Alan Thicke married actress Gloria Loring, known for starring in programs such as 'Days of Our Lives', in 1970, and he had the two sons Brennan Thicke and Robin Thicke. Half-brother Carter Thicke would become another member of the clan years later after Alan Thicke divorced and remarried. Brother Robin grew up in a household filled with music, with his dad being a singer (of tracks such as "Thicke of the Night") as well as a co-composer for several TV show theme songs and a seminal actor on both the big and small screens (examples being the shows 'Growing Pains' and 'How I Met Your Mother').
The young Robin Thicke taught himself to play piano at the age of twelve. Even at the age of fourteen, he found that he could play just about anything that he heard on the radio, feeling a drive to keep going further. Before his days as a singer-songwriter performing his own material,Robin Thicke wrote songs for the soul and pop groups 3T (with 1995's "Sexual Attention" bringing Thicke alongside Damon Thomas), Brownstone (with 1997's "Around You"), and Color Me Badd (an example being 1996's "Sexual Capacity"). He also collaborated with the acclaimed production duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on several songs for Jordan Knight's 1999 self-titled album. Thicke seemed to receive a great omen when Knight's album was certified Gold and gained huge fan acclaim.
In 2000, Thicke went to work on material for his debut album, which ended up being titled 'A Beautiful World'. The album focused more on blue-eyed soul than his pop-centered offerings for other artists, and he mixed in influences from eclectic funk (in the vein of the British group Jamiroquai) and and modern neo-soul music (in the vain of Canadian crooner Remy Shand). Thicke hoped that he was primed for huge things by late 2002 when the album became ready for release.
Thicke's lead single, called "When I Get You Alone", had a distinctive music video made for it. The disco and slick rnb fueled track sounded rather unlike the commercial pop ethos of the time, having a distinctive sampling of Walter Murphy's 70s dance music hit "A Fifth of Beethoven" (which itself had been inspired by Beethoven's Fifth Symphony). The video featured an unshaven Thicke, with long, grungy hair, as a courier racing through the streets of Manhattan on a bicycle. It received some rotation on MTV 2 and BET's "Rated Next", the song being spun moderately on urban radio. On the Hot 100, it reached #29 quite quickly, yet it fell out the chart just as fast. Globally, however, the song was quite popular. With his single peaking at #17 in Australia, #15 in Belgium, #15 in Italy, #8 in New Zealand, and #5 in the Netherlands, Thicke felt that he wanted another shot at the 'big time' in the U.S.
Devising the re-release of this album, which it then gaining its final title of 'A Beautiful World', Thicke added a few extra songs that he seemed confident of. Yet the album received very little corporate promotion, irritating Thicke despite the release of a second single, a Prince-like groove mixing funk with rock called "Brand New Jones". The album debuted at #152 in the Billboard 200 and didn't do much from there, selling a mere 59,000 copies. Still, his work ended up being received well by many critics and musical peers, with Trevor Nelson and Lil' Wayne (Weezy's 2005 release 'Tha Carter, Vol. 2' would even include some of Thicke's work) lauding Thicke's music, as well as many fans.
In 2004, artist Pharrell Williams asked Jimmy Iovine, CEO of Interscope, “What are you doing with Robin Thicke?” A few months later, Robin was recording a new single, titled “Wanna Love You Girl” with Pharrell in Miami, as a newly signed artist on Pharrell’s label, Star Trak Records. With the two musicians sharing the same love for genre-hopping, deliberately 'retro' music, the single immediately attracted the attention of radio and club DJs across the world after its August 2005 release. The song often given revamped names such as "Wanna Love U Girl", "Wanna Love You Girl (Feat. Pharrell)", and the like, it ended up doing very well in the U.K. in particular, hitting #5 on Trevor Nelson's BBC Radio 1 "Soul Nation" chart.
Now appealing more to the mainstream, Thicke cut off his trademark long hair in an attempt to further recreate himself. By October 2006, when his second album, titled 'The Evolution of Robin Thicke', came out in its entirely, he had built up a ton of momentum, and his work paid off. Thicke earned the #1 slot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and additional singles such as "Got 2 Be Down" and "Lost Without U" saw huge fan responses. As the months went by, his album even earned platinum certification by the RIAA.
Having 'made it' in the truest sense commercially as well as critically, Thick remarked, "My greatest desire with this album was to write songs that were completely honest and sing them with the emotion I was feeling when I wrote them, so that whoever listens to my music is brought as close to my experiences and life as possible."
With this intention, Robin created songs such as, “Lost without You” (the second single). An instant classic, this song is about Robin’s insecurities and his need to be desired and loved. With sweeping vocals over rhythmic Spanish guitar, this song takes you away and makes you sing along.
On the psychedelic, “High School Man” is where Robin infuses rock and hip-hop and poetically admits “I’m a hater” as he hates on those with more success than him realizing, ironically, he just wants what they have.
Finishing off The Evolution of Robin Thicke is the hopeful and encouraging “Thank You.” On this gospel inspired, piano ballad Robin sings, “maybe I’m the one who never gets up ‘till he falls,” making the discovery that he has to be thankful for everything that comes into his life…the tears, the joy, the failures and the successes.
Always carrying a heavy heart, Robin taught himself to play piano at the age of twelve so he could have an outlet to express himself. By the age of fourteen, he could play anything he heard on the radio. At sixteen, with no formal training, Robin began professionally writing and producing music for recording artists like Brandy and Brian McKnight. Over the years he has amassed dozens of gold and platinum records with artists including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson and Christina Aguilera.
Reflective, redemptive, passionate and etched with a soulfulness that is undeniable, The Evolution of Robin Thicke is an imaginative and heart-felt album that you cannot help but be moved by, bob your head to and smile throughout.
The album was released on October 3rd, 2006 and includes songs with Lil Wayne and Faith Evans, as well as Pharrell. The song "Got 2 Be Down" featuring Faith Evans was recently leaked (June '06). There will be two to three more videos released before the album comes out. Lately, there was a Busta Rhymes remix video shot for "Wanna Love You Girl," a Lil’ Wayne feat Robin Thicke "Shooter" video, and Robin has released the video for "Lost Without You," making that song the official 2nd single of the album.
Deep
Robin Thicke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man, it hurts to see a cop kill a black man alert
News flash, police shoot blacks, distort facts
Quick attack, unarmed men, murder them
It's captured on cellphone video and they still let 'em go
When will they stop killin' 'em? Askin' why is they killin' for?
White man with a gun apprehended, he still alive
Black man with a gun, he has no chance to survive
And they ask me, "Why you ain't smilin' Nas?"
'Cause I have a son and I die inside when I gotta tell him what was told to me
Can't play with your water gun son 'cause the police see
A seven years old as a threat
They think it's right to kill a seven years old on sight 'cause he ain't white
So baby if I'm actin' uptight
When our conversation is weak, it ain't you
It's just it ain't that deep
We could be everything, everything that we ever needed
Everything that we ever wanted to be, we could still be
It ain't that deep, it ain't that deep
(Ah yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
(Ah yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Paradise, sacrifice, what do you want from me?
Pay the price, more than twice, what do you want from me?
When I'm wrong and you're right, what do you want from me?
What do you want from me?
In your eyes, I don't wanna see the pain you're holdin' (in your mind)
In your mind, I don't wanna spend a lifetime for it
It's alright, I don't want to play this over
Living in a world I can't explain
It ain't that deep, we ain't gotta lose sleep baby
We could be everything, everything that we ever needed
Everything that we ever wanted to be, we could still be
It ain't that deep, it ain't that deep
That, that, that, that, it ain't that
(Ah yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Tell the truth, was it you? What do you want from me?
Is it real? Are we fools? What do you want from me?
I'm so in love with you, what do you want from me?
What do you want from me?
In your eyes, I don't wanna stop the fire burnin' (in your mind)
In your mind, I don't wanna see your wheels keep turnin'
It's alright, I don't want to play this over
When I know that you're the one for me
It ain't that deep,
It ain't that deep, deep, deep, deep
It ain't that, that, that
Dismissin' got you livin' in your own prison
You need to leave that alone
Before you sittin' in an old folk's home alone with no visits
So exquisite but mess it up when you're tone's risen
And any day when you don't get your way
Gettin' mad at everything I say
And you don't think it's an emergency
A toupee wearin' liar's tryna run the U.S.A
You makin' our lives harder, you're like the argument queen
There's women out here going hard doing positive things
Slam dunkin' in games, directing movies like Selma
World's startin' to change and you actin' the same
'Cause you don't even see what I see in you
Next female president could even be you
Bringing' kids in the world that we gotta teach
Just give me good sex and give me peace
It ain't that deep, it ain't that deep
(Nah, nah shawty)
We could be everything, everything that we ever needed
Everything that we ever wanted to be, we could still be
(It ain't that, that!)
In Robin Thicke's song "Deep," the artist explores pressing social and political issues such as police brutality and racism, specifically in America. He opens with the timely mention of the police brutality happening in Johannesburg that has come to light this decade. He goes on to express his anguish at the reality of police killing unarmed black men, and the trauma of having to explain these brutal events to one's own children.
Thicke observes that the world is not always just, and people can be cruel and unfair to one another. Despite this, he argues that these external events should not interfere with human relationships, and that some issues are not as deep as they may seem. He urges listeners to focus on each other and their relationships, rather than the negative events outside of it. In the end, Thicke reflects on the idea of a post-racial society, wondering if it is possible and if equality actually exists.
Overall, Thicke uses "Deep" to provide commentary on the political and social climate of America with lyrics that reflect his life experiences and perspective. The song encourages listeners to examine and reflect on larger social issues while still pursuing happiness and positivity in their personal lives.
Line by Line Meaning
The problem's getting' worse, a modern 1970, Johannesburg
The current racial tension and police brutality against black people is reminiscent of the apartheid-era South African city of Johannesburg in the 1970s.
Man, it hurts to see a cop kill a black man alert
The emotional pain and trauma of witnessing yet another unarmed black man being killed by a police officer.
News flash, police shoot blacks, distort facts
The media's tendency to sensationalize and misrepresent stories of police violence against black people.
Quick attack, unarmed men, murder them
The aggression and violence of police officers towards unarmed black men, often leading to their death.
It's captured on cellphone video and they still let 'em go
Despite the clear evidence of police violence against black people caught on camera, the perpetrators are not held accountable or punished.
When will they stop killin' 'em? Askin' why is they killin' for?
Questioning the motives and reasoning behind the police's excessive use of force against black people, and wondering when this violence will come to an end.
White man with a gun apprehended, he still alive
Pointing out the unfairness in how white people are treated by police when they have a weapon, as opposed to black people who are often killed on the spot.
Black man with a gun, he has no chance to survive
Highlighting the deadly consequences for a black man carrying a weapon, even if it's legally owned or intended for self-defense.
They gon' shoot him dead soon as they see the brown of his eyes
Reinforcing the idea that a black man's appearance is enough to make him a target of police violence, even if he poses no real threat.
And they ask me, "Why you ain't smilin' Nas?"
Being questioned or judged for not being happy or cheerful, despite the constant pain and trauma of the current state of affairs.
'Cause I have a son and I die inside when I gotta tell him what was told to me
The emotional burden of having to explain to one's child the harsh reality of racism and violence against black people, and the fear and sadness that this brings.
Can't play with your water gun son 'cause the police see
The sad reality that even a young child's play with a toy gun can be seen as a threat by police, and could potentially put their life in danger.
A seven years old as a threat
The absurdity of seeing a young child as a danger or threat simply because of the color of their skin.
They think it's right to kill a seven years old on sight 'cause he ain't white
The shocking truth that a young black child's life is not valued or protected in the same way as a white child's, and is seen as expendable by police.
So baby if I'm actin' uptight
Apologizing for any negative behavior or mood, but explaining that it is due to the current state of affairs and the emotional toll it takes.
When our conversation is weak, it ain't you
Clarifying that any disconnect or lack of emotional connection in a relationship is not necessarily due to the other person, but rather external factors and challenges.
We could be everything, everything that we ever needed
Expressing the possibility of having a happy and fulfilling relationship despite the challenges and injustices of the world.
Paradise, sacrifice, what do you want from me?
Questioning what a person wants or expects from a relationship, and the struggles and sacrifices that come with trying to make a relationship work.
Pay the price, more than twice, what do you want from me?
Acknowledging the emotional and personal toll that maintaining a relationship can take, and wondering if it's worth the cost.
When I'm wrong and you're right, what do you want from me?
Discussing the power dynamics and conflicts that arise in a relationship when one person is deemed 'right' and the other 'wrong'.
In your eyes, I don't wanna see the pain you're holdin' (in your mind)
Expressing a desire to not witness, and alleviate, the emotional pain or trauma that a partner may be carrying within them.
In your mind, I don't wanna spend a lifetime for it
Acknowledging that healing from emotional pain or trauma is a process that takes time, but the artist is willing to be patient and supportive.
It's alright, I don't want to play this over
Expressing a desire to move past any conflicts or issues in the relationship, and not dwell on past mistakes or problems.
Living in a world I can't explain
The feeling of confusion or disbelief in the current state of the world, with all its problems and injustices.
Tell the truth, was it you? What do you want from me?
Challenging a partner to be honest and upfront about their wants and needs in a relationship.
Is it real? Are we fools? What do you want from me?
Questioning the authenticity and honesty of a relationship, and wondering if it's worth the emotional investment.
I'm so in love with you, what do you want from me?
Expressing deep feelings of love and affection towards a partner, but also questioning what their expectations are in the relationship.
In your eyes, I don't wanna stop the fire burnin' (in your mind)
Acknowledging a partner's passion and drive towards a goal or dream, and expressing a desire to support and encourage them in this pursuit.
In your mind, I don't wanna see your wheels keep turnin'
Wishing to alleviate any stress or anxiety that a partner may be experiencing in trying to achieve their goals.
When I know that you're the one for me
Declaring a deep conviction and belief that the person they're with is meant to be their partner and soulmate.
Dismissin' got you livin' in your own prison
Suggesting that avoiding or dismissing emotional issues or conflicts in a relationship only leads to a sense of entrapment or imprisonment.
You need to leave that alone
Encouraging a partner to confront and work through any personal or emotional issues, rather than ignoring or avoiding them.
Before you sittin' in an old folk's home alone with no visits
Warning of the potential long-term consequences of failing to address emotional issues or conflict, and the potential for isolation or loneliness in old age.
So exquisite but mess it up when you're tone's risen
Acknowledging a partner's beauty and appeal, but how conflicts or disagreements can quickly escalate if communication turns hostile or aggressive.
And any day when you don't get your way
Highlighting how a partner's inability to compromise or accept differing opinions can quickly create tension and conflict in a relationship.
Gettin' mad at everything I say
Feeling frustrated or attacked by a partner's negative reaction or hostility towards anything said or done.
And you don't think it's an emergency
Expressing a sense of urgency or seriousness towards conflicts or issues in the relationship, that a partner may not take as seriously.
A toupee wearin' liar's tryna run the U.S.A
Commenting on the current political climate and the challenges and absurdities of government leadership.
You makin' our lives harder, you're like the argument queen
Comparing a partner's negative behavior or attitude to a leader who makes things harder for those they're supposed to be helping, and who seem to look for arguments or conflicts.
There's women out here going hard doing positive things
Acknowledging and praising the hard work and achievements of women in various fields, and highlighting the potential role models and inspirations they can be.
Slam dunkin' in games, directing movies like Selma
Specifically noting the achievements of women in sports and filmmaking, and how their efforts and successes can inspire others.
World's startin' to change and you actin' the same
Reflecting on the current social and political changes taking place, while also noticing how some individuals may not be evolving or adapting to these changes.
'Cause you don't even see what I see in you
Identifying a disconnection or misunderstanding between partners, where one does not see the positive qualities or potential that the other sees.
Next female president could even be you
Encouraging a partner to recognize their own potential and capabilities, and even suggesting that they could become a future leader or role model.
Bringing' kids in the world that we gotta teach
Looking towards the future and the responsibility of raising and educating children in a world that still has many challenges and problems to address.
Just give me good sex and give me peace
Describing the simplicity and basic desires in a relationship, and the artist's expectations or hopes for physical fulfillment and emotional tranquility.
Lyrics © Regard Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Nasir Jones, Robin Alan Thicke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind