Green was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Benjamin E. Mays High School in southwest Atlanta.
Both of his parents were ordained ministers and he started his music career in his church. His father died when he was two years old. His mother was involved in a car crash, leaving her quadriplegic, and she died two years later in 1992 when Green was eighteen years old and his career with Goodie Mob had just begun taking off. His mother's death led him into depression, as is reflected in various songs throughout his career, including "Free" by Goodie Mob, songs on St. Elsewhere, and on The Odd Couple ("She Knows", "A Little Better"). Green also expresses his love for his mother in the song "Guess Who" from Goodie Mob's Soul Food album.
It's Ok
Cee Lo Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'm waiting, for weeks
The ghost of the girlfriend was here in my room
I can still smell her perfume in my sheets
But that's not her in my bed, through she's out of the town
And I don't want anyone to see
There's a tattoo of my name on her body with honesty
The man holding her head is me
Oh honey how could you break me when you better forget me
But it's okay to say that you love me
I think of you, still think of you
Okay, say that you love me, I think of you, still thinking of you
I thought that once you had one, you had every woman
Until I lost this legendary woman, now I'm sure
That they don't make 'em like her anymore
So please baby, please lover
Let's find a way to forgive each other
I got out of hand ever since you've been gone
Without you I'm still alone
Oh honey how could you break me when you better forget me
But it's okay to say that you love me
I think of you, still think of you
Okay, say that you love me, I think of you, still thinking of you
I make mistakes I'm only human
And I am not ashamed to say
That you are the one
But it's okay, to say that you love me,
I think of you, still think of you
But it's okay to say that you love me
'Cause I think of you, still think of you
It's okay, oh, say that you love me, yeah
Say you love me.
In "It's Ok," Cee Lo Green is reflecting on a past relationship that has left him feeling alone and heartbroken. He spends his days reflecting on his memories of his girlfriend, even though he knows they are over ("Well I wonder alone for hours of words / And I'm waiting, for weeks"). Though she is no longer with him, he still feels her presence in his life ("The ghost of the girlfriend was here in my room / I can still smell her perfume in my sheets"). Cee Lo knows that he needs to move on from their relationship, but he can't help but hold onto the hope that she still loves him ("Oh honey how could you break me when you better forget me / But it's okay to say that you love me").
He admits that losing her has made him see that she was a truly special woman ("I thought that once you had one, you had every woman / Until I lost this legendary woman, now I'm sure / That they don't make 'em like her anymore"). Despite his mistakes in their relationship, he knows that she is the one for him ("I make mistakes I'm only human / And I am not ashamed to say / That you are the one"). In the end, he is willing to forgive and forget the past if it means a chance to make things right with her ("Let's find a way to forgive each other").
Overall, "It's Ok" is a song that explores the pain and regret of losing someone you love. Cee Lo is honest about his feelings of loneliness and longing, while also expressing his hope for reconciliation and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I wonder alone for hours of words
I spend a lot of time alone, lost in thought and searching for the right words to express myself.
And I'm waiting, for weeks
I've been waiting anxiously and eagerly for a response or some kind of resolution for weeks now.
The ghost of the girlfriend was here in my room
Although my ex-girlfriend is not physically present, her memories and impact on my life still haunt me, especially in this room.
I can still smell her perfume in my sheets
The scent of her perfume still lingers on the bedding we used to share, reminding me of our past intimacy.
But that's not her in my bed, through she's out of the town
Although my ex-girlfriend is not here with me, even if she's out of town, I still feel her absence and wish she were with me.
And I don't want anyone to see
I'm ashamed and embarrassed to admit that I miss her and want her back, and I don't want anyone else to know.
There's a tattoo of my name on her body with honesty
My ex-girlfriend has a tattoo of my name on her body, which I know was a sincere expression of her love and commitment to me at the time.
The man holding her head is me
In the memories that haunt me, I can still see myself holding and comforting my ex-girlfriend, and it only makes me miss her more.
Oh honey how could you break me when you better forget me
I'm hurt and feel broken by my ex-girlfriend's actions, but I know that I would be better off if she forgot about me and moved on.
But it's okay to say that you love me
Even though I know it may not be true, hearing my ex-girlfriend say that she still loves me would bring me comfort and hope.
I think of you, still think of you
Despite my efforts to move on, my ex-girlfriend is always on my mind and I can't help but think about her all the time.
Okay, say that you love me, I think of you, still thinking of you
If my ex-girlfriend would just tell me that she still loves me, it would make me feel better, but even if she doesn't, I will still be thinking of her.
I thought that once you had one, you had every woman
I used to think that once you find true love and a great partner, you wouldn't have to keep looking for someone better because they are one of a kind.
Until I lost this legendary woman, now I'm sure
However, after losing my ex-girlfriend who I consider to be a remarkable person, I now know that finding someone like her is not guaranteed.
That they don't make 'em like her anymore
I believe that my ex-girlfriend is a special, unique person and that there isn't anyone else like her out there.
So please baby, please lover
I'm pleading with my ex-girlfriend to come back to me, using endearing terms of affection and expressing my desperation.
Let's find a way to forgive each other
Despite the hurt and pain we've caused each other, I'm hoping that we can both find it in our hearts to forgive and move forward together.
I got out of hand ever since you've been gone
Without my ex-girlfriend, I feel lost and out of control, as if I can't keep myself in check or make responsible decisions.
Without you I'm still alone
Without my ex-girlfriend, I feel completely alone and lacking in emotional connection, no matter how hard I try to fill the void.
I make mistakes I'm only human
I acknowledge that I'm not perfect and that I've made mistakes in our relationship, but I hope that my ex-girlfriend can forgive me for them.
And I am not ashamed to say
I'm not embarrassed or afraid to admit that I still love and miss my ex-girlfriend, even though it may not be reciprocated.
That you are the one
I truly believe that my ex-girlfriend is the one person who completes me and who I want to spend the rest of my life with.
It's okay, oh, say that you love me, yeah
I'm trying to convince myself that it's okay if my ex-girlfriend doesn't love me anymore, but I still desperately want to hear her say it.
Say you love me.
All I want is for my ex-girlfriend to say that she loves me, and that's all that really matters to me right now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KIM OFSTAD, HITESH CEON, NOEL FISHER, THOMAS DECARLO CALLAWAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@juliolima2164
this is not a music. this is a masterpiece.
@leahhartwell7056
Julio Lima ikr
@juliolima2164
Savanna Vlogs who are you lady ? :)
@leahhartwell7056
Julio Lima people call me Savannah
@juliolima2164
nice ! where do you live ? IM from BRazil
@leahhartwell7056
Julio Lima UK
@EveHawkthorne
I could have NEVER guessed that this was made in 2010. It sounds so old, but in a good way. Feels like it's from more simple times, where music was made by people who could sing, and actually have talent. Thanks, Cee Lo.
@louielou-mz5ow
Lpllis
@JOHN0577ANDFRIENDS
Celo dresses like a real man.
@RAVIOLl
He's a classic man XD