Music career
After a short time singing in local clubs and bars, in the 1980s, he joined Push, a British funk band, and toured with them in Japan. In Asia, he joined a blues band in Thailand for a while before separating from the group and journeying throughout India on his own. Seal returned to England, sleeping on the couch of friend Julian Bunster, then a model. He sometimes asked him "Do I sing well?"; to which he often met the response that he sang better than most current artists. His break came when he met the producer Adamski. He was given the lyrics of the song "Killer", which was a huge hit in 1990.
Seal (1991)
As the vocalist on the Adamski single "Killer", Seal became a hot property when the single reached number one in 1990 in the UK. Like many other Adamski tracks, the single was also a hit in night clubs. Seal subsequently signed to ZTT Records and released his debut album (produced by Trevor Horn), titled Seal, in 1991. Two versions of the album are known to be in circulation: the original "premix" version and a second, more common version with an updated mix. This is attributed to the demand for a produced single rushing the final album edit, and as Seal puts it, his and producer Horn's "inability to let go." The album was positively received by critics and the singles "Crazy", "Future Love Paradise", and his own rendition of "Killer" from the album all performed well on the charts, with "Crazy" becoming a big worldwide hit, reaching the number one in several countries. Excerpts from "Crazy" have been used as commercial background music, and more recently, Alanis Morissette has covered it.
Seal (1994)
His second album, also eponymous, was released in 1994. A critical success, the album featured the singles "Prayer for the Dying" and "Newborn Friend", receiving a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. A third single, "Kiss from a Rose", performed modestly when released but was later featured in the film Batman Forever which resulted in its worldwide success. It went on to win Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1996 and became Seal's best performing single in the US market. Later, he recorded a cover of Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle" for the soundtrack of the film Space Jam, which was again a hit.
Human Being (1998)
Four years after the release of his previous album, in 1998, Seal released Human Being. The album was the product of a turbulent time in his life, including a split and later reconciliation with producer Horn as well as Seal's parting with ZTT Records and his signing with Warner Bros. Records in 1997. The record was critically panned upon its release. However, it received Gold record certification by the RIAA just two months after its release date. The album provided three singles, "Human Beings", "Latest Craze", and "Lost My Faith".
Failed Album: Togetherland
In 2001, fans awaited the arrival of a new album, announced as Togetherland. However, after a protracted post-production period the album was cancelled in its entirety. The official word was that Seal simply didn't think it made the grade, although this conflicts with other reports that said the album was turned down by the label, which felt that it wouldn't be commercially successful. Although one single was released from the album. "This Could Be Heaven" was released in the US and featured on the Family Man soundtrack. Since December 2006, Seal has been indicating that, while still feeling the album as a whole is "not worthy", he plans to excerpt certain cuts from Togetherland and make them available for streaming download.
Meanwhile, Seal made something of a comeback in dance and club scene when he co-wrote and provided vocals for the hit single "My Vision" from Jakatta in 2002.
Seal (2003)
In 2003, Seal released his fourth album, which was again self-titled, except for Australia, where it was released under Seal IV. Although it did not sell as much as either of his first two albums, this release brought him back into the public eye in the United States and continental Europe. Singles from the album included "Waiting For You", "Get It Together", and "Love's Divine" (released in 2004, and a big hit in several European countries).
Greatest Hits Album: Best 1991-2004
In 2004, a greatest hits album entitled Seal: Best 1991-2004 was released, including a cover of the Bacharach / David classic "Walk on By" and a cover of Echo and the Bunnymen's song "Lips Like Sugar".
Live In Paris (2004)
Also in 2004, Seal performed a couple of shows at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, France. The July 6, 2004 show was recorded and released about one year after as CD/DVD package, simply titled Live In Paris.
One Night To Remember (2006)
In June 2005, Seal recorded a special concert which was subsequently released in 2006 entitled One Night To Remember as CD/DVD whereby the DVD includes a special "the making of" documentary in addition to the live performance. Recorded in a historic steel mill, the Altes Kesselhaus ('old boiler house'), in Düsseldorf, Germany, this 16-track package includes a special version of Brahms' Lullaby which Seal sings in German and then in English for the exclusive audience. Unusually, he is accompanied by his band, and a full orchestra comprised of 52 musicians and singers. This CD/DVD is not yet available in the USA.
System (2007)
During his 2007 spring tour, Seal announced his new album, System, which was released in 2007. He said it would be more dance-oriented, apparently a return to the roots of his first album. Years active 1989 - present.
Soul (2008)
Main article: Soul (album)
Seal's sixth studio album Soul was released on 11 November 2008, in the United States and 3 November 2008, internationally, and contains eleven soul classics produced by David Foster.[13][14] The video for the first single, a cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" is up on his official YouTube page. As well, he will be mentoring the top 9 on Deutschland sucht den Superstar and performing one of his songs from the album.
Seal coached the participants of Germany's TV show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" (Popidol) in February/March 2009.[15]
Hits
Main article: Hits (Seal album)
On 4 December 2009, Hits, a compilation album was released. It contains two new tracks, "I Am Your Man" and "Thank You".
7 (2015)
Colour
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With a light descending on the day
Midnight sees your friend
Oh could you call his name
Would you know his name
I come here for your love
But, God only knows
Good times here today
Meanwhile you would say
I close my eyes
Colour (fades away)
Tell I you for anyway
Midnight is your friend
Will we see a beginning in the end
God only knows what we've put in that paint
God only knows
Colour fades away
Good times here today
Here most every day
Meanwhile you would say
I close my eyes
and dream of only yesterday
Colour fades away
Good time here today
Here most everyday
Meanwhile you would say
That I close my eyes
Colour
Fades to grey
I dream so exciting
But I, I feel so bold
Midnight, midnight, midnight...
Midnight, midnight, midnight...
In Seal's song "Colour," the chorus repeats the idea that colour fades away while the verses introduce various thoughts and emotions. The first verse suggests the melancholic mood that the song embodies. The light descending on the day suggests that the day is ending, and the night and its gloom is approaching. It then mentions midnight, which is often associated with loneliness and isolation. The singer asks whether one would know their friend's name if they were in the same situation.
In contrast to the first verse, the second verse suggests a brighter mood. The singer comes for love but acknowledges that only God knows if they can find it. This verse portrays the fleeting nature of good times and how they tend to fade away. The chorus repeats after each verse and acts as a reminder that colour fades, and everything eventually turns grey.
In conclusion, the song's central theme is the inevitability of change and the fleeting nature of happiness in life. The colour is a metaphor that represents joy, love, and the beauty of life. However, this joy is temporary, and it's expected to turn into darkness, which is the metaphor of sadness and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Colour fades away
The vibrancy and vitality of life starts to dwindle and wane over time.
With a light descending on the day
As the sun sets and darkness approaches, a sense of finality and closure takes over.
Midnight sees your friend
The darkest hours of the night can reveal your true companions and supporters.
Oh could you call his name
Can you recognize and acknowledge the people who have been by your side all along?
Would you know his name
Do you truly understand and appreciate the people who matter to you the most?
I come here for your love
The search for love and companionship drives us all.
But, God only knows
Despite our efforts and intentions, the outcome of our quest for love and meaning is beyond our control.
Good times here today
Life can be full of joy and happiness, but these moments are fleeting and never last forever.
Meanwhile you would say
Amidst the ups and downs of life, we often find ourselves lost, speechless, and unsure of what to do next.
I close my eyes
Sometimes, it's necessary to shut out the world and retreat into ourselves to find peace and solace.
Tell I you for anyway
Regardless of what happens or how things turn out, there's always something to be learned and appreciated about the journey.
Will we see a beginning in the end
Even as things come to a close and we bid farewell to parts of our lives, there's always hope for new beginnings and fresh starts.
God only knows what we've put in that paint
We all leave our mark and legacy on the world, but the true impact and significance of our actions may be beyond our comprehension.
Good time here today
Just like the good things in life, moments of joy and satisfaction are always here today, right now, in the present moment.
Here most every day
While we might not always appreciate the beauty and abundance of life, it's always within reach and accessible to us every day.
That I close my eyes
Sometimes, shutting out the world and focusing on our inner selves can bring us closer to understanding and fulfillment.
Fades to grey
As we age and experience the world, the vibrant colors of our youth begin to fade and dull.
I dream so exciting
Amidst the humdrum of everyday life, it's important to hold onto our dreams, passions, and desires that excite and inspire us.
But I, I feel so bold
Even as we encounter obstacles and challenges, we can find strength and courage within ourselves to face them head-on.
Midnight, midnight, midnight...
The nocturnal hours can be a time of reflection, introspection, and contemplation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Seal Samuel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind