Taking an interest in music from the age of 6, joining gospel groups and attending Young Musicians Program at Berklee during middle school, Saadiq got the chance phone call of a lifetime, when Sheila E. called one day looking for touring musicians to join Prince on his Parade tour. Saadiq spent two years on the road, a time he called "My University".
Saadiq made a name for himself as the lead vocalist in the rhythm and blues and dance trio Tony! Toni! Toné!. He went by his birth name during the beginning of Tony! Toni! Toné!, where he was joined by his brother Dwayne Wiggins, and his cousin Timothy Christian. He adopted the name of Raphael Saadiq in the mid-1990s.
After the 1996 Tony! Toni! Toné! album, House of Music, (when he performed under his current name) Saadiq started his solo career. He produced a few solo tracks, but Saadiq's next big project became the R&B supergroup Lucy Pearl. He recorded the self-titled album with Dawn Robinson (En Vogue) and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest). This group only lasted for one album. His solo album Instant Vintage, released in 2002, also earned 5 Grammy nominations.
Saadiq released his third solo album, The Way I See It, on September 16 2008, featuring collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Joss Stone. Saadiq acknowledges the album's old school soul sound, which he says includes nods to Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green, The Four Tops, The Delfonics and The Stylistics.
Various artists have tapped Saadiq to produce their work through the years. Some of Saadiq's most notable work has been with D'Angelo. The 2000 collaboration "Untitled" won D'Angelo a Grammy award for Best R&B Album. In 2007, Saadiq was called on to produce the whole third album from UK Soul singer Joss Stone. Other artists he has collaborated with include The Roots, Macy Gray, Snoop Dogg, Kelis, Q-Tip and Young Bellz.
In 2002, Saadiq founded his own record label, Pookie Entertainment. Among the artists on the label are Joi and Truth Hurts.
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09. Different Times
Raphael Saadiq Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But everyday I count my blessings this way 'cause I know that everyday's a different day.
My friends can change but his will never change.
And I knew there would be some time, when I would second guess my mind.
So I kept on walking, kept on striving,
Kept on singing and guess who showed up.
'Living in bad conditions can make you feel like no one,
As long as I, that's why I always try and do my best to search inside.
But I knew there would be a day, when I had to look the other way.
So I close my eyes and kept on pushin'
I just kept looking and guess who showed up.
I told myself one day to falll on my knees and pray
And never listen to noone if they can't be true to you
No one should spend precious time living for material love
His money, no money no money, can make me happy.
Now it looks a lot clearer outside, 'cause I'm using my eyes.
I close my eyes and
Kept on pushing,
I just stopped looking and guess who showed up.
My friend won't let you down,
He's always been around.
That's one thing I know for sure.
Even when I'm wrong, he's right at my door.
He'll never ignore.
Yes, I got a lotta things to say, I can't say them in all one day.
I'll take no credit for the blessings that He's given to me
Without Him I know that Saadiq could never, ever, ever be.
When I thought it couldn't get no better,
Just when I thought it was almost over.
Oh no
I close my eyes and kept on pushin'
I just kept looking and guess who showed up.
Oh, oh
I close my eyes and kept on pushin'
I just kept looking and guess who showed up.
I told myself one day, to fall on my knees and pray.
I told myself one day, to fall on my knees and pray.
I told myself one day, to fall on my knees and pray.
I told myself one day, to fall on my knees and pray.
Raphael Saadiq's song "Different Times" is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance, even in the face of adversity. The singer describes having experienced both good times and hard times, but acknowledging that each day brings something new and different. He also expresses a sense of gratitude for the presence of a consistent friend in his life, who he knows will never let him down.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has had to rely on his own strength and determination to keep moving forward, even when encountering difficult or uncertain situations. He talks about "walking, striving, and singing" as a way of keeping himself moving in a positive direction, and he finds comfort in the idea that things will eventually work out if he keeps working hard and believing in himself.
There is also a sense of spiritual seeking in the song, with the singer talking about the importance of looking inward and staying true to oneself, regardless of what other people may say or do. He encourages listeners to fall on their knees and pray, and emphasizes the importance of focusing on what really matters in life instead of pursuing material possessions or wealth.
Overall, "Different Times" is a song about resilience, perseverance, and faith in oneself and in a higher power. It encourages listeners to stay strong in the face of adversity and to maintain a sense of hope and optimism even in difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
I been in some hard times, I seen a lot of good times
I have experienced both difficult and enjoyable moments in life.
But everyday I count my blessings this way 'cause I know that everyday's a different day.
I acknowledge my good fortunes each day, as I understand that every day brings new opportunities and circumstances.
My friends can change but his will never change.
The present situation and events around me may change, but the love and support from God will always remain the same and constant.
And I knew there would be some time, when I would second guess my mind.
I was aware that there would be a time when I may doubt my own judgment and decision-making abilities.
As I walked down the street one day, I thought I heard a brother say
While I was on a walk one day, I believed I overheard someone speaking.
'Living in bad conditions can make you feel like no one,
Being in unfavorable circumstances can make one feel worthless and insignificant.
As long as I, that's why I always try and do my best to search inside.
As long as I am aware of my own values and strengths, I strive to look inward and find the necessary motivation and inspiration to carry on.
But I knew there would be a day, when I had to look the other way.
I was aware that there would be times when I had to ignore certain things and focus on my own path.
So I close my eyes and kept on pushin'
I persevered and continued with determination even when the circumstances were tough.
I just kept looking and guess who showed up.
With my unwavering efforts, positive outcomes and opportunities presented themselves.
I told myself one day to falll on my knees and pray
I made a decision to pray and seek guidance from a higher power.
And never listen to noone if they can't be true to you
I learned not to give attention to people who lack sincerity or honesty towards me.
No one should spend precious time living for material love
I realized the futility of living for superficial things and material possessions.
His money, no money no money, can make me happy.
I understood that money could not buy true happiness or peace of mind.
Now it looks a lot clearer outside, 'cause I'm using my eyes.
My perspective has improved and become more focused, as I see things more clearly and realistically.
My friend won't let you down,
I trust and believe that God will never abandon or disappoint me.
He's always been around.
I acknowledge the constant presence of God in my life.
That's one thing I know for sure.
I am confident and certain of the faithfulness of God.
Even when I'm wrong, he's right at my door.
Even in moments when I make mistakes or falter, God's presence is still near and available to me.
He'll never ignore.
God will always be attentive and responsive to my needs and prayers.
Yes, I got a lotta things to say, I can't say them in all one day.
I have many things to express and share, but it may take longer than a day to convey them all.
I'll take no credit for the blessings that He's given to me
I humbly acknowledge that the many blessings in my life are a result of God's grace, and not my own doing.
Without Him I know that Saadiq could never, ever, ever be.
I am aware that without the help and guidance of God, I would never be able to achieve anything on my own.
When I thought it couldn't get no better,
When I had already reached a good point in my life,
Just when I thought it was almost over.
And believed that the situation was close to concluding,
Oh no
An exclamation indicating a sudden realization or surprise.
I close my eyes and kept on pushin'
Despite the challenges and obstacles, I maintained my perseverance and resilience.
I just kept looking and guess who showed up.
My unwavering efforts and faith brought positive outcomes and opportunities.
I told myself one day, to fall on my knees and pray.
I made a conscious decision to seek guidance and strength from a higher power.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RAPHAEL SAADIQ, TIONNE WATKINS, TIONNE TENESE WATKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind