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)
Show Me
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sho-odinah
Under, la la la la la la
Different kinds of people.
Different kinds of life.
We go walking towards the future,
With different size strides.
Show me the way to solve your sorrows
And I'll do what I can,
Cause we have the experience,
If we plan
Baby we can see that close
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there,
Show me the way and I'll do what I can,
What can I say oh lately, what can I do?
I just can't stand losing,
Welcome to the new world,
Let me join your hand,
We go walking through the old world,
With a brand new plan.
All over,
God only knows how much I love you.
Give me a chance and I'll show the faith all over.
You will understand lady, if you change your mind.
Baby, only I know what you need.
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there.
Show me the way and I'll do what I can.
What can I say oh lady, what can I do?
No I can't stand,
I just can't stand losing you.
Don't mean to take up your time baby.
I won't be stomping on your life.
I only wanted to make you see.
Oh that you,
Only you know what I need.
Then maybe I can take you higher,
Then maybe I can stop those tears, I can stop those tears,
Oh with you,
Sha da da da da n da
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there.
Show me the way and I'll do what I can,
What can I say oh lady, what can I do?
I just can't stand losing,
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there.
Show me the way and I'll do what I can,
What can I say oh lately, what can I do
No I can't stand,
I just can't stand losing you,
Losing you
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there.
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll call you.
Just show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there.
Show me the way to solve,
I'll call you.
The lyrics to "Show Me" by Seal encompass a message of solidarity and compassion. The opening lines of "Odinah Sho-odinah Under" are nonsensical and are likely a made-up phrase. The following lines, "Different kinds of people. Different kinds of life. We go walking towards the future, with different size strides" refer to the idea that we are all different, with different backgrounds and experiences, but that we are all moving in the same direction towards the future.
The chorus, "Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there. Show me the way and I'll do what I can" speaks of the desire to help others and work together to solve problems. The lines "Baby, we can see that close" suggest that with cooperation and understanding, solutions can be found. The second verse, "Welcome to the new world, let me join your hand. We go walking through the old world, with a brand new plan" alludes to the idea that we are entering a new era, possibly with new challenges, but by joining hands and coming together, we can make it through.
The bridge, "Oh that you, only you know what I need. Then maybe I can take you higher, then maybe I can stop those tears, I can stop those tears, oh with you" refers to the connection between two individuals and how by understanding one another, they can make each other better and heal each other's pain.
Overall, "Show Me" is a song about empathy, understanding, and working together to solve problems. It encourages us to look beyond ourselves and our own problems and reach out to others in need.
Line by Line Meaning
Different kinds of people.
There are people who are different from each other.
Different kinds of life.
Everyone has a different way of living their lives.
We go walking towards the future, With different size strides.
We are all moving forward in our lives, but at our own pace.
Show me the way to solve your sorrows And I'll do what I can, Cause we have the experience, If we plan Baby we can see that close
If you show me how to fix your problems, I'll do my best to help because together we can find a solution.
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll be there, Show me the way and I'll do what I can, What can I say oh lately, what can I do? I just can't stand losing,
If you tell me how to make things better for you, I'll do everything I can. I can't bear the thought of losing you.
Welcome to the new world, Let me join your hand, We go walking through the old world, With a brand new plan. All over, God only knows how much I love you. Give me a chance and I'll show the faith all over. You will understand lady, if you change your mind. Baby, only I know what you need.
Let me be a part of your life, and together we can build something new. I love you more than words can say, and I'll prove it to you if you give me a chance. Trust me, I know what's best for you.
Don't mean to take up your time baby. I won't be stomping on your life. I only wanted to make you see.
I don't want to be a burden or disrupt your life. I just want to make you realize something important.
Oh that you, Only you know what I need. Then maybe I can take you higher, Then maybe I can stop those tears, I can stop those tears, Oh with you,
You are the only one who truly understands me and what I need. If we work together, we can take each other to new heights and overcome our pain and sadness.
Show me the way to solve your problems and I'll call you.
If you show me how to help you, I'll reach out to you and we can work on it together.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Johnata M Austin, Jermaine Dupri, James Samuel Iii Harris, James Harris Iii, Terry Lewis, Manuel Lonnie Seal
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind