At the age of 12, Joonie and his family relocated to Seattle, Washington, there he found his own musical path, and began teaching himself how to play the piano, guitar and other instruments. Joonie recalls how he’d lock himself in his room for days on end, focused on his craft and fueled by his desire to master these instruments to create music and write lyrics to express what he was feeling.
Like many great Soul and R&B artists, Joonie began his vocal career singing and playing in the church. A recognizable talent even in his teens, he also began singing, playing and performing in community choirs, school assemblies and later went on to win numerous talent competitions.
Although Joonie is a brilliant vocalist, and talented musician, initially, he never aspired to be a singer, his focus was on songwriting. He’d write songs, but couldn't find anyone to sing them the way he envisioned them being heard, so he was forced to sing his own demos. A friend heard his demo CD, and thought it was worth passing along to rapper and producer Warren G, who also agreed, as he was instrumental in helping Joonie get his first label deal at the age of 21.
Unable to compromise the integrity of his musicianship and unwilling to compromise his unique artistic style to become a pre-packaged “instant star”, Joonie took an introspective hiatus from the music industry, where at one point; he almost lost his desire to create.
For a while, Joonie stayed behind the scenes, writing, arranging, producing or playing instrumentals for other artists including, Ruben Stoddard, Nappy Roots and unreleased collaborations with Angie Stone and Mos Def, but his talent would once again surface to the forefront. After touring and performing with Elliott Yamin, the audience reactions to Joonie's performances night after night were overwhelming and undeniable that people wanted to hear more from him.
Acoustic Love, Joonie's debut album, set for release April 27, 2010 is real music, expressing his feelings about love and relationships, explored from a very rare point of view in current popular music; one where romance exists, women, are valued and appreciated, a story is told and pure emotions are expressed set to perfect arrangements with infectious rhythms.
As Joonie says, each of his songs is like his child. he likes to take time with each one, nurture it and guide it to maturity until it is ready to be shared. His goal with every song is to create music that actually touches your soul, puts a smile on your face and makes you feel good and your head bob as you listen and sing along.
Genres: Soul, R&B, Contemporary Soul, Contemporary R&B, Pop
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
Joonie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feel myself gettin' weak
You're my desire
I just hope that you believe me
I don't need no model chick, no
Or the girl on the magazine
You are worth so much more
(Let me show you what I mean)
and I love you just the way you are
(Just the way you are, are)
Tell me love don't last
and I'll show you different
Twelve years ups and downs
and we still here, still here, girl
So when you think about love
Just remember me
Cuz I ain't goin' nowhere, you're my destiny
And you're my shinin' star (Star, star)
and I love you just the way you are
(Just the way you are, are)
I haven't always done right girl
But like the Father, you show me
mercy everyday
That's why I do so much for you, baby
And if you asked me
To give up my music
My music (My music)
I'd say Yes
Cuz you're worth so much more
And you're my shinin' star, star
and I love you just the way you are
Just the way you are
END
Joonie's song "Just the Way You Are" is a love letter to his partner, assuring her of his unwavering love and admiration. He confesses that being with her gives him a sense of weakness, showing that his emotion for her is intense and consuming. He values her for who she is, not for any societal standard of beauty, and wants to show her that. His partner's worth, therefore, is priceless to him, and he wants to communicate that she is his one true love.
In the second verse, Joonie proves his commitment to his partner, despite any challenges they might face. He acknowledges that love may seem fleeting or unstable, but he is different. He's been in this love for twelve years, including the highs and lows, and they are still together. He wants his partner to hold onto this love when she reflects on love in general. The chorus reinforces that his partner is his "shining star," and he loves her as she is.
Overall, the song's message is that love should be based on accepting someone for who they are, with all their flaws and strengths, and Joonie wants to demonstrate that to his beloved partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Everytime that I'm with ya
When I am with you, I feel a sense of vulnerability.
Feel myself gettin' weak
You have a tremendous power over me.
You're my desire
I want you more than anything else in the world.
I just hope that you believe me
I hope you trust me enough to know that I mean what I say.
I don't need no model chick, no
I do not need a stereotypical or idealized type of person in my life.
Or the girl on the magazine
I do not need a glamorous person who is only depicted in media.
You are worth so much more
To me, you are far more valuable than any superficial standard.
(Let me show you what I mean)
I want to demonstrate to you how much I value and appreciate you.
You're my shinin' star
You are the most important and radiant aspect of my life.
and I love you just the way you are
I adore you regardless of any flaws or imperfections because they make you who you are.
(Just the way you are, are)
I emphasize that I love you for you.
Tell me love don't last
If someone tells me that love does not endure, I will prove them wrong.
and I'll show you different
I can demonstrate to them that our love is lasting and sincere.
Twelve years ups and downs
We have experienced both good and bad times during the past twelve years.
and we still here, still here, girl
Despite these challenges, we are still together.
So when you think about love
When you contemplate the essence of love,
Just remember me
I want you to remember my love for you and our bond.
Cuz I ain't goin' nowhere, you're my destiny
I will always be in your life because it is my purpose to be there.
And you're my shinin' star (Star, star)
You will always be the brightest aspect of my world.
and I love you just the way you are
My feelings for you will remain steadfast and consistent.
Just the way you are, are
I want to reemphasize that my love is unconditional and free from judgment.
I haven't always done right girl
I have not always acted appropriately in our relationship.
But like the Father, you show me
However, your love towards me is forgiving and reminiscent of a higher power.
mercy everyday
You exhibit compassion and forgiveness towards me every day.
That's why I do so much for you, baby
I am motivated to do things for you because of the kindness and forgiveness you show me.
And if you asked me
If you ever asked me,
To give up my music
To sacrifice the one thing that is most important to me.
My music (My music)
The art that I create and cherish.
I'd say Yes
I would be willing to give it up in a heartbeat.
Cuz you're worth so much more
Your worth surpasses anything else in my life, even my passion for music.
And you're my shinin' star, star
Once again, you are my guiding light and purpose in life.
and I love you just the way you are
My love for you will never change or falter.
Just the way you are
You are loved for your essence and everything that makes you uniquely you.
Contributed by Charlie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.