“Read All About It” is a touching song by Professor Green with Emeli Sandé’s beautiful voice. It tells the story of Professor Green’s hard past and family life. Emeli Sandé’s chorus adds depth, echoing the pain and hope Professor Green shares.
This song quickly became a hit, topping charts and breaking sales records. It soared to number one in the UK, selling over 153,000 copies in the first week. This was a big moment for both artists, showing how well they connect with people.
But the song’s true power comes from its honest lyrics. Professor Green talks about his tough childhood and missing father. His words invite us to think and find comfort in knowing we’re not alone in our struggles.
Key Takeaways
- “Read All About It” explores the personal struggles of Professor Green, focusing on family dynamics and abandonment.
- Emeli Sandé’s contribution amplifies the emotional depth of the song.
- The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking a significant milestone for both artists.
- It emphasizes themes of vulnerability, regret, and emotional pain.
- The track’s success was evidenced by its high sales and multiple chart-topping positions.
The Inspiration and Personal Struggles Behind “Read All About It”
Stephen Paul Manderson, known as Professor Green, shared his life in his song “Read All About It.” He talked about his tough childhood and how his dad’s suicide affected him. Through music, he shares his story to inspire others.
Professor Green’s Troubled Childhood
Professor Green grew up facing many problems, like being poor and dealing with a broken family. In the UK, a lot of kids grow up in poverty, and this is getting worse. These issues made Green’s early life very hard.
He went through a tough time for 14 months, with a car crash, getting robbed, and being caught for drink-driving. But he turned these hard times into music. This helped him connect with fans who also struggled.
The Impact of His Father’s Suicide
Losing his father to suicide deeply affected Professor Green. In the UK, suicide is a big issue, especially among men under 45. Each day, 12 men die by suicide.
Professor Green was 25 when his father died. His song “Read All About It” talks about this loss. It was a hit and helped him deal with his grief. He often talks about this loss, using it to encourage others to get help.
“Talking about my dad’s suicide wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. It’s crucial to be aware of one’s vulnerabilities and to seek help, whether it’s from a friend, family member, or professional,” emphasizes Professor Green.
Collaborations and Featured Artists in “Read All About It”
“Read All About It” was a turning point for Professor Green. The song got a big boost from its amazing collaborations. Thanks to artists joining in, the track soared in popularity.
Emeli Sandé’s Contribution
Emeli Sandé’s voice brought a special R&B feel. It matched perfectly with Professor Green’s rap. This partnership led to big wins. The song, with Emeli, hit number one and went Platinum in Australia. It also reached the top in the UK and Ireland.
The Italian Version Featuring Dolcenera
The Italian version, featuring Dolcenera, made waves too. It showed how music connects people across different languages. Dolcenera added a new flavor, highlighting the song’s emotional power.
| Artist | Track | UK Peak Position | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Green feat. Emeli Sandé | Read All About It | 1 | Platinum (Australia), Gold (Italy) |
| Professor Green feat. Dolcenera | Read All About It (Tutto quello che devi sapere) | – | – |
The Music Video and Its Symbolism
The music video for “Read All About It” by Professor Green shows his emotional journey. It uses symbols to mirror his personal struggles. This makes the song’s message stronger.
Scenes Reflecting Professor Green’s Real Life
The video reflects Professor Green’s tough childhood and key moments in his life. We see a scene with a young boy and his stepmother. It shows how his dad’s absence affected his family.
This scene makes the song very personal. It invites us to deeply connect with his story.
Visual Metaphors in the Video
The video uses visual metaphors to show Professor Green’s feelings and challenges. Stunning visuals represent his internal and external conflicts. This approach makes the song’s emotions hit harder.
These metaphors also help us feel a connection with the song. They show how symbols can tell a deep story.
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart | #1 (First number one single for Professor Green) |
| YouTube Views | Over 55 million (As of 2021) |
| BPI Certification | Platinum (Over 600,000 units sold) |
| Live Performances | The X Factor (UK) |
Chart Performance and Commercial Success
Professor Green’s hit “Read All About It” soared to #1 in the UK right after release. It sold over 153,000 copies in the first week alone. That made it the second-biggest debut of 2011.
It didn’t just shine briefly; it stayed on top for two weeks and went 2× Platinum in the UK. That means it sold over 1,200,000 units.
The song also touched hearts globally. In Austria, it climbed to #4 on the charts. It was a top-five hit in Germany and Switzerland too.
In Belgium, “Read All About It” reached #3 and #24 in different regions. It also made it to #4 in the Netherlands’ Top 40. Plus, it grabbed the fifth spot on the Dutch Single Top 100 chart.
“Read All About It” wasn’t just a hit; it earned Gold in Australia, Austria, and Spain. These achievements prove it’s a worldwide favorite. Year-end charts in Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK show its lasting impact.
FAQ
What is the meaning behind the song “Read All About It” by Professor Green?
“Read All About It” is a song about Professor Green’s life. His real name is Stephen Manderson. He talks about his difficult past and family issues. The song talks about pain, being left behind, and finding peace, with powerful vocals from Emeli Sandé.
What inspired Professor Green to write “Read All About It”?
The song was inspired by Professor Green’s own life. He had a tough childhood and was deeply affected by his father’s suicide. It’s a song that lets him heal and connect with others who have faced hard times.
How did Professor Green’s father’s suicide impact the song?
His father’s death gave the song a deep emotional layer. It deals with the complex feelings and family issues that came from this loss. The song is very open and honest.
How did Emeli Sandé contribute to “Read All About It”?
Emeli Sandé brought her soulful R&B voice and strong vocals to the song. She played a big part in its success. Her singing matched perfectly with Professor Green’s hip-hop style.
What is the significance of the Italian version featuring Dolcenera?
The Italian version, named “Read All About It (Tutto quello che devi sapere),” brings the song to those who speak Italian. Dolcenera helps share the song’s message more widely, showing that music touches everyone, no matter the language.
How does the music video for “Read All About It” reflect Professor Green’s real life?
The music video shows parts of Professor Green’s life story. It includes scenes with his stepmother and talks about his father’s absence. It’s like watching his personal story.
What visual metaphors are used in the video for “Read All About It”?
The video uses beautiful scenes and symbols to show the song’s deep feelings. These visuals help tell the story of Professor Green’s challenges and how people saw him grow up.
How successful was “Read All About Things” on the charts?
The song hit number one in the UK and sold over 153,000 copies its first week. It stayed at the top for two weeks. It got Platinum in the UK, and Platinum and Gold in other places. This song was loved in Europe and Australia too, showing its worldwide impact.
