Hailing from South London, more specifically Croydon, RAYE (real name - Rac… Read Full Bio ↴Hailing from South London, more specifically Croydon, RAYE (real name - Rachel Keen) is a British singer-songwriter. Aside from writing hits for other artists, RAYE has bounced between R&B, pop and dance music in regards to her own discography. Her debut album and one of her first independent releases "'My 21st Century Blues'', was released on February 3 2023.

RAYE’s debut EP 'Welcome To The Winter' was released in 2014 and was comprised of predominantly R&B sounds. After signing with Polydor Records, RAYE had her breakthrough by featuring on the 2016 singles; "By Your Side" by Jonas Blue and "You Don't Know Me" by Jax Jones. The latter, co-written by RAYE herself, would peak at number three on the UK Singles Chart. Both songs were certified platinum or higher by the BPI, and marked a shift in RAYE’s career both commercially and sonically. After releasing the 'Second' EP in 2016, RAYE released "I, U, Us" as the lead single alongside a Charli XCX directed music video. This marked the first collaboration of several between the British songwriters. RAYE later co-wrote XCX's song "After the Afterparty" and appeared on a remix version, as well as featuring on the track "Dreamer" from her 2017 mixtape 'Number 1 Angel'. RAYE was short-listed for the BBC Music Sound of... award for 2017 and was named in third place. Later in the year, RAYE released the platinum certified hit "Decline" featuring Mr. Eazi, which would serve as the lead single from her 'Side Tape' EP which followed in May 2018. In October 2018, RAYE embarked on her own headlining tour, visiting a number of cities around the UK and Ireland.

After releasing multiple singles in 2019 and 2020, RAYE’s debut mini-album, 'Euphoric Sad Songs' was released on 20 November 2020. The project featured the top 10 hit "Secrets" with Regard as well as "Regardless" with Rudimental. In early 2021, RAYE released the single "Bed" with Joel Corry and David Guetta. The song would peak at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming RAYE’s highest charting single as a lead artist on the chart. Later in the year, RAYE took to social media to reveal that her record label, Polydor Records, has been withholding her debut album for several years. Following the statements, RAYE disclosed in July that she is now officially an independent artist.

RAYE was brought up in a musical family - her parents met at church - both of them musicians in the parish, and her musical heritage goes right back to her Grandfather, who was a songwriter and musician in his own right. Since the age of 10, she's been writing her own music, slowly developing all the time to become the artist she is today. Along the way, RAYE has become confidently adept at various different instruments including the cello, flute, and piano, alongside honing her production skills (and learning to play the guitar). Music has always been a huge part of RAYE’s life. Brought up on the classic soul/jazz maestros of the 40's and 50's like Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole etc - this is where her love for songwriting and melody began. Since then her influences, have aligned with the times, citing Drake, and her all time hero Lauryn Hill as huge sources of inspiration.

Shine
RAYE Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I've got the answer
I've found the only way
I've got your Love in my soul
I keep believing
In all the things You say
You put the joy in my life

All the things that You give to me

I'll be living in eternity
And everything You are
I wanna be

I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine
I've got to keep on moving
I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine
I've got to keep on grooving

You never leave me
No matter where I go
I've got Your Love in my soul
And when I see you
You take the night away
You put the joy in my life

All the things that You give to me
I'll be living in eternity
And everyting You are
I wanna be

I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine
I've got to keep on moving
I'm gonna let it shine
I'm gonna let it shine

I'm gonna let it shine
I've got to keep on grooving.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Raye's song "Shine" depict a sense of gratitude and optimism that the singer feels towards love and life. In the first verse, Raye expresses her faith in love and reiterates her belief in the positive things that her partner says to her. This makes her feel joyous and content with her life. She credits this feeling to her partner's love, which she believes is in her soul.

In the chorus, Raye says that she will not let anything dim her shine. She is determined to keep moving forward and grooving to the rhythm of life. She believes that her partner's love is a guiding light that helps her overcome any obstacle. Thus, she will keep shining no matter where she goes.

In the second verse, Raye says that her partner never leaves her side, no matter what happens. This gives her courage and strength to face any situation. She once again acknowledges the presence of her partner's love in her soul, helping her to overcome the darkness of the night.

The song "Shine" encourages listeners to embrace their inner light and let it shine brightly, no matter what challenges they face. It also emphasizes the importance of love and how it can bring forth positivity and joy in one's life.

Line by Line Meaning

I've got the answer
I have found the solution to my problems

I've found the only way
I have discovered the one right path to follow

I've got your Love in my soul
I have a deep and abiding love for someone special

I keep believing
I maintain a strong faith and trust in someone or something

In all the things You say
I believe completely in the words and teachings of this person or thing

You put the joy in my life
This person or thing brings immense happiness and fulfillment to my existence

All the things that You give to me
I am grateful for and appreciative of everything this person or thing provides

I'll be living in eternity
I will always hold onto and cherish what this person or thing brings to my life

And everything You are
I am enamored with every aspect of this person or thing

I wanna be
I aspire to emulate and become like this person or thing

I'm gonna let it shine
I will display and share the love and joy this person or thing brings to my life

I've got to keep on moving
I must continue to progress and improve in my life journey

I've got to keep on grooving
I must keep living and thriving with joy and passion

You never leave me
This person or thing is always present and supportive in my life

No matter where I go
This person or thing is with me always, no matter where my life journey takes me

And when I see you
When I am in the presence of this person or thing, my troubles disappear

You take the night away
This person or thing removes fear, worry, and darkness from my life

Writer(s): Kurstin Gregory Allen, Goldsworthy Michael Thomas, Thornton Oliver Alexander, Turkmen Resul Emre

Contributed by Grace W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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