In 2004, she auditioned for the second season of Australian Idol. She was known for her powerful voice, provocative dancing and vibrant personality. Receiving seventh place in the Idol competition, her elimination from the show was viewed by commentators and viewers as a “shock.” She subsequently signed with Australian independent label Shock Records, and released her self-titled debut album Ricki-Lee in 2005, which yielded the top-ten singles "Hell No!" and "Sunshine". Both songs were certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The following year, Coulter became a member of Australian all-girl pop group Young Divas, before leaving in early 2007 to resume her solo music career.
Coulter's second album Brand New Day was released in August 2007, which was certified gold. The album included the top-ten singles "Love Is All Around", "Can't Sing a Different Song" and "Can't Touch It", the latter became a platinum seller. Coulter's first compilation album titled The Singles was released in 2008, with the top-twenty lead single "Wiggle It". In May 2011, she ended her contract with Shock Records and signed with major label EMI. Her third album Fear & Freedom was released in August 2012, and includes the top-twenty singles "Raining Diamonds" and "Do It Like That", which were both certified platinum.
Coulter branched out from recording music, pursuing careers in television and radio, and receiving several endorsement deals. She returned to Australian Idol for seasons six and seven, as a presenter and reporter alongside James Mathison and Andrew Günsberg. It earned her a nomination at the 2009 Logie Awards for 'Most Popular New Female Talent'. Coulter became a full-time radio presenter for Sydney's Nova 96.9 breakfast show in 2010, alongside Merrick Watts and Scott Dooley. In 2008, she became the ambassador for Australian shapewear clothing line Hold Me Tight, and in 2012, she became the Australian face of international cosmetics brand CoverGirl.
Turn It Up
Ricki-Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and I don't know, what you're working towards
'Coz you're on Monday to Friday
and all I know, is you've gotta let it go
You've been working 9-5 every day of the week
ease you mind, press unwind and set your body free
I don't care where we go just wanna get what I need
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, now get up baby dance with me!
I don't care where we gotta go
'coz it's the end of the week, I got my girls in tow
'coz we're out to hit the freeway
relax your mind, be easy
You've been working 9-5 every day of the week
ease your mind, press unwind and set your body free
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, now get up baby dance with me!
I don't know 'bout you but I am ready for the night to fall
'coz all the girls be in the mood to
paint the town in true girl style
Been working non-stop since Monday morn'
I'm geared up to get my party on
let go of the week, the night is young
get funky baby dance with me!
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Get it up now, burn it up now, now get up baby dance with me!
In these lyrics, Ricki-Lee encourages someone to let go of their workweek and have some fun. She doesn't understand why they're waiting or working towards something when they're stuck in a Monday to Friday routine. The singer encourages the listener to ease their mind, press unwind and set their body free from the monotony of a 9-5 job. She doesn't care where they go, she just wants to get what she needs, and that's to dance and have a good time.
The chorus repeats the phrase "get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now" urging the listener to let loose and dance with her. The second verse repeats the same sentiment, but this time Ricki-Lee has her girls with her, ready to hit the freeway and paint the town in a "true girl style." She wants the listener to relax their mind and be easy, and just enjoy the company of friends and the freedom of the weekend.
Overall, the song is a fun, energetic anthem that celebrates the end of the workweek and encourages listeners to let loose and have some fun.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know, what you're waiting for
I don't understand what you're waiting for
and I don't know, what you're working towards
I don't understand what you're trying to achieve
'Coz you're on Monday to Friday
You work Monday to Friday
and all I know, is you've gotta let it go
You need to relax and let go
You've been working 9-5 every day of the week
You've been working from 9 am to 5 pm every day of the week
ease your mind, press unwind and set your body free
Relax your mind, unwind and free your body
I don't care where we go just wanna get what I need
I don't care where we go, I just want what I need
Get it up now, burn it up now, turn it up now
Let's get energized and excited now
now get up baby dance with me!
Come dance with me now
I don't care where we gotta go
I don't care where we need to go
'coz it's the end of the week, I got my girls in tow
It's the end of the week, and I have my girls with me
'coz we're out to hit the freeway
We're going out to the freeway
relax your mind, be easy
Relax your mind and take it easy
I don't know 'bout you but I am ready for the night to fall
I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the night to begin
'coz all the girls be in the mood to
All the girls are in the mood to
paint the town in true girl style
Go out and have fun like girls do
Been working non-stop since Monday morn'
I've been working continuously since Monday morning
I'm geared up to get my party on
I'm ready to party
let go of the week, the night is young
Let go of the week because the night is young
get funky baby dance with me!
Let's dance and have a good time!
Writer(s): Passion Gono, Michael Peter Szumowski, Peter Gono, Ricki Lee Coulter, Hayley Aitken
Contributed by Thomas T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.