Shouldn’t Have To Wait

84 Comments

One of my favorite songs from the album, “Shouldn’t Have To Wait” inspired a film project that we began shooting last fall. Here’s the last scene:

I never released the film – mostly because it was our first attempt and I felt it was very amateur. Regardless, I love the message in this scene: Don’t make your loved ones wait to see and hear how much you love them. Call or visit them now! I wrote this after losing someone close to me. I’d trade the song for the person any day.

 

Posted: January 12th, 2009 | Under: Film, Music

84 Comments on “Shouldn’t Have To Wait”

  1. 1 Nicolas Soru Najm said at 2:29 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    The scene is brilliant. Although I can see what you mean by “amateur.” I think it was in the shaky camera mostly. However, the feeling of the song and message of the scene is mutual. I completely understand and can relate to it. The song sounds amazing as usual. KEEP IT UP R-LES!! LESS THAN A MONTH BEFORE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME!!

  2. 2 Philip Stevens said at 3:02 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    Really nice song. And I feel you on the film. Could have used some work and the message is fine though. Can’t wait for the album.

  3. 3 Erica Svejderud said at 3:23 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    Great message. I love the song, and I don’t know for how more long I can wait for your album to drop! I’m so excited. Keep up the good work.

  4. 4 Denise Behler said at 3:47 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    That made me sad :( Can happen any day… a collegue of me had an accident a week ago because some woman played with the radio. His car has junk value. Thanks god nothing happened to him…

  5. 5 Jens Ingebretsen said at 4:33 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    Hello Ryan,

    It`s truly amazing to have seen your progression and development the last years. Keep up the good momentum, and you will succeed in a even bigger way. I find you and your work as an inspirational source in my life, so for that I will thank you. If you don’t mind. I would like to share with you a quotation from Logan Pearsall Smith that you may find meaningful in your life as we speak;” THERE ARE TWO things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the scond.”

    You got so much great going for you now, and everyone who follows you through your work can see the effort you put in to this. Take a break – look what you have achieved, and enjoy it!

    Something you may not know that will put a smile on your face – Lately your songs hit the clubs here in Norway where I live! The Ryan Leslie branding is reaching out to world.

    Looking forward to get in hand of your CD. I will spread the word here in Norway. I`m the Norwegian Ryan Leslie Ambassador.

    Best Regards,
    Jens I. – Norway

  6. 6 Facebook User said at 4:54 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    The video is very touching and real to life. I can’t wait 4 the album so i can listen to the full song. Keep bringing the heat!

    ~Ms. Instrumental~

  7. 7 Jeff Rice said at 5:34 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    thats deep man I like it and I love the song. Is that car yours because I think I saw it before in a picture with you and your father and if so I like the car as muck as I like the song lol

  8. 8 Tarek Khatib said at 5:39 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    What can I say, More than a song we have here, we have an important lesson about life. Thank you Ryan for creating such a meaningful piece of art.

    NS4L

  9. 9 Stevie Graham said at 6:00 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    I remember being in the back of the dodge for this one simulating crashes with real oncoming traffic! Scary stuff man. This is one my favorite Ryan Leslie tracks.

  10. 10 Tarek Khatib said at 6:48 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    Steve you are one lucky person! you get to see everything done live!

  11. 11 Facebook User said at 6:49 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    ooooh Ryan.. you so fine.. keep givin us that down to earth, real talk, feel good music..

    1 luv
    2-10
    God Bless

  12. 12 Paddy RnbConcept said at 7:50 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    definitely best song from the album. “uuhh im not tryin’ to be tough” damn..!
    Man, the way its built reminds me of “choose us”.

  13. 13 Yamill Vallecillo said at 9:56 pm on January 13th, 2009:

    One of my favorite songs from the album bro

  14. 14 Daytona Jones said at 1:58 am on January 14th, 2009:

    I know how real the message of this video is…
    So for real…
    Super dope song too.

  15. 15 Alexander Dilliplane said at 2:05 am on January 14th, 2009:

    The song is very true… Very Nice Work

  16. 16 Justin Williams said at 8:03 am on January 14th, 2009:

    Hey RY….
    I Love the Concept on the intro that’s Hot …. I can see the video taking place in on a white back drop after the crash depending on what you’re singing about and have the ambulance at the scene along with the woman you called singing above her… She’s watch you get cut out the car with the jars of life trying to be revived. I got more Ideas that’s just me seeing that one part…

    -Justin Rayeni- aka Jus N Tyme

  17. 17 Joape Pela said at 12:06 pm on January 14th, 2009:

    i like the song and the message

  18. 18 Facebook User said at 1:06 pm on January 14th, 2009:

    The song is dope… no duh! but Id cry if this really happened lol… awesome dramatization tho… love the car too!

  19. 19 Erich L. Fluker said at 1:16 pm on January 14th, 2009:

    Cool Ryan I really like that track!

    Cherry Hill Records
    Hill City Uptown Minne

    -ERICH

    Haven’t heard back from you, myspace.com/erich1enastasia

  20. 20 Justin Adams said at 7:00 pm on January 14th, 2009:

    Amateur?? That scene was perfectly put together. The shaky camera reminds me of the effect from the Bourne films, and they’re not considered amateur lol. I loved the scene and the song as well, good job as always

  21. 21 Erika Renee' Flowers said at 7:39 pm on January 14th, 2009:

    great song and message in this clip.
    keep up the good work =)
    -Erika Flowers

  22. 22 Teaike 'Tee Tee' Butts said at 10:48 pm on January 14th, 2009:

    I absolutely love your music. I cannot wait 4 the album. I feel that you are a very intelligent, positive talented individual. You are a real role model in this industry. May GOD continue to bless you with success.

    Much love,
    -Tee Tee from Baltimore, MD

  23. 23 Sja Dia said at 4:56 pm on January 15th, 2009:

    The accident really freaked me out!
    The song sounds Great and can’t wait to hear the rest..Im sure it is all great. Meanwhile Im doing my part overhere in Holland to spread the word about Ryan Leslie.. it’s working!

    Love Saadia from Holland!

  24. 24 Kenneth Welcome said at 7:05 pm on January 15th, 2009:

    man that was GENIUS! yet sad..but im ready 4 the cd hopefully that will b on it

  25. 25 Shaun Hinchy said at 7:17 pm on January 15th, 2009:

    dude, I love that you put this up. Everyone is always putting up these videos like this that cost the earth to make and are all polished and shit. But this one is just pure, no fancy effects, just a well made video by people with a passion for it.

    Keep it up.
    Witness to Change

  26. 26 Tanisha Gardner-Haskins said at 10:36 pm on January 15th, 2009:

    Love the scene and the song. I look forward to 2/10/2009. A true R. Les fan would love the film. Hope to see it soon. Happy your sharing your talent with the world.
    Love TG

  27. 27 Jeffery Hurt said at 11:09 pm on January 15th, 2009:

    Glad tha next 50yrs of good music will be comin from a brotha like you…your music is so fresh…..my wife and i looks at ur style of play..but we dont sound like you…..keep tha music comin….dont forget about artist like sound providers, qwele, josh martinz, 88Keys,zion-i,santogold, lenka, the ting tings, metro station….i can see u doin things with these artist………a-z,1-10-no limitations when it comes too music…..and by the way our you hiring right now cause working for GM is not it……workin around music 365days a year is what i need!!

  28. 28 Derrica Lavon Wilson said at 3:12 pm on January 17th, 2009:

    What can I say?? Just speechless….well I’ll start by saying, AMAZING!!! That song is absolutely beautiful! The follow up to this song is to your label. Make sure you tell them that you’re fans “Shouldn’t Have To Wait” for you album. I’m gonna calm down thought because I’ll be purchasing several copies on the 10th. Thank you Ryan for such wonderful music!

  29. 29 Hilaire Georges said at 6:05 pm on January 17th, 2009:

    Now, I have to wait to get this track…

    This is crazy!!

    ;-)

  30. 30 Safiya Said said at 8:52 am on January 18th, 2009:

    yap!ryan, i think ur video sends a message. there is this guy in my class he realy realy likes me nd the wrst prt is i kn. tot it ws to cheap to get in easily i just like surfering pple smtyms atlast i lost him to this gal nd deep inside i like him bt i can do notin evn though i kn he still likes me.the 2nd1 ws this musician i hd a crush on and didnt go bck for his concert cuz i ws confused nd i ws under age he likes me that i kn bt still i dnt kn wat to do nd he is far away may be he stil likes me am nt that sure . hmm wat if he dies jus like in ur video? guess i wud hv mr confidence now.gr8t video gvs me strong spirit.

  31. 31 Lauren Jones said at 12:24 pm on January 18th, 2009:

    I would actually love to see the whole movie. Very good messae in the movie and song. More More More!!!

  32. 32 Yasir Ali said at 2:39 pm on January 18th, 2009:

    whats the name of the song that plays at 1:08

    the drum pattern is very simlar to tim and bobs!!!!

    btw dope tune and video

  33. 33 Kierra Gray said at 9:20 am on January 20th, 2009:

    This message is so true!
    My family had a very surprising loss this past year… it hit us all pretty hard because, if only we had known, we would’ve held her closer, spent more time, anything. but now She’s gone and we won’t have those times anymore.
    thanks a lot for this video man :] it’s so easy to forget that each day isn’t promised and to love the the ones you love while you can.

    Stay Blessed,
    K Gray.

    {www.kierragray.com}
    {www.myspace.com/kierragray}

  34. 34 Chaim Jackson said at 12:12 am on January 22nd, 2009:

    MR. LESLIE, THIS IS MA 1ST TIME LEAVIN A COMMENT BUT THIS VIDEO SPOKE TO ME. YOU HAVE TO POST THAT WHOLE MOVIE OR ATLEAST HAVE A WAY FOR YOUR FANS TO SEE IT!!!

  35. 35 John Jro Romano said at 9:01 pm on February 3rd, 2009:

    can already tell this is gonna be my fav song on the album, nice flow

  36. 36 Gregory Peck said at 9:47 pm on February 3rd, 2009:

    Yo Ryan man I am really diggin that “How it Was Supposed to Be”. I can vibe with it because its where I’m at now! Keep them diamond hits coming!

  37. 37 Bryant Nieves said at 1:36 am on February 6th, 2009:

    Great song man.. i love the true meaning of it and cant wait to hear the rest.!

  38. 38 Cathie Suarez said at 7:54 am on February 6th, 2009:

    Wow, I have a very close friend that almost lost her life to a drunk driver of another car, what’s crazier is this was a night we were supposed to be out together. It’s amazing how God spares us from somethings, he spared me from being a part of a horrible event, and blessed my friend to live stay with me.
    There are so many who don’t get the chance, and never get to tell the ones they love good bye and vice versa. This made me well up a little, I’m a punk, so what, lol.

    Ryan keep it up is all I can say, although I doubt you’ll ever need it, maybe one day I’ll write something that will reach your ear and touch your heart the same. God bless, keep rising! Love all!
    Cat aka Gypsy

  39. 39 Andre Hancock said at 9:22 pm on February 6th, 2009:

    This is what I wake to in the morning, it’s like washing my face so refreshing!

  40. 40 LaShaun Odette Abraham said at 3:16 pm on February 9th, 2009:

    That’s so true…..we should reach out 2 our love ones & let them how much they REALLY mean 2 us.
    Spread LOVE all around

  41. 41 Miles Newby said at 8:29 pm on February 10th, 2009:

    i want the whole movie release it

  42. 42 Kimberly Silva said at 5:45 pm on February 12th, 2009:

    Wow!!!!!!!!!!

  43. 43 Shannetta Dawn Stone said at 10:24 am on February 14th, 2009:

    I lost my grandmother yesterday the message in your short film hit close to home. She was in a nursing home and I didnt really take the time to see her much.. you are so right.. Never put off tomorrow what you can do today.. because tomorrow may never come for some of us.. Thanks Ryan.. again.. loving your versatility.. (you are such an inspiration)

  44. 44 Shanae Brown said at 7:16 pm on February 14th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan, I love the album and ‘Shouldn’t have to wait’ is my favorite song. BUT I wanted to know why didn’t ‘
    Promise not to call’ make it on the album. I can see myself singing that at your concert. Do you perform that song?

    Much Love,
    Nae!

  45. 45 Martin Riggs said at 1:29 am on February 15th, 2009:

    My bad I cant make it to any of your concerts homie, but i hope you know i still got love for the dude who does it all

  46. 46 Starlet Sherri McFarland said at 3:20 pm on February 17th, 2009:

    I just listened to this song….I love the flow…I think I just love Ryan period! He has a “cool” all his own. It’s music I can groove to all day, everyday. Matter of fact, I am at work now bobbing my head away. Ryan, awesome work. Stay True to You!

  47. 47 Cory Rashaad Hield said at 6:45 pm on February 18th, 2009:

    hey mr leslie am probably your biggest fans down here in the bahamas(nassau) definitely the only one who purchased ur album been waitin from last year really.you really inspired me to go after what i wanted in life.am and a aspiring singer,songwriter,producer just like you are .how can i better my self at being a producer, right now am currently using logic in a lil home studio so and my beats arent comin together the way i would like can u assist me?

  48. 48 Andre DreStar Shonubi said at 9:36 pm on February 19th, 2009:

    Damn RL that joint was tuff it really hit me. you never know what tomorrow brings.

  49. 49 Shaniqua Young said at 12:40 am on February 21st, 2009:

    I LOVE DIS SONG!!
    its my ringtone and everything
    Ryan u really do ur thing and im greatful to hve listen to an album dat makes me wanna listen to every song every single day!
    but for real tho dis should be ur next single.

    xoxo,
    Shaniqua!

  50. 50 Dion Smyth-Tynes said at 3:16 pm on February 23rd, 2009:

    Just lost someone close to me yesterday . . . I feel you.

  51. 51 Samson Andah said at 7:13 am on March 6th, 2009:

    thats deff man, your music is inspiring bruv.

  52. 52 Andre Jerome said at 3:12 pm on March 13th, 2009:

    Great message!!

  53. 53 Zolotoy-moscow King said at 8:33 pm on March 13th, 2009:

    ryan you should make to me a song urgently!!!!) I do not know as with you to communicate on a straight line write here this my mail zolotoy77@bk.ru and arineus@mail.ru Russia with you peace!

  54. 54 Ershad Fevrier said at 1:53 am on March 26th, 2009:

    nice car, is it yours?

  55. 55 Adrian Diggs said at 8:08 am on March 26th, 2009:

    This song is sooo true I just people really believed in how much worth they have…

  56. 56 Gary Stephen Jackson said at 6:57 am on March 30th, 2009:

    would love to get you to Hong Kong 香港, Taipei 臺北市, Kuala Lumpur, and the mother city Cape Town, South Africa…

  57. 57 Blackheart Adonis said at 12:22 pm on April 2nd, 2009:

    i like it alot…

    twitter.com/followblack
    myspace.com/blackheartadonis

  58. 58 Joshua Lawrence said at 9:50 pm on April 11th, 2009:

    On all honesty, I did a short film just like this about 9 months ago in Pittsburgh, Pa. It turned out good. :D

  59. 59 Facebook User said at 7:22 pm on April 13th, 2009:

    I love this song so much. One of my favorites!

  60. 60 Dee Avila said at 3:57 pm on April 20th, 2009:

    It is hard to express how I feel about the film, since it is only a scene. But I am intrigued to watch all of it, because it just made me wanting to know what happened before. Any film that leaves an audience wanting more is a great film. I really loved how you brought the song to life. From the looks of this scene all this film needs is a little more coordination and time spent on it. Other than that the idea and where you were going with it its pretty good. “Amateur” what is it?… think about it..

  61. 61 Filiz Khan said at 6:42 pm on April 20th, 2009:

    Oh man… everything that your singing, saying or doing touches my hart !!
    Your just right for me baby…

  62. 62 Dawna Espinosa Swan said at 2:49 pm on May 1st, 2009:

    ..First heard this track from ’solarradio’ UK, and really liked it! I shared it to my ’special’ friend and we now became quite a fan of yours!

    We think you are incredibly talented!

    I’ll tell you a little secret… My ‘SF’ had dedicated the song ‘IRINa’ to me; from his words that ‘it captures his feelings towards me to a T!!! – dont ask!( it’s a figure of speech, he says ;-) . It’s a brilliant video too!

    We are in a look out for ‘Rescue U & Pleaze Pleaze Pleaze’ ..so please help?

    Thanks a bunch,
    MsSweetD ;*

  63. 63 Adrian Valdes Castro said at 9:03 pm on May 3rd, 2009:

    la primera vez que vi un video tuyo fue “adiction” el make it y fue increible yo soy productor musical en chile sudamerica y de verdad pienso eres un hombre orquesta.
    desde ahi que a cada persona que puedo le recomiendo ver tus videos

    Felicitaciones Ryan…

    Un fans de chile

  64. 64 Cesar Wright said at 10:29 am on May 12th, 2009:

    ryan leslie songs are the best!

  65. 65 Cam'Ron Randall said at 7:10 pm on May 21st, 2009:

    You’re the greatest! This video is great! You have amazing talent & I pray I get to work with you some day!

  66. 66 Deni Hoti said at 5:04 pm on May 22nd, 2009:

    Hello Ryan Leslie…one of my best inspirations…which song is this…from 1:09 to 1:14…I need this song..you’re better than all the producer on the planet…:D;)

  67. 67 Angel Heart said at 3:07 pm on June 7th, 2009:

    hello , i am HALIMA from algeria and i am a great fun !!! i love your music .
    waww you have a real gift from god and you have a storng style. before that i was listenning to donell jones who i love also but you , your song and your style i have just know it. i wish one day if god wants i will attend to your cancer and wish you the best thak you and thank you for the hapiness that you gave to us

  68. 68 Tiffany Nicole Jeffers said at 12:13 pm on June 8th, 2009:

    I LOVe the fact that you are into Retro Era! Fantastic video and as always wonderful music.

  69. 69 Bernard Woods said at 10:06 am on June 24th, 2009:

    Yea I definitely love this song as well..Your Music Never Gets Played Out!!..Cuz It’s Classic!!

  70. 70 Sparkaline Kelly said at 1:53 pm on June 24th, 2009:

    Hay! Just saw my face in the mirror, in a PIC and in a video, just HURRY! I am so tired, you just don’t know how boring this shit gets. HURRY THE HELL UP! Get to the dame point, get laid, get cha dick sucked, eat some pussy, get married just get it and come on. I wanna GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Please with a big red cherry dipped in chocolate and whip cream stuck in an inconspicuous place just HURRY!

  71. 71 Sparkaline Kelly said at 2:01 pm on June 24th, 2009:

    Your not crazy your Kazy, yet funny but I am not amused. That is not the origin of that song now stop playing these games and do the Booty Dew and get me the heck out of here……………..

  72. 72 Sparkaline Kelly said at 6:17 am on June 26th, 2009:

    Eeeeeeh! I take it you never got your personal trainer. Who the he’ll still eats Wonder Bread? For a Harvard graduate your not very smart. Don’t you know about Wonder Bread! It was in the news. It’s turkey breast, frz. turkey or turkey ham. No granola bars, do you even have teeth? When was the last time you’ve seen a dentist? I wanna say good choice on the water, but I’m afraid to ask.

  73. 73 Robert Kajtazi said at 7:22 am on June 27th, 2009:

    I hope that that don’t hapen in the real life

  74. 74 Sparkaline Kelly said at 3:07 pm on July 2nd, 2009:

    Nice Anthony, very nice. It’s just that I know about the time when these videos and songs came about. I’m not saying that your artistry isn’t engaging nor am I saying you are the main charater in this book, but what I am saying is this I know “Your Not My Girl” and “Shouldn’t Have To Wait” aren’t new, they aren’t old either. What they are is the here and now and I want to move on. It would behoove you to attemt the same.

  75. 75 Sparkaline Kelly said at 5:15 pm on July 4th, 2009:

    What the #%€£#! What do you mean she was good last night or whatever night you had her? Well let me tell you this, you can strum her even more because you won’t be strumming me. I knew I should have never fell for you. You pretty boys are all-alike. Humm! You can drop it this fall next fall or the fall after, I won’t freaking pick it up. As for the first one it’ll be saying hello! to my shreddar. You freakin cheat! I have been everything for you even loyal and you decide to strum with someone other than me? I have in my mind a reason to remove you from my label. {SCREAM!}

  76. 76 Sparkaline Kelly said at 5:46 am on July 5th, 2009:

    Ohhhh! Uhooooohhhh! Ohhhhh! That’s funny. If your trying to be comical that works. Keep the smartalecky tone to a minimum. Good one though, good one.

  77. 77 Joe Thatvihane said at 2:33 am on July 9th, 2009:

    i am definitely vibing to the clip and i understand fully. this track is actually one of my favorite songs.i wrote a verse in my pad about i shouldn’t have to wait before i heard this song and ironically it does go together.i went through something similar and i agree.i love your music & the movement/message youre getting out to the world.

  78. 78 Devon Edwards said at 9:01 am on July 14th, 2009:

    Thank you for your posts and giving us your fans an inside look at your creativity and heart. I can only express what others have already said. I know too well the importance of loved ones, for when I returned from in support of Iraq I was diagnosed with Lupus and Kidney Disease and given a short period of time to live. But GOD, He has given me a second lease on life and I am doing better than ever. I am retired from the Military and currently in Film School at Columbia College in Chicago. Thanks for the inspiration! Love the Album as well!

  79. 79 Suhayla Csb said at 7:01 am on July 16th, 2009:

    No one knows what have til loose it…..no one!!! And no one knows when its the end!!! We are just humans making mistakes and learning lessons……

  80. 80 William Dunbar said at 11:50 pm on September 28th, 2009:

    Great short film!!!

  81. 81 Facebook User said at 7:35 am on October 18th, 2009:

    I thought the scene was well done. Love the song.

  82. 82 Theresa Luhukay-Ait Bram said at 4:27 am on November 1st, 2009:

    I know what yah mean …
    Had the same thing going on over here …..
    But still, after all we’re together ;)
    Feels like u wrothe this for me lol

  83. 83 Jacquinn Johnson said at 8:38 pm on November 25th, 2009:

    Man I’m going through this right now.

  84. 84 Gloria Glo Frank said at 3:03 pm on January 24th, 2010:

    Shouldn’t have to wait is a beautiful song. it’s one of my favorites=] it’s so soulful. The scene is great I wish I can see the whole thing=[ Great job!!! Love you Ryan Leslie

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