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.
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Raheem DeVaughn Lyrics
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To understand paying dues
And the pain of my people and your people, all around the globe
You gotta feel me
Listen to the music, use it
What you know about juggling jobs and struggling hard and chasing dreams
What you know about having no car and rent being due and no bling bling
What you know about loving your child, just to find out it ain't your seed
[Chorus]
Until you know my joy, know my pain, and know my struggles
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues, and felt my troubles
Until you've shared my tears, known my fears, in all my years
Only till then, you only know what you think you know
What you know about hittin' that block and dodging them cops to make ends meet
What you know about the lights being off, the gas being off and no food to eat
What you know about Goodwill clothes, while all your friends dressed fly in junior high
What you know about Grandma's words when she said One day, boy, you're gonna shine
[Chorus: x2]
What you know about writing late at night, by candlelight till the shit is tight
What you know about late night prayers, and late night tears, hoping God (tell me what you know)
What you know about earning your keep, because you don't bend, break, or ask
Don't you know the last'll be first (Hey) and the first will be last
[Chorus: x3]
The lyrics of Raheem DeVaughn's song 'Until' are a heartfelt commentary on the struggles of everyday life that most people can relate to. The lyrics emphasize that one cannot truly understand the struggles of others until they have been through it themselves. The opening lines depict the pain and struggles faced by people worldwide, and listeners need to listen to the music to feel it truly.
The lyrics then highlight various struggles faced by the singer and millions of others around the world. The struggles range from financial difficulties to identity issues, and the chorus emphasizes that only when someone has experienced all of these difficulties, can they begin to understand the emotions associated with them. The singer talks about how writing by candlelight and working hard without bending or breaking is necessary to succeed.
The song highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. The lyrics encourage people to understand and support those around them, who may be facing similar difficulties. Raheem DeVaughn's 'Until' is an emotional and raw expression of the daily struggles faced by individuals worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
Now to understand the struggle
To truly comprehend the hardships that people go through
To understand paying dues
Recognizing the price one must pay to achieve success
And the pain of my people and your people, all around the globe
Recognizing that struggles are universal and affect many people worldwide, not just one group
You gotta feel me
In order to understand, you must empathize with me
Listen to the music, use it
Use music as a way to connect with others and understand their stories and perspectives
What you know about juggling jobs and struggling hard and chasing dreams
Questioning the listener's understanding of the difficulties of achieving success while also balancing multiple jobs and tough situations
What you know about having no car and rent being due and no bling bling
Highlighting the struggle of poverty and financial instability
What you know about sacrificing all your wants for all your needs
Describing the trade-offs and difficult choices one must make in order to prioritize necessities over luxuries
What you know about loving your child, just to find out it ain't your seed
Addressing the emotional pain and turmoil that can come with discovering that a child is not genetically related to you
Until you know my joy, know my pain, and know my struggles
You must truly understand the full range of emotions and experiences I have gone through in order to empathize with me
Until you've walked these shoes, paid my dues, and felt my troubles
You must go through the same experiences and hardships as me before you can fully understand my perspective and struggles
Until you've shared my tears, known my fears, in all my years
You must be there for me through both good times and bad, understanding and sharing in all of my experiences and emotions
Only till then, you only know what you think you know
Without truly understanding and experiencing my life, you can only assume and make assumptions about my experiences
What you know about hittin' that block and dodging them cops to make ends meet
Drawing attention to the criminalization of poverty and highlighting the lengths some must go to in order to survive
What you know about the lights being off, the gas being off and no food to eat
Emphasizing the struggle of living without basic necessities and how it affects a person's life
What you know about Goodwill clothes, while all your friends dressed fly in junior high
Highlighting the embarrassment and social stigma that can come with poverty and not being able to afford fashionable clothing
What you know about Grandma's words when she said One day, boy, you're gonna shine
The encouragement and hope for a better future that can come from loved ones
What you know about writing late at night, by candlelight till the shit is tight
Describing the dedication and hard work it takes to achieve success, even in challenging circumstances
What you know about late night prayers, and late night tears, hoping God (tell me what you know)
Turning to faith and spirituality in difficult times as a source of comfort and hope
What you know about earning your keep, because you don't bend, break, or ask
The importance of hard work and perseverance, even in difficult and unfair circumstances
Don't you know the last'll be first (Hey) and the first will be last
A reminder that success and status are not always indicative of someone's worth and that everyone deserves dignity and respect
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RAHEEM DE VAGHN, ERNIE ISLEY, MARVIN ISLEY, O'KELLY ISLEY, RONALD ISLEY, RUDOLPH ISLEY, CHRISTOPHER JASPER, CLIFTON JONES, BOBBY TERRY, JERRY VINES, CURTIS LEON WILLIAMS
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