1994 saw Ski join ex-label mates Galliano as keyboard player. His relationship with the band grew, culminating in him co-writing and co-producing their final album '4'. The next few years saw Ski develop his writing & production skills further including writing sessions with Incognito and the release of the club classic 'Justify' on Bob Jones' short lived yet much missed Black on Black label. Ski also contributed tracks to a unique global collaborative project called 'Sun Sun'. This featured exclusive material from some the finest exponents of alternative contemporary dance music including DJ Cam, Bob Sinclair, Kruder & Dorfmeister and DJ Die. It was Ski's contribution, a deep & funky rolling number called 'Montreux a Marseilles' that brought him to the attention of Sony Columbia. They immediately signed him up and he recorded a version of the late Joe Henderson's jazz classic 'Tress Cun Deo La' featuring the vocal talents of Valerie Etienne. This was well received throughout Europe and it caught the ears of Philly's very own aqua boogie monster, King Britt, who supplied a beautiful remix.
Ski followed this with the release of his debut album 'Life Changes'. The album showed Ski as a true musical polymath, embracing influences and inspiration from house, disco, electro, jazz, soul and funk. 'Life Changes' is the distillation of musical experience, innovation, absorption and adventure.
Over the next couple of years Ski went on to persue his passion for remixing and writing. High profile reworks of tracks such as 'I can See the Future' by Incognito (Talkin Loud), 'American Dream' by Jakata (MOS) and 'Freak Like Me' by The Sugababes (Island) firmly established Ski as a true Nu-Jazz innovator and lead to countless remix offers.
Not one to stick to studio productions alone, Ski has provided his keyboard talents for many different bands such as Earl Zinger, 2 Banks Of 4, The Bays and even a brief spell with Kylie Minogue! ...and of course not forgetting playing his own gigs all around Europe, most recently at Cargo in London for Gilles Peterson's Glenfiddich Independent Mix. Ski is also not averse to spinning the odd record or two and has played at clubs across London and Tokyo.
For his second (and most recent) album 'Rising Son' in 2005, Ski teamed up with Bluey and DJ Venom to produce an intoxicating blend of classic Old skool house to Nu skool soul and uplifting funktronica. It features Amp Fiddler on 2 cuts, Chi Turner on 3 cuts, Tony Momrelle and Earl Zinger and Valerie Etienne. It was initially released in Japan on Pony Canyon and later worldwide on BBE.
Most recently Ski has completed a new project under the guise of Ayota. Initially inspired by a Japanese friend's book of Poetry entitled Helicopter Flying In A Cloudy Sky, Ski wrote soundtracks to three of the poems. This quickly developed into an album project continuing a Japanese ambient theme. The result is 'Helicopter Cuts'. Ski had the opportunity to showcase the album live at last year's Big Chill festival and the album is due for release on Third Ear Records in 2007.
Hang On
Ski Oakenfull Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lost U in the fire, found U in my dreams
U were crossin' over, crazy as it seems
Fallen rosary beads, hands found together
I need U and U need me
Hang On,
Hang On to U babe, Hang On to me
Hang On to me when you're falling
Hang on to U babe, Hang on to me, Hang
Darkness came around, where is all my sun
I've been looking 4 U, 'cos I know you're the one
Time has got to change, U gotta rearrange
We need energy and your love that U bring
How this world can be unseen, hands found together
I need U, U need me
We need love, stay together
How can time, pass us by, if I don't find ya, I'll lose my mind
Hang On,
Hang On to me when you're falling
Hang On to U babe, Hang On to me
Hang On to me when you're falling
Hang on to U babe, Hang on to me, Hang
We can find, our way home, U and I can fly
We can find, our way home, U and I can fly
We can fly
We can fly, in the sky
Fly, oh fly
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me, bring you
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me,
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me,
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me,
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me,
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me,
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me,
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Come on back to me,
Hey
The chorus of "Hang On" by Ski Oakenfull emphasizes the importance of holding on during difficult times. The repetition of "Hang On" reinforces the idea of staying strong and not giving up, no matter the challenges faced. It serves as a plea or a reminder to the listener to persevere and keep going.
The verses describe a sense of loss and longing, as the singer expresses finding someone in their dreams after losing them in reality. The imagery of "crossing over" and "fallen rosary beads" suggests a sense of spirituality and seeking solace in faith. The line "I need U and U need me" signifies a deep emotional connection and dependency between the singer and the person they are addressing in the song.
The lyrics touch on themes of darkness, longing for light, and the need for change and renewal. The mention of rearranging and finding energy and love indicates a desire for transformation and growth. The lines about staying together and the urgency to not let time pass by without reuniting with the other person show a sense of urgency and yearning for reconciliation.
The closing lines about finding the way home and flying together suggest a sense of hope, freedom, and unity. The repetition of "Come on back to me, bring me back to life" conveys a strong desire for reconnection and renewal of the relationship. The lyrics overall convey a message of resilience, hope, and the power of love to overcome obstacles and bring people back together.
Line by Line Meaning
Lost U in the fire, found U in my dreams
Despite feeling lost and overwhelmed, I found solace and comfort in my dreams.
U were crossin' over, crazy as it seems
I couldn't believe how unexpected and unusual your actions were as we drifted apart.
Fallen rosary beads, hands found together
Even when faced with challenges, we remain united and connected.
I need U and U need me
Our relationship is built on mutual need and support.
Darkness came around, where is all my sun
When everything seemed bleak, I searched for the light and positivity you bring into my life.
I've been looking 4 U, 'cos I know you're the one
I've been searching for you because I believe you are my true soulmate.
Time has got to change, U gotta rearrange
We need to adapt and evolve with time to strengthen our bond.
We need energy and your love that U bring
Your love and positivity are vital to our relationship and well-being.
How this world can be unseen, hands found together
Even in moments of confusion and uncertainty, we remain united and connected.
We need love, stay together
Love is the foundation that keeps us together through thick and thin.
How can time, pass us by, if I don't find ya, I'll lose my mind
Without your presence in my life, time feels meaningless and I feel lost without you.
We can find, our way home, U and I can fly
Together, we can navigate through challenges and find our way back to a place of comfort and happiness.
We can fly
Together, we can overcome obstacles and achieve great things.
Come on back to me, bring me back to life
Your presence brings me so much joy and vitality, I feel alive again when you're around.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Daniel Maunick, Dominic Oakenfull, Edouard Maunick, Joseph Fiddler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NatureGirl215, LLC
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