Usher Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978 in Chattanooga, Tennessee), known s… Read Full Bio ↴Usher Raymond IV (born October 14, 1978 in Chattanooga, Tennessee), known simply as Usher, is a Grammy Award winning American R&B singer-songwriter, producer and actor. He rose to fame in the late 90s, releasing the multi-platinum albums My Way and 8701. His success continued with the release of his 2004 album, Confessions, which has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, and earned Usher four American Music Awards and eight Grammy nominations. To date, he has sold approximately 40 million albums worldwide and has won five Grammy Awards. He released his debut album in 1994 and has since released 1997's My Way, 2001's 8701, 2004's Confessions and 2008's Here I Stand. His sixth studio album, Raymond v. Raymond, was released March 2010.

In 1990 Usher joined an R&B local quintet called the NuBeginnings, which was organized by local music svengali, Darryl Wheeler and then he decided to pursue a career in music. Aside from recording, Usher has ventured into business. He has established his own record label, US Records, and is a part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. He has also dabbled in acting, with a recurring role on the teen sitcom Moesha, and roles in the films The Faculty (1998, with Josh Harnett) She's All That (1999, with Freddie Prinze, Jr.) and Texas Rangers (2001, with Ashton Kutcher).

Heavy
Usher Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Verse 1:]
Living The Life I Live
I Had To Grow Up Quik So I
Became My Man Instantly
Accepted The Responsibilities
Even Ma Name In Lights
Curtain Goes Up And I Kno All Eyes Are On Me
And The World Dnt Stop

When I Get Home
I Gotta Satisfy Her Needs And It's So Heavy

[Chorus:]
Feels Like The Weight Of The Worlds On Ma Shoulda
Sometimes I Wanna Run Away But It's So Heavy
Everyday It Gets Harder The Pressure
But I Gotta Do What I Gotta Do Baby

[Verse 2:]
What Should I Say To Her
When I Kno Shes Hurt
But I Was Raised To Be A Man To Find
Do Everything I Can To Survive
But I Hate That I Miss Christmas (With My Family)
Wasn't There For A Valentines Kiss(For My Baby)
But I Can't Replace Lost Tyme
Noo But Can't U See Baby I'm Trying
But It's Heavy

[Chorus:]
Feels Like The Weight Of The Worlds On Ma Shoulda
Sometimes I Wanna Run Away But It's So Heavy

Everyday It Gets Harder The Pressure
But I Gotta Do What I Gotta Do Baby [x2]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Usher's song "Heavy" speak about the challenges and pressures that come with living the life of a successful artist. The first verse highlights the rapid transition Usher had to make from a young age, taking on adult responsibilities and becoming his own man. Despite the fame and attention, he realizes that he still has obligations and a partner to satisfy. The line "Living the life I live, I had to grow up quick" reflects the fast-paced nature of his career and the maturity he had to adopt.

The chorus emphasizes the weight Usher feels on his shoulders. The metaphorical "weight of the world" represents the burdens and expectations placed upon him. Although there are times when he wants to escape and run away from it all, he acknowledges that he has to do what he needs to do. This conveys the sense of duty and commitment he feels to his career and the sacrifices he has to make.

In the second verse, Usher addresses the conflict between his professional and personal life. He expresses regret for missing important moments with his family and loved ones, such as Christmas and Valentine's Day. Despite his best efforts to provide and survive, he understands that he cannot replace lost time. The line "But can't you see, baby, I'm trying" shows his awareness of the strain this places on his relationships, while still expressing his dedication to making it work.

Overall, "Heavy" is a song that delves into the pressures, sacrifices, and conflicts faced by Usher as a successful artist. It portrays the experience of juggling fame, responsibilities, and personal relationships, highlighting the weight and difficulty of maintaining balance in such a demanding lifestyle.

Line by Line Meaning

Living The Life I Live
I am experiencing and embracing the lifestyle I have chosen

I Had To Grow Up Quik So I
I had to mature quickly in order to handle my responsibilities

Became My Man Instantly
I took on the role of a responsible adult immediately

Accepted The Responsibilities
I acknowledged and embraced the obligations that come with my fame

Even Ma Name In Lights
Even though my name is in the spotlight

Curtain Goes Up And I Kno All Eyes Are On Me
When the curtains rise, I am aware that everyone's attention is on me

And The World Dnt Stop
The world keeps moving even when I am done performing

When I Get Home
After my work obligations are over

I Gotta Satisfy Her Needs And It's So Heavy
I have to fulfill my partner's needs, which can be emotionally burdensome

Feels Like The Weight Of The Worlds On Ma Shoulda
I feel immense pressure and responsibility on my shoulders

Sometimes I Wanna Run Away But It's So Heavy
There are times when I desire to escape, but the burden I carry prevents me from doing so

Everyday It Gets Harder The Pressure
Each day, the pressure and demands become more challenging to handle

But I Gotta Do What I Gotta Do Baby
I must fulfill my obligations and take care of what needs to be done, regardless of the difficulties

What Should I Say To Her
I struggle to find the right words to comfort and console her

When I Kno Shes Hurt
Knowing that she is in pain

But I Was Raised To Be A Man To Find
I was brought up with the expectation of being strong and reliable

Do Everything I Can To Survive
I will do whatever it takes to keep going and overcome challenges

But I Hate That I Miss Christmas (With My Family)
I deeply regret not being able to spend Christmas with my family

Wasn't There For A Valentines Kiss(For My Baby)
I was absent during a special moment like Valentine's Day, missing out on intimate moments with my partner

But I Can't Replace Lost Tyme
I can't make up for the time I've lost or missed

Noo But Can't U See Baby I'm Trying
I want my partner to understand that I am making an effort despite the challenges

But It's Heavy
However, the weight and burden I carry weigh me down

But I Gotta Do What I Gotta Do Baby [x2]
Once again, I must fulfill my obligations and do what needs to be done, regardless of the difficulties

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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