Kelly has also produced and performed in many tracks by other R&B and hip-hop artists. In 1994, Kelly produced and wrote the debut album of R&B singer Aaliyah and in 1995, Kelly co-produced and wrote the song "You Are Not Alone" for Michael Jackson, which was included on Jackson's album, HIStory. Kelly has sung the hooks for many notable hip-hop songs, such as "Fuckin' You Tonight" by The Notorious B.I.G., "We Thuggin'" by Fat Joe, "Gigolo" by Nick Cannon, and "Go Getta" by Young Jeezy, and has collaborated for two albums with Jay-Z.
As I Look Into My Life
R. Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Searching for that paradise
Oh Lord will you help me, find me
Take this crazy ghetto past of mine
And put it all behind me
Look down on the ghetto man
And change his mission
Of many to stop confusion
[Chorus]
My sistas, brothas
Let's put these hands together
We need to stop chokin' on the truth
And start smokin' on a plan man
Love and respect that woman
And bring her happiness
I'm talkin' to the ghetto
For each other we should help
While our babies are dying in the street
We've got to be saying to ourselves
The lyrics in R. Kelly's "As I Look Into My Life" convey a strong message about the personal struggle of being caught in a cycle of poverty and violence in the inner city. The song captures the artist's plea, reaching out to the Lord for help in finding a better life, away from the troubles of his past. The opening lines bring forth a sense of restlessness and an urge to find an idyllic world beyond the ghetto boundaries. With a fervent appeal, he seeks the divine intervention to lead him to a new life, a paradise of sorts.
The following lines reveal how Kelly's past has been marked by struggles and hardships, which he longs to leave behind. He acknowledges that he has made mistakes and has lived a wild life, wanting to be free from it all. The lyrics are emotional and raw, portraying his deep desire for change in his life. In the same vein, he also hopes for change in his community, where people are trapped in cycles of poverty and confusion.
Kelly's call-to-action is emphasized in the chorus, as he rallies his listeners to unite and work towards a better future. He urges both men and women to respect each other and work together towards a common goal. The repetition of "We need to stop chokin' on the truth and start smokin' on a plan man" is indicative of the urgent need to move beyond mere talk and embrace actionable steps towards progress.
Overall, R. Kelly's "As I Look Into My Life" expresses a hope for change and an end to the endless cycles of violence and poverty in the inner city. The lyrics are poignant and inspirational, with a focus on unity and respect for women in particular.
Line by Line Meaning
As I look into my life
Reflecting on my past experiences and current situation
Searching for that paradise
Seeking a place of peace and happiness
Oh Lord will you help me, find me
Requesting for divine guidance and assistance
Take this crazy ghetto past of mine
Acknowledging a tumultuous upbringing and history
And put it all behind me
Wanting to move on from the past and start anew
Look down on the ghetto man
Asking for divine intervention for those stuck in poverty
And change his mission
Hoping for a change in mindset and purpose for those in the ghetto
And put it in the hearts
Imploring for a deeper, emotional understanding
Of many to stop confusion
For individuals to take action and end the chaos and disorder
[Chorus]
The following lines are the chorus of the song
My sistas, brothas
Addressing the community as a whole, regardless of gender
Let's put these hands together
Joining forces for a common cause
We need to stop chokin' on the truth
Acknowledging the harsh reality and confronting it head-on
And start smokin' on a plan man
Thinking of a positive approach and solution
Love and respect that woman
Treating women with admiration, adoration, and consideration
And bring her happiness
Promoting love and fulfillment in women's lives
I'm talkin' to the ghetto
Addressing individuals who are poor and marginalized
For each other we should help
Encouraging cooperation and mutual aid
While our babies are dying in the street
Expressing the urgency of a dire situation
We've got to be saying to ourselves
Motivating individuals to take personal responsibility
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ROBERT S. KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Don Perfecto Manfinini
on when a man loves a women
beautiful song