Amerie Mi Marie Rogers (born January 12, 1978), known mononymously as Ameri… Read Full Bio ↴Amerie Mi Marie Rogers (born January 12, 1978), known mononymously as Amerie (formerly Ameriie), is an American-Korean singer, songwriter, record producer, actress and author. Her 2002 debut album "All I Have" was highly acclaimed by critics, as was her 2nd album "Touch".

In 2005, Amerie burst back onto the music scene with her fourth single "1 Thing", which was used as the theme song for the Will Smith movie "Hitch". "1 Thing" went to the top of the charts in various international markets, including the US, UK and others around the world. It earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (the album "Touch" was also nominated for the "Best Contemporary R&B Album" Grammy ). The album sold an estimated 800,000 copies worldwide and went gold in the US and silver in the UK.

Amerie's third album 'Because I Love It' was released in the UK , Europe and Asia in 2007. The single "Take Control" was released in October 2006, and it enjoyed international success. The second single "Gotta Work" did not fare as well in the charts, despite receiving heavy airplay on UK and European music video channels. The album has sold a combined total of 310,000 copies worldwide and is her most critically acclaimed album.

In late 2007, was reported that Amerie had left her label Columbia Records, and signed with the Island Def Jam Music Group.

Amerie revealed the album title to be changed from 'Breakups To Makeups' to 'In Love & War'. Amerie also announced that her first single off the album will be titled "Why R U?" produced by The Buchanans. The single premiered online in the week of May 11th and received fairly mixed reviews. The track itself is even compared to Mary J. Blige's "What's The 411?" and "My Life" album, because of the old school feel.

Amerie changed her artist name to Ameriie (extra I) in 2010. She said that it gave her more positive energy as an artist. She changed her artist name back to Amerie (without the extra I) with the double EP releases '4AM Mulholland' and 'After 4AM' in 2018.

Right now her main focus is on books, youtube channel and her son and husband.

Got To Be There
Amerie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

But don't be unkind
It don't mean I'm lyin'

When you and I first met we were so inseparable
And on that last day I left
Thinkin' we'd need a miracle
Cause every little word that you said to me
Became the biggest pain in my heart

And all my pride makin' me pretend
To be so happy that were apart
You just don't understand

[Chorus]
You just don't understand
You got to be there for me
You hold mah heart in your hand
You got to be there for me
You just don't understand

So far down this road I'm not sure we can repair
And each and every time we be on the phone
We both actin' like we don't care
It would be so sad to me
To be the one that got away
Hurts just as much to see
To see the feelings we have decay
Decay in front of our eyes

You just don't understand
You got to be there for me (you)
You hold mah heart in your hand (you just don't understand)
You got to be there for me
You just don't understand

You just don't understand
You got to be there for me (you've got to be there)
You hold mah heart in your hand
You got to be there for me

You're all all that I have
You don't understand na na na na na na na na
(we just cant work it out)
Na na na na na na na na
Be there Be there Be there Be there Be there
You got to be there for me
Be there Be there Be there Be there Be there

You got to be there for me
You got to be there for me

You got to be there for me
You got to be there for me

Overall Meaning

In Amerie's song "Got to Be There," the lyrics are about a failing relationship and the plea to the significant other to make an effort to save it. The line "But don't be unkind, it don't mean I'm lyin'" emphasizes the importance of honesty while asking for support from the partner. The song begins by reminiscing the initial days of the romance, describing how the couple was inseparable. However, the situation has changed dramatically, and the relationship is hanging by a thread. Even with the constant struggle, Amerie informs her lover that she is not lying when she declares that they need each other, asking them to be there for her.

The chorus is a repetition of the need for the partner's support and understanding. Amerie explains the hurt she is feeling, knowing that the relationship is almost beyond repair. Both parties are pretending not to care about the situation on the phone, and it is sad to be the one who gets away. The hurt they are experiencing is evident in the slow decay of the feelings they had, and it is painful to watch it happen before their eyes. Despite the situation, the singer insists that the partner is all they have, and they need them to be there.

In conclusion, "Got to Be There" is a song about holding on to a failing relationship and insisting on the need to make it better. Amerie recognizes that the love story is deteriorating, but she pleads for the other's undivided attention to make it work. The lyrics highlight the importance of honesty, support, and the role both parties have in keeping the relationship alive.

Line by Line Meaning

But don't be unkind
Don't be cruel or harsh with me

It don't mean I'm lyin'
I'm not being dishonest

When you and I first met we were so inseparable
We were originally really close

And on that last day I left
The day we parted ways

Thinkin' we'd need a miracle
Didn't think our relationship could be fixed

Cause every little word that you said to me
Your words have hurt me

Became the biggest pain in my heart
Your words have caused me immense heartache

And all my pride makin' me pretend
I'm pretending to be happy without you to protect my ego

To be so happy that were apart
To seem content with being apart

You just don't understand
You don't comprehend my emotions

You got to be there for me
I need you to be present in my life