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.
LEGEND
Yahzarah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Been through the storm
Just standing there listening
Then I was reborn
I rose like a phoenix
In the midnight sky
The stars they were shinning and now you know why
Who went riding into the sunset like that old cowboy
John Wayne she's a Buffalo solider
Who went riding on the wind
Just when you though she was gone she came on back again
I'm a legend
I'm a legend
Yeah, yeah, yeah, ahh ahh
Like a solar eclipse the planets aligned
All creeds and all colors
Knew that it was my time
On the wings of an Eagle
I fly through the sky
So when you see my shinning
Now you know why
I'm a legend of a girl who said she's seen it all before
Who went riding into the sunset like that old cowboy
John Wayne she's a Buffalo solider
Who went riding on the wind
Just when you though she was gone she came on back again
I'm a legend
I'm a legend
There will be some disappointments
And distractions
Ups downs
But it's just a part of living
Keep your feet on the ground yeah
Cause nobody can do the things you do
Rolling cool your original
Plus your clean in the rodeo show
Like that old cowboy John Wayne
I'm a legend of a girl who said she's seen it all before
Who went riding into the sunset like that old cowboy
John Wayne she's a Buffalo solider
Who went riding on the wind
Just when you though she was gone she came on back again
I'm a legend
I'm a legend
In "Legend" by Yahzarah, the lyrics depict a sense of resilience and strength. The song starts with the lines, "Heart of a Champion, Been through the storm, Just standing there listening, Then I was reborn." These lines suggest that the singer has faced difficult times but has emerged stronger and transformed, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The mention of the stars shining in the midnight sky signifies that the singer's newfound strength and resilience are now apparent to everyone.
The chorus reinforces the idea of the singer being a legend. It portrays her as a girl who has experienced it all, riding into the sunset like an old cowboy, specifically referencing John Wayne and Buffalo soldiers. This comparison symbolizes bravery, endurance, and a rebel spirit. The girl is described as riding on the wind and coming back again, defying expectations and proving her legendary status.
The second verse emphasizes the singer's journey to greatness. The imagery of a solar eclipse and aligned planets suggests that the universe is in sync with her aspirations, indicating that her time for success has come. The mention of flying on the wings of an eagle signifies the freedom and empowerment she feels as she rises above obstacles. Through these lines, the song conveys a message of perseverance, seizing opportunities, and embracing one's unique qualities.
Overall, "Legend" by Yahzarah celebrates the singer's resilience, inner strength, and ability to overcome adversities. It encourages listeners to believe in their own legend and embrace the challenges that come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Heart of a Champion
I possess the determination and strength of a champion.
Been through the storm
I have faced difficult challenges and hardships.
Just standing there listening
In moments of stillness, I am attentive and open.
Then I was reborn
I experienced a transformative change in my life.
I rose like a phoenix
I emerged from the ashes of past struggles and failures.
In the midnight sky
Amidst darkness and uncertainty, I found my light.
The stars they were shinning and now you know why
My brilliance and success are evident for all to see.
Like a solar eclipse the planets aligned
A rare cosmic event symbolizes the perfect alignment of circumstances in my life.
All creeds and all colors
People of different beliefs and races recognize my greatness.
Knew that it was my time
Everyone realized this was the moment of my success.
On the wings of an Eagle
I soar with freedom and grace.
I fly through the sky
I navigate through life with confidence and purpose.
So when you see my shinning
When my brilliance is evident to you.
Now you know why
You understand the reasons behind my greatness.
There will be some disappointments
Life will bring moments of letdown and frustration.
And distractions
I will encounter various distractions along my journey.
Ups downs
There will be both successes and failures.
But it's just a part of living
These ups and downs are simply a natural aspect of life.
Keep your feet on the ground yeah
Stay grounded and humble amidst success.
Cause nobody can do the things you do
The unique talents and abilities I possess cannot be replicated by anyone else.
Rolling cool your original
I carry myself with confidence and authenticity.
Plus your clean in the rodeo show
I am skilled and flawless in my performances, just like a rodeo show.
There will be some disappointments
Life will bring moments of letdown and frustration.
And distractions
I will encounter various distractions along my journey.
Ups downs
There will be both successes and failures.
But it's just a part of living
These ups and downs are simply a natural aspect of life.
Keep your feet on the ground yeah
Stay grounded and humble amidst success.
Cause nobody can do the things you do
The unique talents and abilities I possess cannot be replicated by anyone else.
I'm a legend of a girl who said she's seen it all before
I am a remarkable and extraordinary individual who has experienced and conquered numerous challenges.
Who went riding into the sunset like that old cowboy
I ventured fearlessly into the unknown, like a courageous cowboy riding towards the horizon.
John Wayne she's a Buffalo solider
I embody the courage and resilience of iconic figures like John Wayne and the Buffalo Soldiers.
Who went riding on the wind
I fearlessly pursued my dreams, carried by the invisible force of determination.
Just when you thought she was gone she came on back again
Despite any doubts or misconceptions, I returned stronger than ever.
I'm a legend
I am an exceptional and unforgettable individual.
I'm a legend
I am a person of great influence and impact.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Dana Williams, Vaughn Higginbothem
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind