Benét's father loved classical music and inspired an interest in music in his son. By his teens, Eric had formed a vocal group with his sister and cousin called "Benét." The group released a self-titled album in 1992 that sold 70,000 copies.
Also in 1992, Benét's girlfriend, Tami Stauff, gave birth to a daughter they named India. The couple's happiness was short-lived when 25-year old Tami was killed in a car accident on April 24, 1993.
In 1994, Benét signed with Warner Bros. Records, releasing his solo debut album, True to Myself, in fall (1996). His next album, A Day in the Life, was released in 1999; its first single, "Georgy Porgy (featuring Faith Evans)" received significant airplay, but the second single, "Spend My Life With You (featuring Tamia)", became a smash hit. "Spend My Life With You" rose to number one on the American R&B charts, was certified gold, and nominated for a 2000 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The album, A Day In The Life also won a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Album, Male. Benét also recorded for Earth, Wind, and Fire's 30th anniversary CD.
Benét has also been active as an actor; he had a recurring role on the television program For Your Love (1998 - 2002). He made his film debut in Glitter (2001).
Man enough to cry
Eric Benét Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But there was a part of me that wasn't always there
But then you loved enough to stay
And so I found the self I lost along the way
So no more words I'm holding back that I should say
And I won't hurt inside and tell you I'm okay
And every breath of love between us will be pure and true
'Cause now I'm man enough to cry
The lights were off, the doors were closed
So how you found this love in me only heaven knows
Thnak God and you who brought me here
An open man found just in time for the living years
So no more words I'm holding back that I should say
And I won't hurt inside and tell you I'm okay
And every breath of love between us will be pure and true
'Cause now I'm man enough to cry
With you
Feels like waves of my love breaking through
Now I can lay down and share me with you
I won't hold out I know now this life only lasts a while
So I'll love leaving non to hide from you
So no more words I'm holding back that I should say
And I won't hurt inside and tell you I'm okay
And every breath of love between us will be pure and true
'Cause now I'm man enough to cry
So no more words I'm holding back that I should say
And I won't hurt inside and tell you I'm okay
And every breath of love between us will be pure and true
'Cause now I'm man enough to cry
With you
The song "Man Enough to Cry" by Eric Benét is a beautiful ballad that speaks about the transformation of a man into someone who is willing to be vulnerable and open with his emotions. The first verse talks about how the singer always loved and cared, but there was a part of him that he kept hidden. However, he found the courage to open up and be his true self because of the love of another person. This person allowed him to find the self he lost somewhere along the way. The singer no longer wants to hold back the words he should say and will not pretend to be okay when he is hurting inside. He is now willing to be vulnerable and pure in his love.
The second verse of the song talks about how the singer found love when he thought the lights were off and the doors were closed. He was surprised that someone could find love in him when he thought he had lost that part of himself. He is thankful to the person who brought him back to life and made him an open man just in time for the living years. He no longer wants to hold back and will not hide anything from the person he loves. He wants every breath of love between them to be pure and true, and he is now man enough to cry with them.
The chorus of "Man Enough to Cry" speaks about the singer's newfound vulnerability. He is now willing to speak his heart and lay down his defenses. He realizes that life is short, and he wants to love without any regrets. He is no longer holding back the words he should say and will not pretend to be okay when he is not. He knows that every breath of love between them will be pure and true because he is now man enough to cry with them.
Line by Line Meaning
I always loved, I always cared
I had love in my heart for others, but I wasn't always whole myself.
But there was a part of me that wasn't always there
I was always missing something, even when I tried to be present.
But then you loved enough to stay
Someone loved me enough to stick around despite my imperfections.
And so I found the self I lost along the way
Their love helped me regain the parts of myself that I was missing.
So no more words I'm holding back that I should say
I won't hide my feelings anymore, I'll be honest and open.
And I won't hurt inside and tell you I'm okay
I won't pretend to be fine when I'm not, I'll express how I really feel.
And every breath of love between us will be pure and true
Our relationship will be based on genuine, honest love moving forward.
'Cause now I'm man enough to cry
I'm secure enough in myself to show my emotions fully.
The lights were off, the doors were closed
I was in a dark place before, alone.
So how you found this love in me only heaven knows
I have doubts about why someone would choose to love me, but I'm thankful.
Thank God and you who brought me here
I'm grateful to have found this love that's changed me.
An open man found just in time for the living years
I was able to become more open and honest just in time to truly live.
Feels like waves of my love breaking through
I feel like I'm finally able to express my love more fully.
Now I can lay down and share me with you
I can be vulnerable with you and share my true self.
I won't hold out I know now this life only lasts a while
I won't hold back because I know life is short.
So I'll love leaving none to hide from you
I'll love you fully and completely with nothing held back.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DEAN PARKS, ERIC BENET JORDAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind