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.
Format
El DeBarge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shorty all let in, shorty all let
Gotta go hard give what we switch at the phone man
What's a train, a plane, is that, you got?
I spin, so what you hear on top
Think big, big brave, big billy, big crib, big news
I'm the most notorious this is big
You tell me the good that you're good
Holding it down like I should,
Beverly Hills in the hood
This bitch is perfect I'm
To cut through our portrait a moment in time with a frame
To get you the message I really walk through the wind
Girl for accepting me is you and I to the end
I know you got agendas, I remember
The chart of sketch with type of lay
But I've been patient, I need rotation
To the top of your list, call me crazy.
Don't ask me how, I'm looking at a few days from now
I need commitment for this to make sense
How you got me looking right now?
At where you're at I might take a train
On a plane,, I'ma get this message to you
When I'm delivering it's so much better when
You meet him in person, so what I'm trying to do is
Switch off the format, let me come to your,
Let's switch off the format, I can't wait another day
Switch off the format, let me come to your,
Let's switch off the format girl, I can't wait another day
Just listen I don't need an e-mail, confirmation
Text me with the details, exact location
Press and don't move, cause I'm in group two
You got an appointment with destiny
You can cancel everything but me,
Reset your, no confusion
At where you're at I might take a train,
On a plane, deep into the rain
When I'm delivering it's so much better when
You meet him in person, so what I'm trying to do is
Switch off the format, let me come to your,
Let's switch off the format, I can't wait another day
Switch off the format, let me come to your,
Let's switch off the format girl,
I can't wait another day, to see you
Shorty all let in, shorty all let
Gotta go hard give what we switch at the phone man
I just wanna see you and me on top
Is forever you got cause you know I got you girl
If you want it you got it you,
You tell me the good that you're good
Holding it down like I should,
Beverly Hills in the hood
That's why I switched it up for you
Switch off the format, let me come to your,
Let's switch off the format, I can't wait another day
Switch off the format, let me come to your,
Let's switch off the format girl,
I can't wait another day, to see you
I'm running, I'm coming, I'm loving
I'm running, I'm coming, I'm loving, I'ma come back for you baby
I'm running, I'm coming, I'm loving, let me switch it up baby
I'm running, I'm coming, I'm loving, for you.
The song "Format" by El DeBarge is a love song that talks about the desire to have a more personal relationship with the person you love. The singer wants to switch off the impersonal "format" of communication and meet his lover face to face - on a train, a plane, or any other means of transport. He talks about being patient and waiting for a chance to be with her. He is willing to travel and put in the effort to make the relationship work. The lyrics talk about his commitment to her, and how much he loves and wants to be with her.
Throughout the song, El DeBarge emphasises the importance of a deep and meaningful connection with his lover. He uses the phrase "switch off the format" as a metaphor for leaving behind the way they've been communicating and moving towards a more personal relationship. He is willing to do whatever it takes to be with her, even if it means travelling long distances. He also talks about his relationship with her as something special, something that he wants to hold on to forever.
Overall, the song "Format" is a plea for a deeper connection with the person you love. It emphasises the importance of taking the time and making the effort to be with someone in person, rather than relying on digital communication.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, something new, fifty
I'm introducing something fresh and exciting.
Shorty all let in, shorty all let
Everyone is welcome, no exceptions.
Gotta go hard give what we switch at the phone man
We have to work hard to make things happen, and communicate regularly.
What's a train, a plane, is that, you got?
I'm willing to go to great lengths to see you.
I spin, so what you hear on top
I'm successful and skilled at my craft.
Think big, big brave, big billy, big crib, big news
Dream big and achieve greatness.
I'm the most notorious this is big
I'm confident and accomplished, and this is a big moment.
If you want it you got it you
I'm offering my love and support wholeheartedly.
You tell me the good that you're good
Let me know what you're capable of and what your strengths are.
Holding it down like I should, Beverly Hills in the hood
I'm successful and grounded, with a sense of style and attitude.
This bitch is perfect I'm
This situation is perfect, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
To cut through our portrait a moment in time with a frame
Let's capture this moment and preserve it forever.
To get you the message I really walk through the wind
I'm willing to face any obstacle to communicate with you.
Girl for accepting me is you and I to the end
I'm grateful that you accept me for who I am, and I'm committed to you forever.
I know you got agendas, I remember
I know you have things going on in your life, and I respect that.
The chart of sketch with type of lay
Your plans and ideas are mapped out, but flexible.
But I've been patient, I need rotation
I've waited for my turn, now it's time for me to shine.
To the top of your list, call me crazy.
Put me at the top of your priorities, even if it seems crazy.
Don't ask me how, I'm looking at a few days from now
I'm not sure how, but I know it will be soon.
I need commitment for this to make sense
We need to be fully committed to each other for this to work.
How you got me looking right now?
You have me feeling a certain way that I can't explain.
At where you're at I might take a train
I'm willing to travel to be with you.
On a plane,, I'ma get this message to you
I'll do whatever it takes to reach you and communicate my feelings.
Switch off the format, let me come to your,
Let's deviate from the normal routine and do something special.
Let's switch off the format, I can't wait another day
Let's change things up as soon as possible, I'm excited to see you.
Just listen I don't need an e-mail, confirmation
Just trust me and listen to my instructions, no need for a formal confirmation.
Text me with the details, exact location
Send me a message with the information I need and where to meet you.
Press and don't move, cause I'm in group two
Don't worry, just wait for me, I'm on my way.
You got an appointment with destiny
You have a date with destiny - me.
You can cancel everything but me,
Don't cancel our plans, I'm the one thing that's essential.
Reset your, no confusion
Make sure you're ready and there's no doubt or confusion in your mind.
I just wanna see you and me on top
I want us to be successful and happy together.
Is forever you got cause you know I got you girl
I'm committed to you forever, and I'll always be there for you.
That's why I switched it up for you
I’m trying something new for you because you’re worth it.
I'm running, I'm coming, I'm loving
I'm excited and passionate about being with you.
I'ma come back for you baby
I'll always come back to you no matter what.
Let me switch it up baby
I want to try something different and exciting with you.
for you.
It's all about you, because you're special to me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: EL DEBARGE, CURTIS JACKSON, ANDREW SHAW, CHRISTIAN STALNECKER, VICTOR WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind