Ledisi singing one of her songs from "Pieces of Me". She's so pretty!

The title sounds kinda harsh, right? But this song is speaking to me in so many ways. I’ve been on a Ledisi kick for the past few days because of the release of her new album and the fact that I got to go see her perform at a very intimate concert this past Friday. (Very special thanks to Afrobella for the opportunity. Check out the write up for the concert experience on her blog very soon.) I sat front row and got to listen to her tell us the story of how “Ledisi” came to be the woman who was sitting before us. She’s gorgeous and talented and her voice makes my soul so happy. If you aren’t familiar with her or her work, definitely check her out at ledisi.com and on Twitter (@ledisi).

Anyway, this song is on her newest album “Pieces of Me” and the lyrics are everything! “Shut Up” basically tells everyone and everything that says you can’t do something or won’t be anything to…well…SHUT UP! I know that for me, I need to tell that small, quiet (and sometimes loud) negative voice in my own head to shut up. Whenever I feel a great idea coming or want to pursue something exciting, I start to talk myself out it. That thinking is rooted in fear and doubt and will get me nowhere. So, I’ll be keeping this song in mind as well as my dreams, my goals and my vision as my motivation to live out my purpose.

My favorite lyrics are in the second verse:

Working hard everyday to be noticed

Being fearless while you’re making your moves

There are people around/being jealous

Cuz they wish that they could do what you do

They say/you’ll never be what ya hope to be

You’ll never shine like stars

You’re tryin hard/gotta hold ya tongue

Times like this/I know you wish you could tell ‘em

Tell ‘em shut up!

Who and/or what in your life is holding you back, that you may need to tell “shut up”? How long will you let their words hold you back?

Enjoy the song everyone! Be Renewed!