Brown was a star football quarterback at Mount Vernon High School in New York, but rejected an athletic scholarship to the University of Iowa to pursue a music career. In 1987, Quincy Jones selected Brown as the first winner of the Sony Innovators Talent Search. Subsequently, Brown went on to work with Jones on several projects, most notably the platinum single "Secret Garden" from Jones' double platinum album Back on the Block. On this recording, Brown was one of a quartet with Barry White, El DeBarge, and James Ingram.
His debut album from 1988, In Effect Mode, sold more than two million copies, topping the Billboard R&B chart for seven straight weeks. The album included his memorable single "Nite and Day", which topped the R&B singles chart and reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. He received numerous Grammy and American Music Award (AMA) nominations, and won an AMA for Best New R&B Artist. He also received several Soul Train Award nominations, and won the award for Best New Artist. He also won several New York Music Awards. In addition, Al's 900 phone line was third in generating revenue, following those for New Kids on the Block and Run-DMC.
As a writer and producer, Brown introduced the multi-platinum group Jodeci and teen R&B performer Tevin Campbell (also one of Quincy Jones's former protégés), as well as Faith Evans, Dave Hollister, Case, and Usher to the music scene.
On June 23, 2009, Al released his fourth studio album, Honey I'm Home. It features the hit song, "I Love It (Papi Aye Aye Aye)." The single peaked at #77 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and at #22 Adult R&B.
Missunderstanding
Al B. Sure! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why is it everytime I see your face
It's only when I got gas in my Chevy?
There's something strange about that...
What's up!!? (It's just a...)
Hook:
Missunderstanding I'm not so demanding
Missunderstanding I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
I know I must be dreaming,
All these brand new friends
And I've never seen such clever ways
To make amends
You never know who's scheming...
...Is she out for self?
Nowadays you've got to be protected
And it's not for health
Don't you know she drives me crazy...
...Does she like my walk
Or maybe all she knows is that money talks
(Money, money, money!)
It's a shame the way it is,
I really like her smile
I'd like to get to know her
'Cause she drives me wild!
Bridge:
Can you tell me why (hey) you need diamonds,
You need pearls
And I gotta buy 'em, oh I've got to buy 'em
Don't you know (don't you know) to be my lady
(To by my lady)
Drive my Mercedes (Drive my Mercedes)
Start giving me that lovin' hey
Hook (repeat)
Can't you read between the lines?
I never go for self
Should I try to sleep the lady
And misuse my wealth?
I don't know the times have changed,
I can't sell out
I grew up doing right and I won't throw it out!
Bridge (repeat)
Hook (repeat)
Yo Eddie F. are you in here? (Yeah!)
Ha ha ha yeah I thought so
Sounding swell you know what I'm saying? (Yeah!)
You know what time it is now right?
Nevelle...get funky!!!
Missunderstanding, missunderstanding
Missunderstanding, that's all it is
Hook (repeat)
The lyrics to Al B. Sure's "Misunderstanding" tell a story of relatively superficial relationships and romantic interactions that do not result in lasting love or deep connections. The singer notes that he only sees the object of his affection when he needs to fill up his gas tank in his Chevy, implying that their relationship is not based on anything substantial. The hook emphasizes this point, as the singer insists that he is not demanding and will not let the woman play with his heart. This suggests that the woman may have done this in the past or that she is likely to do so in the future, perhaps because she is only interested in fleeting moments of pleasure and flattery. The bridge of the song references material possessions and wealth, with the singer noting that he needs to buy diamonds and pearls to impress the woman. The song concludes with the refrain that this is all just a misunderstanding, emphasizing the miscommunication and lack of real intimacy in the singer's relationship.
Overall, the lyrics to "Misunderstanding" paint a picture of a shallow romance that is based on appearances and material possessions rather than genuine emotional connections. The singer is aware of this and seems somewhat disillusioned by the experience, suggesting that he is looking for something more meaningful in his relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Why is it everytime I see your face
It's only when I got gas in my Chevy?
I notice that you only show up when there's something to gain from me. It's strange and suspicious.
Missunderstanding I'm not so demanding
Never will you play with my heart
You seem to be confused about me. But, just know that I am not asking for too much and I won't let you toy with my emotions.
Missunderstanding I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
I don't understand your intentions, but I don't want to be hurt or taken advantage of by you.
I know I must be dreaming,
All these brand new friends
And I've never seen such clever ways
To make amends
You never know who's scheming...
I can't believe that I have all these new friends, but I am suspicious of their motives. It's hard to tell who is truly genuine and who is using me.
...Is she out for self?
Nowadays you've got to be protected
And it's not for health
I'm not sure if she's looking out for herself, but these days I have to be careful and look out for my own interests too.
Don't you know she drives me crazy...
...Does she like my walk
Or maybe all she knows is that money talks
(Money, money, money!)
I am really attracted to her, but I'm not sure if it's genuine. Is she only interested in my money or does she really like me?
It's a shame the way it is,
I really like her smile
I'd like to get to know her
'Cause she drives me wild!
It's unfortunate that I have to be suspicious of her, because I really like her and want to get to know her better.
Can you tell me why (hey) you need diamonds,
You need pearls
And I gotta buy 'em, oh I've got to buy 'em
Don't you know (don't you know) to be my lady
(To by my lady)
Drive my Mercedes (Drive my Mercedes)
Start giving me that lovin' hey
Why do you need expensive things and expect me to buy them for you? Do you really love me for me or just for what I can buy you? I want you to be committed to me and show me love, not just expect material things from me.
Can't you read between the lines?
I never go for self
Should I try to sleep the lady
And misuse my wealth?
I hope you can see that I am not a selfish person and I am not interested in just using my money to get what I want. Should I resort to using my wealth to manipulate her, even though that goes against my morals?
I don't know the times have changed,
I can't sell out
I grew up doing right and I won't throw it out!
I know times have changed and it seems like everyone is just trying to get ahead by any means necessary. But I was raised to have morals and values and I won't compromise them just to get ahead.
Missunderstanding, missunderstanding
Missunderstanding, that's all it is
There seems to be a lot of miscommunication and confusion between us, but I hope we can work it out and get on the same page.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALBERT JOSEPH III BROWN, ALBERT BROWN III, EDWARD O. FERRELL II, NEVELLE HODGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jay Wad
This should have been another hit on the billboard hot 100, pop charts & American top 40.
juniouswooley
This was a jam! Brings back good memories!
MARK WRIGHT
Love this jam.
Dale Traverso
THIS is the song that Quincy should have covered ..Night and Day deserved better
Gyo Martin
I wish I was 20 again
juniouswooley
I remember him losing weight for this video or come back.
Kiki
RIP Kim Porter. Beautiful Angel.... you were absolutely gorgeous in this video and in your life🌹🙏🏾
K. Delpino
That was her?!
Wow.
RIP🙏
Veronica N
Still in shock over Kim. The resemblance between the twins and her really show in this video. Kim loved all her kids and I pray that they get through this tragic loss 💔🌹.
Aliyah Christina
R.I.P Kim Porter🙏🏽❤️ such a beautiful angel