The three original members of Brownstone were Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert, Charmayne "Maxee" Maxwell and Monica "Mimi" Doby. The group was founded in Los Angeles after the three singers met each other after going to different auditions around the city. They formed the group, and less than a year later were signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Music Record Label. They recorded their debut album, From the Bottom Up which spawned the hit "If You Love Me". In 1995 the band was rewarded with a Grammy nomination and a Billboard Music Award.
After extensive touring around the globe, Doby left the group after what was released in the media. In an interview with BET Video Soul host Donnie Simpson Doby cited a medical problem of bronchitis, but was later revealed to be because of internal strife with the other two members of the group[citation needed]. She was replaced by Kina Cosper and after a difficult transition period where their audience was not very receptive to the change, Brownstone had a brief showing with "5 Miles to Empty". However, the group never regained their popularity, and their subsequent albums were considered commercial failures.
Since the group broke up Nicole "Nicci" Gilbert has acted in the 1998 film Woo, staring Jada Pinkett Smith and Dave Chappelle, as well as television shows Living Single, Sister, Sister, New York Undercover, and Martin and the 2004 Tyler Perry play Meet the Browns as Aunt Vera.
True To Me
Brownstone Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But not for me
I still believe in my song
I'm gonna do my thing
I'll never change my swing
In my younger days, if I was here
The music real and I sing
To make it last for you
Check out my joint, it's kinda hot but it's goin' strong
I'll never sacrifice my groove, I'll never change my song
And by the way I'm doing this song 'bout you're staring
What does the music have to do with what I'm wearing
You wanna see my grooves, I'm sorry that is not for me
Why must you take your mind somewhere it doesn't have to be
Let your focus be the fat sound you're hearin'
Lyrics, you will see, now, what I'm feelin'
True to me from my soul
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
Crazy grooves, moving flows
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
Oh, as the music plays
I wanna sway, side to side, feelin' good
Never thinkin' of the right or wrong ways
On and on and on, my day
Pump this heavy bass
Never stop, keep it up, never change
Soul is where this groove of mine stays
Follow closely in my maze
Check out my joint, it's kinda hot but it's goin' strong
I'll never sacrifice my groove, I'll never change my song
And by the way I'm doing this song 'bout you're staring
What does the music have to do with what I'm wearing
You wanna see my grooves, I'm sorry that is not for me
Why must you take your mind somewhere it doesn't have to be
Let your focus be the fat sound you're hearin'
Lyrics, you will see, now, what I'm feelin'
True to me from my soul
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
Crazy grooves, moving flows
Can you get with it
I did all legit, yeah
So true to me
Hey, believe me, I need it because it's so free
Can't let go 'cause it's got such meaning
I don't need to hear what you think I ain't doin'
I know I got a crazy groove for showin'
No needin' [Incomprehensible] around with sex
Or usin' one woman parts 'cause makin' good music
Never took away the dancin' and the groovin', I said, and movin'
And if you're dancin' close to jolly see we're always groovin'
True to me from my soul
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
Crazy grooves, moving flows
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
True to me from my soul
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
Crazy grooves, moving flows
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
True to me from my soul
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
Crazy grooves, moving flows
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
True to me from my soul
Can you get with it
I did it all legit, yeah
The opening lines of "True To Me" set the tone for the entire song as it talks about how everything changes for the world, but not for the singer. She is unwavering in her belief in her music, her song, and her style, and no one can change that. From the beginning to end, the song is mostly about the artist's love for her music and how no one can change her swing. The artist sings about her pride in her music and that she will never change her style, groove or song to please anyone. She is committed to doing what she loves - creating music - in her unique style and flavor, and making it last for her audience.
In the second verse, the artist is again reinforcing her commitment to her music, emphasizing the grooves that define her song, and telling her audience that it's not about what she wears or how she looks, but the "fat sound" they are hearing. The song is about sticking to what you love to do and doing it to the best of your ability without worrying what others think. The song suggests that by being confident in your own abilities and staying true to who you are, you can make great music that lasts.
Overall, "True To Me" is an uplifting and positive song about staying true to oneself, following one's own path, and not allowing others to change that vision. The lyrics are delivered with an upbeat and catchy groove, making it a great dance tune to have on repeat.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything must change
Change is a constant in the world, but I won't let it affect me.
But not for me
I will remain steadfast in my beliefs and my passion.
I still believe in my song
My musical expression is deeply important to me and I stay committed to it.
I'm gonna do my thing
I will stay true to myself and follow my own path in life.
I'll never change my swing
I will always stay true to my unique style and sound.
In my younger days, if I was here
Looking back on my past, I realize how important the music has always been to me.
The music real and I sing
I am passionate about the authenticity and soulfulness of music.
What I was born to do
I feel a strong calling to create and perform music.
To make it last for you
I want my music to resonate with others and bring them joy and meaning.
Check out my joint, it's kinda hot but it's goin' strong
Listen to my music - it's vibrant and exciting and continues to thrive.
I'll never sacrifice my groove, I'll never change my song
I will always stay true to my unique musical style and sound.
And by the way I'm doing this song 'bout you're staring
Don't judge me by my appearance or behavior, focus on the music.
What does the music have to do with what I'm wearing
My clothing or appearance has no bearing on the quality or authenticity of my music.
You wanna see my grooves, I'm sorry that is not for me
I won't compromise my personal privacy or boundaries for the sake of others' curiosity.
Why must you take your mind somewhere it doesn't have to be
Focus on the beauty and essence of the music, not irrelevant distractions.
Let your focus be the fat sound you're hearin'
Listen to the rich and powerful sound of the music and let it move you.
Lyrics, you will see, now, what I'm feelin'
My lyrics express my true feelings and emotions and are sincere and honest.
True to me from my soul
My music is a pure expression of my innermost self.
Can you get with it
Can you appreciate and enjoy the music as much as I do?
I did it all legit, yeah
I have remained true to myself and my musical talents and stayed on the right path.
Crazy grooves, moving flows
The music is intense and electrifying, making you want to dance and groove along.
Oh, as the music plays
As the beautiful sound of the music fills the air...
I wanna sway, side to side, feelin' good
I feel the urge to move and dance to the music and let it fill me with joy and positive feelings.
Never thinkin' of the right or wrong ways
I am free to express myself and move to the music however I want without judgement or preconceptions.
On and on and on, my day
My love for music is an enduring part of my life that never fades.
Pump this heavy bass
The bass is an important and powerful component of the music.
Never stop, keep it up, never change
I will always stay true to the musical style and sound that I love.
Soul is where this groove of mine stays
The music is a reflection of the deepest, most authentic parts of myself - my soul.
Follow closely in my maze
Explore and connect with the complex and ever-changing nature of the music with me.
Hey, believe me, I need it because it's so free
Music brings me a sense of freedom and liberation that is essential to my well-being.
Can't let go 'cause it's got such meaning
The music is deeply meaningful and important to me and I can't let it go.
I don't need to hear what you think I ain't doin'
Other people's opinions and criticisms of my music don't affect me as I know what is authentic and true for me.
I know I got a crazy groove for showin'
I am proud of my unique and exciting musical style and want to share it with the world.
No needin' [Incomprehensible] around with sex
Music is not about sex or seduction for me, but about authentic expression and connection with others.
Or usin' one woman parts 'cause makin' good music
I don't resort to objectification or exploitation of women to make music, but create meaningful and authentic songs instead.
Never took away the dancin' and the groovin', I said, and movin'
The music is full of rhythm, energy and movement that inspire people to dance and move to the beat.
And if you're dancin' close to jolly see we're always groovin'
If you dance to the music with me, you will experience a profound sense of joy and connection.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: J. O'BRIEN, NICHOLE LYNETTE GILBERT, S. SOLOMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind