DeVaughn's musical story began with his mother's vinyl collection. "I always loved music so I would sneak into her record collection when she wasn't around and play her stuff." DeVaughn's father, noted jazz musician Abdul Wadud was also an influence. DeVaughn knew at an early age that he would become an entertainer.
DeVaughn graduated from High Point High School in Beltsville, Maryland; then headed to nearby Coppin State. It was the first day of college that changed the course of his life. "I saw a group of guys standing outside singing, Boyz II Men style," remembers DeVaughn. "I just went up there and started harmonizing with them. Before I knew what was going on, I was in a group, cutting class to write lyrics and record." After winning $2,000.00 in a talent show at Bar None, a Washington D.C. nightclub, DeVaughn decided to go for broke and invested all of his winnings into a CD burner. Several independent releases led to a showcase with Jive Records, and the career was on it's way.
Green Leaves
Raheem DeVaughn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life is about evolving and growing
Elevating
Constant growth
Like green leaves
I dedicate this to the children
Mama told me a wise man leads and never takes orders to follow
It's like, cause and effect, simple mathematics like 1 plus 1 makes 2
See the bed that we make, that's where we got to lay, so be wise of the path we choose
And keep growing
Keep growing (Keep on growing, yeah)
Keep growing (Oh, keep growing, growing)
Keep growing (Keep on growing, keep on growing)
Keep growing (Like)
Like green leaves
To have it you got to see it, to talk it you got to be it
There's no ifs, no and's or buts
If you claim it you can attain it, what was made shall be, and that's the law of the universe
(That's the universal law)
Shine a light, use insight and remember your precious gift
Take the good with the bad, the tears with the laughs and always be positive
And keep growing
[Repeat: x2]
Keep growing (Oh, keep growing)
Keep growing (Keep on keepin' on)
Keep growing (Keep on growing)
Keep growing
Like green leaves (Keep on growing like green leaves)
In the opening lines of Raheem DeVaughn's "Green Leaves," he emphasizes the importance of constant growth and evolution of life. Using the metaphor of green leaves, he signifies that just as leaves on a tree grow and change, life should also undergo evolution and progress. The song title, "Green Leaves," is significant as leaves are symbolic of growth and promise, and they remind us to keep pushing forward even when life gets tough.
DeVaughn talks about the wise teachings from his mother, who taught him that true leaders don't follow orders, but they lead by example. He further highlights the importance of our choices in the present, which inevitably shapes our tomorrow. He believes in the power of cause and effect as simple mathematics, but it has a profound impact on our lives. He urges us to choose wisely and keep on growing and evolving in life.
DeVaughn emphasizes how having a positive mindset, coupled with action, can help us manifest our aspirations. He encourages us to claim what we want in life and believe in the universe's laws, which state that what's meant to be will come to pass. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, staying positive, and using wisdom to navigate life's ups and downs.
Overall, "Green Leaves" is a song that encourages personal growth, emphasizes positivity in life, and highlights the importance of wise choices. It reminds us that life is a constant journey of growth and evolution, and we should learn from our experiences and keep moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Life
Life is about evolving and growing
Elevating
Constant growth
Like green leaves
A metaphor for constant growth, like the growth of green leaves on trees
I dedicate this to the children
A dedication to the younger generation who will continue to grow and evolve
Mama told me a wise man leads and never takes orders to follow
Advice from a mother figure, stating that leaders are those who guide rather than follow
And what's done right here in the here and now, always affects tomorrow
The impact of today's decisions will shape future outcomes
It's like, cause and effect, simple mathematics like 1 plus 1 makes 2
The idea that actions have consequences, much like basic math equations
See the bed that we make, that's where we got to lay, so be wise of the path we choose
The choices we make in life will determine our future outcomes, so it's important to make wise decisions
Keep growing (Keep on growing, yeah)
A call to action to continue to evolve and grow
Like green leaves
A reminder that growth should be constant and ongoing
To have it you got to see it, to talk it you got to be it
A reminder that in order to achieve one's goals, one must have a clear vision and put in the necessary effort
There's no ifs, no and's or buts
An affirmation that there are no excuses when it comes to achieving one's goals
If you claim it you can attain it, what was made shall be, and that's the law of the universe
The idea that the universe will manifest what one truly desires, so it's important to claim and visualize one's goals
Shine a light, use insight and remember your precious gift
A reminder to use one's unique gifts and talents to achieve success
Take the good with the bad, the tears with the laughs and always be positive
A reminder that life has its ups and downs but it's important to always maintain a positive outlook
Keep growing (Oh, keep growing)
A repetition of the call to action to keep evolving and growing
Keep growing (Keep on keepin' on)
An encouragement to stay focused and continue to push forward despite obstacles
Keep growing (Keep on growing)
A reminder that growth should be constant and ongoing
Like green leaves (Keep on growing like green leaves)
A repetition of the metaphor for constant growth, like the growth of green leaves on trees
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RAHEEM DE VAGHN, CLIFTON JONES, BOBBY TERRY, JERRY VINES, CURTIS LEON WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind