In 1991, at the age of eleven, Monica was discovered by music producer Dallas Austin at the Center Stage auditorium in Atlanta performing Whitney Houston 1986's Greatest Love of All. Amazed by her voice, Dallas offered her a record deal with his Arista Records-distributed label Rowdy Records and consulted rapper Queen Latifah to work as Monica's first manager. Shortly afterwards Dallas and then staff producers Tim & Bob entered the studio with Monica to start writing and producing her debut Miss Thang which was eventually released in July 1995 and scored number thirty-six on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number seven on the Top R&B Albums chart. It was certified triple platinum by the RIAA for more than three million store-shipped copies and produced three top ten singles, including debut single Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days) and Before You Walk out of My Life both of which made Monica the youngest artist ever to have two consecutive chart-topping hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. Miss Thang subsequently won Monica a Billboard Music Award and garnered her an American Music Award nomination in the Favorite Soul/R&B New Artist category.
After a label change to Clive Davis's Arista Records, Monica mainstream success was boosted, when Diane Warren-written For You I Will, from the Space Jam soundtrack, became her next top ten pop hit. The following year she was asked to team up with singer Brandy and producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins to record The Boy Is Mine, the first single from both of their second albums. Released in May 1998, surrounding highly publicized rumors about a real-life catfight between both singers, the duet became both the biggest hit of the summer and the biggest hit of 1998 in general in America, spending record-breaking thirteen weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It earned the pair a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and garnered multi-platinum sales (to date, it remains as one of the top twenty most successful American singles in history based on Billboard chart success).
Jermaine Dupri, David Foster and Austin consulted on the album The Boy Is Mine, which was released later that year and eventually became Monica’s biggest-selling album, becoming certified triple platinum by the RIAA for more than three million store-shipped copies. It yielded another two U.S. number-one hits with The First Night and Angel of Mine, a cover of Eternal's 1997 single, as well as a remake of Richard Marx' Right Here Waiting. Rolling Stone Magazine proclaimed it as "closer to soul's source... hearking back past hip-hop songbirds like Mary J. Blige and adult-contemporary sirens like Toni Braxton," while Allmusic called the album an "irresistible sounding [and] immaculately crafted musical backdrop [...] as good as mainstream urban R&B gets in 1998."
In 2000, Monica contributed chorus vocals for I've Got to Have It, a collaboration with Jermaine Dupri and rapper Nas. Released as the Big Momma's House theme song, the song saw minor success in the United States only. The following year, she released the Ric Wake production track Just Another Girl, recorded for the Down to Earth soundtrack, as a single.
A year later, Arnold channeled much of her heavily media-discussed experiences into the production of her third studio album, All Eyez on Me, her first release on mentor Clive Davis newly-founded J Records label. "I just wanted to give the people back something that had personal passion, instead of just, 'Oh, let's dance to this record'," she said about the issues worked into the tracks. The first single All Eyez on Me a Rodney Jerkins-produced R&B-dance track, saw minor to moderate success on the international charts but failed to enter the higher half of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. A follow-up song, Too Hood, also got a lukewarm response and as a result, the album's tentative release was pushed back several times. "I don't think people wanted to hear a big fun record from me, after knowing all the things that I had personally experienced," Monica second-guessed her new material which saw both early and heavy bootlegging via internet at that time.
After the Japan-wide release of All Eyez on Me Monica was asked to substantially reconstruct the record with a host of new producers, and as a result the singer re-entered recording studios to start work with songwriters Kanye West, Jazze Pha, Andre "mrDEYO" Deyo, Bam & Ryan and Dupri-replacing executive producer Missy Elliott. Finally released in June 2003, After the Storm debuted at number one on Billboard`s Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart, and on top of the official Billboard 200, with sales of 186,000 copies emerging as Monica's first and only number-one album to date. It eventually received a gold certification, and has sold over one million copies domestically. Media reception of the CD was generally enthusiastic, with the Allmusic saying the album "has all the assuredness and smart developments that should keep Monica's younger longtime followers behind her — all the while holding the ability to appeal to a wider spectrum of R&B and hip-hop fans." The album's lead single, Elliott-penned So Gone, was one of Monica's biggest commercial successes in years, becoming her first top ten single since 1999's Angel of Mine. In addition, it reached the top position of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Tracks and Hot Dance Club Play charts. Subsequently, After the Storm spawned another three singles, with final single U Should've Known Better reaching number nineteen on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 2005, Monica appeared on the Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman soundtrack. The track was one of Monica's last production by Dallas Austin.
Returning from yet another musical hiatus, Arnold's fourth studio album The Makings of Me was released in October 2006. Titled after Curtis Mayfield's 1970 recording The Makings of You, the album saw her particularly reuniting with producers Elliott, Dupri, and Bryan Michael Cox, all of whom had previously contributed to After the Storm (2003). The Makings of Me received a positive reception from most professional music critics, with Allmusic calling it a "concise and mostly sweet set of songs," and Entertainment Weekly declaring it "a solid addition" to Monica's discography. While it debuted at number one on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart, and at number eight on the official Billboard 200, it received a domestic sales total of 328,000 copies, it widely failed to revive the success of its predecessors and became the singer's lowest-selling effort to date. Singles such as snap-influenced Everytime Tha Beat Drop featuring Atlanta hip hop group Dem Franchize Boyz and Elliott-produced A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me) failed to reach the top forty of the regular pop charts.
In 2009, Arnold lent her voice to the ballad Trust a duet with Keyshia Cole, that peaked in the top five on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The recording of Arnold's sixth studio album Still Standing was chronicled by her BET reality series of the same name. Featuring production by Stargate, Ne-Yo, and Polow da Don, it was released in March 2010 and garnered a generally positive response by critics, who perceived its sound as "a return to the mid-'1990s heyday" of contemporary R&B, The album debuted atop on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart, and number two on the U.S. Billboard 200 with opening week sales of 184,000 copies, becoming the singer's second highest-charting debut since 2003's After the Storm. The leading single Everything to Me scored Monica her biggest chart success since 2003's So Gone, reaching the top position of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Tracks charts for seven weeks. The album was certified gold by the RIAA with domestic shipments of 500,000 copies within a single month. With it success, the album and Everything to Me was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, presented at the 53rd Grammy Awards in 2011. In August 2010, Arnold joined Trey Songz on his Passion, Pain & Pleasure Tour, her first North American concert tour in ten years.
The New Life (Intro) Songfacts reports that New Life was Monica's debut release with RCA, following the disbandment of her former label, J Records in October 2011. The album was dropped on April 10, 2012 in the US. She explained the meaning of its title on Twitter: "A good word goes a long way. Life is hard enough. Me and my followers believe in God, love, strength, family, unity and growth [...] Don't be afraid of new things, new people, new opportunities or new love. It just may give you a New Life."
Don't Gotta Go Home
Monica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I mean we all men, we all men
We know how the shit go, love one, fuck another
I mean, it is what it is, it is what it is
I mean, we knew what it was, when we became a part of it (yeah)
Ain't no sense whinin' about it now, feel me?
It's like
I can see right through you
I know your girl been treatin' you wrong (yeah!)
But she ain't no good for you
Why do you hold it inside (uh!)
Boy you should let me know
I just want to make you right
Wanna be the one you could cry on
Baby, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin home tonight
You got time for a nigga, or is he still with you?
Wanna meet at the same spot, or should I come and get you?
Aight, I'll be there in 10, be in the front
I been gettin' what I need so I'mma give you what you want
One-on-one, 'cause you know how to talk to Dog
You walk the dog and understand New York is hard, baby
So you, you ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
It's kinda strange, that when you call (mmm)
She's never home
Now you're there all alone
And, you deserve so much more baby (what!)
I can treat you better than she can (what!)
It doesn't make sense
To keep on loving, and keep on trusting
When, in return all you get is nothing
Damn, you got me fucked up and I'm feelin' it more
Never had a mis-tress dis-tressed before
Oh come on ma, like it ain't that deep
Like ain't no love there, like I don't hate that I gotta creep
We go to sleep in each others arms
And I feel like this is where I belong
If lovin' you is right then I ain't wrong
This is the same ol' song, wife and fam
Gotta be a father and husband but I'm still yo man, baby
You ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
This situation's getting critical (uh-huh!)
I watch so many tears fall (uh-huh!)
I know she's not what you want (uh-huh!)
So why you keep on holding on?
When I'm right here (what!)
All you need to do is call (what!)
Don't be afraid (yeah!)
'Cause she won't know at, all
You ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
You ain't gotta go home tonight
You can stay right here with me
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
I ain't worried about shit!
You're here with me
Look, it's like I love my wife
But we goin through things and I ain't goin' home tonight, aight?
Monica's song "Don't Gotta Go Home" is about a man confiding in Monica about his relationship troubles with his wife. He explains that he loves his wife, but they are going through difficulties, and he is not returning home that night. The man asks Monica to meet him where they usually meet or come to get him, and she agrees. She empathizes with the man's situation, saying he can stay with her for the night instead. She reassures him that he doesn't have to worry about anything while he's with her. Monica recognizes that he might be confused about his feelings but assures him that if he loves her, he isn't doing anything wrong.
The song captures the struggle that some people go through in relationships. It shows that relationships can be complicated and that people may find themselves caught in situations outside their control. It also highlights the trust that can exist between friends and how it can lead to moments of intimacy that may complicate relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something on your mind (what!)
I can tell that something is bothering you and you need to get it off your chest.
I can see right through you
I know you're not being completely honest with me and I can see through your facade.
I know your girl been treatin' you wrong (yeah!)
I understand that your current partner has not been treating you the way you deserve to be treated.
But she ain't no good for you
You need to let go of your current partner because they are not good for you.
Why do you hold it inside (uh!)
You need to open up and express your true feelings instead of keeping them bottled up.
Boy you should let me know
You should communicate with me and let me know how you're feeling.
I just want to make you right
I want to help you feel better and make things right for you.
Wanna be the one you could cry on
I want to be the person you can turn to when you need support and comfort, even if it means crying on my shoulder.
Baby, it's like I love my wife
I am married and love my wife, but we are experiencing problems in our relationship.
But we goin through things and I ain't goin home tonight
My current situation with my wife is causing me to stay out tonight and not go home.
You got time for a nigga, or is he still with you?
Do you have time to hang out with me tonight, or are you still with your current partner?
Wanna meet at the same spot, or should I come and get you?
Should we meet each other at our usual spot, or should I come pick you up from somewhere else?
Aight, I'll be there in 10, be in the front
Okay, I'll come to meet you in 10 minutes and you should wait for me in the front.
I been gettin' what I need so I'mma give you what you want
I've been getting my needs met, so now I'm willing to give you what you want.
One-on-one, 'cause you know how to talk to Dog
We can have a private conversation because you know how to talk to me and understand me.
You walk the dog and understand New York is hard, baby
You are street smart and understand the difficulties of living in New York City.
This situation's getting critical (uh-huh!)
The situation between us is becoming urgent and important.
I watch so many tears fall (uh-huh!)
I have seen you cry too many times and it hurts me to see you in pain.
I know she's not what you want (uh-huh!)
I understand that your current partner is not who you truly desire.
So why you keep on holding on?
Why do you continue to hold on to your current partner when you know they are not what you want?
When I'm right here (what!)
I am here for you and ready to be with you.
All you need to do is call (what!)
All you have to do is reach out to me and I'll be there for you.
Don't be afraid (yeah!)
You shouldn't be afraid to take a chance with me and leave your current partner.
'Cause she won't know at, all
We can keep this between us and your current partner will not find out.
You ain't gotta go home tonight
You don't have to go back home tonight.
You can stay right here with me
You can stay with me tonight.
Uh, I ain't goin' nowhere
I'm not leaving and I'm here for you.
When you wake up I'm gon' be right there
When you wake up, I will still be with you.
Don't you worry 'bout a thing
You don't have to worry about anything because I am here for you.
I ain't worried about shit!
I'm not worried about anything because I'm focused on you and our relationship.
You're here with me
You're here with me and I'm glad we can be together.
Look, it's like I love my wife
I still love my wife, but our relationship is going through a rough patch.
But we goin through things and I ain't goin home tonight, aight?
We're experiencing issues, so I'm not going home tonight.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Earl Simmons, Antoine L. Macon, Ryan Dimitri Bowser, Monica Arnold
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind