They hit the scene in the late 90s by updating the urban grooves of Soul II Soul and Massive Attack with their signature hip-hop flavour; a creative blend of hip hop, nu-soul, and cutting edge beats.
The duo’s first productions were featured on Grand Central Records’ compilations, Frying The Fat and Central Heating, attracting the attention of the dance music press.
They’ve remixed everyone including Simply Red, Natalie Imbruglia, Faze Action, Lamb, Moby, Eagle Eye Cherry, The Pharcyde, Wai Wan and Manic Street Preachers. Their collaboration with Texas took the duo from underground circles into the mainstream, earning credits on White On Blonde and The Hush.
In 1998, they released their debut album, Northern Sulphuric Soul, followed by Mixmag Presents Rae & Christian (2000), Sleepwalking (2001) and Nocturnal Activity: Sleepwalking Remixed (2002).
Management: berger@dopedenproductions.com
All I Ask
Rae & Christian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But who said it's gonna be easy?
To me the future is always in sight
To you who sees the dark and bitter light
My vision clearly focused
I have no doubt at all
It's too far
(Hindered ?) by this judgment
You'll start to fall
It's too far
It's too far
(Chorus)
All I ask
In return
Through it all
(You live and learn)
You've Come too far
To turn around
Be as you are
(Don't roam around)
The search for equality
Is there something that'll set me free
I will always strive to fly
Bound to the center of our (ever light ?)
The ties that are binding
So soon to be undone
It's too hard
It's too hard
Times they are trying
But we will overcome
Rise above it all
For sure
(Chorus)
All I ask
In return
Through it all we live and learn
x2
(Chorus)
x3
The lyrics to Rae & Christian's song, "All I Ask," depict two different perspectives on life. The first perspective is one of uncertainty, darkness, and bitterness. The unknown future seems overwhelming and full of doubt, leading to a sense of confinement. However, the second perspective is one of clarity, confidence, and determination. This perspective has a clear vision of the future, sees the light in the darkness, and knows that challenges can be overcome. The lyrics suggest the importance of mindset and attitude when facing life's trials and tribulations.
The chorus of the song repeatedly states "All I ask in return, through it all, we live and learn." This message seems to encapsulate the overall theme of the song. We may face adversity and uncertainty, but through these experiences, we can learn, grow, and become better versions of ourselves. The second half of the chorus encourages us to keep moving forward, to not give up, and to be true to ourselves.
Overall, "All I Ask" is a song about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. By acknowledging both the struggles and the lessons that come with life, we can become stronger and more compassionate individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
Confined to uncertainty
Feeling trapped in a state of not knowing the outcome
But who said it's gonna be easy?
Questioning the expectation that life should be simple
To me the future is always in sight
Feeling confident in ability to see ahead
To you who sees the dark and bitter light
Understanding that others may have a more negative outlook
My vision clearly focused
Emphasizing clarity of perception
I have no doubt at all
Being completely sure and certain
It's too far
Referring to a distance that is difficult to travel
(Hindered ?) by this judgment
Feeling limited by a critical or biased view
You'll start to fall
Beginning to experience failure or negative consequences
(Chorus)
Refrain that is repeated multiple times throughout the song
All I ask
Expressing a simple request
In return
Referring to a mutually beneficial exchange
Through it all
Despite any challenges faced
(You live and learn)
Additional repeated line that follows the chorus
You've Come too far
Acknowledging progress made thus far
To turn around
Going backwards is not an option
Be as you are
Encouraging self-acceptance
(Don't roam around)
Possible instruction to stay focused on goals
The search for equality
Seeking fairness and justice
Is there something that'll set me free
Questioning whether liberation is possible
I will always strive to fly
Desiring to reach greater heights
Bound to the center of our (ever light ?)
Possibly referring to a spiritual or universal force
The ties that are binding
Constraints that are holding back or limiting
So soon to be undone
Implying that the restraints will be removed in the near future
Times they are trying
Acknowledging difficult or distressing circumstances
But we will overcome
Having confidence in ability to triumph over obstacles
Rise above it all
Empowering oneself to surpass challenges
For sure
Expressing certainty or conviction
Contributed by Lila S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.