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.

Introduction.
Raye Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ladies and gentlemen
Thank you so much for coming out tonight
To the world famous 21st Century Blues club
We've got a very special guest for you tonight coming on
All the way from London, England
You know the place
Little help from Mike Sabath
Mike Sabath

And our house band, The Moon Girls

Ladies and gentlemen, give a warm heartbreak welcome
To the wonderful Raye

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of the song Introduction by RAYE acknowledge the audience's presence and gratitude for their attendance at the show at the 21st Century Blues club. The reference to a "very special guest" builds up anticipation for RAYE's performance. The fact that she's introduced as someone "coming all the way" from London, England suggests that the show is taking place in another part of the world. This hints at the global appeal of RAYE's music and the reach of her fanbase.

The inclusion of Mike Sabath's name suggests that he is instrumental to RAYE's work in some capacity. This is because he's given prior credit and introduced before she is. The accompanying band, The Moon Girls, is also mentioned, suggesting that they are noteworthy in their musical abilities as well. RAYE is finally introduced as a "wonderful" artist, cementing the positive tone of the introduction.

Line by Line Meaning

Ladies and gentlemen
Everyone in attendance tonight, regardless of gender, hello and welcome.

Thank you so much for coming out tonight
I really appreciate everyone coming tonight. Thank you for taking the time.

To the world famous 21st Century Blues club
We are currently at the very prestigious 21st Century Blues club, known worldwide for its outstanding atmosphere and energy.

We've got a very special guest for you tonight coming on
Tonight's entertainment will be nothing short of exceptional with our specially invited guest.

All the way from London, England
Our special guest has flown in from London, England to entertain us tonight.

You know the place
London, England is a well-known, highly respected location for music and art lovers worldwide.

Little help from Mike Sabath
Mike Sabath's assistance made this performance a success by helping with the creation of this song.

Mike Sabath
Mike Sabath is a highly valued individual who offered his time and support to make this event possible.

And our house band, The Moon Girls
Our in-house band named The Moon Girls, who regularly perform here, are adding their spectacular music to the evening's entertainment.

Ladies and gentlemen, give a warm heartbreak welcome
Please greet warmly and wholeheartedly, our guest, by showing your immense love and appreciation for their art.

To the wonderful Raye
The guest of honor tonight, who deserves your admiration and respect, is the highly talented Raye.

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Austin Lichtenstein, Pete Miller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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