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)
Prayer For The Dying
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fearless people careless needle
Harsh words spoken and lives are broken
Forceful aging help me I'm fading
Heaven's waiting it's time to move on
Crossing that bridge with lessons I've learned
I may not know what you're going through
But time is the space between me and you
Life carries on, ooh
It goes on
Just say die and that would be pessimistic
In your mind we can walk across the water
Please don't cry it's just a prayer for the dying
I just don't know what's got into me
Been crossing that bridge with lessons I've learned (learned)
Playing with fire and not getting burned (burned)
I may not know what you're going through
But time is the space between me and you
There is a light through that window
Hold on say yes while people say no
Life carries on, on, on, on, ooh
It goes on, oh-ee-oh, whoa-ee-oh, ho, oh
I'm crossing that bridge with lessons (I've learned)
I'm playing with fire and not getting burned (burned)
I may not know what you're going through
But time is the space between me and you
There is a light through that window
Hold on say yes while people say no
'Cause life carries on oh-ee-oh, whoa-ee-oh ho on
It goes on, oh-ee-on, it goes on
Whoah, whoah, life carries on
When nothing else matters
When nothing else matters
I just don't know what's got into me
It's just a prayer for the dying
For the dying
"Prayer For The Dying" is a song by British singer Seal. The song was released in 1994 as the lead single from his second studio album "Seal (1994)". The song is a ballad that talks about the struggles of life and how we could overcome it by being positive and letting go of pessimism. The lyrics carry a deeper message that encourages people to overcome their fears and face the world with hope and faith.
The first verse talks about the harsh words that people often speak and how it can break lives. Aging is also mentioned, and the person singing is getting help to not fade away. He then says that Heaven is waiting, and it's time to move on. The second verse is more hopeful as it talks about life that goes on despite the struggles. It mentions playing with fire and not getting burned, which could be interpreted to mean that taking risks is necessary for progress in life.
The chorus of the song speaks about the positive outlook one should have towards life. The phrase "Just say die and that would be pessimistic" means that one should not give up easily or be negative. The line "In your mind, we can walk across the water" is figurative and means that the person's mind is powerful and could overcome any obstacle. The singer encourages one not to cry but instead have faith, and he calls it a prayer for the dying.
Line by Line Meaning
Fearless people careless needle
People who are fearless may take careless risks that could end badly
Harsh words spoken and lives are broken
When people use hurtful words, it can cause emotional harm and break relationships
Forceful aging help me I'm fading
As people get older, they may feel a loss of strength and energy and need help to keep going
Heaven's waiting it's time to move on
Death is inevitable and is a transition to the afterlife that we must all face
Crossing that bridge with lessons I've learned
Moving forward in life with the knowledge gained from past experiences
Playing with fire and not getting burned
Taking risks without negative consequences, despite the danger involved
I may not know what you're going through
It can be difficult to fully understand someone else's experiences and emotions
But time is the space between me and you
Time can create distance between people, making it harder to connect and empathize
Life carries on, ooh
Despite challenges and obstacles, life continues and moves forward
Just say die and that would be pessimistic
Giving up or losing hope is a negative and unproductive mindset
In your mind we can walk across the water
Believing in oneself and having a positive attitude can help overcome seemingly impossible challenges
Please don't cry it's just a prayer for the dying
The song is a message of comfort and hope for those who are dying and their loved ones
There is a light through that window
Even in the darkest moments, there is still hope and a possibility for a better future
Hold on say yes while people say no
Having the courage to stay positive and keep going, even when others doubt or oppose you
Whoah, whoah, life carries on
Life continues, even in the face of adversity, and there is always a way forward
When nothing else matters
In the end, what truly matters is how we lived our lives and the legacy we leave behind
I just don't know what's got into me
Feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about something that is happening or changing
It's just a prayer for the dying
The song is a hopeful and comforting message for those who are facing the end of their lives
For the dying
The song is a tribute to those who have passed away and a comfort to those who are grieving their loss
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Augustus Isidore, Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@FINNEGANAGENNIF
This song introduced me into compassion for people who have been given a time limit. It's all of us! No one gets out alive. But go out LIVING!
@jacovawernett3077
L'chaim. Geshem Israel Geshem Israel elehenu Adonai Hashem.
@TooCoolforCardi
Really wish more people knew and appreciated Seal’s songs. I love this album and played the hell out of this and other songs of his.
@debrarogers6529
So did l.
@tuttt99
Not a bad song on it!
@NatoShinobi
Yes!! Front to back!! No skipping
@RumCaptain
Wtf are talking about?
This album alone sold 4 million plus just in the U.S. It also went Platinum like 9 times world wide.
@jesuswarrior8191
I'm right there with you! He is an absolutely amazing artist!
@the_sojourner8756
I had the honor of seeing Seal at the Beacon Theatre end of May and he's a true artist. There is something so ageless about him and his music, it transcends space and time. Just absolutely profound, deep, interesting. The concert was life changing for me, his music is truly a Blessing.
@davidkelly2
I'm a grown man, long jaded by this world. I never tap into my emotional side.
But this song makes me cry. It makes me yearn for the most authentic and loving connections. It reminds me of the brevity of life and to not take it so seriously.