Sway is no stranger to the studio or stage. As a member of Drop ‘N Harmony, he was first featured on their self-titled album in 2000. Sway joined Kai and Innerlude alumni to form his next group 6th Day. He released his second group album Forever Starts Today in 2005, coinciding with his selection as a finalist on American Idol. He continued to tour with 6th Day until the group split in 2006. Sway continued to tour with fellow American Idol alum Elliott Yamin until deciding to start work on his first solo album in 2009.
My Story was written and produced by Sway Peñala, in collaboration with Derrick Allen (Tyrese & Wayman Tisdale), JP Nebres (Roger Troutman & Kai) , Roland Casiquin & Brian White (Black Eyed Peas). The album also features tracks with Drop ‘N Marketing Plan At-A-Glance Hamony and 6th Day.
Someone Like You
Sway Penala Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just wanna get you alone.
No it ain't how it seems, but the noise makes it hard to think
and I'm not ready to tell you goodnight.
Tell me what's your favorite color
Keep on talkin', let me guess where you're from
Has anyone ever said you look like an angel?
Yes it's stupid, but it got you to smile
Could you give me till sunrise to prove
that the one thing I'm missing is you?
I'll be careful with your heart
If you're careful with mine too
I'll be waiting for a start, perfect and new
I'll be gentle with my words
Ain't gonna act like I'm cool
I've been looking for someone like you
I didn't mean to come on too strong
I just couldn't help what I feel
And I know if we stop
any chance for us is good as gone and I might never ever see you again
If it takes till sunrise believe
that all of your tears end with me
I'll be careful with your heart
If you're careful with mine too
I'll be waiting for a start, so perfect like you
I'll be gentle with my words
Ain't gonna act like I'm cool
I've been looking for someone like for someone like you
You don't have to worry 'bout how it all ends
All that matters is how it begins
And I promise baby, I promise that I got you baby
And forever just might start tonight
I'll be careful with your heart
If you're careful with mine too
I'll be waiting for a start, baby perfect and new
I'll be gentle with my words
Ain't gonna act like I'm cool
I've been looking for someone like you
In "Someone Like You," Sway Penala sings about a strong desire to connect with someone and build a meaningful relationship with them. The upbeat tempo of the song contrasts with the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics, capturing the sense of uncertainty and thrill that often accompanies new connections. From the opening lines, the singer asserts that they do not want to "play make-believe," but rather wish to be honest about their intentions. They make it clear that they are interested in getting to know the other person better and that they "just wanna get [them] alone," emphasizing their desire for intimacy.
The lyrics also hint at a sense of urgency, as the singer does not want to waste any time with small talk or games. Despite this, they still take the time to ask personal questions like "what's your favorite color" and try to guess where the other person is from. The simple question "Has anyone ever said you look like an angel?" is effective in breaking the ice and getting the other person to open up, as the singer notes that it "got you to smile."
The repeated refrain "I've been looking for someone like you" reinforces the idea that the singer sees potential in the other person and is willing to put in the effort to build something special. Ultimately, the song is a plea for mutual vulnerability and openness, with the singer promising to be "careful with [the other person's] heart" if they are careful with theirs too.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't wanna play make believe, sugar
I don't want to pretend, sweetheart
I just wanna get you alone.
I just want to be alone with you
No it ain't how it seems, but the noise makes it hard to think
It's not what it looks like, but it's hard to think with all this noise
and I'm not ready to tell you goodnight.
And I'm not ready to say goodnight to you
Tell me what's your favorite color
Can you tell me your favorite color?
Keep on talkin', let me guess where you're from
Keep talking so I can guess where you're from
Has anyone ever said you look like an angel?
Has anyone ever told you that you look like an angel?
Yes it's stupid, but it got you to smile
Yes, it's silly, but it made you smile
Could you give me till sunrise to prove
Can you give me until sunrise to prove
that the one thing I'm missing is you?
that the one thing I need is you?
I'll be careful with your heart
I'll be cautious with your heart
If you're careful with mine too
If you're careful with my heart too
I'll be waiting for a start, perfect and new
I'll be waiting for a new perfect beginning
I'll be gentle with my words
I'll be kind with my words
Ain't gonna act like I'm cool
I'm not going to pretend to be cool
I've been looking for someone like you
I've been looking for someone like you
I didn't mean to come on too strong
I didn't mean to be too aggressive
I just couldn't help what I feel
I just couldn't control my feelings
And I know if we stop
And I know that if we stop
any chance for us is good as gone and I might never ever see you again
any possibility for us is gone and I might never see you again
If it takes till sunrise believe
If it takes until sunrise, trust
that all of your tears end with me
that all of your tears will stop with me
You don't have to worry 'bout how it all ends
You don't need to worry about how it will end
All that matters is how it begins
All that matters is how it will start
And I promise baby, I promise that I got you baby
And I promise, baby, I promise that I have you, baby
And forever just might start tonight
And forever might just begin tonight
I'll be waiting for a start, baby perfect and new
I'll be waiting for a perfect new beginning, baby
I've been looking for someone like you
I've been searching for someone like you
Contributed by Elizabeth S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.