The news she was leaving Lady – the deftly executed foray into classic soul with Nicole Wray, which picked up critical acclaim on both sides of the pond - broke on Twitter and marked the return of Terri Walker the solo artist. The love and excitement is uncontainable, she is back and ready to join the independent world in control of her own destiny. This is the space where she thrives, without the claustrophobia of the majors, and it is now once more her home.
Terri dropped ‘Untitled’ her critically acclaimed debut album in 2003 – featuring a collaboration with Mos Def – and was nominated for the Mercury Prize and four MOBO awards. As the second album ‘LOVE’ approached, the label were keen to explore a different route – a direction she was uncomfortable with – and whilst reviews were positive, Mercury were unhappy with the commercial success and she departed the label aged 26. ‘I Am’ – Terri’s third album – won fans in The Guardian and BBC, with some claiming it crystallized her position as one of the UK’s leading artists. She toured the album extensively, but exhausted from her intensive work schedule, she took a hiatus from music, questioning the industry, its output and the perception of her as an artist.
A meeting with Queens NY born producer Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse, Nas, Miguel) sparked a working relationship that once ignited would endure. Whilst recording backing vocals for the likes of Nas, Cee-Lo and Jennifer Hudson, Salaam and Terri collaborated on ‘Hey Baby’ for the Sex & The City soundtrack and also started work on a side project, the concept album ‘Champagne Flutes.’
Four years later, she began work on what should have been her fourth studio album with US producer Ski Beatz (Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Jay Electronica). Slated for release via Damon Dash’s BluRoc, the material is still to see the light of day.
“The morning I woke up and I was out of my deal was confusing. I’d waited so long to be in this position but equally, I didn’t understand why I had to go through so much just to get back to the beginning, being free and able to make the choices I wanted to,” says Terri.
Any lesser artist would have taken their leave a long time ago, but if the music is your driving force, no amount of running will lead to solace. “It’s about the love of the music,” says Terri. This may sound cheesy coming from any number of recording artists, but with Terri, there is no subtext, the words hide no thirst for fame, it simply reiterates her position as an artist.
“I always thought, ‘I’m a singer, that’s all I want’, but I have stories to tell, people to inspire, people who feel like I once felt. I’m not just a singer. I’m an artist.”
From the artist whose voice had been quieted by the power of industry gods, Terri went to work to ensure she was heard no matter what deal she was tied into. Along with the likes of Paul McCartney, Rizzle Kicks and Spoek Mathambo, she was a passenger on Damon Albarn’s Africa Express, which saw her and fellow Brit stars collaborate with African musicians for a train tour whose passengers would perform nightly shows whilst spending days visiting schools, hospitals and bandstands to play impromptu pop-up gigs. There have been collaborations with one time grime whizz kid turned house saviour T Williams, Rinse FM resident Brackles and Donaeo.
A recent EP with Joe Buhdha (Klashnekoff, Rodney P), which has seen support from Mistajam’s Radio 1Xtra show, and recent performances to intimate London crowds have been warming Terri up for her fourth studio album proper. She has also been collaborating with film-maker and photographer Kevin Morosky. “We met years ago and clicked instantly. He understands me. I’ve never had anyone capture me the way I see myself. He does that. He’s directing my visuals, videos, artwork, everything.” Terri is back in control, realizing her vision, her way.
“The album is pretty raw – hip-hop and a bit of rock with my soulful blend,” says Terri. “I’ve been working with a collective called Sticky Blood, made up of ex-Arctic Monkey bassist Andy Nicholson and Jamie Shield, plus Baby J who produced Skinny Man and remixed Amy Winehouse. And of course, Joe Buhdha.”
The album is all informed by Terri’s experiences. “There’s been self-doubt and feeling misunderstood, but also that moment of clarity. Celebrate the obstacles as much as the wins in life; that’s what makes us who we are.”
‘Feel It In The Water’ is the moment you realize the people around you are good people; they understand you, it’s a celebration. “‘Paranoia’ is one of the first songs I wrote with Joe,” says Terri. “I’d left Lady and was in a strange place, it took a while for me to learn to control my own destiny.” ‘Thunderdome’ focuses on Terri’s journey to maturing as a woman. ‘Skin I’m In’ documents the search for the sanctuary within, encouraging everybody to love who you are. Meanwhile, ‘Testify’ is an ode to those nights out that never end. ‘Open Your Mind’ explores the self-doubt we all have and addresses those moments when you stand in your own way. ‘Bad Boy’ reflects on those who feel they have no choice: “It’s easy to feel doomed by circumstance, but listen to yourself, be better, work at it.” ‘Loose Twice’ is inspired by a David Lynch quote which says that you loose twice when something fails and it wasn’t your idea. When you fail and it was on your terms it’s not a failure. Trust your instincts, you will never loose twice. ‘Already Told Ya’ sets out the parameters – “You know what my goals are, don’t be surprised when I go out and work for that.”
OK
Terri Walker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pre
Donʼt be hard shine your light through the dark Stay awake and listen to what they say
Chorus
You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok
V2
When you feel you canʼt no more because your spirits no longer sure youʼll be ok When you understand the times
Even though you feel left behind youʼll be ok
Donʼt despair youʼll always be right there
Youʼll be fine
Trust me youʼll see in time Cos the truth will find you
Chorus
You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok
You will be ok
Mid 8
Get out of their heads now Focus on what you put out Donʼt be scared to hold out If it affects your zen
ChorusOut
The lyrics to Terri Walker's song "Ok" convey a message of resilience and inner strength. The song reminds listeners that no matter how challenging life becomes, they will ultimately be okay if they trust their instincts and follow their hearts.
The opening lines, "When you feel it in your bones and nothing else can steer you wrong, you'll be ok," suggest that a deep sense of intuition can guide us through difficult times. This can be interpreted as a call to trust our gut feelings and not be swayed by external influences. Similarly, when the lyrics say, "When you listen to your heart even though it's been torn apart, you'll be ok," it implies that even in the face of emotional pain or heartbreak, following our true desires will ultimately lead to healing.
The pre-chorus advises against being hardened by life's challenges and encourages shining our light even in the darkest of times. The repetition of the phrase "You will be okay" in the chorus serves as an affirmation, reinforcing the message of perseverance and self-belief.
In the second verse, the lyrics acknowledge moments of doubt and feeling left behind. Yet, it reassures listeners that understanding and acceptance of these times will lead to being okay. The pre-chorus emphasizes the importance of not losing hope and knowing that they will always have their own back.
The bridge or "mid 8" section urges listeners to focus on their own thoughts and actions, not being influenced by others' opinions or fears. It encourages staying true to oneself and not being afraid to hold out for what brings inner peace.
Overall, "Ok" is an empowering song that encourages self-trust, resilience, and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
When you feel it in your bones and nothing else can steer you wrong youʼll be ok
When you have a strong intuition and no outside influences can lead you astray, you will be okay
When you listen to your heart even though itʼs been torn apart youʼll be ok
When you trust and follow your emotions despite experiencing heartbreak, you will be okay
Donʼt be hard shine your light through the dark Stay awake and listen to what they say
Do not let negativity harden you, instead, let your positive energy shine through difficult times. Stay alert and pay attention to what others say
You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok
You will be okay, you will be okay, you will be okay, you will be okay
When you feel you canʼt no more because your spirits no longer sure youʼll be ok
When you reach a point where you feel like giving up because you are uncertain and losing your motivation, you will still be okay
When you understand the times Even though you feel left behind youʼll be ok
When you comprehend the current circumstances even if you feel left out or behind, you will be okay
Donʼt despair youʼll always be right there Youʼll be fine Trust me youʼll see in time Cos the truth will find you
Do not lose hope, you will always have yourself. You will be fine, trust me, eventually, you will see because the truth will reveal itself to you
You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok
You will be okay, you will be okay, you will be okay
Get out of their heads now Focus on what you put out Donʼt be scared to hold out If it affects your zen
Stop worrying about what others think and focus on the energy and actions you project. Do not be afraid to wait and hold back if it disrupts your inner peace
You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok You will be ok
You will be okay, you will be okay, you will be okay, you will be okay
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Terri Walker, Richard Douglas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind