Raheem DeVaughn's debut album was "The Love Experience;" his critically acc… Read Full Bio ↴Raheem DeVaughn's debut album was "The Love Experience;" his critically acclaimed follow-up was "Love Behind The Melody."

DeVaughn's musical story began with his mother's vinyl collection. "I always loved music so I would sneak into her record collection when she wasn't around and play her stuff." DeVaughn's father, noted jazz musician Abdul Wadud was also an influence. DeVaughn knew at an early age that he would become an entertainer.

DeVaughn graduated from High Point High School in Beltsville, Maryland; then headed to nearby Coppin State. It was the first day of college that changed the course of his life. "I saw a group of guys standing outside singing, Boyz II Men style," remembers DeVaughn. "I just went up there and started harmonizing with them. Before I knew what was going on, I was in a group, cutting class to write lyrics and record." After winning $2,000.00 in a talent show at Bar None, a Washington D.C. nightclub, DeVaughn decided to go for broke and invested all of his winnings into a CD burner. Several independent releases led to a showcase with Jive Records, and the career was on it's way.

My Wife
Raheem DeVaughn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

As a man, there's a time, when you gotta man up. And you might even know how to say it, well, all you gotta do is play her this. Tell her "Sit down for minute, let me talk to you." Better yet, say "Baby, stand up, and let me get on one knee and explain."

I broke hearts, and I've had girlfriends
Varieties, and even one night stands
I've played the field, even thought I had Miss Right one time
But I guess it wasn't in the most High's plan

But, this time,

When you spoke I
(this time)
Recognized your voice, and
(this time)
Felt like deja vu
This time (this time)
This time
I'm prepared for you
(this time)
The scrimmage is over
(this time)
I'ma Keep it real and true
(this time)

Don't want no girlfriend
Don't want a 2 week love affair that just ends
Don't need no married (I even been there and done that too)
Not five, (not four), not three, (not two), just one

I want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
I want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
Want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
Want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
I want you to be my wife, my wife

So just say yes
And pick out your dress
My friends say I'm crazy but girl I wouldn't load? right now
Now hold out
Till we get to the hotel room
On our honeymoon
Never thought I'd be doin it this soon

But this time,
Oh, I'm not afraid of love
(this time)
I'm with you because
(this time)
I'm a grown man now
(this time)
Ooh I've got a winner this time
(this time)
I see my dreams come true
(this time)
I'm prepared for you
(this time)
This scrimmage is over
I'ma keep it real with you

Don't want no girlfriend
Don't want no 2 week love affair that just ends
Don't need no married (don't need no husband knocking on my door)
Not five, (not four), not three, (not two), just one

Won't you be my wife (equally I need you to be.)
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
I want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
Want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
Want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
I want you to be my wife, my wife

And after we say I do,
I'ma hand dance with you
Tell the DJ to play that jam
DJ Wayne Williams play that jam

And after we say I do (say yes)
I'ma line dance with you (I'ma dance w/my number 1)
And tell the DJ to play that jam
Hey Kenny dope-man, play that jam?

Want you be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
I want you to be my wife (oo, I'm gonna take you to the church house)
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
Want you to be my wife (want to meet your daddy and ask him can you be)
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
Want you to be my wife
My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
I want you to be my wife, my wife (call your girlfriends, pick out your dress babe, I know you can't stand my cousin, but he's gonna be my best man)

(say yes, say yes, say yes, say yes)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Raheem DeVaughn's song "My Wife" express a man's realization that he wants to settle down and start a life with his special lady. He reminisces about his past relationships, including his share of heartbreaks, casual hookups, and a failed marriage, but acknowledges that everything led him to the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. The song's message is laced with vulnerability, honesty, and an acceptance of responsibility for his past actions.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I want you to be my wife" over and over again, emphasizing the singer's determination to commit to his partner. He expresses his desire for a long-term relationship, devoid of infidelity, short-lived love affairs, or suspicion. He asks the woman to stand up, and he gets on one knee, a traditional gesture of proposing marriage. He declares that he is over his previous failed relationships and is now ready for true love with her. The chorus's final line, "Say yes," is an invitation for the woman to accept his proposal and start their lifelong journey together.

Overall, "My Wife" is a love song that celebrates commitment, loyalty, and the desire for companionship. It's a refreshing change from the typical songs about casual hookups and one-night stands that dominate the music industry. The song's message is a testament to the importance of love, trust, and honesty in relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

As a man, there's a time, when you gotta man up.
A man has to take responsibility for his actions.

And you might even know how to say it, well, all you gotta do is play her this.
It is easy to express love to someone through music.

Tell her 'Sit down for minute, let me talk to you.'
Request the woman to listen carefully to what you have to say.

Better yet, say 'Baby, stand up, and let me get on one knee and explain.'
Propose to the woman and ask for her hand in marriage.

I broke hearts, and I've had girlfriends
I have had many romantic relationships in the past, some of which did not end well.

Varieties, and even one night stands
I have had casual and short-term intimate relationships too.

I've played the field, even thought I had Miss Right one time
I have dated many women and even thought that one was the perfect match for me.

But I guess it wasn't in the most High's plan
Perhaps it was not destined in the divine plan.

Won't you be my wife (equally I need you to be.)
I want the woman I love to be my partner in marital life.

Don't want no girlfriend
I do not want just a casual or a short-term relationship.

Don't want a 2 week love affair that just ends
I am looking for a long-lasting relationship, not just something that lasts for a few weeks.

Don't need no married (I even been there and done that too)
I do not want to have an affair with a married woman as I have already experienced that.

Not five, (not four), not three, (not two), just one
I am only interested in being with one woman.

My wife, my wife, my wife, my wife
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the desire to have the woman as the life partner.

So just say yes
Asking the woman to accept his proposal.

And pick out your dress
Asking the woman to prepare for marriage and look for a wedding dress.

And after we say I do, I'ma hand dance with you
Planning to share a special moment on the dance floor after the wedding ceremony.

Tell the DJ to play that jam
Requesting the DJ to play their favorite song.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARL KENNETH GONZALEZ, RAHEEM DE VAUGHN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Galvatron over 9000

2y↑1

L Y R I C S
Intro]
As a man, there's a time when you gotta man up
And you might not even know how to say it
Well, all you gotta do is just play this
Tell her, "Sit down for minute, let me talk to you"
Better yet say, "Baby, stand up
And let me get on one knee and explain"

[Verse 1]
I broke hearts and I've had girlfriends
Varieties and even one night stands
I've played the field, even thought I had Miss Right one time
But I guess it wasn't in the Most High's plan
I was through but

[Pre-Chorus]
(But this time) When you spoke I
(This time) Recognized your voice and
(This time) Felt like déjà vu
(This time) This time
(This time) I'm prepared for you
(This time) The scrimmage is over
(This time) I'ma keep it real and true (This time)

[Chorus]
Don't want no girlfriend (Don't want no girlfriend)
Don't want a two-week love affair that just ends (Ends)
Don't need no married woman (I even been there and done that too)
Not five (Not four), not three (Not two), just one
(You're the one I want)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife, my wife

Skip Ad
[Verse 2]
So just say yes, and pick out your dress
My friends say I'm crazy but girl, I would elope right now
Now hold out 'til we get to the hotel room on our honeymoon
Never thought I'd be doin' it this soon but hey

[Pre-Chorus]
(But this time) I'm not afraid of love
(This time) I'm with you because
(This time) I'm a grown man now
(This time) Ooh, I've got a winner this time
(This time) I see my dreams come true
(This time) I'm prepared for you
(This time) This scrimmage is over
(This time) I'ma keep it real with you

[Chorus]
Don't want no girlfriend (I don't, I don't want no girlfriend)
Don't want a two-week love affair that just ends
(I don't wanna kick it and quit no more)
Don't need no married woman
(Don't need her husband knockin' on my door)
Not five (Not four), not three (Not two), just one
(You're the one I want)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife, my wife

[Bridge]
And after we say I do
I'ma hand dance with you (I'ma dance with you)
Tell the DJ to play that jam
DJ Wayne Williams, play that jam
And after we say I do (Say yes)
I'ma line dance with you (I'ma dance with my number one)
And tell the DJ to play that jam
Hey, Kenny Dope, man, play that jam?
I brought you here 'cause I want you to be my

[Chorus]
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife, my wife
(Call your girlfriends)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
(And I've gotten everything, said the ring waiting for you)
My wife (My wife), my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife (My wife)
I want you to be my wife, my wife

[Outro]
Say, say, say yes

TINA TROU ROYALTY

6y↑2

✨I’m Loving this song
👑& 👑
11 seconds in its THE TRUTH💯
My 1stday/Time hearing this song nice I really like how authentic it is...

YEASS!! ✨TWUp

✨Season are changing Time for you to sew seeds your mind is the soil where most 👑&👑need to realize there Divine Mission upon the planet 🌍 an not to fall for any an all that comes your wayyyy
USE YOUR your Divine Wisdom an tune in (higher self

Find ur BACK BONES /" wSPINE)

STAY GROUNDED WITH GAIA (planet mother nature’s)
STAY TRUE TO YOUR HIGHER SELVES 👑&👑

LET GO OF LOW WEAK VIBRATIONS THAT that no longer serves you.

(dont FALL for or be FAKE)it’s less than
your Divine Worth.
(stay 💯Authentic
Imjsusayin

All comments from YouTube:

Yolanda Austin

8y↑29

I love this song. I would love for him to sing at my wedding.

Maralina Allen

Girl him... also
✔Anthony Hamilton
✔Rashaan Patterson
✔Eric Robertson
✔Mali Music
✔Tori Kelly
They can do a Zoom concert but a live concert would be forever lit!

Karen B

Me too!!

MsCubanaWithFlow Jacqueline

8y↑53

I believe that when God puts that special person in your life that he can show you why things didn't work out with any one else... God will give you what you deserve when your faithful! what's better than being a wife or mother ?

YanaP OnTheTube

5y↑1

I really like parts what you said. Moved

Chaitra Pollard

8y↑11

Nothing in the world is more important than love. Becoming a mother and soon to be wife is everything to me.😉

Habib Nt

14y↑25

"I know you can't stand my cousin bobby, but he's gon be my best man"...lmao...my best part of the song

Beautyfull Hearts

6y↑2

I LOL at that part!!!! too funny but yet real...

James Horne

14y↑8

This is a HOT song!!!! I love the beat to this...Got me dancing at work outta know where!!!!!!! I have this lady that I'm going to ask to be my wife, but I'll will be playing this one before I ask! after we dance I'll get down on one knee!!!.

Kintu Tucker

8y↑33

Raheem is that talent swept underneath the rug.but you know what's under their

El Eternal Lordess X

5y↑2

I have never heard a song from you Raheem DeVaughn that I did not like! Your soul makes beautiful music, and your spirit gives permission

Alvet

6y↑3

Nothing but memories on this song 👍! Really good lyrics and music

shawtilicious93

14y↑3

Love this!!! So smooth and silky, courtesy of Raheem's voice, I'm sure:-) To the guys, if you've been through more than any one man should with your past relationships and are reluctant to take a chance on a woman that just feels right...maybe, just maybe...she IS.

Tabitha Waters

10y↑14

I just close my eyes and imagine Raheem singing this to me lol, I love that man

Ms. Ladybug

me too😍

tracy coit

9y↑1

@Tabitha Waters guuurl, meee tooooo!!!

Galvatron over 9000

2y↑1

Weee Goood

8y↑14

i just love this mans music.

SinceritySpeaks

14y↑5

I freakin' LOVE you Raheem!!!!!!!

Johnna Jackson

8y↑8

He is THE BUSINESS!! Why is he so underated? I wish him much success, he jammin....

Tonya Woodard

Johnna Jackson because he celebrates black women and the powers that be hate black love .JUST LOOK AT THE WOMEN IN HIS MUSIC VIDEOS AND THEN LOOK AT THE WOMEN IN LETS SAY A CHRIS BROWN VIDEO ITS SO BLATANT BUT ITS ALL GOOD HE GOOD GOD GOT THIS SOLDIER LOVE HIM BECYZ HE STOOD UP FOR THE SISTAHS ANYWAY

Tajah Penn

8y↑11

Such a sweet song.. Love it..

Kimbre Jackson Wright

4y↑1

This song still jams 10 years later 🖤💯🔥

Amy L. Schultz

10y↑32

Grown Man status! Love this song. #SomedaySoon

desertflowerz89

Did it?

Lorenzo Burke, Jr.

10y↑2

Good song... Thanks @Amy L. Schultz for sharing!!

NikkiB

14y↑3

Here is an example of an outstanding artist, who does not have to call females out there name, put them down, etc. to receive credit. Others should follow. Listen to his albums. Nothing but positivity comes from this man's words.

Shavon Countee

12y

I LOVE EVERYTHING RAHEEM SINGS, HIS VOICE JUST TAKE OVER MY BODY

TINA TROU ROYALTY

6y↑2

Joy Bacon

12y↑1

My time is coming! Love this man's voice!!!

nonamenow

5y↑1

I love this album. I love you, Raheem. Was so nice to meet you. You are lovely and your tunes paradise. Big kiss from Brazil to ya!

Keiyannha Dubose

14y

This is one of my favorites by him...he did the thang with this album

Liyah Cmon

Absolutely love this song

tiffezzard

14y↑1

I am about to celebrate 13 years of marriage! This song makes me think about my husband, and I fall in love all over again.

Jessica

10y↑31

whenever my man tells me to REALLY listen to a song....some shit is about to go down lol

Leslie Marshall

He has so many hits that I have never heard. I can't believe I missed

mepjr1977

9y↑1

Love it..first dance at our wedding!

Miss Vasquez

7y↑2

Love this song 😘

Chyllz88

12y↑1

Great lyrics, great vocals and the electric guitar in the background takes me away. When the day comes, I will stand tall and proud as his wife... xoxoxo

msqueenofleos

12y

I'm really feeling this song.....I think this would be a great song if you plan on proposing to your girl. Love it!

LovingLife1715

11y↑3

i love this song could have died laughing when he says i know you cant stand my cousin but he gonna be my best man!!!

YanaP OnTheTube

5y↑1

Raheem devaughn always got them good ones💿

Marie Dodds

10y

I freakin love this song ! Great first dance song ..

lane queen

12y

Love this song!

Tywon Anderson

14y↑1

This is my joint here....Check out how that boy says "HEYYYYY" (around 2:05) Love it! I jam this every morning on way to work and the gym singing @ the top of my lungs! LMSAO! "Never thought I would being doing it this soon, but HEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

Latoya Williams

4y↑1

this my wedding song and if I'm not marrying Raheem Davaughn then I want him to atleast sing this at my wedding to my replica of him I am claiming it now 2020 AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SinceritySpeaks

14y↑5

My favorite part is around 1:45 *Just say yes and pick out your dress/My friends say I'm crazy but girl I wouldn't know right noooow* It's the way you say that ish - AHHHHH!!! Raheem, you are the modern day Marvin Gaye FOR-REAL!! AND your falsetto makes me want to call the Love of My Life and just make ish right!!! If I ever get up the nerve to call that dude I'm going to sing this part: *this time, I'm not afraid of love, THIS time, I'm WITH you because, THIS time, I'm a grown woman now...*

Inspirational Love Notes

SinceritySpeaks He said, "my friends say I'm crazy but girl I would elope right now." 😃 That's one of my favorite parts too. 😍

Dallas Byers

7y↑1

ONE OF THEE COLDEST NEOSOUL ARTIST DOING IT. DON'T CHANGE.THOSE WHO AREN'T AFRAID OF GROWN FOLKS MUSIQ..TUNE THE F### IN.. YOUR MISSING LOVE 😎

Deborah Thomas

I know what it means to be a wife and I, Know what it is to have an ex......Sad but true that love is very blind,. For the most important thing is you learn what a bad relationship is from a good one..... Now that is why I luv this song ! 2021

leens Hernandez

Love it ♥

Kingg Smith

3y↑1

This song is dope. Just now today discovering this song

desiree trotter

12y

Love Love Love this song!

Michelle Mccullough

12y

I love this!!!!

Wester Bocio

7y↑1

damn since 7 years know this Song and I still love that. ..😍😍

BrownSuga Sharlene

14y

This is the sh&t right here! In fact, the entire CD is it!

DivineValentino

14y

Well thanks to my assistance in promotions this song should be played everywhere this is my new wedding song

The Real Curtis

4y↑2

My first ever concert was yours in GrandRapids Michigan Martin Luther King Park 2019 it was dark shit you gave my City love and we loved it 💯

Anna Mari

11y↑21

Some men do not know what to do when they meet their furture wifey. There are more boys in the world than grown men. Women should not be the men in the relationship.

Nasir Ansari

blame the absentee fathers that fail to raise their boys into men. its not the dudes fault nobody taught him to be a man.

50ways2leave

6y↑2

Sw-e-e-e-e-e-t Now that's how u woo a lady 🔥🔥🔥🎶🎶🎶💖💖💖

oneeye9426

14y

I'm goin to buy this CD tomorrow!!!

Trinika Buckley

10y↑5

This is a song thts good for a proposal

Tatiana Kaljuznaja

7y↑19

raheem is that real singer and not the illuminati one. that's why he is less known

Ms. Ladybug

oh yes exactly.. but they not stopping anything..love this man!

Donald Johnson

11y↑4

This song is so hot it's burning my ears!!!!! Fire!!!

toni parker

14y

smooth beat it throws u into relax mood

Ms. Ladybug

love this man ...and he said say yes at the end...so .....YESSSSS!😍..LOL🤗

Natasha Andrew

12y↑21

i want this feeling from a man, not only the feeling, i want HIM to say this to me and mean it!!!! cant find tht GRANDMA N GRANDADDY LOVE no more....

Macy Gray

14y↑1

this song is beautiful :D

EL Cee

11y

This song is so on point.

Gealeta Perkins

10y↑2

I love this song.. Yes GROWN man Statis .... !!!! #imhiswifeyforlyfe

Hawaiian Essence

Very niiiice song👌🏻

Clifford Cox

11y↑3

My wedding song!!!!

DeEtta Parker

10y↑3

Love this cut

Tywon Anderson

14y

Listen to how that boy say, "HEYYYYYYYY" ( around 2:05) MY SHITTTTTT: I jam this song every morning on my way to the gym and work....EVERY MORNING...singing to the top of my lungs!

dineahdab

11y

Wow this was well put~~

1stClassIntellect

12y↑8

I need that James and Florida Goodtimes love but that's been watered down by my generations lack of knowledge about what love and sex really means. Sex has been taken for granted and love has been forgotten....smh

Deborah Hawkins

1stClassIntellect yass hunty... tru love is a thing of the past! RARE🙄

fredrickm3

14y

hope he gets recognised in UK

taraem41

11y↑1

all women need men to say and mean this!!! great song

Lucas Vasconcelos

8y↑3

This is my jam!

Jason Wiley

9y↑46

Proud husband right here.

Weee Goood

8y↑2

that' is the truth of my life i dedicate this song to my mate fore the rest of are days when it is true love we will see each other when we leave this messed up world. my wife than you raheem

Marie Johnson

3y↑1

Loving It all🥰💋💞💋💯✌👍💅👌

Diva Cookn

4y↑1

Wow. Never heard this beautiful song. amazing song. Yes.. I wish I had a king like this. The King I'm with isn't ready. I hope this is a new King... a wife huh. Wow. Hmm. I need to see

Deidre Morris

love this.......

R Sanders

4y↑2

Soul Music. Anyone here in 2019?

Sean Mitchell

2020!

lane queen

12y

Wish he would have sung this for the R&B Explosion... nice performance though. Beautiful smile ! Come back soon Raheem.

Weee Goood

4y↑1

I truly dedicate this to you please understand it this is real it'll never hear a Raheem divine my friend mill sims aka bug

Rita Crowder

7y↑2

So sweet Raheem 😘

Darielle Butler

12y↑2

This about to be my weeddinn songg .

Weee Goood

4y↑1

See that's all I've ever done my friend so I dedicated it to you don't be mad just understand okay homie bud

Clifford Cox

11y↑2

My wedding song

MH

13y

oh yeah this my jam! my wife, my wife , my wife. =)`

Feliscia Hoskins

13y↑1

As a man ...there's a time when you have to man up......WHAT HELL YEAH....

Cameron n fam

11y

I like this

coachdrew100

Smooth!!

Jacquelene Clark

14y

very nice. i'm very sick of hearing the songs about sexing a woman up and rocking her world without putting a rock on her finger. thank you, raheem.

Cynthia Kelley

14y

@enclosedfury imma teen 17 infact but just puttin my 2cent's in i feel that young ppl are the sorce of what musicians put out today and most younger teenz just wanna hear trey songz n pleasure p n all them guyz not taking away from them cuz they got talent but raheem is def. underrated

Karen B

7y↑4

Yes..I'm a one Man's Woman...

Obi Wan Kenobi

11y

true true true. preeeach preacher

Macy Gray

14y

thats my favorite part too lol

asia carter

12y

@kingiam82 I love that part too.....thought i was the only one that noticed that.

Weee Goood

8y↑4

keep singing the truth I miss you and I don't even know you but what I do know you are great come back to los Angeles please I need to see you again. MS Thai

Weathered Strength

12y

Superb ; 0 D... i like how ya' think!

DivineValentino

14y

@orangeburg35 yes get the album whenever you can also get anthony hamiltons as well all 5 of them

Ashley Michelle'

7y↑6

I do 😍😘😳

MyCurly08

14y

i LOV3 tHiS SON9!!! i LOV3 MY bABY <3

Bloodsport1

14y↑2

Hey girl I want you to be my wife my wife my wife

Bella Brown

8y↑2

what else can you say but I do!!!

MrHorusAde

11y

Anna its your responsibility to yourself to know the difference between boys and men, with that being said don't complain about something that can't be changed.