In 2004, Ciara released her debut studio album, Goodies. It was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and garnered two nominations at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2006, Ciara released her second studio album, The Evolution, which reached number one in the U.S. and was certified platinum.
Ciara's third studio album, Fantasy Ride (2009) was less successful than her first two albums. However, it produced the international top-ten single "Love Sex Magic (feat. Justin Timberlake)", which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. The following year, Ciara released her fourth studio album, Basic Instinct, which included the R&B top-five single "Ride (feat. Ludacris)", but was met with low sales, continuing a downward trend in her commercial performance. Ciara signed a new record deal with Epic Records in 2011. In 2013, she released her fifth studio album, Ciara, which spawned the R&B top-ten single "Body Party". Her sixth album, Jackie (2015), included the singles "I Bet" and "Dance like We're Making Love". Her seventh album, Beauty Marks (2019), included the hit single "Level Up". Ciara's awards include three BET Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MOBO Awards and one Grammy Award. As of 2019, Ciara's worldwide sales total over 45 million.
In 2006, Ciara made her film debut in All You've Got, and later appeared in the films Mama, I Want to Sing! (2012) and That's My Boy (2012). In 2013, she had a recurring role in the US TV series, The Game. In 2016, Ciara signed a signed a modeling contract with IMG. That year, she became a Global Brand Ambassador for the cosmetics giant Revlon and she married quarterback Russell Wilson.
Next To You
Ciara Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With what I'm 'bout to say, boy
Here we are once again
And I'm having second thoughts, boy
I'm not messing with you head
But I changed my mind, boy
I don't know why I'm here
At the same time I want you near
I will understand
See, I would just have to respect your wishes, boy
'Cause if I stay ain't no telling what may happen, boy (oh-ooh)
Although you look so good to me
It's best that I leave
I'm scared of being next to you
Because of what I think I might do
Boy, you're turning me on right now
I can't get down like that right now
Don't want to disturb the flow
But this is not my M.O.
Hold up, wait a minute, movin' too fast
I want somethin' like this here to last
(Don't say no, baby)
(Not right now, baby)
(I want you to be my lady)
(You got me going crazy)
Well, I guess I'll stay for a minute
Then I have to go, boy
This moment is so temptin'
Right now it's not what I want, boy
Maybe if we just embrace
With a simple kiss, boy
But that'll only make things worse
Hope I'm not getting on your nerves, boy
I just want it to be right for both of us (and I just wanna)
When you don't have to say a thing to make me comfortable, boy
Boy, you make me so weak when you look at me
But right now I'm a little confused, I think it's best that I refuse
I'm scared of being next to you (so scared)
Because of what I think I might do (oh-oh)
Boy, you're turning me on right now (right now)
I can't get down like that right now
Don't want to disturb the flow (don't want to disturb the flow)
But this is not my M.O.
Hold up, wait a minute, movin' too fast (too fast)
I want somethin' like this here to last
Supposed to be playing cards (oh)
Or watching a movie
But we keep locking eyes, boy
Now, why you tryna tease me?
This room is getting heated (oh-oh)
Would you open a window?
I think that I should go now
'Cause I can't take this no more
I'm scared of being next to you (next to you)
Because of what I think I might do (think I might do)
Boy, you're turning me on right now
I can't get down like that right now (whoa-whoa)
Don't want to disturb the flow (don't wanna)
But this is not my M.O. (that just ain't me)
Hold up, wait a minute, movin' too fast (but I'm sorry)
I want somethin' like this here to last (yes, I am)
I'm scared of being next to you (I'm so scared)
Because of what I think I might do
Boy, you're turning me on right now (uh-huh)
I can't get down like that right now (uh-huh)
Don't want to disturb the flow (don't wanna)
But this is not my M.O. (disturb the flow, but boy)
Hold up, wait a minute, movin' too fast (this ain't me, it just ain't me)
I want somethin' like this here to last
I'm scared of being next to you (I'm so scared)
Because of what I think I might do
Boy, you're turning me on right now
I can't get down like that right now
Don't want to disturb the flow (don't wanna disturb the flow)
But this is not my M.O. (not my M.O.)
Hold up, wait a minute, movin' too fast
I want somethin' like this here to last (too fast)
The lyrics to Ciara's song Next to You describe the internal struggle of a woman who finds herself conflicted about her feelings towards a man. The repetition of the phrase 'boy' throughout the song is used as an address to this man, and serves to emphasize the singer's vulnerability and uncertainty. The opening lines express her hesitation at revealing her true feelings, as she fears that it may upset him. She then goes on to explain the confusion she feels, as she is both drawn to him and unsure of her own desires. The chorus explains her fears of what may happen if she gives in to her attraction for him. She is afraid of losing control, and potentially damaging their relationship.
The rest of the song describes a situation where the singer and the man she is attracted to find themselves alone, and struggling to contain their emotions. Although she wants to stay, because she is tempted by the possibility of what could happen between them, she ultimately decides to leave because she knows it is not the right time. The final lines reveal her frustration and desire for clarity, as she admits that she is confused about what she truly wants.
Overall, the lyrics to Next to You capture the complexity of romantic attraction and the uncertainty that often comes with it. The repetition of phrases and use of internal dialogue helps to convey the singer's thoughts and emotions, while the chorus serves as a powerful refrain that highlights her fears and anxieties.
Line by Line Meaning
I hope I don't make you mad
I don't want to upset you by what I'm about to say
With what I'm bout to say boy
I'm about to say something that might cause problems
Here we are once again
We're in this situation again
And I'm having second thoughts boy
I'm reconsidering my feelings
I'm not messing with you head
I'm not trying to manipulate or confuse you
But I changed my mind boy
I no longer feel the same way I did before
I don't know why I'm here
I'm not sure why I came back
At the same time I want you near
I still feel some attraction towards you
If you want me to leave
If you'd rather I go, that's okay
I will understand
I'll respect your wishes
See I would just have to respect
I know it's important to respect
Your wishes boy
What you want is important too
Cause if I stay ain't no telling
If I stick around, things could get out of control
What may happen boy
I don't know what might occur
Although you look so good to me
I find you very attractive
It's best that I leave
I think I should go
I'm scared of being next to you
I'm afraid of what might happen if we're together
Because of what I think I might do
I worry that I won't be able to control myself
Boy your turning me on right now
I'm getting aroused by your presence
Can't get down like that right now
But I can't act on my feelings at the moment
Don't want to disturb the flow
I don't want to disrupt our current dynamic
But this is not my M.O.
This isn't how I usually behave
Hold up wait a minute movin' too fast
Let's slow down a bit
I want somethin' like this here to last
I'd like a relationship with you to be long-lasting
Don't say no baby
I hope you won't reject me
Not right now baby
At least, not at the moment
I want to be your lady
I want to be in a romantic relationship with you
You got me going crazy
I'm going a little insane over you
Well I guess I'll stay for a minute
I'll stay around for a little while longer
Then I have to go boy
But eventually I'll have to leave
This moment is so temptin'
I'm feeling very tempted right now
Right now it's not what I want boy
But I'm not sure if acting on my desire is a good idea
Maybe if we just embrace
Maybe a hug will suffice
With a simple kiss boy
Or maybe a quick kiss
But that'll only make things worse
But that might just escalate the situation
Hope I'm not getting on your nerves boy
I hope I'm not bothering you too much
I just want it to be right for both of us
I want us both to feel good about whatever we choose to do
When you don't have to say a thing to make me comfortable
I feel very at ease and comfortable around you
Boy you make me so weak when you look at me
I feel very vulnerable around you
But right now I'm a little confused I think it's best that I refuse
But I'm not sure what the best course of action is at the moment
Supposed to be playing cards
We were intending to play games
Or watching a movie
Or watch a film together
But we keep locking eyes boy
But we keep making eye contact
Now why you trying ta tease me
Are you trying to flirt with me?
This room is getting heated
The atmosphere is becoming intense
Would you open a window
Can we get some fresh air in here?
I think I should go now
I think it's time for me to leave
Cause I can't take this no more
Because this situation is becoming unbearable
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert Kelly, Ciara Princess Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind