Producer/songwriter Christian Berishaj was born in the greater Detroit area and quickly developed a fascination with music and performance. He started recording his own music at age 12 and by the time he was 18 he'd gone through various different bands and projects, including recording an album as Love Arcade on which he wrote and performed every sound. Love Arcade was eventually signed to Atlantic records, with a self-titled album on which Berishaj was the sole performer coming out in 2006. A touring band was assembled around the project but none of the members ever played on any recordings and the group broke up after three years. Following Love Arcade, Berishaj relocated to Los Angeles and worked briefly under the moniker Christian TV, licensing songs in various films and television and signing a deal with Universal Motown Records. The label folded and Berishaj again reconfigured, taking on the name JMSN and producing more R&B inspired music, taking a decided step away from the pop leanings of previous projects. He self-released his debut Priscilla in early 2012, earning high praise from press and his artistic contemporaries as well. He followed with the next year with the Pllaje EP and a lengthy tour. JMSN spent much of 2014 prepping his next full-length, The Blue Album. The Blue Album's release date was delayed but eventually saw release in late 2014. ~ Fred Thomas
Cruel Intentions
JMSN Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Woah, oh-oh, oh, oh-oh, ah, yeah
Said now I
I've got so much on my mind
Thinking about everything, oh baby
And I can't sleep, yeah
Wish I could turn back the hands of time (oh yeah)
Everybody wants to fuck someone else
Wanna feel the thing they never felt
When they was with you, yeah, alright, uh-huh
My girl would tell me, "Go get some help"
I tried and tried
But I can't seem to figure out the issue, yeah, woah
What's the issue? Yeah
At the end of the day
I just want some attention
With all this empty space
We've got such cruel intentions
Cruel intentions
Woah-oh, oh, woah-oh, oh-oh
Cruel intentions
I'm going back in, yeah
I made my fair share of mistakes
I've had my fair share of bad breaks (yeah, yeah)
I met the real (met the real)
I met the fake (I met the fake)
Started to learn how much time it takes, yeah-yeah (ooh)
Everybody wants to fuck someone else
Wanna feel the thing they never felt
When they was with you
Wanna feel the thing they never felt
When they was with you, yeah (come on)
My girl would tell me, "Go and fuck yourself" (fuck yourself)
I tried and tried
But I can't seem to figure out the issue, yeah
Oh, what's the issue? Yeah-yeah
At the end of the day
At the end of the day
I just want some attention
I want your attention
With all this empty space
All this empty space
We've got such cruel intentions (yeah)
Cruel intentions
Yeah, I've got such cruel intentions
Yeah, I've got such cruel intentions
Yeah, uh-huh
Yeah
Yeah, uh
Uh-huh
Let me play my guitar (yeah, damn)
Healin' all your scars (damn)
Let me play my guitar (yeah, yeah)
Healin' all your scars
Let me hear you, baby, c'mon
Let me hear you, baby, c'mon
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
You've got such cruel, got such cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
It's cruel, it's cruel, yeah (come on)
Cruel
Cruel
Say cruel in cruel intentions
Say cruel in cruel intentions (oh-oh)
In “Cruel Intentions,” JMSN sings about struggling with personal demons and finding genuine connection in a world where everyone seems to have an ulterior motive. The first two stanzas establish this internal struggle: the singer has a lot on his mind and wishes he could turn back time. He contemplates infidelity, feeling like everyone else wants to cheat too, but not knowing how to fix his own problems. The chorus repeats twice, with the singer expressing his desire for attention and connection, while accepting the cruel reality that everyone has their own intentions.
In the second verse, JMSN reflects on his past mistakes and experiences, both positive and negative. He sees both sides of human nature – the “real” and the “fake” – and is in the process of learning how much effort and time it takes to build a meaningful relationship. Once again, the chorus emphasizes the desire for attention and connection, while acknowledging that cruel intentions exist in everyone.
Overall, “Cruel Intentions” is a raw and honest exploration of the human psyche, particularly in the context of relationships. JMSN addresses common fears and insecurities, while recognizing the complex motives that drive people’s actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Woah, oh-oh, oh-oh, yeah, ah
Introducing the song with an expression of excitement and enthusiasm
Said now I
I've got so much on my mind
Thinking about everything, oh baby
And I can't sleep, yeah
Wish I could turn back the hands of time (oh yeah)
Opening up about personal struggles with overthinking, sleeplessness, and regrets
Everybody wants to fuck someone else
Wanna feel the thing they never felt
When they was with you, yeah, alright, uh-huh
My girl would tell me, "Go get some help"
I tried and tried
But I can't seem to figure out the issue, yeah, woah
What's the issue? Yeah
Acknowledging the common desire for sexual exploration, while facing criticism from a partner for being unable to resolve issues in their relationship
At the end of the day
I just want some attention
With all this empty space
We've got such cruel intentions
Cruel intentions
Woah-oh, oh, woah-oh, oh-oh
Cruel intentions
I'm going back in, yeah
Admitting that the root of their problems lies in a lack of emotional intimacy and honesty, which has fostered a selfish and hurtful mindset
I made my fair share of mistakes
I've had my fair share of bad breaks (yeah, yeah)
I met the real (met the real)
I met the fake (I met the fake)
Started to learn how much time it takes, yeah-yeah (ooh)
Reflecting on past experiences and encounters, which have taught them valuable lessons about trust, authenticity, and patience
My girl would tell me, "Go and fuck yourself" (fuck yourself)
I tried and tried
But I can't seem to figure out the issue, yeah
Oh, what's the issue? Yeah-yeah
Repeating earlier sentiments about difficulty in resolving relationship issues, and highlighting the negative impact on self-esteem
At the end of the day
At the end of the day
I just want some attention
I want your attention
With all this empty space
All this empty space
We've got such cruel intentions (yeah)
Cruel intentions
Yeah, I've got such cruel intentions
Yeah, I've got such cruel intentions
Reiterating the core message of the song, emphasizing the importance of communication and genuine connection in overcoming cruel intentions
Let me play my guitar (yeah, damn)
Healin' all your scars (damn)
Let me play my guitar (yeah, yeah)
Healin' all your scars
Let me hear you, baby, c'mon
Transitioning into a musical interlude, with lyrics suggesting that music can offer a therapeutic release for emotional pain
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
You've got such cruel, got such cruel intentions
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
Say cruel in, cruel intentions (oh-oh)
It's cruel, it's cruel, yeah (come on)
Cruel
Cruel
Say cruel in cruel intentions
Say cruel in cruel intentions (oh-oh)
Ending the song on a repeated chorus that reinforces its central theme of combating cruel intentions through honesty and compassion
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes
Written by: Christian Berishaj
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
NAS 23
I've been listening to JSMN since 2016 and I''ve never heard anyone playing his music. People are really missing out in this blessing of listening to such perfection, healing and everything positive to meditate MUSIC.
Gregorio Gonzalez
I went to a few of his concerts and was surprised by the turnout because I never hear anyone listening to him. He needs some mass exposure, like performing at some award show or on a late night talk show. They are so good, I've gotten a bunch of people listening to him who didn't know
Kathy Wilson
Beautiful music for sure
Aprillis29
I’ve been to his concert in 2019 and listened to him since 2018. Idk he just seems like he’s not chasing for any popularity. He just makes music that he likes. Some of his songs also hint at not ‘selling-out to the big man’ so maybe he had some bad experience with the industry taking advantage of him.
Modesto Ortiz
One of the truest songs by JMSN. All my guy songs be hitting home. My favorite R&B artist by far. This song is so relatable. And I met this guy. Sooooo humble and sounds exactly the same in person
Joao Vitor
Que som perfeito!
Msm sem entender inglês sinto todo sentimento que é entregue em melodias ❤
ToxiicWarning
Never disappoints. So much effort put into his music it's amazing. The way it should be. You can definitely hear and feel the love he has for music.
khalove
I agree.
lord ambz
if you haven't seen him perform live yet... you need to. It's an experience. He's an amazing performer and these songs truly come to life when he's on stage playing guitar and fucking you with his eyes and each strum.
Tam Tam
He is absolutely amazing live.