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.
Live In My Heart!
Cleveland P. Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(George Jones - Bernard Spurlock)
« © '59 Glad Music »
WITH MELBA MONTGOMERY
You cheated on me (you cheated me)
I tried to be fair (I tried to be fair)
But you don't believe enduring your share
And now I can say (now I can say)
The flame in my heart is dying away is dying away
Your kisses don't thrill me like they used to do
Your arms only chill me I'm glad that we're through
My heart was once yearning (my heart was once yearning)
But now I can say (now I can say)
The flame in my heart is dying away is dying away
You fool me a while (you fool me a while)
You thought you were wise (you thought you were wise)
You even believed I fell for your life
But the trick's turned on you (the trick's turned on you)
Now gladly I say (now gladly I say)
The flame in my heart is dying away is dying away
Your kisses don't thrill me...
The lyrics of "Flame in My Heart" are about a relationship that has soured. The singer, who has been cheated on, has tried to be fair but has realized that their partner does not believe in enduring their share. The singer has learned their lesson and recognizes that the flame in their heart - their love for their partner - is dying away. The kisses and the arms of the partner that once thrilled the singer now chill them. The singer's heart was once yearning, but now they can say that the love they had is fading.
The song is a slow and emotional ballad, with the lyrics accompanied by Melba Montgomery's beautiful vocals. The song reflects the heartbreak and disillusionment that many people experience when a relationship ends, particularly when infidelity is involved. The lyrics speak to the feeling of loss that comes with the end of a relationship, as well as the realization that sometimes it's better to let go than to hold on to a dying flame.
Line by Line Meaning
You cheated on me (you cheated me)
You were unfaithful to me, but I still tried to be fair.
But you don't believe enduring your share
Despite my efforts, you didn't want to share responsibility or make things right.
And now I can say (now I can say)
After going through this experience, I'm able to speak from a place of reflection and understanding.
Your kisses don't thrill me like they used to do
Your affection isn't as exciting or fulfilling as it once was for me.
Your arms only chill me I'm glad that we're through
Your physical touch doesn't bring me warmth or comfort anymore, and I'm grateful that our relationship is over.
My heart was once yearning (my heart was once yearning)
I used to have a strong desire and longing for you.
But now I can say (now I can say)
But now I'm able to express that my feelings have changed.
You thought you were wise (you thought you were wise)
You believed that you were clever or intelligent in how you treated me.
But the trick's turned on you (the trick's turned on you)
But ultimately, your actions have backfired and affected you more than they've affected me.
Now gladly I say (now gladly I say)
I'm happy to declare my newfound sense of freedom and wellbeing.
The flame in my heart is dying away is dying away
The passion and love I once had for you is slowly fading and disappearing.
Lyrics © GLAD MUSIC CO.
Written by: BERNARD SPURLOCK, GEORGE JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Morpheus X
Cleveland P. Jones I just discovered you on Sensitive with Ahmed Sirour and I must say, you are a REVELATION...
I've always thought that only women can sing with the kind of verve, brio, emotional power, pureness of tone, vocal flutter and acrobatics and virtuosity you display.
You killed that myth once and for all.
Wow.. Just.. WOW... Astounding...
I can't wait to hear more from you and look forward to seeing you soaring high. You've got a stellar future ahead of you Cleveland. ;-)
Morpheus X
This dude is the TRUTH... If he and Toni "T.J." Scruggs got together and did a song, it's a wrap.
Cleveland P. Jones
Wow...Thank you so much. I am a Huge Toni Scruggs fan. Blessings
Morpheus X
Cleveland P. Jones I just discovered you on Sensitive with Ahmed Sirour and I must say, you are a REVELATION...
I've always thought that only women can sing with the kind of verve, brio, emotional power, pureness of tone, vocal flutter and acrobatics and virtuosity you display.
You killed that myth once and for all.
Wow.. Just.. WOW... Astounding...
I can't wait to hear more from you and look forward to seeing you soaring high. You've got a stellar future ahead of you Cleveland. ;-)
Sarah Horne
You know I love this one! So real, true, and passionate!
Linda T
Amazing!!! All I can say is thank you Mama Jones for making your son sing in church! What a sin it would have been not have shared Cleveland's talent to the world.
Cleveland P. Jones
Biggest LOVE Linda Tancrell! I will make sure to tell her that! Big Hugs!
ISH JUS MUSIC
LOVE! Sounding good brethren!
Cleveland P. Jones
So honored and humbled...Thank you! Can't wait to work with you! Blessings!
ISH JUS MUSIC
Yes, we're looking forward to it as well!
buggie41bug
Yessir!!!