Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actre… Read Full Bio ↴Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, record producer and #1 New York Times bestselling author. Referred to as the "Songbird Supreme", she is noted for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style and signature use of the whistle register. For the enduring popularity of her holiday music, particularly the 1994 Christmas song "All I Want for Christmas Is You", she has also been dubbed the "Queen of Christmas". Carey rose to fame in 1990 with her debut album Mariah Carey. She was the first artist to have their first five singles reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, from "Vision of Love" to "Emotions".

Carey's self-titled debut album was released under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, who married her three years later. She gained further worldwide success with the albums Music Box (1993) and Daydream (1995). Their singles include "Hero", "Without You", "Fantasy", "Always Be My Baby", and "One Sweet Day", which topped the US Billboard Hot 100 decade-end chart (1990s) and was the longest running number one song of the decade. After separating from Mottola, Carey adopted a new urban image and incorporated more elements of hip hop with the album Butterfly (1997). She left Columbia in 2001 after eleven consecutive years of U.S. number-one singles and signed a $100 million record deal with Virgin Records.

Following Carey's highly publicized physical and emotional breakdown and the failure of the film Glitter (2001) and its soundtrack, Virgin bought out her contract and she signed with Island Records the following year. After a comparatively unsuccessful period, Carey returned to the top of the charts with The Emancipation of Mimi (2005), which became the best-selling album in the US and the world's second best-selling album of 2005. Its second single, "We Belong Together", topped the US Billboard Hot 100 decade-end chart (2000s). She won the Breakthrough Actress Performance award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival for her role in the 2009 film Precious. Carey's subsequent ventures included being an American Idol judge, starring in the docu-series Mariah's World, appearing in the films The Butler (2013), A Christmas Melody (2015), and The Lego Batman Movie (2017), performing at two Las Vegas concert residencies, and publishing her memoir The Meaning of Mariah Carey in 2020.

Carey is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 220 million records sold worldwide. She holds the record for the most Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles by a solo artist (19), a female songwriter (18), and a female producer (15). Carey is the highest-certified female artist in the United States and 10th overall, with 72 million certified album units. In 2008, she was named one of Time's annual 100 most influential artists and entertainers in the world. Billboard named her the "top-charting female solo artist", based on both album and song chart success in 2019. Carey has won 5 Grammy Awards, 19 World Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards, 15 Billboard Music Awards and eight Guinness World Records. An inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, she is credited for inspiring multiple generations of pop and R&B artists, and for merging hip hop with pop music through her crossover collaborations.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariah_Carey

Studio albums
Mariah Carey (1990)
Emotions (1991)
Music Box (1993)
Merry Christmas (1994)
Daydream (1995)
Butterfly (1997)
Rainbow (1999)
Glitter (2001)
Charmbracelet (2002)
The Emancipation of Mimi (2005)
E=MC² (2008)
Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel (2009)
Merry Christmas II You (2010)
Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse (2014)
Caution (2018)

Breakdown
Mariah Carey Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Break break down
Steady breakin' me on down, break break down
Steady breakin' me on down
Break break down, steady breakin' me on down
Break break down, steady breakin' me on down

You called yesterday to basically say
That you care for me,

But that you're just not in love
Immediately I pretended
To be feeling similarly
And led you to believe it was OK
To just walk away from the one thing
That's unyielding and sacred to me

Well I guess I'm trying to be
Nonchalant about it
And I'm going to extremes to prove
I'm fine without you
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
Underneath a disguise of a smile
Gradually I'm dying inside
Friends ask me how I feel
And I lie convincingly
'Cause I don't want to reveal
The fact that I'm suffering
So I wear my disguise
'Til I go home at night
And turn down all the lights
And then I break down and cry

So what do you do
When somebody you're so devoted to
Suddenly just stops loving you
And it seems they haven't got a clue
Of the pain that rejection is putting you through
Do you cling to your pride
And sing "I will survive"
Do you lash out and say "How dare you leave this way?"
Do you hold on in vain as they just slip away

Well I guess I'm trying to be
Nonchalant about it
And I'm going to extremes to prove
I'm fine without you
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
Underneath the disguise of a smile
Gradually I'm dying inside
Friends ask me how I feel
And I lie convincingly
'Cause I don't want to reveal
The fact that I'm suffering
So I wear my disguise
'Til I go home at night
And turn down all the lights
And then I break down and cry

It'll break you down
Only if you let it
Everyday crazy situations rocking my mind
Tryin' to break me down
But I won't let it, forget it (forget it)

I be feelin' like you bringing me down
Taking me around
Stressin' me out
I think I better go and get out
And let me release some stress (stress)

Don't ever wanna feel no pain (pain)
Hoping for the sun but it looks like rain (rain, rain, rain)
Lord, I just wanna maintain

Yeah, I can feel pressures y'all
But nevertheless Krayzie won't fall
It's over, it's ending here (here)

Well I guess I'm trying to be
Nonchalant about it
And I'm going to extremes to prove
I'm fine without you
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
Underneath the guise of a smile
Gradually I'm dying inside
Friends ask me how I feel
And I lie convincingly
'Cause I don't want to reveal
The fact that I'm suffering
So I wear my disguise
'Til I go home at night
And turn down all the lights
And then I break down and cry

Well I guess I'm trying to be
Nonchalant about it
And I'm going to extremes to prove
I'm fine without you
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
Underneath the guise of a smile
Gradually I'm dying inside
Friends ask me how I feel
And I lie convincingly
'Cause I don't want to reveal
The fact that I'm suffering
So I wear my disguise
'Til I go home at night
And turn down all the lights
And then I break down and cry

Well I guess I'm trying to be
Nonchalant about it
And I'm going to extremes to prove
I'm fine without you
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
Underneath the guise of a smile
Gradually I'm dying inside
Friends ask me how I feel
And I lie convincingly
'Cause I don't want to reveal
The fact that I'm suffering
So I wear my disguise
'Til I go home at night

And turn down all the lights
And then I break down and cry

Overall Meaning

The song Breakdown by Mariah Carey is a heartbroken ballad that tells the story of a person who is trying to hide their deep sadness and pain after being left by someone they loved dearly. The chorus, "Break break down, steady breakin' me on down," conveys the sense of the ongoing emotional turmoil that the singer is experiencing. It is clear from the lyrics that, although the person who left her claimed to care for her, they are no longer in love, leaving the singer to deal with the fallout of the break-up.

The song goes on to explore the coping mechanisms the singer resorts to, revealing the facade they have created to mask their true feelings. They pretend to be "feeling similarly," and "nonchalant" about it, even going to "extremes" to appear fine without the person who left them. Despite this, the singer is "slowly losing their mind" and "gradually dying inside" while wearing a disguise of a smile to keep up appearances. The song is a powerful exploration of the difficulties of dealing with heartbreak and the pressures on people to keep things together despite the pain they are going through.

The chorus is repeated several times throughout the song as a reminder that the breakdown is ongoing and overpowering, with the singer disguising it from the world. The verses also feature a second voice, bringing a male perspective to the narrative. This voice describes being under pressure and trying not to fall, but ultimately yielding to the pain of the situation.

Line by Line Meaning

Break break down, Steady breakin' me on down, break break down, Steady breakin' me on down, Break break down, steady breakin' me on down, Break break down, steady breakin' me on down.
The singer is breaking down emotionally due to her lover leaving her.

You called yesterday to basically say That you care for me, But that you're just not in love Immediately I pretended To be feeling similarly And led you to believe it was OK To just walk away from the one thing That's unyielding and sacred to me
The singer's lover called her to say that he cares for her but is not in love with her anymore. She pretended to feel the same way to make him feel better, but she really feels hurt and that she lost something sacred.

Well I guess I'm trying to be Nonchalant about it And I'm going to extremes to prove I'm fine without you But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind Underneath a disguise of a smile Gradually I'm dying inside
The singer is trying to act nonchalant but is pushing herself to the extreme to appear fine without her lover. However, she is really struggling and suffering from within.

Friends ask me how I feel And I lie convincingly 'Cause I don't want to reveal The fact that I'm suffering So I wear my disguise 'Til I go home at night And turn down all the lights And then I break down and cry
The artist lies to her friends when they ask how she feels because she does not want to reveal her suffering. She wears a disguise and only truly breaks down and cries when she is alone.

So what do you do When somebody you're so devoted to Suddenly just stops loving you And it seems they haven't got a clue Of the pain that rejection is putting you through Do you cling to your pride And sing "I will survive" Do you lash out and say "How dare you leave this way?" Do you hold on in vain as they just slip away
The artist wonders how to cope when someone she is devoted to stops loving her, without understanding the pain she is going through. She questions whether to hold onto her pride, lash out or hold on, despite her lover slipping away.

It'll break you down Only if you let it Everyday crazy situations rocking my mind Tryin' to break me down But I won't let it, forget it (Forget it)
The singer acknowledges that difficult situations can break a person down, but she will not let it happen to herself.

I be feelin' like you bringing me down Taking me around Stressin' me out I think I better go and get out And let me release some stress (Stress)
The singer feels like her lover is causing her stress and she needs to release it by leaving.

Don't ever wanna feel no pain Hoping for the sun but it looks like rain Lord, I just wanna maintain
The artist does not want to feel any pain and hopes for happiness, but things are looking bleak. She just wants to keep going and not feel worse.

Yeah, I can feel pressures y'all But nevertheless Krayzie won't fall It's over, it's ending here (Here)
The artist feels pressure, but she is determined not to fall apart. She acknowledges that her relationship is ending.

Lyrics © Regard Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mariah Carey, Sean Combs, Anthony Henderson, Steven A Jordan, Charles Scruggs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@kristinmsd

45w↑22

[Intro: Krayzie Bone]
Break-breakdown
Steady breaking me on down
Break-breakdown
Steady breaking me on down
Break-breakdown
Steady breaking me on down
Break-breakdown
Steady breaking me on down

[Verse 1: Mariah Carey]
You called yesterday to basically say
That you care for me but that you're just not in love
Immediately, I pretended to be feeling similarly
And led you to believe I was okay
To just walk away from the one thing
That's unyielding and sacred to me

[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
Well, I guess I'm trying to be nonchalant about it
And I'm going to extremes to prove I'm fine without you
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind (losing my mind)
Underneath the guise of a smile gradually I'm dying inside
(Underneath the guise of a smile)
Friends ask me how I feel and I lie convincingly
'Cause I don't want to reveal the fact that that I'm suffering
So I wear my disguise 'til I go home at night
And turn down all the lights and then I break down and cry

[Verse 2: Mariah Carey & Krayzie Bone]
So, what do you do when somebody you're devoted to
Suddenly just stops loving you and it seems they haven't got a clue
Of the pain that rejection is putting you through
Do you cling to your pride and sing "I will survive"
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)
Do you lash out and say "How dare you leave this way"
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)
Do you hold on in vain as they just slip away
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)

[Chorus: Mariah Carey & Krayzie Bone]
Well, I guess I'm trying to be nonchalant about it
Break-breakdown
And I'm going to extremes to prove I'm fine without you
Steady breaking me on down
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind (losing my mind)
Break-breakdown
Underneath the guise of a smile gradually I'm dying inside
(Under the smile)
Steady breaking me on down
Friends ask me how I feel and I lie convincingly
(How do you feel?)
Break-breakdown
'Cause I don't want to reveal the fact that I'm suffering
Steady breaking me on down
So I wear my disguise 'til I go home at night
Break-breakdown
And turn down all the lights and then I break down and cry
Steady breaking me on down
(I cry...)

Yeah
Come on, yeah
Come on, come on

[Hook: Mariah Carey & Krayzie Bone]
I don't wanna break down
(Breakdown, breakdown)
Break-breakdown
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)
I don't wanna break down
(Breakdown, breakdown)
Steady breaking me on down
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)
I don't wanna break down
(Breakdown, breakdown)
Break-breakdown
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)
I don't wanna break down
(Breakdown, breakdown)
Steady breaking me on down
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)

[Verse 3: Wish Bone]
Gonna break you down
Only if you let it
Everyday crazy situations rocking my mind
Trying to break me down
But I won't let it
Forget it
[Verse 4: Krayzie Bone]
I be feeling like you're breaking me down
Kicking me around, stressing me out
I think you better go and get out
And let me release some stress

[Verse 5: Wish Bone]
Don't ever wanna feel no pain
Hoping for the sun but it looks like rain
Lord, I just wanna maintain

[Verse 6: Krayzie Bone]
Yeah, I'm feeling pressures you all
But nevertheless Krayzie won't fall
It's over, it's ending here

[Chorus: Mariah Carey]
Well, I guess I'm trying to be nonchalant about it
(I'm trying)
And I'm going to extremes to prove I'm fine without you
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
(I'm gradually dying inside)
Underneath the guise of a smile gradually I'm dying inside
(In my heart as I cry)
Friends ask me how I feel and I lie convincingly
(How do I feel?)
'Cause I don't want to reveal the fact that I'm suffering
(I'm losing my mind)
So I wear my disguise 'til I go home at night
And turn down all the lights and then I break down and cry
(So I breakdown and cry)

[Chorus: Mariah Carey & Krayzie Bone]
Well, I guess I'm trying to be nonchalant about it
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on
And I'm going to extremes to prove I'm fine without you
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on
Underneath the guise of a smile gradually I'm dying inside
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on
Friends ask me how I feel and I lie convincingly
(How do I feel?)
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on
'Cause I don't want to reveal the fact that I'm suffering
(What do you think? You gotta know I'm suffering, so I...)
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on
So I wear my disguise 'til I go home at night
(I turn off the lights and breakdown and cry)
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on
And turn down all the lights and then I break down and cry
Gotta get control and roll roll roll on

[Chorus: Mariah Carey & Krayzie Bone]
Well, I guess I'm trying to be nonchalant about it
Break-breakdown
(Cry, cry, cry)
And I'm going to extremes to prove I'm fine without you
Steady breaking me on down
But in reality I'm slowly losing my mind
Break-breakdown
(Cry, cry, cry)
Underneath the guise of a smile gradually I'm dying inside
Steady breaking me on down
(Cry, cry, cry)
Friends ask me how I feel and I lie convincingly
Break-breakdown
'Cause I don't want to reveal the fact that I'm suffering
Steady breaking me on down
(Cry, cry, cry)
So I wear my disguise 'til I go home at night
Break-breakdown
And turn down all the lights and then I break down and cry
Steady breaking me on down

[Outro: Mariah Carey & Krayzie Bone]
I don't wanna break down
Break-breakdown
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)
I don't wanna break down
Steady breaking me on down
(Gotta get control and roll roll roll on)

All comments from YouTube:

@jermaineking8687

2y↑1.8K

This collab was perfect because Mariah was singing like she was rapping, and Bone Thugs raps like their singing! That Harmony was perfect! 🙌🏾

@DestineyAmerie

1y↑44

Dude fr✨✨✨

@missdee4927

1y↑46

Seriously. They went together so well.

@abayomigbemisola6001

1y↑36

Well explained comment👏

@nylgnd38

1y↑12

all facts

@Knightmare_143

1y↑10

Can't help but have love for both and my speakers in the trunk sing like love birds!

29 More Replies...

@self_made_king2089

42w↑502

Her lyrical cadence is damn near perfect. The way she uses the syllables, rhyming and vocabulary is amazing..”that you care for me but, that you’re just not in love” “immediately I pretended to be, feeling similarly” she snapped🔥

@mugshotmarley

37w↑27

She's copying the Bone Thugs n Harmony flow to the t. And she can do it well

@scottgarbo1288

35w↑28

Exactly. Her talent here is impeccable and unmatched. Lyrical and melodic magic.

@t-babyyupressed2906

29w↑20

Nah it’s Absolutely Perfect 💯

@t.mcgahee

21w↑2

Yesssssssds!!! She is a song writing genius toooooo!! What a blessing we were able to grow up listing to this kind of music

@Anaksi8

18w

Perfectly analyzed!

2 More Replies...

@BeauLongRN4L1993

1y↑804

Still smacks in 2023. 🥵 Mariah and Bone Thugs such a perfect combination. 🔥

@jessykappp1081

44w↑13

My song👩🏾‍🎤☺️

@Savehiphopandbuyblack

42w↑6

@@jessykappp1081mines 3 🔥🔥🔥

@jackiecastillo2484

39w↑6

Well said😭😭😭

@BeauLongRN4L1993

39w

@@jessykappp1081 💯🥵🔥

@cam2023x

37w↑7

First heard this song when I was a child in the early 00s (a few years after it came out) and here I am in 2023, it never got old. The whole album is so beautiful & legendary ❤

5 More Replies...

@SaraShakur94

24w↑113

She's not a songwriter, she's a poet

@danielshannon6027

22w↑9

No... she's an effing genius.

@user-qd6im2hp2e

21w

no.... she's my wife@@danielshannon6027

@zacfun

15w↑3

Stevie j wrote her lyrics

@footstomppodcast4

13w

its her voice and control that is mind blowing

@acousticmusic4777

1y↑743

My dad passed away yesterday and now I'm making a playlist with all the songs he loved and I remember him by. This is one of them. Thank you dad for showing me the greatest artists of all times. Loved, missed and never forgotten 🤘🔥❤

@KitKat-qb3qe

1y↑23

So sorry for your loss. How sweet of you, music transcends and can take you to another place. Listen and be with your father when a certain beat or melody takes you to him...

@moniqueweeks9151

1y↑4

💓💓💓

@demetriosjones677

1y↑4

Sorry

@sirmoney2762

1y↑4

my condolences sorry for the passing ...your father definitely had a ear for good music

@johnivan2575

1y↑2

condolences. May he rest in peace.

26 More Replies...

@yungvandelay965

27w↑76

Her pen is so good. Every word is chosen with such care, the chorus is beautifully written along with the melody. Songs like this and Underneath The Stars really showcase how good her writing is.

@callidawkins85

21w↑2

Bonethugs wrote it ..

@MrJuliusJustice

21w

Nah, Mariah writes all of her own lyrics@@callidawkins85

@joshuarodriguez9477

16w↑2

@@callidawkins85mmm Mariah wrote her part for sure

@fash788

16w↑1

@@callidawkins85Mariah wrote her part and Bone Thugs wrote theirs as well

@breyonabanks1364

12w

@@callidawkins85 Stevie J wrote Mariah's part of the song ... He is responsible for a lot of our favorite 90's and early 2000's hits

@mapillardahn

4y↑2.6K

2020 and this still hits hard. Mariah's voice is unmatched 🦋

@Wild1KY

4y↑23

By anyone!!! & I mean that... of all types..

@sharicehoneyestewa3256

4y↑15

Mapillar Dahn she’s a legend. 👑

@TunedToEwitaK

4y↑6

Mapillar Dahn so hard bro!

@hueancruz7182

4y↑11

i like the other version where the other bonethugz are in it

@kerryh2096

4y↑3

Mapillar Dahn agreed!!

35 More Replies...

@raymondgalindo4464

49w↑230

Mariah was literally the entire decade of the 90's. She had a number one single in each of the years of the decade of the 90's every year back to back on top of the industry. She is a living legend literally!

@Savehiphopandbuyblack

42w↑11

Just said this definitely a living legend!!!

@timwilliams1960

30w↑9

Literally She’s almost on Michael Jackson’s level

@Adolphin1

26w↑1

Krayzie a legend too

@kevlar2125

23w↑1

Why do people think this album was made in the 90s?

@TinaRoston

23w↑1

@@kevlar2125wasn't this in the early 2000s

3 More Replies...

@catarinaf3261

13w↑5

The repeating "Cry... cry.. cry... cry..." at the end of the song actually sound like her crying... continuous, exhausted crying.
What an artwork this song is!

@MsDisneylandlover

12w↑1

Thats my part 2..

@nyasiam.2819

35w↑124

12 yr old me never knew how relevant this song would become to me when I became an adult. Still one of my top songs from Mariah 💖

@bridgethuang777

29w↑6

I can relate. I didn’t know the meaning of the song when I was young, but this time when I listen to this song again, I'm the one in the song.

@melissazimmer8286

18w↑1

Yes 100% agree. May not have understood the meaning back when I was young, like you, listening to her around 10 or 12 years old. I just always loved her voice. But I sure can appreciate and relate to many of her songs & this one is easily in my top 5 faves. My All is up there as well.🩵⚘️

@Arguewityamama

42w↑189

The actual lyrics to this song, are so insane 🔥 props to Mariah for even being able up sing them with such enunciation

@judithpriestess7781

1y↑275

The vocal layering, arrangement and ad-libs on this track, are IMPECCABLE. Like, I don't even think I can fully articulate how masterful Mariah's musicality is; how instinctual. Mariah is the most underrated SONGWRITER/COMPOSER.

And then, Bone Thugz PERFECTLY complimenting her voice, with their fresh, bouncy, melodic delivery.

I can't get over the genius of this song. I can't believe it. 🔥

@IMBATAKTIVE8

1y↑3

Stevie j wrote this

@mr.getitdone6543

44w↑8

@batwest1 Yeah he contributed.. but Mariah wrote every song except for When You Believe w/ Whitney.. She came up with idea and chords+melodies based off Bone's flow.. She not an instrumentalist, so Stevie J was that for her

@mr.getitdone6543

44w↑3

🎯🎯🎯 my sentiments as well.. beyond well said 👏🏾

@lourencovieira5424

39w↑9

@@batwest1 no they wrote the chorus together, mariah wrote her verses and krayzie and wish theirs

@scottgarbo1288

35w↑2

Yes! Perfectly stated.

4 More Replies...

@goldenxronnie3739

5y↑1.8K

The melodies, the way she matches Bone Thugs N Harmony rapping. Simply iconic man. Butterfly is her best album and Breakdown and The Roof are top 10 in her discography. Non negotiable.

@jblackinc

4y↑20

love this comment

@JayKhwaja

4y↑13

KRAYZIE BONE KILLS THE TUNE FOR ME ☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠☠

@partypiano0729

4y↑20

The Roof!

@helenawatts4489

4y↑12

Mariah Carey is one of the best breakdown has been the best thanks to a singing artist she can sing

@KCB504

4y↑13

It really was. That was a completely listen from beginning to end.

31 More Replies...

@BrandonAustinG

46w↑109

The production, and vocal layering in the last 1/4 of the song is pure production genius. A perfect R&B/Hip Hop collaboration here.

@cristinamalcolm8111

45w↑6

My thoughts alone her breakdown of the word mine is perfection

@mugshotmarley

37w↑111

Mariah a genius. Bone Thug's Crossroads was the song that took the top spot from her Always Be My Baby song. She then collaborated with them for Breakdown. Listen to the beat, it's very similar to Crossroads (brilliant idea). She then copied Bone's flow in this song to match theirs and totally killed it. I remember my gf at the time listen to Mariah, and as a young teenage male, we didn't listen to Mariah Carey lol. Then this song came on and all I listened to everyday was this song lol

@avah.5253

15w↑2

Classic favorite. I wish people knew she's so much more than the Christmas song.

@a.r.3922

15w

Are u serious??

@barakodad4fun683

1y↑99

One of the best songs in Mariah's entire catalogue...if not for Tommy's continuous sabotage after their divorce, this could have been one of her biggest #1 hits.

@Bennome

33w↑5

PREACH!!

@erinmsomers

33w↑1

Wasn't she with Jeter at this point in time??

@scottgarbo1288

32w↑20

This incredible, timeless song is further proof of Mariah's musical genius and how underrated the legendary Bone Thugs & Harmony are. The lyrics, harmonies, vocals, riffing....everything on this song is complete perfection. Mariah's cadence is indescribably beautiful and melodic. Ugh, I can never get enough of this brilliant song and video. ❤

@throwawaytaylor

4y↑3.6K

This song is criminally underrated! The chorus goes so hard.

@marcellowheeler88

4y↑71

@Tim Dewano this. They played the hell out of this when it came out lol

@uhrrrrrangels

4y↑23

T This song wasnt underrated

@qxyzzz

4y↑36

Frl, it deserved much more success.

@cindytodd617

4y↑33

Yes I remember when this song came out and I was so amazed and awe struck and it’s depth and lyrics; the beat still stands today.

@cpman1987

4y↑26

FIRE!! SLOW JAM!!! DOPE!! Mariah Pipes And Bone's Flow And Love & Hip Hop Steven Jordan's (a.k.a. Stevie J) writing were Flawless!!!

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@niababy22

25w↑38

I drive around and blast this song like it just came out lol. Masterpiece 🔥🔥🔥

@letterpage7640

1y↑28

Her lyrics are powerful. And the melody and vocal expansion is genius. Its scares me sometimes how much I relate to Mariah. And how so many songs she's made or covered that have been healing for me. It's not a fan ship. She really carries my inner thoughts in her music.

@terencejulius5352

12w↑1

Her music is practically the soundtrack of my life I am a hardcore die hard fan of Mariah Carey and as a singer myself she influenced me heavily on a good vocally I can hit her whistles 😂😁😂 #Lamb4life

@letterpage7640

12w

@@terencejulius5352 ❤️❤️❤️🫡😫🤌 yessss

@dl9786

1y↑23

What an era!!! This 97-98 year produced some phenomenal music. Puffy and Bad Boy was at the forefront but Mariah, Busta, Usher, Aaliyah etc was right there. Brings back a lot of beautiful childhood memories 🙌🏾

@seleneruffin9845

1y↑69

This song is getting me through the hardest time right now, a week before my 15 year marriage, my husband doesn’t want to be with me. Krazy Bone and Wish Bone’s second verse are true affirmations. I have this one on repeat. I will survive

@gabbylaughs0574

50w↑7

I'm very sorry.

@pixigirl999

42w↑4

Praying for you healing

@dee4844mz

38w↑2

So sorry. You are in my prayers.

@Mr.ExtrodinThinks

29w↑1

🙏🏾

@t.mcgahee

21w↑10

I will forever be amazed by Mariah’s Octave range … my goodness .grom high to low to alto to high to love to base to tenor .. MY GOOOODNESSS .. to high .. whistle .. back to alto .. all in 1 song

@anthonym2199

3y↑3.6K

The hair. The makeup. The costumes. The jewelry. The vocals. The camerawork. The backgrounds. The birds chirping. This is a masterpiece.

@xx_ummer_xx1039

3y↑41

Masterpiece

@nobodyspecial8452

3y↑52

Birds chirping?...minnie riperton: hold my beer

@xx_ummer_xx1039

3y↑2

@nobody special youtube labels people who still use the played out and over used "hold my beer" lame meme sentence as sheep minded, unoriginal attention seekers and loserish

@nobodyspecial8452

3y↑16

@Macabree u lost me at "you tube labels people"..lmmfao

@xx_ummer_xx1039

3y↑2

@nobody special Google the Youtube article the Youtube moderators personnel released online for a better understanding

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@chiquitacaradine947

1y↑83

Still a classic in 2023 one of my favorites 💜

@jennifersantos333

43w↑2

I know right cause I'm still rocking it 2023

@ME-753

35w↑1

⁠❤🎉😊❤

@theariesinme4330

34w

“Lord I just want to maintain, how do feel...”

@keeshamarie2889

38w↑14

Their harmonies blended are 🔥

@serafinsierra22yhgyn

35w↑18

Eazy E definitely knew what he was doing when he discovered bone thugs. He only had 1 year to put them on before his passing. RIP Eazy. Bone thugs definitely took hip hop to another level.

@shahnaamir3548

1y↑22

26 years and I am still loving this jam ❤️‍🔥

@ChrisNeff-fz9dv

37w↑7

Mariah was truly at the absolute peak of her beauty in every aspect of the word. She presents herself with an understated power uncommon to her that mesmerizes both vocally and as a gorgeous nuanced goddess. What class, understated presence, power and narcotic effect she has on ones senses. Mariah this work alone puts you at an ever
permanent front position as one of the greatest Divas to ever grace histories pages.

@riechriech592

30w

She looked UNREAL on Honey I remember being a little girl and being so memorized by her because of that video she is still beautiful today but in her younger years she'll give most of us young women a run for our money I must admit!🤣🤣😭😭

@secedenis777

3y↑1.7K

Almost 25 years later...this song still SLAPS. WHAT A MASTERPIECE. The lyrics, the beats, its everything.

@pinkmink10

2y↑12

Wow! I can't believe that! Thanks for sharing that info.

@johnharris4899

2y↑13

Time sure flew by

@Karl671

2y↑3

Yes

@KA-te7xk

2y↑6

💯💯

@phantasyryder

2y↑5

Too emotional!

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@kis.kurtis.edison

24w↑8

This is a hidden gem from Mariah which could potentially be her one of the number one songs. It is really ahead of its own released year.

@boopybipstu3279

46w↑17

Her cadence and articulation of every “cry” in this song is master level👑🔥

@annarainfronda

30w↑4

What's really great about Mariah's way of writing songs is her wide vocabulary. I remembered listing words in her lyrics that are unusual to my hearing as a child, such as nonchalant, emblazoned, euphoric, etc, Then I will look it up on the dictionary and will use it on my essays in school in the future 😊

@al_vinray1124

17w↑5

I've yet to hear anything else like it. Love this song.

@franshawnsan

1y↑25

This song is so cold that I just played it for my 11 year old and he immediately wanted it on his playlist. Forever a banger.

@ccn777LLL

2y↑843

This is still cold af. The hook is sooo good. Her writing has always been top tear in my opinion. Adlibs, vocal stacking, tone, smooth riffs, sheesh! 90’s and early 00’s is the golden era of RNB. Some of the greatest vocalist, writers, producers of all time. Music that feels like butter

@aabaahgnaarbuulaajaadiijn744

2y↑6

@Danayah AGREED. Ps I think you meant Top tier (tier not tear); although that too. ;) ❤

@tonyadessasau2676

1y↑15

Stevie J did his thing on this beat!

@juscelinefernandes3674

1y↑6

@Tonya Dessasau that’s why I respect him! I don’t care if people don’t know who he is, that man is talented and produced my favorite song!

@Suhnshne

❤️❤️

@QdaChosenOne23

1y↑6

Yes, to everything you stated.. its definitely an art to it all.. you know its a thing when you know the adlibs are just as important as the words..

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@wayneboyd9171

1y↑11

Going thru a break up of a 5 year relationship. I’ve been playing this every night as I cry myself to sleep 😭. Real love is hard to find. Don’t take what u have for granted

@user-my1ht5yk7n

51w↑10

This whole song is a masterpiece.. Stevie J you did your thing with this one. the beat, the flow, the birds chirping everything in one. Thank you.

@Nickster7

40w↑9

So in love with this song right now. Couldn't pass a day without listening to it.

@x77starboy

1y↑11

i just loved the Bone Thugs essence that rolled through Mariah and the entire track. this song is literally perfect.

@latashad.hester7968

1y↑23

25yrs later and this song still is in Rotation. I played this cd soooooo much. Still put it on from time to time.

@Dhk4

3y↑290

3:12 till the end. Her runs, adlibs, etc. are absolutely incredible. Powerful, smooth, deep, creative. She’s the best

@MS-mw3jr

3y↑10

My fav part of the song

@hazelmarina

3y↑10

yes it's so powerful

@IMBATAKTIVE8

1y↑5

Omggg the truth she ate this up

@lala5061

1y↑26

I can't understand why this is not at a Billion yet 😕 this is a classic...I always come back for it!

@nyakeishajones9564

1y↑14

She honestly has been the truth about the music and personal life truth 😊,,,people just don’t understand how great she is about everything

@Lt.Dan210

37w↑13

I remember when I was 10 and I bought Mariah Careys album with my birthday money just to hear this song. I was the biggest bone fan ever. Starting at 9 I couldn't get enough. BTNH will always be the best.

@stacyhill2454

22w↑2

This song captures what grief is like perfectly 😢

@AnthonyMor2010

4y↑679

The flow of this song is STILL UNMATCHED. Mariah Carey is TIMELESS.

@ycoz5814

3y↑9

I slept on late 90s Mariah. I didn't recognize her 'flow' until The Emancipation of Mimi.

@RONISU78

3y↑7

@Tatt Bass hate much

@cyphi1

3y↑3

Mariah + Bone Thugs...you didn't even mention Krayzie and Wish Bone.

@TheColdest777

25w↑2

I remember when this song first came out #classic 🔥🔥🔥🔥

@jas1034

1y↑7

On repeat just to hear her vocals. Thank you Mariah for your voice it’s therapeutic

@Melecha1611

1y↑28

Still a masterpiece😍

@rogerhymes3174

4 Sure Correct about that ✌️🎶

@boondoggle4820

30w↑4

Outstanding vocal performance with incredible range, constrained at times and really belting out at times but showing incredible control either way. Great job, Mariah.

@vaniaparecidaferreirarosa1960

16w↑2

Essa música traz uma vibe boa! ❤❤❤😊

@donjuan2704

8y↑2.9K

Ppl don't understand how REAL these lyrics are. Emotionally, Mariah's pen is lethal. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

@jshannon8903

8y↑31

Mariah didn't write this Jermaine Dupri did .

@jshannon8903

8y↑6

Mariah didn't write this Jermaine Dupri did .

@S3xYtRoOpA

8y↑252

+Jocosta Raynor Mariah wrote this by herself, Jermaine doesn't even have a writing credit on this song. It's only Mariah, Wish Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Stevie J. Wish and Krayzie wrote their own parts and Mariah wrote the rest. The only reason Stevie J is listed is because he probably changed a word or two so it would fit better after production. Mariah always writes her own songs (by herself most of the time) and her co writers really don't do much other than slightly edit it.

@davewarren3679

8y↑35

Speak on it

@KuyaBJLaurente

8y↑86

+donjuan2704 The lyrics are actually very profound it should've been a heartbreak anthem of 1998.

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@wrenbyrd1093

51w↑7

I loved this so much then and still do! I learned all the words and know them! Mariah was on 🔥 back then! ❤

@kristinmsd

45w↑22

@ericafair9983

29w↑1

Thank you for writing the lyrics because I never knew them. 😊

@lindsayalisonstevens3592

21w↑2

One of my favourites from Mimi and one of her best albums. Love the whole aesthetic in this video - it’s a mood ❤❤❤

@ssspee00

23w↑3

I’m going through it right now and I got this song on repeat 😢😢😢😢

@Swimininmonet

35w↑8

The lyrics are next level greatness! Everything about this song is masterful!

@secedenis777

2y↑734

Mariah is known for her high notes, but these midtempo songs is really her voice shines.

@JM_HUh

2y↑9

Absolutely agree 💯

@tingenchen7278

2y↑35

Some singers can also sing whistle notes, but nobody can sing like this!! Personally I think this is the most iconic Mariah's voice

@leam-jy6mk

15w↑1

Everytime i listen to Mariah’s songs, i get goosebumps ❤❤❤❤ she’s my favorite.

@revinot

1y↑4

Mariah is one of the coolest and talented female artist of our time; she even has Redman as a magician, and Bone Thugs blending their vocals so perfectly.

@enlightenmentwithjeanluvlo7452

43w↑4

The music back then was unmatched! I use to call the radio line and request this song faithfully 😂❤🎉

@raquelrodriguez865

33w↑4

This song is a masterpiece and I like how the BONE guys are all there like protective guardian angels to her.

@darlings9535

42w↑7

This is my depression song I listen to it on loop for whatever time I need. Then get over it. One of the best unique songs I’ve ever heard. If u listen to the lyrics it’s a perfect breakup song.

@trailblazer2789

3y↑1.4K

Cant stop repeating this song. Man I'm 40 years old and this is just flooding me with so many memories I don't want to stop hearing this.

@mannytaylor6923

3y↑11

2021 VISION BIG FACTS 🤔

@toyatalksradio5282

3y↑17

Good times and good music! I’m 39 so I get it❤️

@Martin-xv

3y↑9

Me too!

@trevorjohnson6967

3y↑13

Im 35 i was there u still older than me 😂😂 but i feel ya pain

@hncamp30

3y↑13

40th in 3 days. Started slapping this on repeat yesterday, reflecting on the past. This takes me back for sure

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@daniellecastillo6724

1y↑3

They were so talented. So young. Still listening to over 20 years later

@jfloyo11

18w↑1

I used to listen to this on repeat during a really hard time in my life.

@justjameka7961

1y↑2

I've always loved this song growing up. It now hits different when experiencing my first heartbreak 💔

@robie949

24w

Ahead of its time.. grew up listening not realizing the hold it would have on me till this day ❤

@sophiapatriciamartin

4y↑573

What many people fail to pay full attention to in this song is the lyrics. These lyrics are so deep. Mariah actually wrote this masterpiece just like she writes all of her other masterpieces. She has had huge success in her career, but she is HIGHLY underrated when it comes to her songwriting skills.

@jeff200614

4y↑7

Sophia Lucianna with the Help from Stevie J and Puff Daddy who co wrote and produced it

@jnike4230

4y↑5

Facts up neva knew nd I been fukn wit this track since back when 2002

@ryuduhayabusa320

4y↑9

Damn right, this one tears me up every time

@1killacallie

Absolutely!

@mikey263249

4y↑9

Totally agree. These lyrics are so deep if u really listen. She's an amazing songwriter among everything else!

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@mcfanrobinhood

14w↑1

One of her best songs without a doubt

@rikie11

30w↑3

Just singing this song but closely listening and understanding the lyrics made me realize how this is a masterpiece! Salute, MC! 🫡

@memewoo7150

1y↑5

Always been 1 of my favs from Mariah but when that chick hit that note saying “how do I feel well I’m losing my mind” gives me chills & tears cuz it’s so relatable ❤ rip hubby 8/5/22

@nealee498

31w↑1

The 90s spolied us with great music . Now that I'm in my 30s I appreciate the 90s so much Mariahs vocals were crazy ❤

@mugshotmarley

37w↑5

The first time I heard this song when it came out in the late 90s, I was in high school. Just got my license, got my mom's hand me down car (dad bought her a new one). Worked a part time job at a gas station at nights so that I could buy rims and a sound system. Soon as I heard the song, the beat reminded me of Tha Crossroads. Listen close, its so similar!

@TikaRoxanne

4y↑841

Some of yall just don't understand how EPIC this collab was back in the 90s 👏👏👏 just pure GOLD 😁

@nickbocanegra419

4y↑8

You ain't never lied

@jeff200614

4y↑45

Mariah was doing r&b and hiphop/rap collaborations before it became the norm. She was way ahead of her time

@bobbybrown2873

4y↑10

Makes me appreciate Stevie J even more🌋

@TheRgum

Tika L. And STILL is!!! ❤️

@ginam5683

🤩😍💯✌🌻🥰💖😎

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@andrewavielele287

1y↑7

KING KRAYZIE always on point. Mariah's vocals are exquisite & unmatched. BTW, it's March 2023& still rocking this

@1addedstipulation

1y↑8

This is yet another reason I'm ok when 'Riah mess up now. She put it all out there in the 90s and she deserves to take it easy. I lived and ate off this album❤️

@commedesgarcons1017

31w↑3

This is one of my favorite song from MC
She could re-release this song this year without changing a thing
The clip doesn't look old AT ALL

@raulninomendez

1y↑2

Inconfundible su talento y por ende, nuestra Diva fuera de serie.

@assist_o.k.

29w↑4

"Gotta get control, and roll roll roll on..." The one line everyone needs to embed in their soul through life, cuz people can suck and all.

@luckyshow98

7y↑90

This is the song that solidified my opinion that Mariah Carey is a songwriting genius! She captures the feeling of heartbreak beautifully.

@alirpa77

Hannah Obsiye yes

@alirpa77

7y↑4

Hannah Obsiye she and Amy Winehouse are the two women who I swear read my diary.

@ursulahowze9232

36w↑15

Bone and mariah is a masterpiece together

@margaritadanova4764

33w↑1

Can you even imagine the amount of work and talent invested into this record? Must have taken hours, days, weeks to create something so complex and beautiful.

@sirtylattimore6904

15w

Still one of my all time favorites by MiMi. ❤❤❤❤

@jockmaraisasmr5700

5y↑604

This has to be the best hip-hop + pop collaboration of all time. Everybody since Mariah has tried to replicate, but they haven’t even come close. Mariah’s artistic inclinations are unmatched. Those melodies.

@fxllenstar8946

5y↑6

Jock Marais ASMR r&b*

@Juandomngz

5y↑32

Butterfly was a hell of an album.

@lamarsykes9656

5y↑3

Rnb and rap

@BigTone999

5y↑1

What? Fool shut up. Clown.

@MB777

5y↑1

If I'd have a Gay-dar... it would go of the charts... WHUHAAHA... Best Hip-Hop/Pop collabo!!! I'd just pissed myself... 😖

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@jason_

1y↑2

Legendary track, still bumps just as hard in 2023!

@devinsteib3518

31w↑1

The sound of this jam being so similar to “crossroads” makes it just have a more powerful meaning!!

@CoolForSale

18w↑2

Favorite Mariah song of her entire catalogue 🔥

@user-nw5ml7lr2b

26w↑5

Im going to say this again!!!!!! Can't nobody tell me Mariah isn't a good actress!!! She plays the role of the sad show girl here perfectly!!! That u can only catch how the girls really feel in smaller glances if ur paying very close attention!!!! ❤

@1zdrew

19w↑2

I love the randomness of Redman's cameo as a magician. Definitely one of my favorite music videos of the 90s.

@tsuyayaka1

3y↑2.4K

She tore this song UP. Lyrically, emotionally, and vocally. TORE IT UP!

@salsasoul4112

2y↑11

Yup! 💯💯💯

@stephaniejordan9066

2y↑4

Yes

@nardinadeleon

2y↑19

no crumbs!!

@darianagnew6524

2y↑2

Agreed!!!

@ChandlersReality

2y↑3

Yes she did!!!!

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@ali-zay

1y↑5

The first song to which I cried when I was listening to the radio driving by South Wayside and I-10. I heard the lyrics and I immediately started crying. Every word described what I was "experiencing" with and about the guy with whom I was in Love.
I was going to visit my family that day.
"Dream" by the Cranberries had the same effect for the same reason.

@danitacarver2826

23w↑4

Mariah's best song. The lyrics are heartbreakingly relatable. She's the goat 🐐

@CMR7783

48w↑6

Mariah’s songwriting is criminally underrated. Also Stevie J produced bop after bop after bop in the 90s.

@user-mv7qf7vl5c

43w↑1

The moment that first beat drops all of my best memories keep running back!! What a wonderful time to be in your teens jamming to this! We got our lyrics all written down singing long!! Love love the 90s and early 2000s

@reginavalentin521

17w

Still Makes My ♥ Beat Like it Did Back then..🔥❤️‍🔥🔥 2 of Theee Best Combinations in Music 🌺🙏🏽🌺..Turn That Bass Up and Just Coast..🎶🌉🎶🌺🙏🏽🌺..(That's just me)

@alvinjackson4060

14w↑1

This song still speaks facts to this day… if we just spoke to each other man and women and said “ I like you” instead of playing wicked games… relationships would be so much easier…

@Itgyrl909

5y↑534

Only a singer like Mariah and rappers like BONE can be melodically on point & balanced! There is no other song like this in existence Period. LEGENDS

@Cecelovesbirdie

5y↑20

I did like the one she did with snoop...

@michaelmull6433

5y↑3

This is the best!

@karenkayguevarra8

5y↑2

Agreed.

@TheOriginalTPro

5y↑4

Of course there is another song like this. Check out Krayzie Bone feat. Mariah Carey - I still believe

@becausehelives4112

My mom said she would be happy to have me in the morning when do we need it was not a bad idea to be a little boy

3 More Replies...

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