Rudolf has worked with many artists as either a producer, writer, or guitarist. Examples include Frazer McGonigle, A.K.A Rezza Boiii, Scott Rimell AKA Masta Nasty, Timbaland, the Black Eyed Peas, Lil’ Kim, LL Cool J, Justin Timberlake, Kevin Lyttle, Kanye West, Britney Spears, David Banner, T.I., Flo-Rida, The Neptunes, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and Ludacris. Rezza Boii and Rudolf collaborated on a new track called "Wikky", available on free download in fall 2010.
Rudolf's first full album, 'In the City', was released on November 24, 2008. It includes the hit single “Let It Rock”, which prominently features Lil' Wayne, and sold well while receiving mixed critical reviews. “Let It Rock” was used as the main theme for the WWE’s '2009 Royal Rumble' pay-per-view event as well as the theme for the 2009 'NBA All-Star Game'. That song additionally reached #5 on the Billboard U.S. Hot 100 chart, #5 on the U.K. Singles Chart, #3 on the Australian ARIA Chart, and #2 on the Canadian Hot 100. As well, “NYC”, featuring Nas, was featured on 'CSI: NY' on November 5, 2008 as well as opening up the 3rd episode of MTV’s 'The City' on January 5, 2009.
“Welcome to the World” is another popular single by Rudolf, peaking at #75 on the Hot Canadian Digital Singles chart. His aforementioned debut album debuted and peaked at #94 on the Billboard 200 and #74 on the Canadian Albums Chart. Released on June 15, 2010, Rudolf's next album, 'To the Sky', also has garnered a warm fan response.
Tennessee
Kevin Rudolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Longest road I ever seen
Part of me wanted to stay
Part of me just had to leave
Comin' back from Tennessee
Six feet up from the grave
Who did you expect to see
Not the person that I became
You're afraid
I can leave, you can stay
Now I gotta be on my way
All I ever wanted to do
Is follow this dream, till I made it come true
All I ever wanted to be
Is more than a lie
That you still believe
And I'll leave Tennessee
And I'll leave Tennessee
Yeah
Baby did you know I'm alive
It ain't the resurrection of Christ
I know I tried to swallow my pain
Last night I never survived
It's okay, I can see
You're afraid
I can leave, you can stay
Just get out of my fucking way
All I ever wanted to do
Is follow this dream, till I made it come true
All I ever wanted to be
Is more than a lie
That you still believe
And I'll leave Tennessee
In the back of a Bentley
Rockin fendi
She love me like I love my money
Tennessee colors
All black hummer
Police know that we been bumpin
Smoke in the air
No fear cash money billionaires
Two mill a pair
What we wear, stop and stare
Tired of 40 got me
Leavin' Tennessee
All I ever wanted to do
Is follow this dream, till I made it come true
All I ever wanted to be
Is more than a lie
That you still believe
And I'll leave Tennessee
The song "Tennessee" by Kevin Rudolf is a reflection of the artist's journey to success, leaving behind the past and the people who didn't believe in him. The first verse is about Rudolf coming back from a trip to Tennessee, which represents his past and the road that led him to where he is now. He reflects on how part of him wanted to stay, but he knew he had to leave and continue pursuing his dream of becoming a successful artist. The second verse is more personal and intimate, as Rudolf talks about his struggles with pain and self-doubt but assures himself that he can move forward and leave behind those who don't support him.
The chorus is a statement of Rudolf's determination to follow his dreams and become the person he wants to be, even if it means leaving Tennessee behind. He repeats the lines "All I ever wanted to do is follow this dream, till I made it come true" and "All I ever wanted to be is more than a lie that you still believe" to emphasize his conviction and drive. The final verse is a celebration of Rudolf's success, with references to expensive cars, designer clothes, and a carefree lifestyle.
Overall, "Tennessee" is a powerful anthem of perseverance, self-belief, and triumph, with Kevin Rudolf using his own experiences to inspire others to chase their dreams and not let anyone hold them back.
Line by Line Meaning
I was comin' back from Tennessee
I am returning from a visit to Tennessee
Longest road I ever seen
The road back from Tennessee was very long
Part of me wanted to stay
I had a desire to stay in Tennessee
Part of me just had to leave
However, I had to leave for some reason
Comin' back from Tennessee
I am returning from a visit to Tennessee
Six feet up from the grave
I nearly died or was in a dangerous situation
Who did you expect to see
The person I am now is different than who you knew before
Not the person that I became
I have changed in some way
It's okay, I can see
I understand that you are scared or nervous
You're afraid
You are fearful of something
I can leave, you can stay
I am leaving, but you can stay if you want to
Now I gotta be on my way
I have to leave now
All I ever wanted to do
My goal in life was to do one thing
Is follow this dream, till I made it come true
That was to pursue my dreams and make them a reality
Is more than a lie
I want to be more than what you perceived me to be
That you still believe
I want to change your outdated perception of me
And I'll leave Tennessee
I am leaving Tennessee
Baby did you know I'm alive
I am still alive, in case you were wondering
It ain't the resurrection of Christ
It's not a miracle or anything like that
I know I tried to swallow my pain
I tried to keep my pain hidden or suppressed
Last night I never survived
However, I didn't make it through the night
Just get out of my fucking way
Please move out of my path
In the back of a Bentley
I am riding in the back of a Bentley car
Rockin' fendi
Wearing Fendi clothing or accessories
She love me like I love my money
My partner loves me as much as I love my wealth
Tennessee colors
Color scheme inspired by Tennessee
All black hummer
A black Hummer vehicle
Police know that we been bumpin
The police are aware that we have been listening to loud music
Smoke in the air
There is smoke in the atmosphere
No fear cash money billionaires
We are fearless because we are extremely wealthy
Two mill a pair
We are wearing expensive clothing or shoes that cost two million dollars
What we wear, stop and stare
People are stopping and staring at our fashionable clothing
Tired of 40 got me
The stress of my current lifestyle has made me exhausted
Leavin' Tennessee
I am leaving Tennessee
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AUTHOR UNKNOWN COMPOSER, BRYAN WILLIAMS, COMPOSER AUTHOR UNKNOWN, IVAN CORRALIZA, JACOB KASHER, KEVIN RUDOLF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind