Throughout the 70s and 80s, the group remained up with the times and occasionally crept ahead of them, such that they became influences themselves upon younger generations of R&B and hip-hop acts. By the time the group's popularity started to fizzle in the late 80s, a series of hits were left in the band's wake, ranging from greasy, funky workouts to smooth ballads to swinging synthesized tracks and more. Further separating Cameo from their forebears was the fact that they didn't have a diaper-clad guitarist. Instead, they had a codpiece-wearing lead vocalist in Larry Blackmon.
Today, the group's iconic single "Word Up", released in 1986 from the album of the same time, remains a radio staple. The U.S. Hot Dance Singles and U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart topper has also been famously covered by artists such as the hard rock band Gun and the alternative metal group Korn. Other popular Cameo singles include "Attack Me With Your Love", "Candy", "Freaky Dancin'","I Just Want To Be", and "Sparkle".
Just Be Yourself
Cameo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ho!
A lot of people say that you can make it in this world today
But, I know exactly how, I'd like to show ya if you let me now
Just be yourself, say what's on your mind, just be yourself
put it on the line just be yourself
If you think you have something to say, don't you hold back justsay it
Why do you think you have to take all that the people say?
Sometimes it might take long to clear your mind and make yourself feel strong
I know its worth the wait just tighten up and keep your head on straight
Just be yourself say what's on your mind just be yourself
Put it on the line just be yourself, say what's on your mind, just be yourself, put it on the line!
If you think you have something to say, don't you hold back just, say it
Why do you think you have to take all that the people say?
You've got to get your nerve up
Your nerve up
Your nerve up
You've got to get your nerve up
Your nerve up
Your nerve up
The lyrics to Cameo's song "Just Be Yourself" encourage listeners to be true to themselves and speak their minds. The opening lines introduce the idea that some people say success in life can be achieved in many ways, but the singer knows exactly how to do it and is willing to share the secret. The key to success, according to the song, is being true to oneself and not holding back. The chorus repeats the advice to "just be yourself" and put oneself out there.
The second verse offers more encouragement to speak one's mind and not worry about what others think. The line "Why do you think you have to take all that the people say?" suggests that people should not be overly concerned with others' opinions, but instead focus on their own thoughts and feelings. It may take time to overcome these concerns and gain the confidence to speak up, but the singer believes it is worth the effort.
The final lines of the song emphasize the importance of having courage and being brave enough to speak out. The repeated refrain "You've got to get your nerve up" encourages listeners to find the strength to be themselves and not be afraid to express their views.
Overall, the lyrics of "Just Be Yourself" promote self-confidence, authenticity, and speaking one's truth.
Line by Line Meaning
A lot of people say that you can make it in this world today
There are a lot of people who believe that success is possible in the world today.
But, I know exactly how, I'd like to show ya if you let me now
I have the knowledge of how to make it, and I am willing to demonstrate it to you.
Just be yourself, say what's on your mind, just be yourself
The key to success is to be true to oneself, speak one's mind and be oneself.
Put it on the line just be yourself
Express yourself freely without hesitation or fear of judgment.
If you think you have something to say, don't you hold back justsay it
If you have something to say, don't hesitate, speak up and be heard.
Why do you think you have to take all that the people say?
There is no reason to listen to and follow what others say instead of being true to oneself.
Sometimes it might take long to clear your mind and make yourself feel strong
It might take time to overcome internal struggles and become confident in oneself.
I know its worth the wait just tighten up and keep your head on straight
Despite the challenges, the reward for staying true to oneself will make it all worth it.
You've got to get your nerve up
You need to be courageous and confident in yourself.
Your nerve up
You need to build up and maintain that courage and confidence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES SINGLETON, LARRY BLACKMON, TOMI JENKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Woooaaaahhh! Oh why don't you, why don't you? Aaaay hey hey! The sensation is here, the vibration is clear, you really put me in the mood. You're my aphrodisiac, send cold chills down my back, when I'm on the dance floor with you. Come on girl dance! Dance! Smurf me! Dance! Dance. You make my body hot, don't ever stop, just put your hand right here, fear one I'll have to fail. I'll slip onto your move, your sweat I have to use, just let me hear you say, you can have it your way. I know I'm ready to do ya, I know I'm ready to do you. I've got to do what I have to do! Aaaww! When I need to dance my pressure starts to rise, and then I hear the words that always takes me high, like... I wanna have a dance with you, I wanna shake the date with you, you're a mean little lady, you drive me crazy, I wanna dance with you. Come on! I know I'm ready to do ya, I know I'm ready to do you. I've got to do what I have to do! Aaaww! Step on my neck girl! Heeey, hey! Just let me do what J have to do. Let us play! Bah dah bah bah baeeyah. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah, bop bow. OhhhOoooOoooh. Do it again. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah, bop bow. OhhhOoooOoooh. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah. Bah dah bah bah baeeyah, bop bow. OhhhOoooOoooh.
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Woooo! They think I'm weird but I'm not, cause all day they call the shots. They say this music sounds funny, but we're making the money. Whether or not the girl is hot, we'll take our shots cause that's all we got. We give a lot and the game is hot, let's not talk slot, that's not your slot. That's not your slot! Learn to live and love each other, never talk about his mother, do together, work together, play together, Aaaaah. Die die die die, die die die die, die die die die, die die diiiie... Oh no no no no no! You put your money in the machine, what does it mean? You get the hots for the score, last quarter, then no more. PacMan, Donkey Kong, top gun or the runs. So tell Slim, Bob and Hank, put their money in the bank.
Drianna
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Morty: Why can't we stay and watch then? I like Lola
Drianna
on Intro
Rick: Here's yo problem now dum dums!
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on Intro
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