The power of gospel music can serve the listener in several capacities: to … Read Full Bio ↴The power of gospel music can serve the listener in several capacities: to lift God in praise and worship, to teach strong morals and to encourage others to love all people unconditionally. When Anthony Brown began his ministry over a decade ago, he absolutely had all the aforementioned in mind. He was also compelled to rename his long-time vocal ensemble “group therapy” so he could incorporate a therapeutic retreat for his singers and a therapeutic frame of mind for his audience. While his ministry voice was birthed at Morgan State University when the ensemble was called Answered Prayer, Brown’s strong background of musical savvy afforded him plenty of opportunities to share his many gifts. His production, songwriting and vocal arrangement credits have played a major role in the gospel industry with the likes of Maurette Brown Clark and VaShawn Mitchell.

Now, after several years of paying dues behind the scenes, Brown finally felt his season arrived in presenting his special fusion of contemporary gospel and therapeutic vibe with GT. His original intention was to release their self-titled debut independently. However, the unwavering support of Mitchell and the strength of the debut single, “Testimony,” changed those plans in a heartbeat.

Under Mitchell’s co-executive production oversight, this worthy debut from Brown & GT on Tyscot Records is decorated with various musical backdrops and therapeutic messages. “Group Therapy,” expresses a desire to maintain a pure heart for God and has the feel of a Broadway and acoustic jazz tapestry. Dedicated to “everyone who has made it,” “Testimony,” glides on an old school mid-tempo groove a la Earth, Wind & Fire with a few hip-hop nuances. Despite the occasional auto-tune flub, the song delivers a spiritual pick-me-up. “Better Days” hints of a ‘80s electro funk while balancing a modern urban gospel pop flavor under its motivational lyric: “You don’t have to be afraid/Trouble don’t last always.” Mitchell joins Brown & GT for “I Will” with invigorating call and response, dancing brass and a generous mix of R&B and rock. On the calmer worship side, the elegantly orchestrated “The Overflow (Fill Me Again)” respectfully echoes Richard Smallwood’s classical/gospel hybrid and “Deep Enough” emphasizes forgiveness to start the healing process.

Though there is a slight hiccup with the Kirk Franklin-esque “Do It Again,” Brown & group therAPy’s debut still invokes a fresh and joyous spirit. This is one group therapy session that gospel music fans will be thankful for. Other Notable Tracks: “Harvest Song (featuring Maurette Brown Clark)” and “Beyond Beyond.”

Vocals: 4.0 stars
Music: 3.5 stars
Lyrics: 3.0 stars
Production: 3.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: Highly Recommended

By Peggy Oliver

Deserved
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

I just want to thank Him for His grace
Thank Him for His mercy
I just want to thank Him for his love
And thank Him for being patient with me
(Help me say)

Repeat the verse
(Lead ad-lib)- Gaye

Cause I ain't been that good
(Cause I ain't been that good) - Gaye
I don't deserve to be here today
(Don't deserve to be here today) - Gaye
And if you tell the truth

(If you really tell the truth) - Gaye
You know, that it should've been another way

But aren't you glad God never
Gave you what you deserved,
Cause I'm so glad God never
Gave me what I deserved

Back to the verse

Back to the

Overall Meaning

hook:

The lyrics of Anthony Brown & Group Therapy's song Deserved express gratitude and humility towards God. The song begins with the singer acknowledging God's grace, mercy, love, and patience towards them. The singer thanks God for all of these things, expressing gratitude for them. Throughout the song, the singer repeatedly talks about not deserving to be where they are today, implying that they have made mistakes in their life. They then make a statement encouraging the listener to tell the truth about their own mistakes and acknowledge that things could have turned out differently for them.

The chorus of the song expresses gratitude towards God for not giving the singer what they deserved. This can be interpreted in a few ways - the singer could be referring to the consequences of their mistakes, or they could be referring to their ultimate fate, had God not intervened. Either way, the song is a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude and humility, particularly in the face of personal flaws and past mistakes.

Writer(s): Anthony Brown

Contributed by Max O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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