Lo-Key was a group founded by Lance Alexander and Tony "Prof T" Tolbert, st… Read Full Bio ↴Lo-Key was a group founded by Lance Alexander and Tony "Prof T" Tolbert, staff writers signed to Flyte Time Productions, respectively. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Lance and Prof T were in a band called 'Grand Jury' before moving to Minneapolis. During a seminar that was attended by Jimmy 'Jam' Harris, the duo was able to get their demo to the producer, which led to a songwriting deal.

Affectionately known as the "B-team," Lance & Tony went on to pen songs for Alexander O'Neal, New Edition, and other artists that came to Flyte Tyme looking for songs. After solidifying their place in the studio as up & coming producers and songwriters, the ambitious pair put together the Lo-Key project. The first album "Where Dey At?" was named after a dig at a Jamaican studio owner who signed Lance to a 'slave' contract before his Flyte Tyme deal and owed him money and kept his Masters. Although amongst music circles the group was lauded, Lo-Key never reached Platinum or Gold status, due to corporate restructuring and political maneuvering at A&M records. Performances were kept at a minimum, due to the grooming of Lance & Tony as producers. After the sale of the Perspective imprint, Tony became A&R for a while at the new Flyte Tyme Records, and Lance went on to form his own label, "Baby Honey Records", with music promoter B-Rich, which is based out of Atlanta, as well as the Baby Honey Recording studio. The only group signed to Baby Honey Records was V.I.P., a trio vocal group from Minneapolis. The rest of Lo-Key disbanded.

Lance Alexander discovered the R&B group 'Next' while working as a staff writer at Flyte Tyme Productions. Initially, the pair brought the group, who was known at the time as 'Straight 4ward,' into the Flyte Tyme studios to cut demos and after pitching the group to Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, the Producers passed on the project. After performing at an annual black music seminar in Minneapolis, Naughty by Nature's DJ Kay Gee discovered the group and signed them to a recording contract. Lance wrote the B-side "Butta Love" to the million selling single "Too Close". The group was renamed Next. Lo-Key was influenced heavily by Con Funk shun, and also by old school R&B acts.

The Child
Lo-Key Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm just a stranger
With a twisted smile and a wandering eye
Your heart is in danger
Come close now, let me tell you a lie

Wild child
You got me running through the turnstile
Baby, come with and I'll make it worthwhile

You're gonna get my love today, yeah

You are a sweet dream
With a tender heart and beautiful smile
But things aren't what they seem
So I'll let you go and dream for a while

Wild child
You got me coming outta exile
Baby girl, you know I'm liking your style
You're gonna get my love today, yeah

I just wanna hold you at the end of every day
Girl, I wanna please you, oh, I'm needing you to stay
The sun is gonna shine if you would just come out and play
Baby, won't you show me your wild child ways

Wild child
You got me running through the turnstile
Baby, come with and I'll make it worthwhile
You're gonna get my love today, yeah

Wild child
You got me coming outta exile

Baby girl, you know I'm liking your style
You're gonna get my love today, yeah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Lo-Key's song "The Child" depict a mysterious and alluring individual, described as a "stranger with a twisted smile." This stranger, referred to as a "wild child," manages to captivate the singer's attention and curiosity. Despite the danger that may come with getting close to this person, the singer is willing to take the risk and tell them a lie. The song suggests that this wild child possesses an irresistible charm that pulls the singer in, causing them to run through metaphorical turnstiles just to be in their presence.

The second verse further explores the wild child's qualities, describing them as a "sweet dream" with a tender heart and a beautiful smile. However, the singer acknowledges that things aren't as they appear, hinting at a hidden complexity or perhaps a troubled past. The singer decides to let the wild child go and dream for a while, possibly to discover themselves or find their own path.

The chorus repeats the notion of the wild child's impact on the singer's life, describing the feeling of coming out of exile and appreciating the wild child's style. It is implied that the singer wants to hold the wild child at the end of every day, seeking their presence and yearning for their love. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire, with the singer expressing the belief that if the wild child allows themselves to embrace their true nature, the sun will shine and they can experience joy together.

Overall, "The Child" by Lo-Key portrays a fascination with an enigmatic individual, emphasizing their allure while also recognizing the risks involved in pursuing a connection with them. The song encapsulates the desire for love and acceptance, while also acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties that come with embracing one's true nature.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm just a stranger
I am an unfamiliar person

With a twisted smile and I'm wondering, ah
Smiling cunningly as I contemplate

Your heart is in danger
Your emotional well-being is at risk

Come close now, let me tell you a lie
Approach me and allow me to deceive you

You are a sweet dream
You are a pleasant illusion

With a tender heart and beautiful smile
With a compassionate nature and captivating grin

But things aren't what they seem
However, appearances can be deceiving

So I'll let you go and dream for a while
Therefore, I will release you to envision freely

You got me running through the turnstile
You have me vigorously navigating obstacles

Baby, come with and I'll make it worthwhile
Darling, join me and I will ensure it is rewarding

You're gonna get my love today, yeah
You will receive my affection today, indeed

You got me coming outta exile
You have compelled me to emerge from isolation

Baby girl, you know I'm liking your style
Darling, I appreciate your unique demeanor

I just wanna hold you at the end of every day
I simply desire to embrace you each night's conclusion

Girl, I wanna please you, oh, I'm needing you to stay
My dear, I yearn to bring you happiness, oh, I require your presence

The sun is gonna shine if you would just come out and play
Radiance will envelop us if you would only participate

Baby, won't you show me your wild child ways
Darling, could you reveal your uninhibited nature to me

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Angelo T. Petraglia, Daniel Quine Auerbach, Gregory J. Cartwright, Patrick James Carney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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