John Legend

Released: October 28, 2008

Songwriter: John Legend Kawan Prather Dave Tozer

Producer: Trevor Horn Dave Tozer

[Verse 1]
Ran into you yesterday
Memories rushed through my brain
Its starting to hit me
Now you're not with me
I realized I made a mistake
Thought that I needed some space
I just let love go to waste
Its so crystal clear now
That I need you here now
Got to get you back today

[Hook]
This time I want it all
This time I want it all
I'm showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time I'll take a chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me

[Verse 2]
I hit the bar every night
Looking to score a good time
Its not like I planned it
But left empty handed
Cause I'm still alone in my mind
Now what will it take to feel right
Can I come see you tonight
Is there someone new now
What can I do now
Cause I need you back by my side

[Hook]
This time I want it all
This time I want it all
I'm showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time I'll take a chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me

[Bridge]
Last time I wasn't sure
This time I will give you more
I'm more than sure
I'll show you
Last time I didn't know
I messed up when I let you go
I need you, don't say no

[Middle 8]
Lying alone in this room
All that is missing is you
Pick up the phone
Won't you come home

[Hook]
This time I want it all
This time I want it all
I'm showing you all the cards
Giving you all my heart
This time I'll take a chance
This time I'll be your man
I can be all you need
This time it's all of me

John Legend was born in 1978 in Ohio. He became an in-demand session musician and songwriter, working with such artists as Alicia Keys, Twista and Janet Jackson. He was soon introduced to up-and-coming hip-hop artist Kanye West, and the two musicians collaborated on one another’s demos.

J. Ivy claims credit for bestowing the “Legend” moniker upon John Stephens (with an assist from Kanye West). Via

Kanye was like, ‘Have you heard of this singer called John Stephens?’ He played me this song from him, that I think will.i.am produced. It was so refreshing and soulful. An hour later, John Stephens comes into the studio. I told him, ‘I heard your music. It’s so amazing. It sounds old school. Man, you sound like one of the legends. You’re a legend. Matter of fact, that’s what I am going to call you from now The Legend. A couple days later, we were in the lounge of the studio (Record Plant) and John Stephens walks in and everyone shouts him out. I was like, ‘John Legend!’ Kanye then said, ‘You’re John Legend from now on. That’s your name!’”

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