation that often comes with love. The use of repetition in the chorus, "I look up to the sky and now I'm wondering why can't I, can't fight this feeling of mine," emphasizes the frustration that the singer feels towards their inability to control their emotions. The use of imagery, such as "Every time I look at you I melt away," adds to the intensity of the emotions being experienced.
Overall, "This Feeling" is a powerful love song that conveys the feelings of being completely overwhelmed by love, unable to control the emotions that come with it, and willing to do anything to stay alongside the person you love.
Line by Line Meaning
Somethings have changed
There have been noticeable differences since you entered my thoughts
Since you made your way in my mind
Since the moment you came into my thoughts,
Things are much different then they were
Things have shifted and changed from how they were before
I'm used to being so in control
I'm comfortable being in charge and having control
But now, sometimes I seem to let my self go
But now, sometimes I find myself letting go of control
Because
Because of you
Every time I look at you I melt away
You have a power over me that causes me to become weak in your presence
I don't know if I have ever felt this way
I'm uncertain if I've ever experienced this type of emotion
I don't know if I want this to go away
I'm unsure if I want this feeling to disappear
Lord stay
I pray that this feeling remains
I look up to the sky and now I'm wondering why can't I
I search to the heavens and ask why I am unable to resist this feeling
Can't fight this feeling of mine
I'm unable to combat this powerful emotion
I try to hide it deep inside
I attempt to conceal this emotion within me
But I can't fight this feeling of mine
Nevertheless, I'm unable to wrestle with this feeling that I possess
You can look into my eyes
You have access to me through eye contact
I know I look brand new
I appear different and refreshed
cause I don't do the things I used to do
I've changed my behaviors since meeting you
I got a new plan
I have a new intention or strategy
I've planned to stand next to you
I've planned to be by your side
through anything you go through
No matter the circumstance or situation you face
I look up to the sky and I
I gaze towards the heavens and
Can't fight this feeling of mine
I'm unable to resist this emotion within me
But I cant fight this feeling of mine
No matter how hard I try, I can't overcome this feeling
of mine
This feeling that I possess
Contributed by Matthew E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.