Debelle's debut album, Speech Therapy, was released in the United Kingdom on 31 May 2009. The album has had three singles released, "Searching", "The Key", and "Go Then, Bye". It won the Barclay Mercury music prize in 2009. The Mercury judges said she was a "remarkable new voice in British hip-hop, tough, warm and reflective". One judge, the broadcaster and conductor Charles Hazlewood added: "She's just quietly telling her stories in the most beguiling way."
Speech began writing poetry aged nine and started rapping lyrics in the schoolyard aged 13. Back then, initial inspiration came courtesy of Michael Jackson, which quickly turned to Blackstreet, Mary J Blige, TLC and reggae.
The first thing about Speech Debelle that strikes the ear is a contrast. Her voice is warm, youthful and listenable, and if you heard her in the background you might assume that her lyrics were the same. You’d be better placed tuning into them. In common with her new label-mate Roots Manuva, she’s astoundingly honest in her music, detailing and exorcising some very personal demons. That isn’t to say she’s another run of the mill rapper with more complaints than insights. Quite the opposite. Like all musicians worth listening to, she draws you into her universe and makes you glad you visited. There’s always a thaw to the chillier moments.
‘Searching’ is her debut single, and a perfect example of the offbeat, folky production that will litter the forthcoming album, as well as the whisper-in-the-ear quality of her vocals. One thing is certain, hip-hop has never been done in quite this way before. ‘Searching’ makes you wonder why not.
Live & Learn
Speech Debelle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I been from school to kicked out sixth form to kicked out
Mums to kicked out doors don't open much
It's more like a bum rush I'm quick to throw thumps
I'm tired of the kicking come and sweet this
I'm not crying but I'm afraid to show pain
I let it rain and nourish the soil I'm growing everyday
I'm like genesis and it begin with this
Inspiration I'm looking but it will come soon
Cause I notice I'm affected at the site of full moons
As is above so is below as I get the call
I'm ready to go I pick up the phone and
Let the lyrics be my speech therapy and
let it all be married to the melody and let it carry me
I been working round about 3 months and
It don't feel like I've achieve much its
Not that its wrong but it don't feel right
in front of my computer I'm ready to take flight
I know it's not just me we all want more flooded
with the daily task that we ignore
If I could I'd let the sea caress my shore
I'd give praise to the wind and the sum I'd adore
Cause under the full moons blossom black orchids bloom
In the bottom of bare barrels were theres barely room
Cause in towns were shots like cartoons for
everyone that's dropped one will get through
It's the balance of life the equilibrium
In this game of life I am just another one
Sometime life moves slow like the hour hand
But the hour hand determines the time and I
Definitely determine my life small steps or big strides right
And I might be under pressure daily
Cause money keeps on hiding from me
It's funny even though the jokes on my
happiness is free check the irony
But things must get better after every
storm comes good weather
After every tear drop comes a release
that's why I'm head over heel for these beats
I love these words rhythm and melody
Its heaven on earth forget what you heard its
heaven on earth forget what you heard.
The song "Live & Learn" by Speech Debelle speaks to the universal experiences of struggle and growth, using the artist's personal story as a lens through which to view these themes. The chorus of the song, "Life is learn live that's all it is," sets the tone for the message that is being conveyed. The artist reflects on her own journey from being expelled from school to feeling stuck in her current situation, frustrated by the slow pace of progress in her life. However, she also recognizes that growth is a continual process, and that even the struggles we face can be opportunities for growth and learning.
The line "I let it rain and nourish the soil I'm growing everyday" is particularly poignant, as it emphasizes the importance of being able to face and experience pain in order to continue to grow and thrive. This is also reflected in the lines "let the lyrics be my speech therapy and let it all be married to the melody and let it carry me," which speak to the cathartic power of music and creativity as a means of processing emotions and experiences. Ultimately, the song celebrates the power of perseverance and the hope that things will improve, even in the face of challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is learn live that's all it is
Life is about learning and experiencing in order to live.
I been from school to kicked out sixth form to kicked out
I've had trouble with education and being accepted in schools.
Mums to kicked out doors don't open much
I have a strained relationship with my mother and my surroundings.
It's more like a bum rush I'm quick to throw thumps
It's tough out here and I need to defend myself.
I'm tired of the kicking come and sweet this
I'm tired of being kicked while I'm down and want things to turn around.
I'm not crying but I'm afraid to show pain
I don't want to appear weak, but I am scared and hurting.
I let it rain and nourish the soil I'm growing everyday
I use my struggles to grow and mature.
I'm like genesis and it begin with this
I'm like the beginning of something new, and it starts with me.
From the womb to the tomb I'll be writing in my room
I will always be writing and expressing myself, from birth till death.
Inspiration I'm looking but it will come soon
I'm searching for inspiration and hope it comes to me soon.
Cause I notice I'm affected at the site of full moons
I'm affected by the power and energy of full moons.
As is above so is below as I get the call
There is a connection between the energy above and below us, and I feel it calling me.
I'm ready to go I pick up the phone and
I'm ready to answer the call and start something new.
Let the lyrics be my speech therapy and
I'll use my music and lyrics as a way to help myself and others.
let it all be married to the melody and let it carry me
I want my words to blend with the music and carry me to new heights.
I been working round about 3 months and
I've been working hard for about three months now.
It don't feel like I've achieve much its
Despite my hard work, I don't feel like I've accomplished much.
Not that its wrong but it don't feel right
It's not necessarily bad, but it doesn't feel satisfying either.
in front of my computer I'm ready to take flight
I feel the inspiration to take off and make something new.
I know it's not just me we all want more flooded
I know that we all desire more than what we currently have.
with the daily task that we ignore
We often ignore the small, mundane tasks that add up over time.
If I could I'd let the sea caress my shore
If I could, I would let nature soothe and calm me.
I'd give praise to the wind and the sum I'd adore
I appreciate nature and the beauty of the world.
Cause under the full moons blossom black orchids bloom
Under the power of the full moon, beauty can still thrive.
In the bottom of bare barrels were theres barely room
Even in the worst of situations, growth can still occur.
Cause in towns were shots like cartoons for
In certain areas, violence is portrayed and treated as if it were fictional.
everyone that's dropped one will get through
Everyone who has faced violence or hardship will make it through.
It's the balance of life the equilibrium
Life is a balance of good and bad, and everything in between.
In this game of life I am just another one
I am like everyone else in this game of life.
Sometime life moves slow like the hour hand
Life can move slowly, like the hour hand on a clock.
But the hour hand determines the time and I
Just like the hour hand, I will determine my own time and path in life.
Definitely determine my life small steps or big strides right
I will take control of my life through small steps and big strides.
And I might be under pressure daily
I might feel pressure every day.
Cause money keeps on hiding from me
I struggle with making money and feel like it's always out of reach.
It's funny even though the jokes on my
It's ironic that I'm struggling with money despite my talent.
happiness is free check the irony
Despite my other struggles, I know that happiness is free.
But things must get better after every
I believe that things will get better.
storm comes good weather
After every storm comes clear weather.
After every tear drop comes a release
After sadness and tears, there comes a sense of release.
that's why I'm head over heel for these beats
That's why I love music so much.
I love these words rhythm and melody
I love the way that words, rhythm, and melody come together.
Its heaven on earth forget what you heard its
Music is like heaven on earth, despite what anyone else may say.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
hellzBrother
Yeah, i can't believe as well, this song is beautiful, love it! :D
Nicolas Delrue
Amazing !!!
Huddersfield McNulty
She won't be missed until she's gone. It's just the age old sin of ignorance. Still, it's beautiful music and what more could we ask for?