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.
Heart Breaks
Cleveland P. Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Only a fool breaks his own heart
I pretend I don't see you walking with him on the street
Only a fool breaks his own heart
I have to admit even though it hurt me so I can't forget
If I'm a man, I'll let you go
There's no sense in holding on to an old love that's gone
I have to accept even though it hurt me so I can't forget
If I'm a man, I'll let you go
There's no sense in holding on to an old love that's gone
Only a fool, breaks his own heart
Only a fool, breaks his own heart
The lyrics of Cleveland P. Jones's song "Heart Breaks In 2" refer to the feeling of heartbreak after a relationship has ended. The singer knows that his partner has moved on and is with someone else, yet he continues to fool himself into thinking that they still have a chance. The repetition of the phrase "only a fool breaks his own heart" emphasizes the self-destructive nature of holding onto a relationship that is over. It is clear that the singer is struggling with letting go, as indicated by the lines "If I'm a man, I'll let you go" and "There's no sense in holding onto an old love that's gone." However, it seems that he has not yet fully accepted the reality of the situation.
One interesting aspect of this song is the use of the phrase "only a fool breaks his own heart." This line has been used in various songs throughout the years, including by The Four Tops and The Motels. It has become a sort of cliché in popular music, but in the context of this song, it adds an extra layer of meaning that speaks to the singer's inner turmoil. Additionally, the song's title ("Heart Breaks In 2") implies a sense of fragmentation or brokenness, which echoes the idea of a heart being broken into pieces.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do I go on fooling myself When I know you love somebody else?
Despite knowing that you love someone else, why do I keep deceiving myself?
Only a fool breaks his own heart
It is foolish to allow oneself to be hurt by holding onto a love that is no longer there.
I pretend I don't see you walking with him on the street
I feign ignorance when I see you with someone else.
I have to admit even though it hurt me so I can't forget
Although it causes me pain, I must acknowledge that I cannot forget about you.
If I'm a man, I'll let you go
If I am truly mature and strong, I will release you from the hold I have over you.
There's no sense in holding on to an old love that's gone
It is nonsensical to cling onto a love that no longer exists.
Only a fool, breaks his own heart
It is foolish to persist in a love that is no longer there, as it only causes oneself pain.
I have to accept even though it hurt me so I can't forget
I must come to terms with the fact that I cannot forget you despite the pain it brings me.
Only a fool, breaks his own heart
Persisting in a love that is no longer there is foolish and only causes oneself pain.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: NORMAN BERGEN, SHELLY COBURN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind