It took the group three years, five months and two days to be offered a record deal. Hence the name of the first album was 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of..., which produced several hit tracks. These included "Tennessee", "People Everyday", and "Mr. Wendal", which hit the top ten. The group won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and Best New Artist, and were also Band of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine. Their 1994 follow-up Zingalamaduni, which did very well with some critics but was panned by many others, sold poorly. After the group broke up in 1996, Speech released a solo album, but sales were poor. The group reunited in 2000 (sans Headliner) and has been touring and releasing records via Speech's Vagabond Productions and Speech Music. While Arrested Development has struggled to regain a following in the U.S., they have met moderate, consistent success in Japan.
Although she was never an official member of the band (and frequently clashed with Speech), the haunting voice behind "Tennessee", Dionne Farris, released a successful solo album in 1994, Wild Seed-Wild Flower. The album spawned the hit single, "I Know".
In November 2003, the group sued the FOX network over their TV show Arrested Development. The suit is referenced in the Arrested Development episode "Motherboy XXX."
In June 2005, the group won the first round of NBC's television series contest Hit Me Baby One More Time, performing "Tennessee" and covering Los Lonely Boys' "Heaven."
Baba Oje died in October 2018, aged 87.
PRIDE
Arrested Development Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wear it like a prom tuxedo
I wear my hair as if its the sun and...
Each and every dread is a powerful light ray
Never wanted things to be in reverse 'cause
God makes waves wise travellers so
My views of this world are ever growing
Thus ever growing is the way one must view me
Happy tv commercials and bi-racial shows
The smell of reality still burns my nose
Not content until it smells like a rose
Whether it's in syle to keep the fight
I tread these waters and make my waves yes I do
And I will fight until my dying day
And even after that my ghost resides with pride
Forward ever backward never
Day by day these trials I trod
Always triumphant never fail
We've come too far to turn back now
I won't turn back I move
My blood is thicker than the waters of any flood
Here I am facing the almighty herself
If she approves then I am saved
Clear of trouble is the path I pave
For generations to walk and run
Whether it's in style to keep the fight
I tread these waters and make waves God knows
And I will fight until my dying day
And even after that my ghost resides with pride
The song "Pride" by Arrested Development is an inspiring and empowering track that celebrates the beauty of being true to oneself and standing resolute in the face of adversity. The lyrics of the song express a sense of pride in one's identity, with the singer asserting that their skin, hair, and dreadlocks are all sources of power and light. The song encourages listeners to embrace their convictions and stand up for what they believe in, no matter the challenges or obstacles they may face.
The lyrics of "Pride" also convey a deep sense of determination and resilience, with the singer vowing to fight for their beliefs until the end of their days and even beyond. They assert that their blood is thicker than any flood, and they are resolute in their commitment to pave a path of clarity and freedom for future generations to walk and run.
Line by Line Meaning
My skin could never no curse, no it can't
My skin is not a curse, it's a part of who I am and I embrace it
I wear it like a prom tuxedo
I wear my skin with pride and confidence
I wear my hair as if its the sun and...
I wear my hair proudly, like it's my source of power and light
Each and every dread is a powerful light ray
Each dreadlock represents a beam of positivity and strength
Never wanted things to be in reverse 'cause
I don't want to go back or retreat from my beliefs, goals, or identity
God makes waves wise travellers so
God challenges and guides us to become smarter, wiser, and braver
My views of this world are ever growing
I'm constantly learning and expanding my perspective on the world
Thus ever growing is the way one must view me
To truly understand me, one must be open to growth and change
A soul of conviction unjustly convicted
I have strong beliefs and principles, but I've been penalized or misunderstood for them
Happy tv commercials and bi-racial shows
Media representation of happiness and diversity doesn't erase real-world struggles and discrimination
The smell of reality still burns my nose
I can't ignore the harshness of reality, which affects me and others like me
Not content until it smells like a rose
I won't stop fighting for a better, more fair and equal world
Whether it's in syle to keep the fight
I will keep fighting regardless of trends or popular opinion
I tread these waters and make my waves yes I do
I navigate through life's challenges and create my own impact and influence
And I will fight until my dying day
I'll never give up on my values, goals, and mission, even if it costs me my life
And even after that my ghost resides with pride
My legacy and spirit will continue to inspire and empower others
Forward ever backward never
I'm constantly moving forward and progressing, without going backwards
Day by day these trials I trod
Every day I face challenges and obstacles, but I keep going
Always triumphant never fail
Even if I stumble or fail, I still see myself as a winner and a fighter
We've come too far to turn back now
I've achieved and overcome so much, that I can't regress or surrender now
I won't turn back I move
I won't let fear or doubt slow me down or make me retreat
My blood is thicker than the waters of any flood
My heritage, history, and identity are strong and resilient, despite any adversities
Here I am facing the almighty herself
I'm not afraid to confront and challenge authority, norms, and injustice
If she approves then I am saved
If God or a higher power approves of me, then I feel validated and protected
Clear of trouble is the path I pave
I strive to create a path of ease, equity, and righteousness for myself and those who come after me
For generations to walk and run
I aspire to pave a legacy and a future for my descendants and my community
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MIRIAM MAKEBA, TODD THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
suckafish80
This song is so good. The way the beat builds is beautiful... and that line "The smell of reality still burns my nose, not content.... til it smells like a rose."... beautiful.
TrillianS8
There are little words to describe the beautiful complexity of this song. It truly shows innovation and truth. everything today in mainstream is so stoic and uneventful after this.
Pseudonayme 77
I wish you were wrong, but its so true. Good luck to artists of today who try to fly this close to the sun π
Vincent Davis
very spiritual song, the second album was slept on, and it was the best one.
Jus
Agreed.
lee smith
this is a song i will always keep in my heart
Tomi Kokki
If I'd have to describe this track, it would be: progressive hip-hop. Incredible track. How it slowly builds... goosebumps.
Myri Aoussou
Such a powerful song even after 17 years!!!
Carmin Gregor
The intensity of the lyrics. I can still picture a 14 years old myself writing the songs i am posting on YouTube now in my room while listening to this. The music marries the lyrics so perfectly. I learned thanks to them the power of sharing strong messages through music
Heg Mex
2020... what a powerful album is...?Respect for all people πͺ