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.
Lesson Learned
Cleveland P. Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Things I have learned
Bridges built, bridges burned
They call me Truth
So I say this truly
Imma keep it funky
Cuz that's my duty
Took a long time, for me to understand
I Burned a Lotta bridges
Because my pride hurt
That ego shit a get you kilt, no plaid skirts
Popping off, ain't the way to go
Acting off emotions, save it for the hoes
Ninjas think it's cold to have the flyest clothes
While grounded in ya momma house
Ninja change your goals
I think it's time we start planning to complete our missions
Ambition ain't shit
If you ain't got a vision
Ninjas walking blindly
Swearing that they getting it
I'm not going back n forth with you
This ain't tennis
They say Truth is weird cuz I move different
And you know what, that is my mission
I don't do this music shit for the hell of it
So y'all can fuck off, like you celibate
These are a few
Things I have learned
Bridges built, bridges burned
They call me Truth
So I say this truly
Imma keep it funky
Cuz that's my duty
Stay true, be ya self
The real you is better than the fake someone else
Imma Taurus so I'm stubborn and cash rules
I won't move unless I gotta
You know, keep it smooth
Stay afloat, when the waters surrounding
Stand your own ground, be your own island
Watch them fuck with you
When they see that you shining
You got that soul glo, dogecoin growth
Like crypto (it's)
Ya aura you mining
You will never understand the shit I been fighting
The countless hours
That I be up writing
The closet rejections
That be out of spite and
Carrying the world on my back
Like I'm one of the titans
Atlas Imma Greek freak like Antetokounmp
So throw it up, watch me alley oop
The lyrics to Cleveland P. Jones's song "Lesson Learned" explore the artist's personal growth and the lessons he has learned throughout his life. The first verse highlights the importance of self-reflection and understanding how to navigate life as an adult. Jones admits to burning bridges due to pride and ego, emphasizing that acting impulsively and seeking validation through material possessions won't lead to true fulfillment. He urges listeners to focus on their vision and goals, rather than getting caught up in superficial pursuits.
In the second verse, Jones encourages staying true to oneself and embracing individuality. He acknowledges his stubbornness as a Taurus but emphasizes the importance of being authentic rather than trying to be someone else. He uses metaphors such as staying afloat in rough waters and standing your ground like an island to convey the idea of maintaining resilience and confidence in the face of challenges. Jones also references his dedication to his craft and the countless hours he spends writing and creating music, highlighting the rejection and scrutiny he has faced along the way. He compares himself to the Greek mythological figure Atlas, who carries the weight of the world, and likens himself to a "Greek freak" like basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for his incredible athleticism.
Overall, "Lesson Learned" serves as an introspective anthem, reminding us to prioritize personal growth, authenticity, and staying true to our visions amidst life's trials and distractions.
Line by Line Meaning
These are a few things I have learned
Throughout my experiences, I have gained valuable lessons
Bridges built, bridges burned
I have established relationships and also severed them
They call me Truth
I am known for being honest and genuine
So I say this truly
I speak with sincerity and integrity
Imma keep it funky
I will remain authentic and genuine
Cuz that's my duty
It is my responsibility to do so
Took a long time, for me to understand
It took me a considerable amount of time to comprehend
How to navigate properly as a grown man
The appropriate way to handle life as an adult
I Burned a Lotta bridges
I have ruined many relationships
Because my pride hurt
Due to my wounded ego and arrogance
That ego shit a get you kilt, no plaid skirts
Being self-centered will cause your downfall, no matter how stylish you appear
Popping off, ain't the way to go
Reacting impulsively or aggressively is not the right path
Acting off emotions, save it for the hoes
Reserve emotional reactions for less significant matters
Ninjas think it's cold to have the flyest clothes
Some individuals prioritize material possessions to appear trendy
While grounded in ya momma house
Meanwhile, still living with your parents
Ninja change your goals
It is essential to reevaluate and adjust your aspirations
I think it's time we start planning to complete our missions
It is crucial to develop strategic plans to achieve our goals
Ambition ain't shit
Having ambition alone is not enough
If you ain't got a vision
Without a clear vision, ambition lacks direction
Ninjas walking blindly
Many individuals are moving forward without clear guidance
Swearing that they getting it
Believing that they are making progress
I'm not going back n forth with you
I refuse to engage in pointless arguments
This ain't tennis
This is not a sport where I volley back and forth
They say Truth is weird cuz I move different
People consider me strange because I act uniquely
And you know what, that is my mission
Embracing my individuality is my purpose
I don't do this music shit for the hell of it
I am not involved in music solely for the sake of it
So y'all can fuck off, like you celibate
I disregard those who have no genuine interest as if they are uninterested in intimate relationships
Stay true, be ya self
Remain authentic and genuine as an individual
The real you is better than the fake someone else
Being true to yourself is superior to pretending to be someone else
Imma Taurus so I'm stubborn and cash rules
As a Taurus zodiac sign, I possess stubbornness and prioritize financial stability
I won't move unless I gotta
I will not take action unless necessary
You know, keep it smooth
Maintain a calm and composed demeanor
Stay afloat, when the waters surrounding
Remain resilient and avoid succumbing to challenging circumstances
Stand your own ground, be your own island
Assert your independence and establish your own identity
Watch them fuck with you
Observe how others engage with you
When they see that you shining
When they witness your success and radiance
You got that soul glo, dogecoin growth
You possess an inner glow, similar to the rising value of the cryptocurrency Dogecoin
Like crypto (it's)
Comparable to the fluctuations and growth found in the crypto market
Ya aura you mining
Others are mining and seeking your positive energy and presence
You will never understand the shit I been fighting
You will never comprehend the struggles and battles I have faced
The countless hours
The significant amount of time
That I be up writing
That I spend awake, writing
The closet rejections
The hidden rejections
That be out of spite and
Motivated by a desire to cause harm or annoyance
Carrying the world on my back
Bearing the weight of the world's problems
Like I'm one of the titans
Similar to the Greek mythological figures known as Titans
Atlas Imma Greek freak like Antetokounmp
Like the basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo, I possess exceptional abilities and strength
So throw it up, watch me alley oop
I excel at executing impressive plays and maneuvers, just like in basketball
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Daniel Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind