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.
Misunderstanding
Al B. Sure! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why is it every time 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)
Misunderstanding, I'm not so demanding
Misunderstanding, 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
Can you tell me why you need diamonds
(Hey)
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
Misunderstanding, I'm not so demanding
Never will you play with my heart
Misunderstanding, I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
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
Can you tell me why you need diamonds
(Hey)
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
Misunderstanding, I'm not so demanding
Never will you play with my heart
Misunderstanding, I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
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
Misunderstanding, misunderstanding
Misunderstanding, that's all it is
Misunderstanding, I'm not so demanding
Never will you play with my heart
Misunderstanding, I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
In Al B. Sure!'s song "Misunderstanding," the lyrics convey the frustration and confusion of a romantic relationship that seems to be based on materialistic interests. The singer expresses his confusion about the behavior of the female love interest, stating that every time he sees her face, it's only when he has gas in his Chevy. The repetition of the phrase "misunderstanding" emphasizes the singer's belief that there is a lack of communication and understanding between him and the love interest.
The chorus reflects the singer's desire for a stable and faithful relationship, stating that he's not demanding and doesn't want his heart played with or be torn apart. He describes his confusion over the love interest's behavior, questioning whether she is only interested in him for his money and possessions. He expresses a desire to truly get to know her since she drives him wild, but he is unsure if their relationship is based on love or materialism.
Overall, the song portrays a relationship that is built on misunderstandings, confusion and materialism which may not result well in the outcome of the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Why is it every time I see your face
It's only when I got gas in my Chevy?
There's something strange about that
What's up?
I only seem to see you when I happen to be out and about in my Chevy. You don't seem to want to see me otherwise. What's going on?
Misunderstanding, I'm not so demanding
Never will you play with my heart
Misunderstanding, I don't know
What you're planning
Never will you tear me apart
I hope there's just a misunderstanding between us. I'm not asking for too much from you, and I trust you won't intentionally hurt me.
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
I'm suspicious of your new friends and their motives. I don't know who I can trust anymore. I need to look out for myself because no one else will.
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'm crazy about her, but I don't know if she feels the same way. Maybe it's just my money she's after.
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 things are like this, but I can't help my feelings. I'm really attracted to her and want to get to know her better.
Can you tell me why you need diamonds
(Hey)
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
It seems like I have to keep buying her expensive things just to keep her interested in me. I hope she would love me for who I am, not just my money, and show affection in return.
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
I hope she can understand that I'm not just trying to use my wealth to get with her. I've always been fair and honest with my money and won't change for anyone.
Misunderstanding, misunderstanding
Misunderstanding, that's all it is
I hope this is all just a misunderstanding between us and we can figure it out.
Contributed by Muhammad S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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