Born and raised in Washington, DC, YahZarah started singing at the age of 7 in her church choir. Her love for performance began after winning a youth talent search at the Kennedy Center at age 10. After years of honing her talent in churches, talent shows and local concerts, she entered high school at DC’s prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Upon graduation in 1997, she was accepted to North Carolina Central University in Durham on a full scholarship to the school’s jazz program.
In 1998, she left NC Central and began touring as a background singer for Erykah Badu. While touring, YahZarah contributed background vocals and vocal arrangements to Badu’s platinum-selling “Mama’s Gun” LP, and was featured in the video for the album’s lead single, ‘Bag Lady.’ In 2001, she left the Mama’s Gun tour and released her debut album “Hear Me” on the KEO Music label. A follow up LP, 2003’s “Blackstar,” was issued on the Three Keys label and reached #44 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.
2004 found YahZarah reuniting with longtime collaborator and fellow NC Central classmate Phonte Coleman (Little Brother, The Foreign Exchange) for a series of crucial guest appearances. With the release of The Foreign Exchange’s debut album “Connected,” YahZarah was featured on the lead single “Sincere.” The following year she appeared on Little Brother’s “Minstrel Show” LP (Atlantic Records), and was featured on the debut single “Lovin It.” She later contributed two vocal performances to The Foreign Exchange’s GRAMMY-nominated “Leave It All Behind” LP in 2008. That same year, she released an EP of new material entitled “The Prelude.” To support the EP, she toured nationally and internationally with artists such as Chaka Khan, Musiq Soulchild, The Roots, Rahsaan Patterson, and R. Kelly.
YahZarah’s latest album “The Ballad Of Purple Saint James,” is scheduled for release in May 2010 on the Foreign Exchange Music label.
Dedicated To You
Yahzarah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That brought me fame and fortune, too
That book would be like my heart and me
Dedicated to you
And if I should paint a picture, too
That shows the loveliness of you
That art would be like my heart and me
To you, because your love is a the beacon
That lights up my way
To you, because with you I know
One lifetime could be just one heavenly place
If I should find a twinkling star
(Twinkling star)
One half so wondrous as you are
That star would be like my heart and me
Dedicated to you
The song "Dedicated to You" by Yahzarah is a beautiful ode to someone who means everything to the singer. The opening lines, "If I should write a book for you, That brought me fame and fortune, too," suggest that the singer would do anything for this person, even if it meant sacrificing her career and reputation. The book would be an extension of herself and the love she has for this person would be the driving force behind it. The lyrics continue, "That book would be like my heart and me, Dedicated to you," which reinforces the idea that this person is the center of the singer's world, and everything she creates is for them.
The next verse describes how the singer would depict her love visually, "And if I should paint a picture, too, That shows the loveliness of you." The painting would be a representation of the person's charm and beauty, but also a reflection of the singer's love. The chorus emphasizes the importance of this person in the singer's life, "To you, because your love is the beacon, That lights up my way, To you, because with you I know, One lifetime could be just one heavenly place." This person gives the singer direction and purpose, and their love provides a sense of bliss that makes life worth living.
In the final verse, the singer compares the person to a twinkling star, "If I should find a twinkling star, One half so wondrous as you are, That star would be like my heart and me, Dedicated to you." They are the shining light in her life, and everything she creates is a tribute to them. Overall, "Dedicated to You" is a heartfelt expression of love and devotion that anyone who has ever been in love can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
If I should write a book for you
If I were to create something special for you, as a symbol of my love and appreciation.
That brought me fame and fortune, too
Something that became popular and successful, but also held immense meaning to our bond.
That book would be like my heart and me
That special creation would encapsulate my feelings and love, just like how my heart holds all the emotions and warmth for you.
Dedicated to you
To show my affection and loyalty to you through this creation.
And if I should paint a picture, too
If I were to artistically represent something for you, as a way of expressing my fondness and admiration.
That shows the loveliness of you
A tribute that highlights your unique splendor and beauty.
That art would be like my heart and me
The artwork would be a reflection of my soul, which I am dedicating to you.
To you, because your love is the beacon
For your incredible love, which enlightens and guides me through life.
That lights up my way
Your love illuminates my path and gives me direction.
To you, because with you I know
I am creating this for you because I know that you are the one who makes my life complete.
One lifetime could be just one heavenly place
Being with you is like being in a paradise, and I want to cherish every moment with you.
If I should find a twinkling star
If I were to come across something rare and magical, that reminds me of how precious you are.
(Twinkling star)
Something that sparkles and shimmers, as beautifully as your soul.
One half so wondrous as you are
If that special thing was even half as amazing and breathtaking as you are.
That star would be like my heart and me
I would dedicate that rare discovery to you, with all my heart and soul.
Dedicated to you
As a symbol of my love and devotion, for you alone.
Contributed by Peyton W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mz Nurú
It's tragic that music like this is not heard on the radio.
Lashae99
Love It!!!