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)
I'm Alive
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fell on my feet this morning
Two angels heard me cry
This is your fate hereafter
The future is my friend
It hurts, but it treats me well
Gold as the sun is
As you turn me on
And bath in it's sun dry
I'm alive, older and strong
Let me be someone
I'll take hold and be it's master
Gold as the sun is
As you turn me on
With echoes of laughter
As I cry out loud
Got my feet on the ground
Your hand's found me
Saw my blood on the ground
And it changed my life
So many parts that I have to play
A tangle with life set me up that way
Now I know
These are the words that I have to say
Won't you let me
Won't you hear me cry
Got my feet on the ground
Feet on the ground
Your hand's falling
Saw my blood on the ground
And it changed my life
Your face in the crowd
You're my future
Saw my blood on the ground
And it changed my life
Got my feet on the ground
Feet on the ground
Your hand's found me
Blood on the cross
And it changed my life
Yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Fell on my feet this mornin'
Seal's song "I'm Alive" is an inspiring and powerful song that speaks of determination and resilience. The song begins with the singer acknowledging his own strength and willpower, having fallen but getting back up again. He paints a picture of two angels coming to his aid, and that this is his fate in life. The future, though it may hurt, is treated as a friend, and the singer urges himself and the listener to take control of it and be its master.
Throughout the song, the metaphor of gold is used, symbolizing the light and warmth that drives people forward. The singer describes it as being as warming as the sun on his skin, and something that turns him on. Even when he is crying out, there are echoes of laughter, indicating that there is still hope and joy present in his life. Through it all, he asserts that he is alive, older and stronger, and is determined to be someone and take control of his life.
The chorus of "Got my feet on the ground, your hand's found me, saw my blood on the ground, and it changed my life" speaks to the idea that struggles and hardships, symbolized by the blood on the ground, can be transformative and lead to growth and change. The singer's dedication to being heard and acknowledged is encapsulated in the final lines of the song, urging the listener to hear him cry and acknowledge his pain and struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Fell on my feet this morning
I had a stroke of luck this morning
Two angels heard me cry
I had some divine intervention
This is your fate hereafter
This is what's meant to be from this point forward
The future is my friend
I'm looking forward to what's to come
It hurts, but it treats me well
Although it may be painful, it's ultimately for my own good
Take hold and be it's master
Take control and shape your own destiny
Gold as the sun is
Something is as valuable as the golden sun
As you turn me on
As you excite or stimulate me
And bathe in its sun dry
Enjoying something to the fullest
I'm alive, older and strong
I'm still alive and thriving despite my age
Let me be someone
Give me a chance to make a difference
Gold as the sun is
Something is as valuable as the golden sun
As you turn me on
As you excite or stimulate me
With echoes of laughter
With the sound of happiness still resonating
As I cry out loud
As I express myself emotionally
Got my feet on the ground
I'm standing firm in reality
Your hand's found me
Someone I trust has come to my aid
Saw my blood on the ground
I had a traumatic experience that has changed me
And it changed my life
It had a profound impact on me
So many parts that I have to play
I have many roles to fulfill in life
A tangle with life set me up that way
Life's challenges have conditioned me to be who I am
Now I know
I have discovered
These are the words that I have to say
This is what I need to express
Won't you let me
Give me the opportunity
Won't you hear me cry
Listen to my plea
Your face in the crowd
I recognize you in a sea of people
You're my future
You represent hope for me
Blood on the cross
A symbol of sacrifice and redemption
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Broma 16, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carmen Rizzo, Gus Isidore, Lisa Coleman, Seal Samuel, Wendy Melvoin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind