He was signed with Elektra in 1995 by Darryl Williams. In 1997, he performed in a television special with his sister, but despite the mainstream attention, he was dropped by Elektra soon after. His easygoing image and boyish looks appealed to the producers of Brandy's television show, Moesha, scoring him a role on the popular UPN series starting in 1999. He also started producing, putting together the music for several commercials and a few of the demos for his second record. In 1997 he also released his debut album Everything You Want, recorded the year before, which spawned two singles. "Let It Go" was the lead single of the smash soundtrack for Set It Off (Brandy also appeared on the soundtrack; and her song "Missing You" with Tamia, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight peaked also at number 25). It peaked number 25 in the U.S. and number 11 in New Zealand. The second single peaked at number 54 on the U.S. R&B chart.
After appearing on the last episode of Moesha in 2001, Norwood stepped back into the studio and recorded "Another Day In Paradise" with Brandy, which was a Top Ten success in Austria, UK, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands and number 11 in Australia and France. The song was the lead single of the R&B/Hip Hop tribute Urban Renewal, in which he co-produced and performed songs. Norwood also worked with The Neptunes, Rodney Jerkins and Lil' Kim, and several other hitmaking producers and singers for his second studio album This Ain't A Game, a Hip hop-oriented record that featured more of his rapping than his debut. The album was released in 2001, but despite a strong promotional push from new label Atlantic Records, it wasn't a breakthrough success. The lead single "Wait A Minute" appeared in the lower half of the charts in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Great Britain. The second single did even worse peaking on the R&B/Hip hop chart only.
In 2002 he appeared in the video for his sister's smash-hit "What About Us", which was produced by Jerkins, and was released as her third album, Full Moon's lead single during the first quarter of 2002 (see 2002 in music). While "What About Us?" entered the Top 20 on the majority of the charts it appeared on, it reached the Top 10 in Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, the UK, and the United States.
After a two year break, Norwood returned to recording studios, adding the finishing touches on his third studio album Raydiation with help from producers such as Rodney Jerkins, Timbaland, and R. Kelly. A joint venture by Sanctuary Records and Ray-J's own label, independent Knockout Entertainment, the album was finally released on September 27, 2005 in North America after several delays, debuting at number forty-eight on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 18,321 copies in the first week. Boosted by the album's lead single "One Wish," a top 20 success in Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, the U.S.. Raydiation eventually sold over 400,000 copies domestically.[2]
In 2005, Norwood joined the cast of UPN's One On One,[3] where he played the character of D-Mack for the final season.
More recently, Knockout Entertainment announced a multi-million dollar album deal with Koch Records and Shaquille O'Neal’s "Deja 34" entertainment company.[2] The first album for this deal is Norwood's upcoming fourth album All I Feel, which featuresThe Game, and remixes with Manny and Gil (MP Productions) among others. It was released on April 1st,2008.[4] The album's first single is "Sexy Can I" featuring rapper Yung Berg peaked at number three on the Top Singles (Hot 100) for six weeks. A video for the track, directed by R. Malcolm Jones, was shot in December 2007
Let's Play House
Ray J Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got a game to play its called
House ha ha ha
From the first day that I met ya knew
That you was independent always pushin' up in yo whip
Always payin' for all yo own shit (girl)
'cause you know that its all about (you got it goin on)
And for that I wanna thank ya
Lord knows I appreciate you girl
Baby you know the truth girl you
So beautiful the way I feel each time we kiss if you only knew
Lets build a cottage with the white picket fences (baby)
We'll have some children (after) well settle down the two of us
Put that on everything my car my house my name
If there's anything you ever need please don't hesitate
Come with me girl lets play house
You could be the mommy let me be the daddy (yay yay)
I would be the perfect spouse
Bout ready to settle down and start a family (yea yea)
Come with me girl lets play house
You could be the mommy I could be the daddy (yay yaye)
I would be the perfect spouse
Bout ready to settle down
Here for the long run
This ain't no short term
I'll still remain loyal you even when your backs turned
Girl I am here to stay
Just like that dark stain on your white carpet
I won't go away! (forever and a day)
I'm so excited and the temperatures risin
No need don't try to fight it
We should just realize that we're in love
Put that on everything my car my house my name
If there's anything you ever need please don't hesitate
Come with me girl lets play house
(girl) you could be the mommy and I can be the daddy (yaye yay)
I would be the perfect the spouse
Bout ready to settle down and start a family now (yea)
Come with me girl lets play house (you can be the mommy) I would-be-the-daddy-girl
I would be the perfect spouse
Bout ready to settle down (down)
Let me be the one you need
Lovin you is necessary
Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on
And for you I'll be the one you rely on
Come with me girl lets play house
You could be the mommy and I can be the daddy (yay yea)
I would be the perfect spouse
(oh)
Bout ready to settle down and start a family with cha (baby)
Come with me girl lets play house
I wanna come home and see how ya days been goin' (girl)
I would be the perfect spouse
You see I'm bout ready to settle down (girl)
Let me be (let me be)
The one you need (the one you need)
Lovin' you (lovin' you)
Is necessary (is necessary)
(let me be) let me be
(the one you need) all you need (lovin' you is necessary)
(wanna eat yo cookin')
Is necessary (let ya cook for me) let me be the one you need
Wanna lay there wit ya baby wanna be there for ya baby lovin' you
So crazy yea yea yea yea let me be the
One you need I'm gonna be there for you anytime you need me baby
The song "Let's Play House" by Ray J is about a man who is expressing his love for a woman and wants to take their relationship to the next level. He is ready to build a life with her and start a family. The lyrics convey his commitment to her and how she brings joy to his life. The chorus "Come with me girl, let's play house, you could be the mommy, let me be the daddy, I would be the perfect spouse, bout ready to settle down and start a family" is an invitation for her to take their relationship seriously.
In the first verse, Ray J acknowledges that the woman he is addressing is independent and self-sufficient, which he admires about her. He thanks her for staying by his side and making his life better. He then goes on to describe their future together, with a white picket fence and children running around. The second verse highlights his loyalty and devotion to her, even in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, the song is about love, commitment, and the desire to start a family. Ray J's lyrics express his willingness to do whatever it takes to make their relationship work and how important she is to him.
Line by Line Meaning
A girl
Introducing the subject, a girl that the singer is addressing.
I got a game to play its called House ha ha ha
The singer is referring to a game of love and domesticity as 'house' which he wishes to play with the girl, indicating his desire to settle down with her.
From the first day that I met ya knew
The singer knew from the first day of meeting her that the girl was independent and strong-willed.
That you was independent always pushin' up in yo whip
The girl displays her independence by driving her own car, which is a symbol of financial stability and autonomy.
Always payin' for all yo own shit (girl)
The girl pays for her own expenses and doesn't rely on anyone else for financial support.
'cause you know that its all about (you got it goin on)
The girl is aware of her worth and capabilities, and knows that she can accomplish things on her own.
Ever since we been together our whole life's been so much better
The singer attributes the improvement in his life to the girl’s companionship after they got together.
And for that I wanna thank ya Lord knows I appreciate you girl
The artist expresses gratitude to the girl and acknowledges her contribution to his improved quality of life.
Baby you know the truth girl you
The artist is trying to convey that he is sincere and honest about his feelings towards the girl.
So beautiful the way I feel each time we kiss if you only knew
The artist finds the girl's physical appearance and their physical intimacy to be beautiful and meaningful.
Lets build a cottage with the white picket fences (baby)
The singer is referencing the idyllic American dream of owning a nice house with a happy family, and asks the girl to build that dream with him.
We'll have some children (after) well settle down the two of us
The artist envisions a future with the girl with a family, after they've first taken time to settle down as a couple.
Put that on everything my car my house my name
The singer is committing his name and assets to the girl, and implying that he will do everything he can to provide for her.
If there's anything you ever need please don't hesitate
The singer wants the girl to know that she can always rely on him for any assistance she needs.
Come with me girl lets play house
The singer actively urges the girl to take part in his vision of settling down.
You could be the mommy let me be the daddy (yay yay)
The artist is suggesting traditional gender roles in their future household, with the girl being the caregiver and him being the provider.
I would be the perfect spouse
The artist wants the girl to know that he is confident and capable of fulfilling the traditional role of husband.
Bout ready to settle down and start a family (yea yea)
The singer is determined and motivated to settle down and start a family with the girl.
Here for the long run
The singer is committed to the girl in the long term.
This ain't no short term
The artist affirms that his commitment to the girl is not short-lived, but long-lasting.
I'll still remain loyal you even when your backs turned
The artist promises that he will remain faithful to the girl, even when she is not around.
Girl I am here to stay
The artist assures the girl that he is committed and will stick around.
Just like that dark stain on your white carpet
The singer humorously likens his permanence in the girl's life to a persistent stain on her carpet.
I won't go away! (forever and a day)
The artist reiterates his unwavering commitment and promise to stay forever.
I'm so excited and the temperatures risin
The singer is excited about the prospect of building a life with the girl.
No need don't try to fight it
The singer tries to convince the girl to accept his advances because it feels natural and good.
We should just realize that we're in love
The singer is trying to say that their feelings for each other are mutually reciprocated and they should accept their love for what it is.
Let me be the one you need
The artist is offering himself as a support system for the girl, someone she can rely on.
Lovin you is necessary
The artist emphasizes the importance of love in this relationship and the necessity of loving her.
Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on
The singer acknowledges that everyone needs emotional support at times, and he's offering to be that person for the girl.
And for you I'll be the one you rely on
The singer promises to be a supportive and reliable partner for the girl.
Wanna eat yo cookin'
The artist is expressing his desire to share in the girl's daily life, including the meals she cooks.
Let ya cook for me
The artist is eager to let the girl be the domestic caregiver and enjoy her cooking.
Wanna lay there wit ya baby wanna be there for ya
The artist expresses his desire to be with the girl in all forms and provide emotional as well as physical support.
So crazy yea yea yea yea let me be the One you need
The singer is ardently trying to convey his love and commitment by emphasizing the importance of being there for his girl.
I'm gonna be there for you anytime you need me baby
The artist's promise to be there for his girl whenever she requires his support.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network
Written by: WILLIE NORWOOD, RUPERT GRIER CURRENCE, RODNEY JERKINS, RICKY LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind