In 2007, Knowles began to record music again. Her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008) deviated from the pop-oriented music of her debut to Motown-inspired sounds from the 60's and 70's. It peaked at number nine on the US Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics. She followed this up with the 1980s pop and R&B-inspired EP True (2012) on Terrible Records and her imprint Saint Records. Her third studio album, A Seat at the Table (2016) was released to widespread critical acclaim and became her first number-one album in the United States. The album's lead single, "Cranes in the Sky" won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Her fourth studio album, When I Get Home, was released in March 2019 to further critical acclaim.
Knowles was heavily influenced by Motown girl groups and says that her first passion is songwriting. Frequently compared by the media to her sister Beyoncé, Knowles has claimed that they have different aspirations and are musically different. She has been ranked by Billboard as the 100th most successful dance artist of all-time, and in 2017 was honored with the "Impact Award" at Billboard Women in Music. Her other ventures include an endorsement deal with Rimmel London and a line of hip-hop-oriented merchandise for young children.
Closing: The Chosen Ones
Solange Lyrics
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Knowing that it's a higher being
A higher power, knowing that these people done paved they way
You know, our great-great-grandfathers and grandmothers that came here
They found some kind of way to make the rhythm
You know, and they kept rhythm, no matter what
Now, we come here as slaves, but we going out as royalty
And able to show that we are truly the chosen ones
In the song "Closing: The Chosen Ones," Solange acknowledges the struggles of her ancestors and how they persevered through music. The song begins with Solange expressing that her life is complete because of her faith in a higher being. She believes that her ancestors, who paved the way for her, found strength in their faith and their ability to keep rhythm through their music.
Solange pays tribute to her great-great-grandparents and her grandmothers who were brought to America as slaves. She recognizes that they came with nothing but their music, culture, and traditions. However, despite the oppression, they never lost the rhythm of their lives, and this rhythm brought them hope and kept them going. Solange acknowledges that as a new generation, they have been able to benefit from the struggles of their ancestors, and they are going out as royalty, a symbol of their victory.
The lyrics of Solange's "Closing: The Chosen Ones" are a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those who came before us. The song recognizes that although life may be difficult, it's essential to acknowledge the past struggles of our ancestors, and their rhythm is what has kept us going. Solange's words touch on the importance of faith and hope in the face of adversity and how keeping rhythm through music has the power to transcend generations.
Line by Line Meaning
That's what make my life complete
The feeling of being complete in life.
Knowing that it's a higher being
Acknowledgment of the presence of a higher power that oversees everything.
A higher power, knowing that these people done paved they way
Gratitude towards those who came before us and paved the way for the present generation.
You know, our great-great-grandfathers and grandmothers that came here
A reference to the ancestors who were brought to this land as slaves.
They found some kind of way to make the rhythm
Despite the oppressive and inhumane conditions, they found a way to hold onto their culture and create music that represented their people.
You know, and they kept rhythm, no matter what
Even in the face of adversity, they were determined to keep their culture and traditions alive.
Now, we come here as slaves, but we going out as royalty
Acknowledgment of the transformation of black people from slaves to royalty and the pride that comes with it.
And able to show that we are truly the chosen ones
Confirmation of the belief that black people are the chosen ones, with a unique history and culture that sets them apart from others.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Solange Knowles, Dave Longstreth, Kwesi Sey, Patrick Wimberly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind