This native of a little country town in South Carolina, called “North”, started his musical journey on a little clay road and pastures of green fields. He affectionately recalls listening to his mother sing as they cleaned the house on hot summer days and bumpy rides to the church house. “Momma would sing songs by gospel greats like Shirley Caesar then switch to soul legends like Betty Wright. It just depended on her mood,” he kindly reflects. This was the beginning of what would later become Cleveland’s maturation as an accomplished singer/songwriter and producer. His voice is simply one of a kind and to experience it, especially live, is a spiritual journey on it’s own.
Penning timeless classics like Free Yard Sale, Cleveland boldly speaks of the liberating experience in giving away the belongings of a past love after holding on to them for nearly four years post break up. Cleveland decided not to sugarcoat the hurt and, in turn, gained a newfound mental and emotional freedom from what was his own personal imprisonment of not knowing when to let go. With his soulful rock tune, Patience, Cleveland compositions are designed to welcome open dialogue often abandoned or non-existent between lovers and friends alike. “Sometimes you’re just tired of the person, but it doesn’t mean I stopped loving you”, he speaks of this captivating soul tune.
When asked about his future in the music industry, he proclaims, “my mission is longevity, not instant fame. I’ve learned by example and experience that rushing a good thing normally ends abruptly and suffers long...what’s intended for me will be,” he says. Cleveland has carefully chosen the unbeaten path to discover his truth, which resulted in this self- written, self-produced, and performed confession, which is Ace of Hearts. He spared nothing to give you his best as he unwaveringly chose live instrumentation throughout this masterpiece of soulful art.
A graduate of two prestigious institutions, Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, Cleveland became deeply involved in music and theater. He performed and toured many places stateside and abroad. After Morehouse, Cleveland continued to develop his acting and vocal skills later finding himself in the growing underground independent music scene of Atlanta, Georgia. From this experience, he was afforded great opportunities to travel and lend
supporting vocals to some of Atlanta’s most promising soul artists. While in Atlanta for nearly ten years, Cleveland appeared in and lent his voice to Paramount/MTV’s Fighting Temptations soundtrack. From then on Cleveland became highly influenced by artists like Anita Baker, Bobby McFerrin, and Rachelle Ferrell. As he continued to search for “his voice”, he later indulged deeply into soul legends such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway, Oleta Adams, and a plethora of others.
Thus these musical influences, Cleveland’s music speaks boldly for itself. No fanfare or polishing needed. Simply put, he committed to his mission to deliver unadulterated “timeless soul music” and therein offers you the golden keys to unlock this soulful brilliance. Ace of Hearts is a faithful story about Cleveland’s road from personal insecurities, abandonment, love, pain, and back to square one of loving oneself wholly. “The heart was made to love, break, and heal” he says. “The best part is when you reflect and discover how strong you were the whole time.” Cleveland P. Jones is well on his way to higher places, yet very rooted in the quest to heal souls one song at a time.
Don't Leave Me
Cleveland P. Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So you can pass me to your friends?
Is it?
Uh
Im done with you
Im not done though
Dont leave me hanging that shit so dangerous
Dont leave me hanging that shit so dangerous
Dont leave me hanging dont leave me hanging
Dont leave me hanging this is so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
Dont leave me hanging this is so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
No ohh
Walk with a chip cause I been through a lot
Walk down the strip and came back with the pot
I got a tip you was turning yo back
Honestly thought you was better than that
Sending me text but I cannot reply
All about checks and I sign on the line
Say why I changed but you know why
Oh no
I live in a world where my phone keeps on ringing
Women keep scheming oh ohh
I live in a world where my phone keeps on ringing
Women keep scheming oh ohh
Dont leave me hanging that shit so dangerous
Dont leave me hanging that shit so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
Dont leave me hanging dont leave me hanging
Dont leave me hanging this is so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
Dont leave me hanging this is so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
No ohh
How you leave me hanging stretch my hands out to you
True ohhh
How you leaving hanging I would be there for you
Its true
Dont leave me hanging that shit so dangerous
Dont leave me hanging that shit so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
Dont leave me hanging dont leave me hanging
Dont leave me hanging this is so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
Dont leave me hanging this is so dangerous
You rent out Bentleys to just seem famous
No ohh
Are you trying to find
Are you trying to find someone like me?
Are you trying to find
Are you trying to find someone like me?
The song "Don't Leave Me" by Cleveland P. Jones is a powerful message about self-confidence and not allowing others to bring you down. The lyrics express a simple request to people who pretend to know who Jones is when they really don't. He is not their friend and doesn't want to entertain their conversations or invitations. He values his time and knows that he cannot get too much of a good thing, whether it be fame, success, or his happiness. Jones asserts himself by declaring that he doesn't need any more friends, no need to mingle with other people who don't understand him. He just wants to have fun with his close circle of friends, and anyone who can't keep up with his high energy, may fall back.
Jones doesn't want anyone to mess with his flow or ruin his night. The line "step back with your chit-chat, killin' my vibe" illustrates his annoyance with people's behavior when they interfere. He only wants to be with people who can appreciate his success and allow him to enjoy his life. He won't tolerate anyone trying to use him for his connections or trying to get close to him for ulterior motives. Overall, the song is about strength and resilience in the face of fake friends who pretend to know who you are when they really don't.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, na na yeah
Expression of agreement and engagement with the audience
Don't act like you know me, like you know me, na na yeah
Request for others to not make assumptions and pretend to know the artist
I am not your homie, not your, hoo, na na yeah
Clarification that the artist is not a friend of theirs
You don't know me
Reiteration that the people around the artist do not know their true self
Oh yeah, time is money so don't fuck with mine
Stating the value of time and the importance of not wasting their own
See I'm out with my girls, I'ma have a good time
Asserting the artist's desire to enjoy the company of their friends
Step back with your chit-chat, killin' my vibe
Asking others to not interrupt their good time with unnecessary conversation
See, I can't get too much of a good thing
Admitting to a love of luxurious things and experiences
S'why me a dressed up in the finest things
Explaining the artist's choice to wear fancy clothes
Well, please hold your tongue, oh, don't say a damn thing
Requesting silence and tact from those around them
See your iPhone camera flashin'
Noticing people taking pictures or videos of them
Please step back, it's my style you're crampin'
Politely asking others to give them space and not copy their style
"You here for long?" Oh no, I'm just passin'
Clarifying that they are not staying in one place for long
"Do you wanna drink?" No, thanks for askin'
Declining an offer for a drink
I mean, we can throw shapes together
Proposing the idea of dancing together
But it doesn't mean you're in my circle, yeah
Clarifying that dancing does not necessarily mean they are close friends
Cruise through life and I'm feelin' on track
Expressing contentment with their current lifestyle
If you can't keep up, then you better fall back
Warning others to not try to keep up with them if they can't handle it
'Cause money look better when I see it all stacked up
Suggesting that having more money is better in their eyes
Move right here, just know, though
Inviting someone to come closer
Won't get what you want, what you want, what you want, want
Warning them that they might not get what they want
Tell you what you don't know
Hinting that they know something the other person doesn't
I get what I want, what I want, what I want, want
Asserting that the artist knows how to get what they want
You don't know me, fuck yeah
Repeating the message from earlier
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave
Written by: BRODERICK LAMAR JONES, LOU KEVIN ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roszunn Music
Gracious! That one grabs the soul. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
bonkosi biyela
Hauntingly beautiful music. I have been served. We give thanks, Ashe!
shirah frazier
Oh My Gosh!! This one!!! This is EXQUISITE!!
Jamie Chambers
This sent chills up my spine....New Fan!
Cleveland P. Jones
Jamie Chambers Biggest Thanks and Big Love!
Hannah Jauch
This is so amazing!
Cleveland P. Jones
Hannah Jauch Biggest Thanks and Big Love!
Haywood J
ahhh this is just so good x
Cleveland P. Jones
Thanks so much Haywood J!
shirah frazier
How can I get a copy?