In 1982, DeBarge finally found success with their acclaimed second album, All This Love, which gave DeBarge major chart success with singles "Stop! Don't Tease Me," the perennial "I Like It," and the title track. In 1983, DeBarge's third album, In a Special Way garnered yet more success for the group. El and Bunny wrote most of the songs with El most often singing leads. The album produced the hit singles "Time Will Reveal" and "Love Me in a Special Way."
In 1985, the group released their fourth album, Rhythm of the Night which produced hits "The Heart Is Not So Smart," "Who's Holding Donna Now," "You Wear It Well", and the massively successful title track, which was their second single to top the R&B charts, reached #3 in the U.S., and #4 in the U.K. Its music video was featured in the 1985 martial arts film, The Last Dragon as well as in an episode of Miami Vice (Season 2) called "Bought and Paid" for in which "You Wear It Well" was also performed. That year, El appeared as himself in an episode of the television series The Facts of Life and sang "You Wear it Well."
Solo career
After the commercial pop success of "Rhythm of the Night," El left the group in 1986 to begin a solo career. The same year, El released his self-titled debut solo album. "Who's Johnny" was the first single released and was featured in the movie Short Circuit. The single was a major success, peaking at #3 in the U.S. The music video for the song reflected its use in the movie, depicting a mock trial for characters Stephanie Speck and Newton Crosby (Ally Sheedy and Steve Guttenberg, respectively) for the theft of the movie's main character, the robot Johnny 5, with scenes from the movie being shown as evidence.
Other singles from this album were "Someone" and the laid-back ballad "Love Always". A break in El's career, according to some, kept him from the spotlight until 1989 when he returned with a second solo album, Gemini. This marked El's final Motown release to date. "Real Love" was a single, as well as "Broken Dreams." El signed with Warner Brothers and released his third solo album, In The Storm. "You Know What I Like," which featured Chante Moore (Latimore) on co-lead vocals, "My Heart Belongs To You," and a cover of Marvin Gaye's "After The Dance" (recorded with Fourplay and featuring Patti LaBelle) were singles. Two years later, in 1994, El collaborated with hit producer Babyface and released his fourth and most recent to date solo album Heart, Mind and Soul. "Can't Get Enough", "Slide," and a duet with Babyface, "Where Is My Love," were singles.
El teamed up with Quincy Jones to create the successful collaboration, "The Secret Garden," a single from 1990 which also featured Barry White, Al B. Sure!, and James Ingram on vocals. In 1998, El worked with DJ Quik for the single "Hand In Hand."
In 2008, Eldra was featured on RZA's album Digi Snacks on the track "Up Again". "Rhythm of the Night" will be the theme song of Lowes Motor Speedway during the 2008 NASCAR season.
Personal life
According to his mother, Etterlene DeBarge, El is the father of 11 children, the eldest born when El was only fifteen. His children include Adris DeBarge, who is an executive assistant for producer Tracey Edmonds.[3] He is currently separated from Monique DeBarge, having been arrested in 2007 for a conflict stemming from an individual described as "girlfriend."
Legal troubles
El DeBarge was arrested in Los Angeles County, California on August 26, 2007 for possible vandalism, drug possession, and alleged domestic violence.[4] On October 27, 2008 he was sentenced for possession of a controlled substance. Eldra had been arrested earlier in the month after police discovered two warrants for his arrest. [5]. On October 28,2008 he was sentenced to two years in state prison for possession of crack cocaine. He was recently released from prison on October 26, 2009 nearly a year after his sentence.
Cross My Heart
El DeBarge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trap in my identity
My reputation
Always goes ahead of me
I'm not the one you love (know)
No! I'm the one you've heard of before you walk away
It's one more thing I need to say
I love you baby, I cross my heart,
Open you heart and you will be give to all and open to me
Cause I love you babe, I need to you babe
I cross my heart I'm about to die (ooh, ooh ah)
Love is a blessing babe,
Love has made a changing me I'm not the same man,
I'm not the one who I used to be
I know the price I had to pay
I already will go with you all the way,
No need to worry this time you can be sure
That I love you babe, cross my heart,
You know that need you babe
Open your heart and you will be,
Give it all you open to me
Cause I love you babe (I cross my heart),
I need you babe (I cross my Heart),
I cross my heart I'm about to die, (ooh, ooh, ah)
Ooh, it's alright
Ooh!
As soon as you can it's soon will be over
Just for a while, (you're not one for me)
Yeah, getting louder
You're having another chance
Oh, love will be just a sand to open the fire and be the man.
I always wanted babe, I need you babe
I love you babe, hey!
Papapara, la la la la, papara
Oh, yes I could
I love you baby, I cross my heart
Need you baby, across my heart
Ooh, I love you baby, I cross my heart
Need you baby, across my heart
I love you baby, I cross my heart
Need you baby, across my heart
Ooh yes I do!
Ooh, ooh, aah, I love you baby, I cross my heart
Need you baby, across my heart
Open your heart and you will be,
Give it all you open to me
Cause I love you babe (I cross my heart),
I need you babe (I cross my Heart),
I cross my heart I'm about to die
(you'll die, you'll die, you'll die ooh, ooh, aah)
Oh, yes I would
(oh, you just don't understand how much I love you babe)
In the song "Queen of My Heart," El DeBarge sings about a love that has transformed him into a better man, but a reputation that precedes him and makes it hard to be seen for who he really is. The opening lines speak of feeling trapped in his identity and the weight of his reputation that always goes ahead of him, setting expectations before he even has a chance to make a true connection with someone. He declares that he's not the one "you love (know)" but rather the one "you've heard of." Despite these obstacles, he tells the object of his affection that he loves her and needs her, crossing his heart to show his sincerity. He urges her to open her heart to him so that he can give her everything he has, promising to go with her all the way and assuring her that she can be sure of his love.
The second half of the song is more upbeat, with El DeBarge declaring that love has changed him and made him want to be a better man, one who can give the woman he loves everything she deserves. He repeats his promises to love and need her, urging her to give in to his love and open her heart to him. In the final lines, he declares his unwavering love for her and assures her that he would do anything for her.
Overall, the song is a declaration of love and a plea for a chance to be seen for who he truly is, beyond his reputation and public image.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah I go again
Starting again with a declaration of commitment and devotion.
Trap in my identity
Feeling stuck in one's self-perception and image.
My reputation
The opinions and judgments that others have about one's character and behavior.
Always goes ahead of me
Precedes one's actual presence and influences others' reactions.
I'm not the one you love (know)
Knowing that the affection one receives from others is not based on deep understanding or connection.
No! I'm the one you've heard of before you walk away
Recognizing the ephemeral nature of fame and the possibility of being forgotten.
It's one more thing I need to say
Acknowledging the urgency of expressing one's feelings and desires.
I love you baby, I cross my heart,
Making a sincere vow of love and devotion.
I need you babe I cross my heart
Stressing the importance of the beloved to one's happiness and well-being.
Open you heart and you will be give to all and open to me
Inviting the beloved to trust and reveal their true feelings and thoughts.
Cause I love you babe, I need to you babe
Repeating the expressions of love and dependence for emphasis.
I cross my heart I'm about to die (ooh, ooh ah)
Using hyperbolic language to convey the depth of one's feelings and the seriousness of one's commitment.
Love is a blessing babe,
Affirming the positive impact of love on one's life.
Love has made a changing me I'm not the same man,
Recognizing the transformative power of love and how it has influenced one's personality and behavior.
I know the price I had to pay
Acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices that one has faced to pursue and maintain the relationship.
I already will go with you all the way,
Declaring one's unwavering support and loyalty.
No need to worry this time you can be sure
Ensuring the beloved that there is no doubt or hesitation in one's commitment.
That I love you babe, cross my heart,
Repeating the vows of love and loyalty to reinforce their significance.
You know that need you babe
Reminding the beloved of their importance and indispensability to one's love and happiness.
Ooh, it's alright
Expressing reassurance and comfort.
As soon as you can it's soon will be over
Suggesting that the lovers should cherish the moment and enjoy their time together while it lasts.
Just for a while, (you're not one for me)
Acknowledging that the temporary nature of earthly love and attachment.
Yeah, getting louder
Emphasizing the intensity and passion of one's love.
You're having another chance
Offering the beloved another opportunity to rekindle their love and strengthen their bond.
Oh, love will be just a sand to open the fire and be the man.
Metaphorically describing how love can ignite and shape one's character.
I always wanted babe, I need you babe
Expressing one's long-standing desire and craving for the beloved.
I love you babe, hey!
Asserting the sincerity of one's feelings and emotions.
Papapara, la la la la, papara
Using nonsensical syllables to create a playful and lively tone.
Oh, yes I could
Affirming one's ability and willingness to make the relationship work.
Ooh, I love you baby, I cross my heart
Repeating the expressions of love and commitment for emphasis.
Need you baby, across my heart
Reiterating the importance and indispensability of the beloved.
Ooh yes I do!
Asserting the truth and sincerity of one's emotions.
(oh, you just don't understand how much I love you babe)
Implying that the beloved may not fully comprehend the depth and intensity of one's feelings.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ELDRA DEBARGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind