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.
I'll be there
El DeBarge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So hard to define
Darling, darling more than I can see
Love is so blind
[Chorus]
So many times he left you all night long
Don't make no sense for you to carry on
I just want a chance to know ya
All my love I'll give to you
And girl, when we're through
I'll be there
Call my name if you should want me
I'll come a running to you, baby
I'll be around, always around for you
Long as you want me to
Darling, darling you can look for me
And I can be found
Sugar, sugar you can lean on me
You know that I'm down
All you've had too much to carry on your own
But from now on you'd never walk alone
I'll shelter you in my arms
Cover you with my charms
All my love I give to you
And girl, when we're through
I'll be there
[Chorus: x2]
Just like a damsel in distress
Needing someone who would fight for her
Well, baby I would
I know I could
I'll be your knight in shining armor
I will rescue you
[Chorus: x3]
In the song "I'll be There," El DeBarge is expressing his love for someone who has been hurt by a previous lover. He understands that love can be a mystery and hard to define, but he wants to show the person that he loves them beyond what they can see. He acknowledges that love is often blind and that people often carry on in unhealthy relationships for too long. He wants a chance to show the person what real love is and that he will be there for them no matter what.
The chorus repeats the idea that El DeBarge wants a chance to love the person and that he will give them all his love. He acknowledges that the person has been left alone too many times and that he wants to be there for them. He promises to come running when called upon, and that he will always be around for the person. His love for the person is unconditional, and he will shelter them in his arms and cover them with his charms.
Overall, "I'll be There" is a love song that speaks to the heart of someone who has been hurt in a relationship. It offers the hope of finding a new love that will be there for them and give them all the love they deserve.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, baby love's a mystery
Love is a complex feeling that is hard to explain
So hard to define
It's difficult to put into words
Darling, darling more than I can see
Love goes beyond what meets the eye
Love is so blind
It can make one overlook flaws in their partner
So many times he left you all night long
Your previous partner didn't value your time or commitment
Don't make no sense for you to carry on
There's no rational reason to continue that relationship
Just give me a chance to know ya
Allow me an opportunity to get to know you better
I just want a chance to know ya
I am eager to learn more about you
All my love I'll give to you
I promise to love you wholeheartedly
And girl, when we're through
Once we finish dating/courting
I'll be there
I'll always be there for you
Call my name if you should want me
Contact me if you need my assistance or love
I'll come a running to you, baby
I'll be quick to support and prioritize your needs
I'll be around, always around for you
I'll consistently be present for you
Long as you want me to
As long as you desire it
Darling, darling you can look for me
You can rely on me to be there for you
And I can be found
I'll always be available
Sugar, sugar you can lean on me
You can depend on me for support
You know that I'm down
I'm committed to helping you through thick and thin
All you've had too much to carry on your own
You've taken on a lot of emotional burden alone
But from now on you'd never walk alone
I'll always walk beside you in life
I'll shelter you in my arms
I'll protect and comfort you
Cover you with my charms
I'll use my positive qualities to uplift you
Just like a damsel in distress
Similar to a person in need of help
Needing someone who would fight for her
Requiring someone who will be their advocate
Well, baby I would
I'm that person for you
I know I could
Confident in my ability to support and love you
I'll be your knight in shining armor
I'll be your protector and hero
I will rescue you
I'll come to your aid
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KENNETH EDMONDS, EL DEBARGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind