R&B's best kept secret is finally out. Another chapter in Syleena Johnson's book has been written. This time, it is more than recording an album. After amicably leaving an eight-year record deal with Jive Records in 2006, Syleena has launched her own label, Aneelys Records (Syleena spelled backwards). This opportunity comes by way of a label deal with Federal/Universal Music Group.
Syleena previously worked with countless artists and producers such as R. Kelly, Bob Power, Kay Gee, Busta Rhymes, Cam' Ron, Common, Jermaine Dupri, and Twista. Kanye West blessed her with his production on "Bulls-Eye (Suddenly)," from Chapter 3: The Flesh. Syleena proved to be Kayne's saving grace as she provided last minute vocals on the hit, "All Falls Down," which led to a Grammy nomination for both artists.
Artists often fall by the wayside and are rarely heard after leaving a major record label. But, Syleena didn't allow her split with Jive Records to rip out any pages from her next chapter. She simply took matters into her own hands and decided to go the independent route. With her label, Syleena will finally see the benefits of all her hard work, whether it be working on a personal project or signing other acts. She will finally have the creative control and power to see things through and plan out her career as she sees fit.
With this control, Syleena will give birth to her newest release, Chapter 4: Labor Pains, due January 13, 2009. Along with running her own label and being an artist, Syleena has also become a wife and mother within the past year. "My husband is an excellent man, I couldn't ask for a better one and my son is my best work yet," Syleena says. Naturally, this experience lent a hand in Syleena writing Chapter 4: Labor Pains, as she describes the pain of having a baby as the worst pain in life, but rewarding in the end. Syleena shadows her life on the principle that you reap what you sow "Nothing good comes easy. All the struggle, strife, work and pain we go through, that's the price you have to pay to reap the benefits in the end," Syleena expresses.
As always, Syleena speaks on behalf of a woman's struggles. But, she leads off on a lighter note with her first single from, Chapter 4: Labor Pains, "It Is True." She sings a heavenly love ballad about new found, true love with her husband and the product of that love. "It is everything I felt about my husband when we first met, and now the love of my son follows suit," Syleena swoons. There's no denying that Syleena is passionately in love as she angelically sings "over and over again, in my dreams and in my head, I'm imagining you all in my future, us continuing through 'til we get older, and I swear that I've never met, a boy like you, a true soldier, my knight in shining armor, you saved me boy, you bring me joy and that's how I know it's true."
The buzz continues and the drama unfolds in Chapter 4: Labor Pains, as Syleena displays her songwriting and storytelling skills in "Shoo Fly," an alternative tale of baby mama drama. The story comes from the point of view of a woman with a man who has a baby mama and what that woman goes through when the baby mama wants him back all the while using the child as leverage. In the chorus Syleena sings, "so shoo fly he's mine, for the last time, don't make me say it no more, damn girl to move on, be gone, so long, get gone." This is a different angle giving the woman's perspective on baby mama drama. Other notable tracks on Chapter 4: Labor Pains are "Labor Pains," the title track which is dedicated to women and sisterhood, "My First," a grown and sexy song about a man who is the first to actually give good love and affection, and "Personal Trainer," a song about the mental stimulus of physical attraction.
While dealing with real issues, Syleena never strays away from God in her music. This signature approach is what makes her unique as she shows how God applies to every aspect of life. She tells the passionate, hard truth with a voice and spirit which has been anointed by God and speaks directly to the mind and spirit of women. "I always come from a spiritual view as a Christian woman in the real world, the here and now, the issues we as women have to deal with," Syleena testifies.
Chapter 1: Love, Pain, & Forgiveness, was the beginning of how God established a relationship and peace within Syleena. He then gave her the Garden of Eden in Chapter 2: The Voice. But she disobeyed Him and ate the forbidden fruit in Chapter 3: The Flesh. Now Syleena must pay the price, which is Chapter 4: Labor Pains. Biblically, labor pains are a woman's curse, but Syleena takes it all as a blessing. "At the end, I want people to feel uplifted and motivated, that's my goal. Not to just motivate people, but myself in the process," Syleena professes. Be prepared for the experience of Chapter 4: Labor Pains.
Despite releasing four albums, Syleena is more than a singer. She caught the acting bug and showed off her multi-dimensional talent by playing a significant role in Eric Jerome Dickey's Cheater's-The Stage Play in 2005. She also added modeling to her many talents as she modeled for Ashley Stewart after signing with Wilhelmina modeling agency as a plus-size model.
Johnson released her new album, "Chapter 5: Underrated" on September 27, 2011, which features Toxic (the producer behind Keyshia Cole & Monica's "Trust", as well as much of Twista's work number) and a number of other high-profile producers and artists. The albums' lead single titled "A Boss" was released on June 21, 2011.
The Voice
Syleena Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Was havin') Bad thoughts like I won't be around
(Was thinkin') Maybe I should get out of this game
(I thought that) Nobody wanted to hear me sing
(I thought that) Nobody even knew my name
(I thought that) Maybe 'cause it was I didn't lose weight
(I thought that) I had failed and I felt so ashamed
(And not just) At my music, but at everything
(And my) Sisters told me not to lose my faith
(They told me) "Get on your knees and let GOD lead the way"
(And then I) Closed my eyes and I heard a voice say
[Chorus ](2 Times):It told me "Stand up"
If you want to be seen,
It told me "Reach out"
So you can catch your dreams,
It told me "Cry out"
If you want to be heard
It told me "Be strong"
And take heed to my word"
[Verse#2:] So from now on when I hear that voice say
(Stand up) I'm on my feet, and I'm showin' my face
(Because I) Won't go quietly into the night
(I will be) Strong and faithful, oh I will survive
(I will be) Honest to me, I will try even when I cry
(I will be) Humble, but fearless knowing the LORD by my side
(I won't take) Life for granted, I'll live everyday like my last
(I will make) Lemonade even when lemons is all I have
(I will pay) All my dues and tithes in Sundays
(I won't break) When haters test me, focused I will stay
(And when I) Cannot hide from those low down days
(I will just) Close my eyes and hear that voice say
[Chorus ](2 Times)
Intro: Live by and die by the power of the voice
The voice of strength, the voice of reason
The voice inside of me, the voice inside of you
Holds the key to the answers to the questions
And so my story continues, but this time I am guided by the voice
Of love, every step that I take
And every challenge that I face, and its says to me
Syleena Johnson's song The Voice/Intro is a song about overcoming self-doubt and finding the strength to pursue one's dreams. The song's first verse speaks about the artist's low moments where she questioned her talent and wondered if anyone cared about her music. It is an experience many artists go through, where they feel like they are not good enough or not getting the recognition they deserve. However, the artist's mother and sisters offer words of encouragement, asking her not to give up and to trust in God. This leads her to close her eyes and hear a voice telling her to stand up, reach out, cry out, and be strong.
The chorus is a repetition of the voice's message, emphasizing the need for strength and perseverance as the artist pursues her dreams. The second verse speaks about the artist's response to the voice's commands, promising to be honest, humble, and focused in her pursuits. She acknowledges that there will be low moments, but she will not let them break her, instead, she will listen to the voice telling her to stand up and keep going.
Overall, the song is about the power of self-motivation and faith in oneself, even when faced with doubt and adversity. It is a message that resonates with anyone pursuing their dreams, encouraging them to keep going, and not give up.
Line by Line Meaning
One day I was feelin' low down
I was feeling sad and depressed
(Was havin') Bad thoughts like I won't be around
I was having negative thoughts about not being able to survive
(Was thinkin') Maybe I should get out of this game
I was considering quitting my career
(I thought that) Nobody wanted to hear me sing
I believed that nobody was interested in my music
(I thought that) Nobody even knew my name
I believed that I was unknown and unnoticed
(I thought that) Maybe 'cause it was I didn't lose weight
I thought my physical appearance was the reason for my lack of success
(I thought that) I had failed and I felt so ashamed
I thought I had not achieved success and was embarrassed about it
(And not just) At my music, but at everything
I was not only disappointed in my music career but also in other areas of my life
(But then my) Momma said "don't you dare think that way"
My mother encouraged me not to have negative thoughts
(And my) Sisters told me not to lose my faith
My sisters advised me to keep believing in myself
(They told me) "Get on your knees and let GOD lead the way"
They suggested that I turn to God for guidance
(And then I) Closed my eyes and I heard a voice say
I closed my eyes and heard an inner voice
It told me "Stand up"
The voice told me to be confident and assertive
If you want to be seen,
The voice suggested that in order to be noticed, I had to take action
It told me "Reach out"
The voice urged me to communicate and connect with others
So you can catch your dreams,
The voice encouraged me to pursue my aspirations
It told me "Cry out"
The voice advised me to express my emotions and thoughts
If you want to be heard
The voice suggested that in order to be listened to, I had to speak up
It told me "Be strong"
The voice recommended that I be resilient and determined
And take heed to my word"
The voice instructed me to pay attention to its advice
So from now on when I hear that voice say
From that moment on, every time I heard the inner voice
(Stand up) I'm on my feet, and I'm showin' my face
I stood up and presented myself with confidence
(Because I) Won't go quietly into the night
I refused to give up or give in to despair
(I will be) Strong and faithful, oh I will survive
I promised to be brave and committed to my goals
(I will be) Honest to me, I will try even when I cry
I pledged to be truthful to myself and to persist despite difficulties
(I will be) Humble, but fearless knowing the LORD by my side
I promised to be modest but also courageous, trusting God's guidance
(I won't take) Life for granted, I'll live everyday like my last
I resolved to appreciate life and to live every day with purpose
(I will make) Lemonade even when lemons is all I have
I promised to be resourceful and optimistic when facing challenges
(I will pay) All my dues and tithes in Sundays
I pledged to fulfill my obligations and duties
(I won't break) When haters test me, focused I will stay
I promised to remain composed and determined when facing criticism
(And when I) Cannot hide from those low down days
When I experienced difficult times
(I will just) Close my eyes and hear that voice say
I would close my eyes and listen to the inner voice again
Intro: Live by and die by the power of the voice
The power of the inner voice is a key factor in one's life
The voice of strength, the voice of reason
The inner voice can provide strength and guidance
The voice inside of me, the voice inside of you
Everyone has an inner voice
Holds the key to the answers to the questions
The inner voice can provide answers and solutions
And so my story continues, but this time I am guided by the voice
My life journey continues, and I am following the guidance of the inner voice
Of love, every step that I take
The inner voice is characterized by love and compassion
And every challenge that I face, and its says to me
The inner voice is present and speaks to me during every obstacle I encounter
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RENALDO BENSON, LAWRENCE HOWARD BROWN, ALFRED CLEVELAND, ALFRED W CLEVELAND, TONY COTTRELL, MARVIN GAYE, MARVIN P GAYE, SYLEENA JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind