Her work with Massive Attack was not solely confined to singing, and she assisted with other aspects of the songmaking process. However, she decided to discontinue working with the band after the Blue Lines album.
In July 1993 she started her solo career with the UK Top 20 hit "Down That Road". The single was released on Cooltempo Records after Nelson had returned to London from Bristol. Both Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osbourne were involved in remixing the single, which marketed her as the "new Aretha Franklin".
According to reviews she "readily admitted to her Motown Records influences, and the arrangements on her debut album were sumptuous affairs, with heaped strings and gushing choruses." The songs were co-written by Prince Be of P.M. Dawn ("Down That Road"), Adrian Sherwood (the title track) and Saint Etienne ("One Goodbye In Ten').
Inside Out
Shara Nelson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm even prepared to go with your flow
These feelings just crept up on me now
I realize without you I'm not home
Feelin' shy to tell you the truth
Feelin' alone when I can't arrest the way I feel to you
All I want you in my life somewhere
And I guess it's cause you know me, shada
And I want you in my life somewhere
And I guess it's cause you know me inside out
Those little things you used to say
Still bring me hope for a brand new day
I'm full of things I never had
Toyin' with ideas you gave to me
I wanna sing, I wanna shout
And tell the world cause I'm so proud
I wanna sing, I wanna shout
And tell the world cause I'm so proud
Oh I want you in my life somewhere
And I guess it's cause you know me, shada
And I want you in my life somewhere
And I guess it's cause you know me inside and out
The lyrics to Shara Nelson's song "Inside Out" express a deep emotional attachment to someone she cares deeply for. The opening lines, "I don't wanna change the way I feel/I'm even prepared to go with your flow" indicate a willingness to accept the highs and lows of the relationship. She acknowledges that these feelings have "crept up" on her and that without this person, she does not feel at home. The chorus repeats the desire to have this person in her life somewhere, acknowledging that they know her "inside and out."
The second verse reveals a sense of vulnerability as she admits to feeling shy and alone when she can't express her emotions to this person. They "used to say" things that bring her hope for a "brand new day" and she is full of new ideas they have given her. The repetition of "I wanna sing, I wanna shout/And tell the world cause I'm so proud" emphasizes her enthusiasm for the relationship.
Overall, the lyrics to "Inside Out" express a deep sense of affection and attachment to someone, but also show vulnerability and a desire for openness and communication.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna change the way I feel
I am content with my feelings and do not want them to change
I'm even prepared to go with your flow
I am willing to adapt to your way of doing things
These feelings just crept up on me now
My feelings for you grew unexpectedly
I realize without you I'm not home
I feel incomplete without you
Feelin' shy to tell you the truth
I am hesitant to reveal my true feelings to you
Feelin' alone when I can't arrest the way I feel to you
I feel isolated when I cannot express my emotions to you
All I want you in my life somewhere
I want you to be a part of my life in some way
And I guess it's cause you know me, shada
I suppose it's because you understand me so well
Those little things you used to say
The small expressions you used to share with me
Still bring me hope for a brand new day
They still fill me with optimism for the future
I'm full of things I never had
My life is now richer because of you
Toyin' with ideas you gave to me
I am exploring new thoughts inspired by you
I wanna sing, I wanna shout
I feel a strong desire to express myself
And tell the world cause I'm so proud
To broadcast to everyone how much you mean to me
Oh I want you in my life somewhere
I want you to be a part of my life in some way
And I guess it's cause you know me, shada
I suppose it's because you understand me so well
And I want you in my life somewhere
I want you to be a part of my life in some way
And I guess it's cause you know me inside and out
I suppose it's because you truly know me inside and out
Writer(s): K. ARMSTRONG, S. NELSON
Contributed by Jonathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.