Gill, the son of a minister, started singing at age five in a family gospel group called "Wings of Faith". His solo career began in 1983 when his childhood friend, singer Stacy Lattisaw convinced him to record a demo. The demo he recorded fell into the hands of the president of Atlantic Records, and his self-titled debut album was released shortly thereafter. Then, Johnny teamed up with Stacy for a duet album, which featured their first together, "Perfect Combination", a second album on Atlantic Records, Chemistry, yielded the song "Half Crazy,".
Gill's big break came in 1987, when he replaced Bobby Brown in New Edition, a 1980s pop group. With Gill as one of the lead singers, the group developed a more mature, adult sound, hitting the charts with songs such as "Can You Stand The Rain," "N.E. Heartbreak," and the Johnny Gill lead "Boys To Men". During a hiatus from New Edition, Johnny embarked on a solo career. The hits from his self entitled 1990 album include "My, My, My," "Rub You the Right Way," "Fairweather Friend" and "Wrap My Body Tight". On this album, Gill played guitar, bass, bongos, and drums in addition to performing his lead and background vocals.
In 1993, Gill released another solo project, Provocative, which included the songs "Quiet Time to Play," "A Cute, Sweet, Love Addiction," and a gospel song, "I Know Where I Stand." In 1996, Gill was reunited with his New Edition bandmates, including Brown, as they recorded Home Again together, an album noted for the singles "Hit Me Off" and "Still In Love". Gill also released Let's Get the Mood Right in 1996, which included the title song, "Love In an Elevator," and "Maybe." The following year, he collaborated with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat to form the supergroup LSG (Levert/Sweat/Gill) which resulted in the multi platinum debut album, Levert-Sweat-Gill, and a follow-up album entitled LSG2.
Gill, the only member of New Edition who is not from Boston, was raised in Washington DC where he attended Kimball Elementary and Sousa Junior High. His career dictated that he complete his high school education through the services of a tutor. Johnny had planned to attend college and pursue a degree in electrical engineering, but his career came first.
His latest recording, "You For Me (The Wedding Song)" from the Madea's Family Reunion Soundtrack received strong reviews from music critics as well as the general public. As of 2006, he is still performing with the group as well as performing solo as part of the Body and Soul Tour, which includes fellow NE members Bell Biv DeVoe.
At the 2011 BET Awards, he announced that he will be releasing a new album, after a 16 year hiatus.
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
Johnny Gill Lyrics
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With what he has, it's a mystery
Why you try to please him
When you don't need him
It's just as crazy to me
Baby I'm free for you right now, if you have the time
Love to make my mark, such a beautiful mind
But before you do, I think that you should know
You don't have to change, you could stay the same
Girl I love you just the way you are
Fine in every way, you don't need a thing
Girl I love you just the way you are
Baby just the way you are
Mind, soul, spirit, got it heart in
Body banging, I'm just saying
Girl I'm going all in
You are what I've been missing
When you speak I'll be listening
To all you have to say
Baby I'm free for you right now, if you have the time
Love to make my mark, such a beautiful mind
Girl it's alright, if you have to go
But before you do, I think that you should know
You don't have to change, you could stay the same
Girl I love you just the way you are
Fine in every way, you don't need a thing
Girl I love you just the way you are
Baby just the way you are
What more do I, have to say
Girl you're perfect, in every way
I'm gonna be there for you, whenever you'll need
Don't worry babe, you won't have to change
You don't have to change, you could stay the same
Girl I love you just the way you are
Fine in every way, you don't need a thing
Girl I love you just the way you are
Baby just the way you are.
You don't have to change, you could stay the same
Girl I love you just the way you are
Fine in every way, you don't need a thing
Girl I love you just the way you are
Baby just the way you are.
In Johnny Gill's song Just The Way You Are, he sings about how confident he is about and how much he loves his partner for just being their authentic self. He explains how he is puzzled by the fact that men aren't entirely happy with what they have in their significant other, which he thinks is a mystery. He urges his partner not to change a thing about themselves because he loves them just the way they are, emphasizing that they are fine in every way and do not need anything more.
Line by Line Meaning
How that man, ain't completely happy
I find it puzzling that he is not content
With what he has, it's a mystery
He seems to have everything he needs, yet he's not satisfied
Why you try to please him
I don't understand why you feel the need to appease him
When you don't need him
You are self-sufficient and capable without him
It's just as crazy to me
It seems illogical and unnecessary to me
Baby I'm free for you right now, if you have the time
I am available for you whenever you are ready
Love to make my mark, such a beautiful mind
I want to make an impact on you; you have a wonderful way of thinking
Girl it's alright, if you have to go
It's understandable if you need to leave
But before you do, I think that you should know
I have something important to tell you
You don't have to change, you could stay the same
You are perfect just the way you are
Girl I love you just the way you are
I care for you exactly as you are
Fine in every way, you don't need a thing
You are flawless and require nothing more
Baby just the way you are
You are ideal the way you are
Mind, soul, spirit, got it heart in
You are complete emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
Body banging, I'm just saying
Your physique is amazing
Girl I'm going all in
I am fully committed to you
You are what I've been missing
You fill a void that existed in my life previously
When you speak I'll be listening
I value your words and opinions
To all you have to say
I am eager to hear everything you have to offer
What more do I, have to say
I have nothing further to express
Girl you're perfect, in every way
You are the epitome of excellence
I'm gonna be there for you, whenever you'll need
I am dedicated to supporting you whenever necessary
Don't worry babe, you won't have to change
You don't need to alter anything about yourself
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: TROY TAYLOR, JOHNTA AUSTIN, VINCENT WATSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind