Songwriter Bobby Sandstrom helped them write and record demos. The group eventually signed a music publishing deal with Sony's RCA Record. After several years of work, they finally could make a major release.
In the fall of 1996, Wild Orchid released their self-titled debut album Wild Orchid. The largely self-written album sold nearly a million units worldwide and included the singles "Talk To Me" (which was included in the hit movie Fools Rush In), "At Night I Pray," and "Supernatural." The album received two Billboard Award nominations for "Talk To Me," two Lady Of Soul/Soul Train Award nominations - one for Album of The Year by A Group, Band or Duo and one for Best Music Video for "Talk To Me," and an American Music Award nomination for Favorite R&B/Soul New Artist.
In late 1997, the group toured with 98 Degrees and *NSync, and in the summer of 1998 the trio released their second album, Oxygen which included the single "Be Mine."
Wild Orchid also hosted the ABC Family Channel's Saturday morning show "Great Pretenders," which featured chart hits lip-synched by everyday kids, while competing for prizes. They also went on a 52-city tour with Cher and Cyndi Lauper.
In 2001, the group released "Stuttering (Don't Say)," which reached the Top 40 chart, and had a concert special on Much Music, on July 29, 2001. Stacy parted ways with Renee and Stefanie shortly after in September 2001, leaving Wild Orchid to continue on as a duo. Stacy joined the Hip-Hop group Black Eyed Peas in 2003 under the stage name Fergie. Wild Orchid's third studio album as a trio, Fire, was never released, although a song off the album called "It's All Your Fault" was featured in the 2001 film What Women Want.
In 2004, Wild Orchid, consisting of Renee and Stefanie, released their fourth studio album "Hypnotic". Unfortunately, it failed to make the Billboard charts. Since then, Renee has been doing work as a session singer and Stefanie is now a member of the House/Techno duo, 5th Element.
Declaration
Wild Orchid Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've told you a thousand times
But you never listen to me
I just want to be free to live
To live my life
I don't want your thoughts
Or your opinions of me
You think you tell me what I want to know
But I only listen
To what I need to hear
So much drama I don't understand
How you make nothing
Sound so sincere
[Repeat: x2]
I'm gonna do what I want to do
Say what I want to say
Be who I want to be baby
You're always trying to tell me
Where I can go
Or who it is that I can socialize with, baby
But as long as I don't hurt no one
Or break no laws
You're best to know
I won't put up with it
The lyrics of Wild Orchid's song Declaration convey the importance of personal freedom and the desire to live life on one's own terms. The singer expresses frustration with someone who continuously tries to control and dictate their actions and opinions, while urging them to respect their autonomy.
The repeated phrase "If I told you once, I've told you a thousand times, but you never listen to me" suggests that the singer has tried to communicate their feelings before, but their words have fallen on deaf ears. They reiterate their desire for independence and to be free to live their life without the imposition of another's thoughts or opinions.
The bridge highlights the singer's sense of discernment and ability to filter out the unnecessary drama and insincerity that they encounter. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the singer's determination to pursue their own desires and to assert their agency, despite any attempts at control.
Overall, the song Declaration can be seen as a call for personal empowerment and the importance of respecting individual autonomy in interpersonal relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
If I told you once
I have communicated to you repeatedly
I've told you a thousand times
I've communicated the same message countless times
But you never listen to me
However, you disregard my communications
I just want to be free to live
All I request is the ability to live on my own terms
To live my life
To live without your constraints or input
I don't want your thoughts
I am not interested in your opinions
Or your opinions of me
Nor do I value your evaluation of my character
You think you tell me what I want to know
You believe you provide me with the information I require
But I only listen
However, I only pay attention
To what I need to hear
To what is relevant to me
So much drama I don't understand
The existence of conflict perplexes me
How you make nothing
The lack of importance
Sound so sincere
Seem authentic
I'm gonna do what I want to do
I plan to follow my desires
Say what I want to say
Communicate my perspective without constraint
Be who I want to be baby
Embody whichever personality resonates with me
You're always trying to tell me
You continuously attempt to steer my actions
Where I can go
Limit my choices of destinations
Or who it is that I can socialize with, baby
Or restrict my potential connections
But as long as I don't hurt no one
As long as I refrain from causing harm
Or break no laws
Or violate any regulations
You're best to know
You should understand
I won't put up with it
I will not tolerate it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MANUEL LONNIE JR. SEAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jrz Jnz
I love this song so much ♡
Sonita Taylor
I love this song,also. I did not know that was Fergie!
wil_deready
¿Qué hubiera pasado si Fergie hubiera seguido en la banda? No lo sé pero apuesto que hubiera seguido Fergaliciosa.. todo pasa por algo agradezco el día que la conocí soy fan!!
Natasha Brewski
wanna sing this to my bf...
Stargell Love
⭐️💜 1-19-19
Star Love
⭐️💜 2-8-2021