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)
Albums
Seal (1991)
Seal II (1994)
Human Being (1998)
Seal IV (2003)
System (2007)
Soul (2008)
Seal 6: Commitment (2010)
Soul 2 (2011)
7 (2015)
Standards (Deluxe) (2017)
Seal (Deluxe Edition) (2024)
Thank You
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For letting me see the dawning of a brand-new day
I wanna thank you, for all that you've done for me
Lord, I wanna thank you, for all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
When I was down and out, didn't have a dime
You made a way for me, you stepped in right on timeI wanna thank you, for all that you've done for me
Lord, I wanna thank you for that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
When I was sick, seems like I couldn't get well
Lord, you healed my body, Jesus, and now I can tell
I wanna thank you Lord, for all that you've done for me
I wanna thank, I wanna thank you for all you've done
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
For all that you've done for me
You came down, Lord, you came to calvary
I wanna thank you for all you've done
I thank you for all you've done
When I was sick in my body, didn't know if I was going to get well
Lord you healed me and now I can tell, thank youLord you healed me and now I can tell, thank you
You didn't have to do it but you did and I thank ya, I bless ya, I praise you
Praise you
Praise you
Praise you
Praise you
Praise you
You woke me up this morning, started me on my way
Clothed me in my right mind, Jesus, and I wanna thank you
You been so good
You been so good
You stepped in right on time, Jesus
And I wanna thank you for all that you've done for me
For all you've done for me
The song "Thank You" by Seal is an expression of gratitude and appreciation towards a higher power for all the blessings and favors bestowed upon the singer. In the beginning, the singer thanks God for waking him up and starting him on his way, suggesting that the day is a symbol of a new beginning, a new opportunity to pursue life, and its joys. He praises God again for stepping in right on time when he was down and out and did not have a dime to his name. Therefore, he extends his gratitude for all that God has done for him.
Later on, the singer acknowledges all the times God has healed his body and ensured his well-being while he was sick or in trouble. He says that God did not have to do it, but He did, and that he feels blessed, grateful, and overwhelmed with thanksgiving. The emotion is so powerful that he keeps repeating words of praise towards the end, stating that he has been clothed in his right mind and blessed beyond measure.
In conclusion, "Thank You" is a song of immense gratitude, acknowledging God's presence in the singer's life and expressing never-ending thankfulness for all the ways God has blessed him. It is a humbling reminder of the transformative power of grace, the importance of faith, and the strength that comes from a sense of gratefulness.
Line by Line Meaning
For waking me up and starting me on my way
I am grateful for being alive and for having the opportunity to start a new day.
For letting me see the dawning of a brand-new day
I am grateful for being able to witness the beginning of a new day and all the possibilities it holds.
I wanna thank you, for all that you've done for me
I am expressing my gratitude for everything that has been done for me.
Lord, I wanna thank you, for all that you've done for me
I am addressing my gratitude to God for everything that has been done for me.
When I was down and out, didn't have a dime
When I was struggling and broke.
You made a way for me, you stepped in right on time
You provided a solution for me when I needed it most.
For all that you've done for me
Expressing gratitude for everything that has been done for me.
When I was sick, seems like I couldn't get well
When I was ill and didn't think I would ever recover.
Lord, you healed my body, Jesus, and now I can tell
You cured me and now I am able to declare it.
I wanna thank you Lord, for all that you've done for me
I want to express my gratitude to God for everything that has been done for me.
You came down, Lord, you came to Calvary
You descended to Earth and were crucified at Calvary.
You didn't have to do it but you did and I thank ya, I bless ya, I praise you
You didn't have to provide this for me, but I am grateful and thankful for your act of kindness.
You woke me up this morning, started me on my way
You gave me the gift of a new day and the opportunity to start again.
Clothed me in my right mind, Jesus, and I wanna thank you
You provided me with mental clarity and allowed me to think clearly.
You been so good
You have been kind and benevolent.
You stepped in right on time, Jesus
You arrived at the right moment and provided help when needed.
And I wanna thank you for all that you've done for me
I am expressing my gratitude for everything that has been done for me.
For all you've done for me
Expressing gratitude for everything that has been done for me.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: KEVIN LEWIS, TROY PATTERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind