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.
Serenading
El DeBarge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The one you love, one you love, one you love
It's for the one you love
Baby, it says you've dropped down from Heaven,
How else can I explain the making of you?
In all of my life I never met such a girl quite like you,
Knowing that you're not present and my future,
It warms my heart 'cause I've had myself a rocky past.
And it's you that I owe,
You made it possible!
So I, I'm serenading you,
Straight to ecstasy!
It's where I'm taking you,
'Cause you were made for me!
I was made for you!
So I celebrate our love with song,
With song, yeah!
And I'm lovin' how you take me for who I am,
And you ain't try to change me into someone I'm not.
It's a beautiful thing when two people get along,
The way we do!
When I'm grazing my fingers, gently through your hair,
The sweetest melody soft can pop out of nowhere
And it takes full control,
Girl is you that I owe!
You made it possible!
So I, I'm serenading you,
Straight to ecstasy!
It's where I'm taking you,
'Cause you were made for me!
I was made for you!
So I celebrate our love with song,
With a love song, yeah!
I'm serenading you,
From night fall until
The sun comes breaking through,
'Cause you were made for me!
I was made for you!
So I celebrate our love with song,
With song, yeah, yeah!
Sometimes, gotta get your grown man, get your grown man on
Every now and then,
Gotta get your grown man, get your grown man on
For your lady,
Gotta get your grown man, get your grown man on!
Get it on!
So I, I'm serenading you,
Straight to ecstasy!
It's where I'm taking you,
'Cause you were made for me!
I was made for you!
So I celebrate our love with a song,
A love song, yeah!
I'm serenading you,
From night fall until
The sun comes breaking through,
'Cause you were made for me!
I was made for you!
So I celebrate our love with song,
Yeah!
This is for the one you love, one you love, one you love!
Fade out
The song "Serenading" by El DeBarge is a romantic ballad about a man who is deeply in love with a woman who he believes came straight from heaven. He is in awe of her and can't believe that someone as incredible as her exists. The lyrics suggest that the two of them have a deep connection, and he celebrates their love through song. He serenades her, taking her straight to ecstasy and celebrating their love for each other. The song conveys a sense of excitement and passion, as the singer expresses his love for the woman he cares deeply about.
The lyrics also suggest that the singer has had a rocky past, but that he is now all smiles thanks to the woman he loves. He feels lucky and grateful to have her in his life, and credits her for making everything possible. He appreciates the fact that she accepts him for who he is and doesn't try to change him.
Line by Line Meaning
This is for the one you love, one you love, one you love
This song is dedicated to the person you deeply love.
Baby, it says you've dropped down from Heaven
You are a divine presence in my life, and I can't explain your creation otherwise.
In all of my life I never met such a girl quite like you
I have never met anyone like you in my entire life, and I am blessed to have you in my world.
Knowing that you're not present in my future
I can't imagine my future without you, and the thought of you not being a part of it pains me.
It warms my heart 'cause I've had myself a rocky past
I have had some tough times in the past, but being with you makes me happy and soothes my troubles.
But right now I'm all smiles
I am happy and content with my life, and that is a testament to the impact you have had on it.
And it's you that I owe, you made it possible
You are the reason behind my joy and the happiness in my life, and I am grateful to have you.
So I, I'm serenading you, straight to ecstasy
I am singing this song to you, hoping that it will help us reach the pinnacle of our love and affection for each other.
It's where I'm taking you, 'cause you were made for me
Our love is so unique and special that I know we are meant to be together, and nothing will stop us from reaching the highest levels of happiness.
I was made for you! So I celebrate our love with song, with song, yeah!
We are soulmates, and our love is something I want to celebrate with this song and every song that comes after it.
And I'm lovin' how you take me for who I am
I appreciate how you love me unconditionally, flaws and all. You accept me just the way I am.
It's a beautiful thing when two people get along, the way we do!
Our love and harmony are a thing of beauty, and I feel fortunate to have found someone with whom I share such an amazing relationship.
Girl is you that I owe, you made it possible!
I owe everything to you, and I know that without you, none of this would be possible.
Sometimes, gotta get your grown man, get your grown man on
Being a grown man means taking responsibility, especially for the person you love. You have to be there for them at all times, and that's what I am doing.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MICHAEL FLOWERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind