"Meant for You" is a song written by David Lasley and Roxanne Seeman and recorded by American singer Debra Laws. It was released in 1981 as the third single from Laws' Very Special album by Elektra Records. The song was produced by Hubert Laws and Ronnie Laws. âÂÂMeant For Youâ appears in the film Fighting Back starring Tom Skerritt, Patti LuPone and Michael Sarrazin.
The song was originally recorded by David Lasley as a 24-track demo during writer recording sessions at A&M Recording Studios while Lasley was under contract to Almo Music. Lasley's version was subsequently released on several compilation albums.
Roxanne Seeman gave Debra Laws âÂÂMeant For Youâ and âÂÂAll The Things I LoveâÂÂ, both co-written with David Lasley, to try out. The demos were recorded with a full rhythm section and background vocals on a 24-track recorded at A&M Recording Studios.
"Meant For You" and âÂÂAll The Things I Loveâ were re-recorded at Concord Recording Center, formerly Scott/Sunstorm and ABC Recording Studios before that, by engineer Gerry Brown. It was produced by Hubert Laws and Ronnie Laws, using a similar arrangement to the demos.
Seeman developed the lyrical content for the song in a writing session with Lasley in his writer room at the Almo Publishing offices in Hollywood. Lasley then sat at the piano with the lyrics, where he put melody to the words and they developed it into a song.
Cashbox described âÂÂMeant for Youâ as a âÂÂStevie Wonder-influenced grooveâ thematically âÂÂabout love and dreams come true.âÂÂàThe song contains chorus vocals, rhythm guitar and strings.
David Lasley version
Debra Laws version
"Meant For You" peaked at 47 on the Billboard US R&B chart, Hot Soul Singles, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. The accompanying Very Special album sold more than 385,000 copies worldwide.
âÂÂMeant For Youâ was a recommended pick in Billboard's R&B single reviews in the September 5, 1981 issue.
A review in Cashbox praised Lawsâ âÂÂpristine vocalsâ over a groove with âÂÂtasty lick rhythm guitarâ complemented by âÂÂswooning stringsâ while commending the production by her brothers Hubert and Ronnie for bringing out âÂÂher best chopsâÂÂ.
Record World described the song as having a âÂÂbouncyâ feel with a âÂÂneat hookâ and âÂÂsweet chorus backingâÂÂ, calling Lawsâ vocal âÂÂvibrant.âÂÂ
John Hoskins of The Grand Rapids Press called the song âÂÂmellowâ and said it âÂÂstands outâ on the album.
A. Meant For You âÂÂâ 3:59
B. How Long âÂÂâ 4:02
âÂÂMeant For Youâ appears in the 1982 film Fighting Back, directed by Lewis Teague, starring Tom Skerritt, Patti LuPone and Michael Sarrazin.
"Meant For You" was included in a 2005 Warner Special Marketing CD compilation, Natural High 4, of soul songs from the vaults of Atlantic Records, Elektra Records and Warner Bros. Records from 1975 â 1983. Tracks included featured Ben E. King, Aretha Franklin, Staple (band), Chaka Khan, The Meters, Michael Franks (musician), Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '77, and others.
Hal Leonard Corporation printed the single sheet piano music.
The song was released on several compilation albums featuring David Lasley as the artist: