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)
Newborn Friend
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause it gives my mind a little order
And I play that game, just like I should do
But my whole world, slips away
I live my life, I live it slowly
And I take my time, I'm in no hurry, yeah I'm livin'
And when I go then I would surely
I would dance with a total stranger
And hold them in my arms
Hell, there could be no danger if I open up
'Cause when the cryin' starts so
If I chant for happiness
Maybe that will make me feel better?
I can't change my ideals, I can't lose my desire
Oh, if I chant for happiness
Maybe that will make me feel better?
I'd be your newborn friend for the world
Well I wash my face in dirty water for life I have no order
'Cause I know that feeling when you've tried so hard
To make your way out, nothing mends
So you search for the breed of the problems there lying
Deep down in the soul and if, they never end
There's a whole bunch of reasons, tryin' to get out
But they can't make it out of the door
Oh, I know the reason I'm not enough
There's nothing more but
If I chant for happiness
Maybe that will make me feel better
I can't changes my ideals, I can't put out the fire
Oh, if I chant for happiness
Maybe that will bring us together, for the better
I can't changes my ideals, I can't lose my desire
I'm just a newborn friend for the world
Just a newborn friend for the world
I'll be your newborn friend and I'll
Sing loud, sing loud, sing loud, my friend
But I'll sing louder sing louder sing loud my friend
To my friend my friend
Sing love, sing loud, sing a little louder of my friend
Oh my friend
The song Newborn Friend by Seal has a complex meaning that is open to interpretation. However, it can be interpreted as a personal journey towards self-discovery and finding inner peace. The lyrics "I wash my faith in dirty water, 'cause it gives my mind a little order" might suggest that the singer is willing to embrace something negative in order to make sense of things. The following line "And I play that game, just like I should do, but my whole world, slips away" could suggest that the singer follows the rules but still feels unfulfilled. The rest of the song follows a similar pattern, where the singer admits that certain things in their life are not right, but they do not know how to make them better.
The line "If I chant for happiness, maybe that will make me feel better" can be interpreted as an attempt to look for solace in spiritual practices, but even this has not helped. The idea of being a "newborn friend" could suggest that the singer is willing to start over and make new connections. However, an underlying sense of loneliness and disillusionment pervades the entire song.
Overall, the lyrics to Newborn Friend by Seal could be interpreted as a personal struggle towards finding meaning in one's life. While the singer tries a variety of things to feel better, none of them seem to work, leading to a sense of aimlessness and desperation.
Line by Line Meaning
I wash my faith in dirty water
I find comfort in things that others may view as negative or sinful
'Cause it gives my mind a little order
Although it may not be perfect, it helps me to make sense of things in my mind
And I play that game, just like I should do
I conform to societal expectations and norms
But my whole world, slips away
Despite my efforts to fit in, I still feel like I am losing control of my life
I live my life, I live it slowly
I take my time with things and try to enjoy every moment
And I take my time, I'm in no hurry, yeah I'm livin'
I am not in a rush to accomplish anything in particular, just trying to enjoy the journey
And when I go then I would surely
When I die, I hope to have lived a fulfilling life
I would dance with a total stranger
I am not afraid to be vulnerable and connect with others
And hold them in my arms
I am not afraid of physical touch or intimacy
Hell, there could be no danger if I open up
I am willing to take risks and open myself up to others, even if it may be uncomfortable
'Cause when the cryin' starts so
When emotions overwhelm us, it is important to have someone to turn to for support
If I chant for happiness
I hope that by focusing my energy and thoughts on positivity, I can improve my mood
Maybe that will make me feel better?
I am unsure if this will work, but am willing to try
I can't change my ideals, I can't lose my desire
There are certain things about myself that I cannot change, but I will not give up on my goals and dreams
I'd be your newborn friend for the world
I am willing to be a friend to anyone who needs it
Well I wash my face in dirty water for life I have no order
My life is chaotic and unpredictable, and I sometimes make questionable decisions
'Cause I know that feeling when you've tried so hard
I understand the frustration of putting in effort and not seeing the desired results
To make your way out, nothing mends
Trying to escape from difficult situations can feel hopeless
So you search for the breed of the problems there lying
I try to identify the root causes of my struggles
Deep down in the soul and if, they never end
Sometimes, our internal struggles are deeply ingrained and difficult to overcome
There's a whole bunch of reasons, tryin' to get out
There are many factors contributing to my difficulties
But they can't make it out of the door
It feels like there is no easy way out of these problems
Oh, I know the reason I'm not enough
I struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt
There's nothing more but
There is no other explanation
If I chant for happiness
I hope that by focusing my energy and thoughts on positivity, I can improve my mood
Maybe that will bring us together, for the better
I hope that by being more positive, I can improve my relationships with others
I'm just a newborn friend for the world
I am willing to be a friend to anyone who needs it
Sing loud, sing loud, sing loud, my friend
Let's make some noise and have a good time
But I'll sing louder sing louder sing loud my friend
I'm going to join you and we'll sing together, even louder
To my friend my friend
I am dedicating this song to all my friends
Sing love, sing loud, sing a little louder of my friend
Let's spread love and positivity with our singing and energy
Oh my friend
Again, this is dedicated to all my friends out there
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SEAL SAMUEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lawrencekosky
I wash my faith in dirty water
'Cause it gives my mind a little order
And I play that game, just like I should do
But my whole world, slips away
I live my life, I live it slowly
And I take my time, I'm in no hurry, yeah .......... I'm livin'
And when I go then I would surely
I would dance with a total stranger
And hold them in my arms
Hell, there could be no danger if I open up
'Cause when the cryin' starts so
If I chant for happiness
Maybe that will make me feel better?
I can't change my ideals, I can't lose my desire
Oh, if I chant for happiness
Maybe that will make me feel better?
I'd be your newborn friend for the world
Well I wash my face in dirty water for life I have no order
'Cause I know that feeling when you've tried so hard
To make your way out, nothing mends
So you search for the breed of the problems there lying
Deep down in the soul and if, they never end
There's a whole bunch of reasons, tryin' to get out
But they can't make it out of the door
Oh, I know the reason I'm not enough
There's nothing more but
If I chant for happiness
Maybe that will make me feel better
I can't changes my ideals, I can't put out the fire
Oh, if I chant for happiness
Maybe that will bring us together, for the better
I can't changes my ideals, I can't lose my desire
I'm just a newborn friend for the world
Just a newborn friend for the world
I'll be your newborn friend and I'll
Sing loud, sing loud, sing loud, my friend
But I'll sing louder sing louder sing loud my friend
To my friend my friend
Sing love, sing loud, sing a little louder of my friend
Oh my friend
@3DOBot
He has one of the most angelic voices I've ever heard.
@gregcosta6965
Him and George Michael.
@mk-ultra9784
@@gregcosta6965 and martin gore from depeche mode :v
@TheDoctorPhreak
This album came out the year I was born. My father had this cd, and played when I slept. I remember in my dreams, this song lifted my tied spirit and made the dreams better. This song still lifts my spirit with joy.
@rodj9787
I Actually Share A Birthday With 'Seal
@Chubzdoomer
This really takes me back to the 90's.. Seal is just incredible.
@xoxxobob
It's been 20 years since Seal put this song out and still brings a smile to my face.
@mmmjayjay5571
same in 2021
@xoxxobob61
@@mmmjayjay5571 Now it's what???...27 Years?? !! Still loving this!
@kellyhoward6941
@@xoxxobob61 I vividly remember driving in Chapel Hill, listening to the radio when his 1st album came out. "Crazy" came on the radio. I drove straight to a pay phone (they existed back then), called the station for the artist's name, then drove straight to the record store for the CD. Crazy & this are 2 of my absolute fave songs of all time.