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.
Sufferin'
R. Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Surrounded by gates
Maybach and a Rolls Royce
Sitting in my driveway
Got a big old yacht
Made of gold and cherry wood
Now you may look at me and think that everything is good
Well I may be smiling like I'm having a good time
I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
Oh yeah
(Sufferin')
I got everything a man could want
But ever since my baby's been gone
I've been sufferin'
Well I got so much land
I tell you I could build a city
I been around the world and partied with women that shown up pretty
There's been times when my luck couldn't get no better
But though my sun may shine I got stormy weather
Well I may be smiling like I'm having a good time
But if you look in my eyes, you see way down deep inside
I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
Said I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
Oh
(Sufferin')
Hey, I got everything a man could want
Since my baby's been gone
I've been sufferin'
Hey I got a private jet
It take me anywhere I wanna go
I'm getting big paychecks
From all of my sold out shows
I'm on top of the world living like a boss
Until that girl up and laid me off
Well you may look at me like I'm having a good time
Hey, but if you look in my eye, you see way down deep inside
That I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
Sufferin'
(Sufferin')
See without my baby I'm sufferin'
(Sufferin')
Hey hey, I'm no good
(Sufferin')
I got everything a man could want
But since my baby been gone
I've been sufferin'
In the song "Sufferin'" by R. Kelly, the lyrics depict a successful and wealthy individual who seemingly has everything they could want in life. They have a mansion, luxury cars, a yacht, and even a private jet. However, despite their material possessions and lavish lifestyle, there is a deep sense of suffering and emptiness within them.
The first verse emphasizes the stark contrast between the external appearance and the emotional state of the person. They may be seen smiling and appearing to have a good time, but their eyes reveal a profound sadness and pain. This implies that their outer wealth and success may serve as a mask, hiding their internal struggle and sorrow.
The chorus repeats the word "sufferin'" multiple times, emphasizing the intense pain the person is experiencing. Despite having everything they could possibly desire, the absence of their beloved signifies a significant loss in their life. This loss has left them feeling an ongoing sense of suffering, which is hauntingly present despite their apparent abundance.
The second verse expands on their wealth and expansive lifestyle. They have vast amounts of land and have traveled the world, surrounded by beautiful women. The mentioning of their luck and sunshine reveals that there have been moments of happiness and fortune in their life. However, despite these moments, they still feel a lingering storm within them, adding to their suffering.
In the bridge, the person acknowledges their luxurious possessions, such as a private jet that grants them freedom and big paychecks from successful shows. However, even with these accomplishments, they feel a deep void since their baby (presumably their romantic partner) has departed from their life. This suggests that their happiness and fulfillment are dependent on the presence and love of their significant other.
The final chorus reiterates the suffering and lack of goodness they feel without their partner. Despite having everything a man could want, their pain persists. The lyrics imply that no amount of material wealth or success can replace the joy and happiness brought by love and connection with another person.
Overall, "Sufferin'" delves into the theme of the emotional turmoil experienced by someone who, on the surface, has achieved great material success. It underscores the importance of love and human connection in finding true happiness and fulfillment, as well as the emptiness that can exist even when surrounded by wealth and luxury.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a mansion
I have a large luxurious house
Surrounded by gates
Protected by barriers
Maybach and a Rolls Royce
I own expensive luxury cars
Sitting in my driveway
Park right in front of my house
Got a big old yacht
I own a large boat
Made of gold and cherry wood
Elaborately designed and valuable
Now you may look at me and think that everything is good
From the outside, it may seem like I have it all
Well I may be smiling like I'm having a good time
I might appear happy and content
But if you look in my eyes, you see way down deep inside
If you really see into my soul
I'm sufferin'
I am experiencing pain and distress
(Sufferin')
Suffering
I'm sufferin'
I am going through hardships
(Sufferin')
Suffering
I'm sufferin'
I am enduring emotional pain
(Sufferin')
Suffering
Oh yeah
Indeed
(Sufferin')
Suffering
I got everything a man could want
I possess all material desires
But ever since my baby's been gone
Since my partner left me
I've been sufferin'
I have been in great distress
Well I got so much land
I own extensive property
I tell you I could build a city
I have enough land to construct a whole town
I been around the world and partied with women that shown up pretty
I have traveled and enjoyed the company of attractive women
There's been times when my luck couldn't get no better
There were moments where I was extremely fortunate
But though my sun may shine I got stormy weather
Despite appearing successful, I have internal turmoil
Well I may be smiling like I'm having a good time
I may seem happy and content
But if you look in my eyes, you see way down deep inside
However, if you truly see into my soul
I'm sufferin'
I am experiencing pain and distress
(Sufferin')
Suffering
Said I'm sufferin'
I am going through hardships
(Sufferin')
Suffering
I'm sufferin'
I am enduring emotional pain
(Sufferin')
Suffering
Oh
Oh
(Sufferin')
Suffering
Hey, I got everything a man could want
I have all the possessions one desires
Since my baby's been gone
Since my partner left me
I've been sufferin'
I have been in great distress
Hey I got a private jet
I own a personal airplane
It take me anywhere I wanna go
It allows me to travel wherever I desire
I'm getting big paychecks
I earn substantial amounts of money
From all of my sold out shows
Due to the high demand for my performances
I'm on top of the world living like a boss
I feel incredibly successful and live lavishly
Until that girl up and laid me off
Except when that girl suddenly ended our relationship
Well you may look at me like I'm having a good time
You might perceive me as enjoying life
Hey, but if you look in my eye, you see way down deep inside
However, if you truly look into my eyes
That I'm sufferin'
You will see that I am experiencing pain and distress
(Sufferin')
Suffering
Sufferin'
Suffering
(Sufferin')
Suffering
See without my baby I'm sufferin'
I undergo great distress without my partner
(Sufferin')
Suffering
Hey hey, I'm no good
I am not in a good state
(Sufferin')
Suffering
I got everything a man could want
I possess all material desires
But since my baby been gone
Since my partner left me
I've been sufferin'
I have been in great distress
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
A Child
Excellent song I will always love this man
Sakhara Balogun
I know off heart ♥️ I love this song 🎶
Jennifer A.
There's no genre R. Kelly can not gene do. My top 3 artists are MJ, Prince and K, and R. Kelly
Dale James
He is still the 👑 of RB
Trina Steward
Nice song
Faye Lee
My song R.kelly come on thru baby. 2019
Baru Curry
I love (his) music.Not his personal life..
Is that okay to say these sensitive days..
YouTuber???
Marilyn Hill
Bill Withers n Anthony Hamilton VIBE 💋👍
Connie Moorr
He who is without sin cast the first stone
Zoe B
Me too. Been a fan for 30 years. He understands blues, country and all the best soul. Constantly creating and different. The first singer to sing the word ‘remix’.
But he needs to stay in jail. A danger to women.