“I was always a writer," says the man formerly known as Aaron Livingston. "Before I really learned music, I was serious about writing. Didn’t matter what it was. Just playing with words.”
Considering how long he's been making music, that's saying something. Born in Los Angeles to a preacher and a teacher, as a kid he absorbed songs from dusty family records and learned saxophone and piano, though he felt more at home inventing his own language on those instruments rather than following the lesson plan. Adapt or die, as they say.
Cycling through jazz, rock and R&B history, the hungry young son was beginning his true education. A few years later, the Livingstons moved to Queens, introducing Aaron to the active arts of hip-hop, basketball and city life. High school in suburban Jersey left him wanting more, so he headed to Manhattan and Columbia University, where he discovered art, recreational substances, and girls, girls, girls. He dropped out, got a job, got sad, kept journals. He moved to Philly, enrolled at Temple University, met the legendary Roots crew, even played music with them; they put his voice on an album, undun. He had a daughter, then a son. He was happy, still writing all the while.
Then, slowly, the music stalled. Faded. He got another dead end job. He checked out of days. He got sad again. He forgot how to adapt.
But, as it has the ability to do, the songwriting saved him. It was in his blood, he remembered. Coltrane. Hendrix. Santana. Tribe. And this time he vowed to never let it go. That's not to say he's always happy; he's human, after all. But making music helps keep things in perspective.
"I feel the weight of life as I always did, as everyone does," he says. "But I feel the weight lifted, because I love doing this. And the more I do it, the more I love it."
Son Little writes everywhere, every day, finding inspiration on the train, in a car, on the street, in the supermarket, with his children. Sometimes the ideas are fresh. Sometimes a tune comes from his past, a single spark. Nothing is off limits.
"It could be just a thought, and everything else comes from that," he says. "In one of my books could be a phrase that later is a song, and then the song becomes a whole catalog. It’s gotta germinate from somewhere."
Inspiration firmly struck, the song begins to bloom. There are many channels to Son Little's broadcast, varied stops on the dial, from blues to soul to funk to folk, and jook-joint jazz and chamber pop and back again. His voice—raw, weary yet alert, grave and gravelly, Marvin and Otis and Stevie all at once—soars and creeps, cracks and moans. His songs haunt, thrill, yearn and stomp like all the best work of his heroes.
And the learning never stops. Little has collaborated with highly respected artists like The Roots and the producer/DJ RJD2, mentoring under the former and creating a duo with the latter called Icebird, which allowed him to flex his considerable vocal chops and song arrangement skills.
"I've always loved the studio, but RJ helped me see how I can use it more effectively and find ways to challenge myself, and be inventive with sound. And The Roots, it’s hard to quantify what I’ve learned from them. Everything from how to rehearse to how to occupy the stage and command it…two things that are very fundamental in this business, and they are masters."
This fall sees the release of the first recorded output from Son Little for Anti- Records, an EP called, wouldn't you know it, Things I Forgot. Six songs: three babies (released first as videos), two twins, and an RJD2 remix. It's all there, all those misremembered things: Triumph and trophies, hardship and heartache, soft sentences, loud chapters, facts and birthdays, faces and places and scrapes and scales, nights and weeks and years all lost, gone into the ether, slipped away, out-sizing our normal human bandwidth.
"The singles, 'Cross My Heart' and 'Your Love Will Blow Me Away When My Heart Aches' and 'The River,' were more or less written consecutively," he says. "And so I think they were sort of internal responses to one other, complements. It's harder to place but I’ve been tinkering with the other two, 'Joy' and 'Alice,' for a long time. They’re sort of akin to one another in terms of mood. This is a small collection and maybe it's not as much a singular vision...it's more of a handful.”
A grip of memories; Things He Forgot. Son Little writes to remember, matching the disparate vibes of his full, full life with a patchwork blanket of sound, experience and inspiration. Inventing, observing, adapting. And still, it grows.
"I don’t see any end to the learning," he says. "And to understanding more of something that you immerse yourself in. Could be anything, again. Right now I’m immersed in this music and I feel that my understanding appreciates and changes scope and perspective. It's really rewarding in its own way."
Hey Rose
Son Little Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Those low notes speak what my mouth can't say
Can I read your every letter, turn your every page?
Can I hold you till these dark dreams fade?
Hey, Rose
Your soul is the picture
But your body is the frame
(And you taste just like your name)
I'll steer these wheels on down the road
All night from New York to Ohio
Can I drive you to California, fly you over Spain?
Can I take you to the place where the dolphins play?
Hey, Rose (hey, baby)
Hey, baby (can you hear me?)
Can you hear me, darling? (hey, life saver)
When you see it, baby (hey, life saver)
(Do us both a favor) Do us both for favor
Stay while I rebuild the world
On paper, Rose
Your soul is the picture
But your body is the frame
But the frame is exquisite
(And you taste just like your name)
We'll talk touch tones, no telephones
I reach the front door, nobody's home
Can I listen to your heartbeat, hear your every moan
Can I stay right here in your garden, love?
Hey, Rose
Your soul is the picture
But your body is the frame
But the frame is exquisite
And you taste just like your name
Hey, Rose (your soul is the picture)
Your soul is the picture (and your body is the frame)
But your body is the frame (but the frame is so exquisite)
But the frame is exquisite
(And you taste just like your name) hey, Rose
(Oh, your soul is the picture)
Your soul is the picture
(And your body is the frame)
But your body is the frame
(But the frame is so exquisite) but the frame is exquisite
(And you taste just like your name)
There's a big brass band in the park today
Those low notes speak what my mouth can't say
I indulge your every pleasure, engaged in lovers games
Can I hold you till these dark dreams fade?
The song "Hey Rose" by Son Little is a soulful and emotional track that speaks to the desire for love and connection. The song begins with the imagery of a big brass band in the park, and how the low notes of the music speaks what the singer's mouth can't say. The singer then asks if he can read and understand every part of Rose, mentally and physically. He yearns to hold her until the dark dreams fade, further emphasizing his desire to be with her. The chorus repeats the idea that Rose's soul is the picture while her body is the frame, and the frame is exquisite. This shows that while Rose's exterior is beautiful, it is her essence and soul that truly stands out.
The verse continues with the singer expressing his willingness to go above and beyond to be with Rose, driving her from New York to Ohio or even flying her over Spain. He asks if he can take her to the place where the dolphins play, which is a metaphor for a place of joy and happiness. He then pleads for Rose to stay with him while he rebuilds the world on paper, emphasizing that he wants her to be by his side through everything. The chorus repeats the same sentiments, with an emphasis on how Rose tastes like her name, highlighting her uniqueness and individuality.
The song concludes with the singer again expressing his desire to be with Rose, asking to touch her and feel her heartbeat. He expresses his willingness to stay by her side and indulge in lover's games, wanting to be there for her until the dark dreams fade. The bridge once again emphasizes the idea that Rose's soul is the picture while her body is the frame, and the frame is exquisite.
Overall, the song "Hey Rose" is a powerful and emotional track that speaks to the desire for love and connection, while also emphasizing the importance of individuality and uniqueness.
Line by Line Meaning
There's a big brass band in the park today
The sounds of brass instruments in the park today resonate with my inner feelings.
Those low notes speak what my mouth can't say
The low brass notes express what I am unable to articulate verbally.
Can I read your every letter, turn your every page?
Can I deeply understand you by learning about your past and present experiences?
Can I hold you till these dark dreams fade?
Can I comfort you until your negative thoughts and feelings disappear?
Hey, Rose
Greetings, my love.
Your soul is the picture
Your true essence is the artwork.
But your body is the frame
Your physical form is the container that showcases your inner beauty.
But the frame is exquisite
The container is exceptionally beautiful and well-crafted.
(And you taste just like your name)
(Your name perfectly suits your flavor or essence.)
I'll steer these wheels on down the road
I will take control of the vehicle and drive us forward.
All night from New York to Ohio
We will be traveling all night from New York to Ohio.
Can I drive you to California, fly you over Spain?
Can I take you on an exciting adventure trip to California and fly you to Spain to explore its beauty?
Can I take you to the place where the dolphins play?
Can we visit a place where we can watch dolphins play?
(hey, baby)
(term of endearment)
(can you hear me?)
(Are you listening to me?)
Can you hear me, darling?
Can you listen to me, my beloved?
(hey, life saver)
(term of endearment)
When you see it, baby
When you experience it, my love.
(hey, life saver)
(term of endearment)
(Do us both a favor)
(Let us both experience the blessings of love)
Do us both for favor
Let us both enjoy this wonderful relationship.
Stay while I rebuild the world
Please stay with me while I work to make the world a better place.
On paper, Rose
In writing, my love
(your soul is the picture)
(Your true essence is the artwork.)
(and your body is the frame)
(Your physical form is the container that showcases your inner beauty.)
(but the frame is so exquisite)
(The container is exceptionally beautiful and well-crafted.)
(And you taste just like your name) hey, Rose
(Your name perfectly suits your flavor or essence.) Greetings, my love.
We'll talk touch tones, no telephones
We'll communicate using affectionate gestures, not through electronic devices.
I reach the front door, nobody's home
I arrive at your doorstep, but you're not there.
Can I listen to your heartbeat, hear your every moan
Can I truly connect with you by hearing your heartbeat and most intimate sounds?
Can I stay right here in your garden, love?
Can I remain in your beautiful and peaceful environment, my love?
And you taste just like your name
You have a sweet and delightful flavor that perfectly matches your name.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Aaron Earl Livingston
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vivshk13
IM SO HURT THAT IT TOOK ME THIS LONG ...OVER 40YRS TO FIND YOUR TALENTED VOCALS🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽‼️‼️‼️‼️❣❣❣❣
@lukee-af5931
It is refreshing to hear a new song like this. I love it!
Not only does the song have a very engaging flow, but the video aesthetic is pleasantly retro. I hope to hear and see more of the artist.
@deezneez4590
Son Little does it again!! A beautiful shade of Cool!
@xorbs1729
Love it❤❤
@amytighe6291
Heard this on 88.5 WXPN Philadelphia. Got my attention right away. Great song! Keep em coming
@Dennizzz10
Realllly looking forward to see Son Little at North Sea Jazz Festival this July in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Hope to hear 'hey rose' there, it's such a cool song. The vibe in this song is giving me so much pleasure. Love it!
@joeld7398
Anti records with that 🔥🔥🔥
@TheIZM
A black artist with a black leading lady. Thank you brother. Welcome back. This is dope!
@tontocorazon
This song slaps
@jasonboeki2300
Song is soo easy to dance to