Sign Your Name

Album: Introducing The Hardline According To Terence Trent d'Arby (1987)
Charted: 2 4
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Songfacts®:

  • Next to "Wishing Well," this was the biggest hit for Terence Trent d'Arby, who changed his name to Sananda Maitreya in 2001. Speaking with Songfacts in 2005, Maitreya said: "It came from a dream where Sade asked me to write a song for her. It was inspired by a dream and seeing Sade perform at Live Aid in the mid-'80s."
  • American singer and songwriter Sheryl Crow recorded a cover of this song for her 2010 100 Miles From Memphis album. Her version, which is recast in the style of Al Green, right down to the distinctive thud of the Hi Records drums, features backing vocals by Memphis native Justin Timberlake. She recalled to Billboard magazine: "He happened to be at (Henson Studios) producing Jamie Foxx, and he was in the hallway. I've always liked him. I played (the song) for him, and when it got to the chorus he's like, 'Who's doing the backgrounds?' I said 'We haven't done them yet,' and he said, 'I got it.' It was all very organic and, man, perfect. People have no idea how talented this guy is."

Comments: 5

  • Annabelle from Eugene, OrMy Aunt Kathy is convinced that this song was originally written by Stevie Wonder. I think she's a little bit crazy!
  • Dane from Lima,ohio, FlWhat a cool song.I love everything about it.It has really neat changes.The bridge is my favorite part,with the do-wop harmonies.Good words too.Should have been a bigger hit.This one crushes "Wishing Well"
  • Valerie from Eureka, CaThis song touches one's soul. It is beautiful!
  • Tayo from Lagos, NigeriaMost phrases of this song were well thought out.
  • Raymond from Sydney , AustraliaThis song speaks about the awesome power of love to make the world the way we want it to be -- in this case the singer assumes this world has to be a mix of heaven and hell: 'it seems to be the way'. The power of love: 'and the earth rotates to our dictates'. I believe this is an example of sexual addiction called lust of concupiscence -- that's the bad news but the good news is awesome. Find me. Consider Isaiah 28:15: heaven and hell and the lie.
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