The group is well known for its highly diverse musical style (able to play anything from traditional jazz stylings to mainstream R&B and rock-based music to funk grooves and even Latin and Jamaican-based rhythms) and also its captivating live performances.
Discovered and originally signed to Perspective Records by music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in 1989 (after being heard at a performance at a club in downtown Minneapolis called First Avenue), their debut album was entitled Meant To Be Mint (released in 1991).
Despite their musical versatility the band attempted to attract New Jack Swing listeners with their dance cut "Are You Free", but it wasn't successful (the song hit #55 on the R&B charts). However, they did enjoy major success with the stunning ballad "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)".
The song stayed on the charts for 34 weeks, hitting the R&B top 5 (#3), and the Pop Top 10 (#6). Forever In Your Eyes was also successful (#7 R&B). Two years later they released their 2nd platinum album, From The Mint Factory (1993). They enjoyed success with the #2 hit "U Send Me Swingin'", while "Someone To Love" and "So Fine" hit the R&B Top 30. 1996 saw the release of "Definition of a Band". The album hit the R&B Top 20. Some successful singles on this album are: "What Kind Of Man Would I Be" (#2 R&B), and "You Don't Have To Hurt No More" (#10 R&B). Two years later, The Collection: 1991-1998, a greatest hits compilation, was issued.
After Perspective Records/A&M folded, the group signed with Elektra Records in 1999, releasing their fourth full-length album, Life's Aquarium (#7 R&B). It's main single, If You Love Me, hit the R&B Top 5.
As the 21st Century came around, Mint Condition was the only R&B/Funk band signed to a Major Record Label.
After a six year hiatus, the group resurfaced as a quintet due to former member and keyboard player Keri Lewis leaving the group to produce for other artists, such as his one-time wife, singer Toni Braxton .
During the same year, they released Living The Luxury Brown on their independent label Caged Bird Records. The album hit #1 on the Independent Album Charts. Live From The 9:30 Club, a performance of a concert at the 9:30 club in Washington DC, was issued in 2006.
Let Me Be The One
Mint Condition Lyrics
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Set your mind at ease baby
Ain't nothing wrong with that
I guess we both have seen some brighter days
Somehow the love we shared has slipped away
Still I want to be the one who keeps you safe and warm
Let me be the one
Although things with me and you didn't quite work out
For you there's this special place deep in my heart
Though I want it X'ed in my unconditional love
Let me be the one
If you need a friend
Let me be the one
Someone that you call
Want to be the one
The one through it all
You don't have to fall
Just let me be the one
Let me be the one
Promises made, they've all worn paper-thin
Still honey I'm not afraid to call you friend
Take a look and I know you'll see the possibilities
Let me be the one
To see you smile, there's nothing I won't do
'Cause honey I only want what's best for you
You are a shining star, just stay the way you are
Let me be the one
If you need a friend
Let me be the one
Someone that you call
Want to be the one
The one through it all
You don't have to fall
Just let me be the one
Let me be the one
If you need a friend
Let me be the one
Someone that you call
Want to be the one
The one through it all
You don't have to fall
Just let me be the one
Let me be the one
Let me be
I want to be the one you need
Let me set your mind at ease
Nothing wrong with being a friend
Want to be there till the end
I want to be the one you need
Let me set your mind at ease
Nothing wrong with being a friend
Want to be there till the end
Just let me be the one, let me be the one baby
Just let me be the one
In "Let Me Be The One," Mint Condition sings about wanting to be a true friend and provide support for someone who they shared love with in the past. Despite the romantic relationship not working out, the singer wants to ensure the person's well-being and believes they can still have a meaningful connection as friends. The song emphasizes the importance and value of friendship and the idea that it's okay to shift from a romantic relationship to a platonic one.
The lyrics express the singer's desire to remain a constant presence in the person's life, even if their relationship changes. The sense of devotion is evident when they say, "Still, I want to be the one who keeps you safe and warm" and "You are a shining star, just stay the way you are." The singer is accepting of the change in their relationship and willing to adapt to whatever is needed to maintain a deep connection with the person.
Overall, "Let Me Be The One" is a reminder that true relationships don't always have to be romantic and a message of what it means to be a real friend.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, talking 'bout a real friend
I am talking about being a genuine, reliable friend
Set your mind at ease baby
I want to comfort and reassure you
Ain't nothing wrong with that
There is nothing negative or wrong about being a good friend
I guess we both have seen some brighter days
We have both experienced happier times in the past
Somehow the love we shared has slipped away
Our romantic love has faded over time
Still I want to be the one who keeps you safe and warm
Despite the end of our romantic relationship, I still want to provide you with emotional security and comfort
Let me be the one
Allow me to fulfill this role for you
Although things with me and you didn't quite work out
We did not have a successful romantic relationship
For you there's this special place deep in my heart
You hold a significant and cherished spot in my heart
Though I want it X'ed in my unconditional love
I will continue to love you unconditionally, despite our failed romance
If you need a friend
If you require the support of a friend
Someone that you call
Someone who you can reach out to
Want to be the one
I want to be that person for you
The one through it all
I want to support you through any and all difficulties
You don't have to fall
You do not have to suffer alone
Just let me be the one
Please allow me to be your friend and support system
Promises made, they've all worn paper-thin
The promises we made in our romantic relationship have proven to be weak and unfulfilled
Still honey I'm not afraid to call you friend
Despite the end of our romance, I am not afraid to continue our friendship
Take a look and I know you'll see the possibilities
Consider giving our friendship a chance and you will see the potential it holds
To see you smile, there's nothing I won't do
I am committed to doing whatever it takes to see you happy
'Cause honey I only want what's best for you
I want what is best for you, even if it means not being in a romantic relationship with me
You are a shining star, just stay the way you are
You are a special, remarkable person and I want you to remain true to yourself
Let me be the one
Allow me to be your friend and confidant
Let me be
Allow me the opportunity
I want to be the one you need
I want to fulfill the role of the supportive friend you need
Just let me be the one baby
Please allow me to fulfill this role
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Homer R. O'Dell, Jeffrey Stephen Allen, Keirston Jamal Lewis, Lawrence G. Waddell, Ricky Kinchen, Stokley M. Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind