The band released their first album issued self-titled debut in autumn 1989, which included the hits, "Sayanora", "Heat of the Moment", "Can't Stop" and the quiet storm staple, "Ready or Not". After promoting the album and seeing it go to platinum, they scored a hit with the Motown-influenced "Nights Like This" on the 1991 soundtrack to The Five Heartbeats. The trio returned with 1992's Takin' My Time, which included the hit cover of The Originals' "Baby I'm For Real". The trio released their last album, with Reflections, in 1995, which included the hit, "'Til You Do Me Right". After Mitchell split from After 7 in 1997, the Edmonds brothers continued performing, releasing the cover of Hall & Oates' "Sara Smile" before silently disbanding that year.
The brothers continue to perform in venues for reunions. Both Kevon and Melvin Edmonds appear with Babyface in the film Soul Food, as members of the R&B group Milestone and performing the song "I Care About You". In 1999, Kevon Edmonds released a solo LP, which included the single "24/7." In 2006 they appeared on the New Jack Reunion Tour.
How Do You Tell The One
After 7 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Thought of Leaving You Was On My Mind
If I've Been Deceiving You, It's All Because I'm Blind
Cause I Care For You More Than You Know
Although My Heart Says Go
Today I Saw the Tears Inside Your Eyes
The Thought of Hurting You, I'd Rather Die
If I'm Deserting You, I Don't Mean to Make You Cry
Although My Heart Says
[Chorus]
How Do You Tell the One
You Love Goodbye For Good
Or Even Know If You Should
And How Do You Say the Words
You Thought You Never Could
When You Promised Her
That You Love Was True
Said I'd Never Think, of Leaving You
Oh How Can Love, Be Cruel
Today I Felt a Pain Inside My Heart
The Thought of Leaving You Had Crossed My Mind
If I've Been Deceiving You, It's Only Cause I'm Blind
Cause I Care For You More Than You Know
Although My Heart Says Go
[Chorus]
How Can You Live a Lie
When You Know It's Wrong
And You Know It's Not Right
When You Say You Do
But You Know You Don't
When You Say You Will
But You Know That You Won't
When You're Not Alive
You Should Let It Die
Just Let Go, Just Let Go, of the Pain Inside
Tell Me How Do You Know
Tell Me How to Let Go
Tell Me How, How, How
[Chorus]
The song "How Do You Tell The One" by After 7 is about the internal struggle of deciding whether or not to end a relationship. The lyrics depict the pain and conflict that one feels when they love someone deeply but at the same time know that staying in the relationship may not be the best decision. The lead singer expresses his concerns about hurting his partner and how he cares for her more than she knows. He acknowledges that his heart is telling him to go, but he doesn't want to hurt her in the process.
The chorus poses several questions regarding how to end a relationship and if it's the right decision. The singer asks, "How do you tell the one you love goodbye for good? Or even know if you should? And how do you say the words you thought you never could?" These are questions that anyone in a similar situation can relate to. The lyrics also touch on the idea of living a lie and pretending that everything is okay when it's not. The song encourages the listener to let go of the pain and move on to a better, healthier life.
Overall, "How Do You Tell The One" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the complexities of love and relationships. It's a reminder that sometimes we have to make difficult decisions for the sake of our own well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
Today I Felt a Pain Inside My Heart
I experienced emotional distress that caused me heartache
The Thought of Leaving You Was On My Mind
I was considering ending our relationship
If I've Been Deceiving You, It's All Because I'm Blind
I may have misled you unintentionally due to my lack of realization or insight
Cause I Care For You More Than You Know
I have an intense affection for you that goes beyond what you understand
Although My Heart Says Go
Despite my internal intuition urging me to leave
Today I Saw the Tears Inside Your Eyes
I noticed the emotions that were causing you distress
The Thought of Hurting You, I'd Rather Die
I would rather endure intense physical pain than cause you emotional suffering
If I'm Deserting You, I Don't Mean to Make You Cry
If I end our relationship, it is not my intention to cause you to be upset
How Do You Tell the One
You Love Goodbye For Good
Or Even Know If You Should
And How Do You Say the Words
You Thought You Never Could
When You Promised Her
That You Love Was True
Said I'd Never Think, of Leaving You
Oh How Can Love, Be Cruel
Expressing painful decisions about ending a relationship is difficult and heartbreaking, especially when promises of true love were made
How Can You Live a Lie
When You Know It's Wrong
And You Know It's Not Right
When You Say You Do
But You Know You Don't
When You Say You Will
But You Know That You Won't
When You're Not Alive
You Should Let It Die
Just Let Go, Just Let Go, of the Pain Inside
Tell Me How Do You Know
Tell Me How to Let Go
Tell Me How, How, How
It can be challenging to let go of a relationship that you know deep down is not authentic or fulfilling, but it's vital to release yourself from emotional pain and seek clarity to move forward
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDMONDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
L ANGEL LOVE
TRUE ENOUGH THE LATE AND GREAT MELVIN EDMONDS WILL
ALWAYS BE HIGHLY MISSED
BUT IT'S TRULY A BLESSING
THAT HIS SON
JASON EDMONDS JOINED THEM
BEFORE HE LEFT "AFTER 7" WHICH KEEPS THIS AMAZING
R&B RECORDING ARTIST TOGETHER AS #1 WHILE THEY CONTINUE TO PRODUCE MORE
GREAT MUSIC TOGETHER AS JASON SINGS GREAT AND
YES HE PLAYS THE KEYS
EXTREMELY WELL,
NOW LAST, BUT NOT LEAST
I CANNOT FORGET THEIR AMAZING AND VERY TALENTED
BROTHER AND EXTRAORDINARY
MUSIC PRODUCER
KENNY "BABYFACE" EDMONDS
WOW MORE
CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS
EXTRAORDINARY GROUP OF R&B SINGERS & BEST FRIENDS OF A
LIFETIME
Mena Plus Blessings Enibu
RIP Melvin Edmonds 😢 you'll surely be missed
Marilyn Hardrick
These brothers are sooooo talented. Everything they touch turns to gold. Blessed and Brilliant talented. Thank you Edmond Brothers.
Raawban Ashar
Old school is thousand times better than to days music
Guido Janssen
My favorite song by After 7. Should have been released as a single!!!
Susey & Georgee Music
This song is perfect in every way.
Todd Dowdy-Sloan
I bought it as a "Ca-single"! Lol! Remember they were making cassette singles for about 5 min. It was the only one I ever bought.
D Man
It only reached #60...because mainly women didn’t want to relate to the song. They rather hear songs about how beautiful they are and that they are ALL that. This is why it only reached #60. Understand how shadow and childish your audience are....
Michael Stallworth
It charted at #60 R&B.
Julio Delascas
Omggggg. ..I love it Guido! Just the intro killed me!
joohsay
This song is always played on repeat!