Talent will out, they say, but sometimes the exit route is a long and winding road. For Shawn Lee, the journey began in Wichita, Kansas.
Shawn grew up in a rural area on the outskirts of the city. His mother is half Lebanese, half American Indian, his father Irish-American. While his peers got off on cheesy corporate rock and the kind of line-dancing tunes recently fashionable in Gap ads, Shawn was groovin' to the blaxploitation funk Sly and the Isleys. Later, his local Baptist Church widened his appreciation of black music, but when he sang in its gospel choir, he discovered some of his white 'friends' were racists who disapproved. "Fuck this," he thought. "I'm leaving the Mid-West" It was 1988.
Next stop Los Angeles. Already an able multi-instrumentalist (guitar,drums,bass,etc) Shawn now set about developing his songwriting. There were bands, publishing deals, relationships and day jobs: more notches on the bedpost of experience. This period also saw Shawn befriend the late Jeff Buckley, and somebody, somewhere has a tape of them jamming "Honky Tonk Woman" Be sure that Buckley would have recognized Shawn's talent.
In 1995, Shawn moved to London, where he recorded his solo debut. For all the wrong reasons, the album was never released. It was soul destroying; a bit like somebody erasing 3 years of your life." Resolving to write and record on his own terms, Shawn kept working. He passed CD's of songs to friends with no agenda other than "hope you enjoy it." As Shawn continued to do it his way, air play garnered by a self-financed EP prompted several major labels to phone him. He had no intention of re-boarding the corporate merry-go-round, though. Instead, he opted to sign a deal with Mark Jones at Wall of Sound. "The label's got real credibility," he says "and Mark was happy to put out a record which sounds exactly like I wanted it to." Subsequently Shawn became the flagship artist for the new Wall of Sound imprint, We Love You....
Which brings us to Monkey Boy, an inspired and beautifully crafted album which warrants your undivided attention. Like the best work by The Isley Brothers, it takes rock, soul, funk and folk textures, then fuses them with unquestionable panache. For afters, there's deft scratching, sumptuous bossa-nova and a dark waltz which evokes Burt Bacharach on downers. What's new pussycat? This is.
The bossa track is 'Happiness', all itch-scratching Latin percussion a la Sergio Mendez. Had Arthur Lee's Love formed in Rio rather than Los Angeles, they might have sounded like this. Further in, A&R Man of Love (yes, the title's ironic) was inspired by Vincent Gallo's fabulous soundtrack for Buffalo 66. You'll be pleased to know that as much as Shawn admires Gallo's many talents, he doesn't share his arrogance.
Shawn's album was self-produced, and although friends dropped by to add strings, double bass, brass and woodwind, Shawn's skills as a multi-instrumentalist hold court. You'll notice, too, that his voice is a marvel throughout; check out "Harmony In Falsetto" (a self-explanatory ballad), or his sweet-honey-in-the-rock delivery on "Floating" Class.
If Ian Brown is the king of the swingers, I'm a baboon's arse and Britney's Nina Simone..
It's time to swap bravado and pap for soul and a solid gold talent. Shawn Lee, aka Monkey Boy, is top banana....
http://www.facebook.com/amandshawnlee
http://www.shawnlee.net
Mary Jane
Shawn Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Female chorus: Mary Jane, Mary Jane
I′m in love with Mary Jane.
She's my main thing.
She makes me feel alright.
She makes my heart sing.
The song "Mary Jane" by Shawn Lee is a love song dedicated to the singer's favorite herb, marijuana. The lyrics talk about how the singer is in love with Mary Jane, referring to the feelings of euphoria and relaxation that one feels when under the influence of marijuana. The repetition of the phrase "Mary Jane" in the chorus, sung by female backing vocalists, emphasizes the singer's affection for the herb.
The singer talks about how Mary Jane is their "main thing," which could mean that marijuana is their go-to drug of choice. He expresses that she makes him feel alright and makes his heart sing, suggesting that marijuana is a source of comfort and happiness for him. The lyrics take on a romantic tone, as if the singer is in love with a person, but it's made clear that the subject of his affection is marijuana.
Overall, "Mary Jane" is a catchy and upbeat song that celebrates the positive effects of marijuana on the singer's life. It highlights the plant's ability to lift one's mood and bring joy and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Come here, baby. Mary I love you. Do it girl.
Approach me, my beloved. I adore Mary, please take action.
Female chorus: Mary Jane, Mary Jane
The female voices sing Mary Jane's name repeatedly.
I'm in love with Mary Jane.
I have strong affection towards Mary Jane.
She's my main thing.
Mary Jane is a top priority in my life.
She makes me feel alright.
Mary Jane brings me comfort and contentment.
She makes my heart sing.
Mary Jane brings joy and happiness to my life.
Writer(s): Shawn Lee
Contributed by Annabelle J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@JeffmChicago
This song has a hippie soulful vibe to it. I like it a lot. Shawn Lee's voice is very interesting. I have been a fan of his since hearing 'Happiness' for the first time. Bravo, Shawn!
@VinceOmega
I've been listening to this song over and over again. I just bought the CD on Amazon, I love it that much that I need the CD so I can rip a FLAC file. It deserves the loss-less treatment. Awesome music, Shawn Lee has become one of my new favorite artist.
@PhYcOnErD
This song is awesome why can't people see his amazing musical talent?
@Baron_of_Barren
I feel so proud being one of the 18.745 listeners.
@ScabbynRugged410
Why does my ordinary couch feel so comfy right now? Great Song.
@andreaferigo
I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH <3 <3 <3
@Nvdatan
this song is soo good
@bubasisa
Love this song and guitar is parts well blending melodicie.
@FiveSigma72
Amazing talent. I only know about the guy from actively seeking Eastbound tracklist for Kiss the Sky, never heard anything before about him. Turns out he's a fkin genius with a large back catalogue. Sweet.
@Akdarval
you can also type in lataa right before youtube in the address bar