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.
I Decided
Solange Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't hear myself (no nooo)
Can you please turn me up a little bit more
I was a little different
I didn't do what the fast girls do
You studied my rhythm
Now you can speed me up when you want to oooh
They were to cool to run my race
You kept the pace with a smile on ya face
Go head baby (go head baby)
Then I knew he was you (then I knew it was you!)
But first you took me around
Introduced me to your family and friends
And told them how that once we met that
We would never lose
Oh boy
I decided that you are the him for me (I decided)
Oh boy
'Cause I decided that you are the him for me (yes you are)
Oh my boy
How's it feel to win it
When ain't no mountains that you can't move
Your mind is like a prism
For god's light to shine throw ooh
They were to cool to run my race (yeah!!!)
You kept the pace with a smile on ya face
Go head baby (go head baby!!!)
Then I knew he was you (then I knew it was you)
But first you took me around
Introduced me to your family and friends
And told them how that once we met that
We would never lose (never lose never lose)
Oh boy
I decided that you are the him for me
Oh boy
'Cause I decided that you are the him for me
Oh boy
I decided that you are the him for me (you are the one for me baby)
Oh my boy (whoa boy)
You were running me running me down (down)
Telling me telling me wait
Running me down and telling me you were never gonna let go
Is the way you got me
Ooh! The way you got me when you got me baby
Ooh now you got me baby
You were running me running me down (running)
Telling me telling me wait (telling me telling me wait)
Running me down and telling you were never gonna let go
Is the way you got me
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby
Don't break my heart (whoa)
Let me take it from you (let me take it from you)
'Cause were one and the closer I get
To you the more fearful I become
That would break me in two Honey
Hahaha!!!
'cause I decided that you are the him for me
Oh my boy (yes I)
You were running me running me down (running me running me down!)
Telling me telling me wait
Running me down and telling me you were never gonna let go (yeah yeah yeah)
Is the way you got me
That's the way you got me baby
That's the way you got me baby
The song "I Decided" by Solange is a love song about finding the perfect partner who fits with you effortlessly. The song starts with the singer asking for more volume before going into a reflection on how she did not follow the norm or act like other girls. Instead, the singer was herself and let her true self shine. She then met someone who matched her rhythm and could keep pace with her. The singer goes on to describe how this special person introduced her to his family and friends and promised her that they would never lose each other. The singer ultimately decided that this person was "the him" for her, and they share a love that is so strong that the closer she gets to him, the more fearful she becomes of losing him.
The lyrics in "I Decided" are straight to the point and easy to understand. The song is a beautiful ode to finding the perfect partner who loves and accepts you for who you are without trying to change you. The lyrics convey a feeling of comfort and security in knowing that you have found your soul mate. The slow tempo, combined with the understated melody and the simplicity of the lyrics, creates a soothing and beguiling love song.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh
Exclamation of excitement or admiration
Can't hear myself (no no)
Request to increase the volume of the music
Can you please turn me up a little bit more
Polite request for a further increase in the volume
I was a little different
Acknowledgment of being unique or non-conformist
I didn't do what the fast girls do
Did not engage in behaviors perceived as promiscuous or reckless
You studied my rhythm
Someone observed and analyzed her actions and behavior
Now you can speed me up when you want to oooh
The observer knows how to motivate and inspire her
They were to cool to run my race
Others were too aloof or detached to appreciate her potential
You kept the pace with a smile on ya face
The observer maintained a supportive and positive attitude throughout
Go head baby (go head baby)
Encouraging words to keep going or keep pushing
Then I knew he was you (then I knew it was you!)
She recognized that the observer was the right partner for her
But first you took me around
The observer introduced her to new experiences and people
Introduced me to your family and friends
The observer shared his personal life with her
And told them how that once we met that
The observer shared the story of their meeting
We would never lose
The observer expressed his faith in their relationship
Oh boy
Affectionate expression directed towards the observer
I decided that you are the him for me (I decided)
She made a conscious choice to commit to the observer
Cause I decided that you are the him for me (yes you are)
Reinforcement of her choice to choose the observer as her partner
Oh my boy
Affectionate expression directed towards the observer
How's it feel to win it
Asking how it feels to be successful
When ain't no mountains that you can't move
Acknowledgment of the observer's ability to overcome any obstacle
Your mind is like a prism
Compliment regarding the observer's intelligence
For god's light to shine throw ooh
The observer's intellect allows him to see the divine in everything
Never lose never lose
Repeating the idea that they will never fail or falter
You were running me running me down (down)
The observer pursued her relentlessly
Telling me telling me wait
He implored her to be patient and wait for him
Is the way you got me
Persistence and dedication won her heart
Don't break my heart (whoa)
Fear of being hurt or disappointed
Let me take it from you (let me take it from you)
Asking the observer to handle her heart with care
Cause were one and the closer I get
Describing the depth and intensity of their connection
To you the more fearful I become
Fear of losing what they have together
That would break me in two Honey
The thought of losing the observer would devastate her
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Pharrell Williams, Solange Knowles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KeishannaMichele
I’ve been looking all over for this version. This is my favorite version of this song.
@wallaceoliveira6556
looking for it since 2009, thanks for posting.
@mslecreshamii
Just rediscovered this gem
@Zoerapss
I love this version!!!
@mikomi31
This should be I decided Part 3
@tyslayer3729
This 🔥
@qCLEFJones
love this version...
@Okeo222
Me tooooo
@florazul5240
Her background vocals are IT