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.
Get in My Way
Robin Thicke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nobody gonna get in my way (No No No No)
I'm gonna make it, no matter what you say (Alright Alright)
I'm flying by, you better stay in your lane
It's so deny, ain't nobody gonna get in my way
Stefy, out of jail
I'm tired of living in my own hell
(Blue steel can't rule me
All the guards and let the sirens ring)
Working hard like there's a gun in my back
I'll be batting one thousand
With the weight on my back
Come on let's go
Ain't nobody gonna get in my way (No No No No)
I'm gonna make it, no matter what you say (Alright Alright)
I'm flying by, you better stay in your lane
It's so deny, ain't nobody gonna get in my way
Can't censor me, this party's wild
It's burning free, it's meant to be
Inventing my own reality
(The road is getting loose let it go and ? stream
Working hard like there's a gun in my back
I'll be batting one thousand
With the weight on my back
Come on let's go
Ain't nobody gonna get in my way (No No No No)
I'm gonna make it, no matter what you say (Alright Alright)
I'm flying by, you better stay in your lane
It's so deny, ain't nobody gonna get in my way
Baby here's my chance, the wind a my back
The feeling that the leisure running all down my back
My feet hardly hit the ground
I feel like I'm walking on cloud, I did it
No fear no more
Come on let's go
Ain't nobody gonna get in my way (No No No No)
I'm gonna make it, no matter what you say (Alright Alright)
I'm flying by, you better stay in your lane
It's so deny, ain't nobody gonna get in my way
Come on let's go
Ain't nobody gonna get in my way (No No No No)
I'm gonna make it, no matter what you say (Alright Alright)
I'm flying by, you better stay in your lane
No fear no more
Come on let's go
No no no
Alright alright
It's so deny, ain't nobody gonna get in my way
The lyrics of Robin Thicke's "Get in My Way" are an expression of determination and perseverance in the face of obstacles. Thicke sings about his unyielding commitment to success and his refusal to let anyone or anything deter him from achieving his goals. The opening lines encourage listeners to join him on his journey, confident that nothing will stand in their way. He sings, "Ain't nobody gonna get in my way, I'm gonna make it, no matter what you say." This repetition emphasizes his resolute mindset and the confidence he has in his abilities.
The song's verse features Thicke reflecting on the difficulties he has faced and overcome, using the example of a woman named Stefy who has just been released from jail. He is determined to rise above his current situation, to "work hard like there's a gun in [his] back", and to overcome any obstacles in his way. He is motivated by the feeling of success, "I'll be batting one thousand with the weight on my back." The chorus repeats the main message of the song: "Ain't nobody gonna get in my way, I'm flying by, you better stay in your lane". The final verses describe the feeling of free-spiritedness and the joy of succeeding without fear, with lyrics like "this party's wild, it's burning free" and "no fear no more."
Overall, "Get in My Way" is an inspiring anthem about determination and perseverance, encouraging listeners to pursue their goals with confidence and tenacity. Thicke's lyrics inspire and motivate, as he tempers his undeniable talent with an unshakeable willpower.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on let's go
I'm ready to move forward and make progress
Ain't nobody gonna get in my way (No No No No)
I won't let anyone or anything stop me from achieving my goals
I'm gonna make it, no matter what you say (Alright Alright)
I have confidence in myself and believe that I will succeed, regardless of any naysayers
I'm flying by, you better stay in your lane
I'm moving quickly towards my goals, so you better not get in my way or try to slow me down
It's so deny, ain't nobody gonna get in my way
There's no denying that I am destined for success and nothing can stop me
Stefy, out of jail
Referring to a friend who has just been released from prison
I'm tired of living in my own hell
I've been struggling with personal issues, and I'm ready to move on and make a better life for myself
I can see your life beyond this cell
I believe in my friend and know they can succeed despite their past mistakes
(Blue steel can't rule me
This line is unclear and may be a reference to something specific to Robin Thicke's life that is not easily understood without further context.
All the guards and let the sirens ring)
Further context is needed to assign a specific meaning to this line.
Working hard like there's a gun in my back
I am highly motivated to succeed and work tirelessly to achieve my goals, as if there is a constant, urgent pressure driving me forward
I'll be batting one thousand
I will have a perfect record of success
With the weight on my back
Despite the challenges and roadblocks I face, I am determined to succeed
Can't censor me, this party's wild
I refuse to let anyone silence or suppress me, and I'm unapologetically living my life to the fullest
It's burning free, it's meant to be
My passions and desires are guiding me towards a fulfilling and enjoyable life
Inventing my own reality
I am carving out a unique path for myself, rejecting societal expectations and creating a life that suits me
(The road is getting loose let it go and ? stream
Insufficient context to assign meaning to this line.
Baby here's my chance, the wind a my back
I am finally getting my opportunity to succeed, and I am taking full advantage of it
The feeling that the leisure running all down my back
I'm experiencing a sense of freedom and relief after working hard for so long
My feet hardly hit the ground
I feel a sense of lightness and ease as I move forward confidently towards my goals
I feel like I'm walking on cloud, I did it
I have achieved my goals and am feeling incredible elation and satisfaction
No fear no more
I am no longer held back by fear or doubts, and I'm ready to face anything that comes my way
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JAMES D. GASS, PAULA PATTON, ROBIN A. THICKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind