After the pair split in 1995, Pete Rock, whose work with CL had garnered him a reputation as one of the finest producers in hip-hop, went on to produce (and remix) tracks for dozens of marquee-name and/or well-respected acts, and to release a batch of solo and instrumental albums. CL Smooth remained musically inactive.
The pair managed to reconcile their differences only long enough to record five isolated tracks in the ten years since their split: "Da Two", "Back On Da Block", "Fly 'Til I Die", "Appreciate", and "It's A Love Thing." There were talks of a definitive reunion and a new album in 2004; however, the speculation was dismissed by both parties after another fallout.
During his period of hiatus, CL Smooth declined even to appear as a guest on other artists' albums, with the exception of "Only the Strong Survive" with DJ Krush in 1996. Recently, however, he has contributed featured guest vocals to songs by AZ ("Magic Hour") and Dipset affiliate J.R. Writer (the remix of "Mesmerize").
He is currently signed to the Shaman Work Recordings label, with whom he and producer Mike Lowe have released the singles "American Me", "Warm Outside", "Smoke In The Air" and "I Can't Help It". A music video was made for "Smoke In The Air" by production group Bin Bin High. He plans to release his debut solo album, American Me, on October 10th, 2006. To promote the album, Shaman Work released a promotional mixtape compiled by DJ J Period called Man On Fire in late April 2006, featuring 36 minutes of freestyles and a remixed version of the track "Impossible".
In 2008 he released the Multi Barz of Fury EP.
Shine on Me
C.L. Smooth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Through an umbrella that you gave
There were just two shadows swaying in the rain
Feeling happy with you while that time
That was just occasional, people say
But I think that's unconvincing
What a shameless gesture or laugh
Only pleasant memories go through memories
I'm sorry that I don't want your heart to be taken by anyone
You just like a twinkling star
Light up the way and shining me from somewhere
When I get lonely I will call your name
Even we've separated and chosen a different way
You've released your hand and went far away
Only the tears cannot be stopped
When I try to forget all about you
Your face recalled unnecessarily in my mind
I'm laughing even now, even with those sad memories
Have you thrown away the pure feeling
that we used to wish two of us forever
You just like a faraway star
Light up the way and shining me from somewhere
I really wanna forget you but...
Can you call my name again just like before
You just like a twinkling star
Light up the way and shining me from somewhere
When I get lonely I will call your name
Even we've separated and chosen a different way
Just like that day once more,
Shine me ........""
The lyrics to C.L. Smooth/Pete Rock's song "Shine on Me" convey a bittersweet tale of a past relationship. The song begins with the singer recounting a chance encounter on a rainy day, where they met the other person through the umbrella they provided. Despite it being an occasional encounter, the singer expresses disbelief at those who label it as insignificant. There is a sense of longing and regret as they reminisce about the genuine connection they shared.
The chorus highlights the other person's importance in the singer's life, likening them to a twinkling star that lights up their path and brings them happiness. They confess that even in separation, they still find solace in calling out the other person's name when loneliness strikes. The lyrics suggest that the singer is struggling to move on, as memories of their face keep resurfacing when they attempt to forget.
The second verse continues to explore the singer's turmoil, questioning whether the other person has also discarded the pure feelings they once shared. Despite wanting to forget, the singer yearns for the other person to call their name once again, longing for the connection they had before. The song culminates with a plea for the other person to "shine" on the singer once more, reminiscent of the day they met.
Overall, "Shine on Me" captures the complex emotions experienced after a significant relationship ends. It expresses a desire to hold on to the memories and the hope that somehow, the connection can be rekindled.
Line by Line Meaning
Met you on a suddenly rainy day
I encountered you unexpectedly on a rainy day
Through an umbrella that you gave
Using the umbrella you provided
There were just two shadows swaying in the rain
We were the only two figures moving in the rain
Feeling happy with you while that time
I experienced joy being with you during that moment
That was just occasional, people say
Some say that was just a fleeting encounter
But I think that's unconvincing
I find that reasoning unconvincing
What a shameless gesture or laugh
Your audacious actions and laughter
Make me feel the throb in heart
Cause my heart to ache
Only pleasant memories go through memories
Only fond memories surface in my mind
I'm sorry that I don't want your heart to be taken by anyone
I apologize, but I don't want you to give your heart to someone else
You just like a twinkling star
You are akin to a gleaming star
Light up the way and shining me from somewhere
You illuminate my path from somewhere
When I get lonely I will call your name
In moments of loneliness, I will invoke your name
Even we've separated and chosen a different way
Even though we have parted ways and followed different paths
You've released your hand and went far away
You let go of my hand and went far away
Only the tears cannot be stopped
The only thing I can't control are the tears
When I try to forget all about you
When I attempt to erase you from my mind
Your face recalled unnecessarily in my mind
Your face lingers in my thoughts without reason
I'm laughing even now, even with those sad memories
Even now, I find myself laughing despite the sadness
Have you thrown away the pure feeling
Have you discarded the genuine sentiment
that we used to wish two of us forever
that we once hoped for as a lasting bond
You just like a faraway star
You resemble a distant star
Light up the way and shining me from somewhere
You guide and illuminate me from an unknown place
I really wanna forget you but...
I truly desire to forget you but...
Can you call my name again just like before
Could you call my name once more, just like in the past
Just like that day once more
Just like that day, one more time
Shine me ........
Illuminate me...
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Weilun Chen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GuillermoPaulman
Underrated single, it's one of their best in my opinion. I wonder if this was just a random 12-inch or if it was supposed to be a teaser for an album that never ended up coming out.
@dannybx78
I wish they can get back together and give us more classics like this.
@bigpeterockfan1
On my Top 10 list for PR & CL tracks
@herpiesandapesdonotmix
This my ish from dem dayz and hard to find
@oskamadison
When that beat switches?? Maaaaaannnnnn....