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.
Switch
Robin Thicke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Alright ready
Come on man, this is what I do
Yo mic check, mic check, yeah here you go
Nah, he over here
Yeah, I heard he got that hot new thing
It's called "Switch" (switch)
Let's get it going
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Turn around, now switch
Turn it over and hit it
Hey, vibe to vibe a second, it's a club girl why you arrived naked
Hear that, how the veteran glide the record
But don't download, go out and buy the record
Hey, something sexy bout her
Girl on the floor, all her friends around her
I mean real clean, ain't gotta touch or nothing
It ain't like I like a chick on chick or something
I'm just a sucker for a hot track
Gimme a drink and a chick to tell 'Stop that'
Dance is a hop and a clap, flip it round
Now bring it on back, break it down
Now switch
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Turn around, now switch
Turn it over and hit it
Uh uh uh
I gotta question, I need to ask somebody
Why is it that when y'all see me at the party
Y'all be looking like, "Ooh, he a movie star
He ain't supposed to be out on the floor with everybody"
But oh wait, whoa, y'all forgetting
When I was, amateur spitting before the scripts were written
First one in, last one out the club
Bursting in, passing out in the club
Back at it, this cat is the wit and the charm
Taking you higher, like a syringe hittin' ya arm
Bringing the fire, making your Benz ring the alarm
Let me see you clap, spin baby, come on
Switch
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Turn around, now switch
Turn it over and hit it
Oh, you just gonna stand there, huh
What you too cute to dance, or you scared
It ain't really that hard to do and
I ain't trying to be in love with you and
All I wanted was a moment or two to
See if you could do that switch-a-roo and
Shut your mouth fool, get your crew and
The thick body and the rear one too and
I'll be right hear waiting on you to
See if y'all can do that switch-a-roo
Hey, hey
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking bout, switch
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Turn around, now switch
Turn it over and hit it
The song Switch by Robin Thicke is about dancing in a club and appreciating the energy of the dance floor. The lyrics describe the scene of a club where everyone is partying and having a good time. The song encourages dancing, specifically the 'switch' – a dance move that involves turning around and hitting it. The lyrics focus not only on the dance move but also on the energy and vibe of the club environment.
The lyrics also mention Robin's presence in the club, and how some people are surprised to see him there. He rhetorically asks why people are so surprised and reminds them that he was once an amateur rapper, showing that he's still connected to the roots of the music and the scene. He tells people to let loose and dance, rather than just standing around and watching.
Overall, the lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy the moment on the dance floor. The upbeat, rhythmic sound of the song is designed to get people moving and dancing, conveying the message that music is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated.
Line by Line Meaning
Alright ready
I'm pumped up and ready to get this party started
Come on man, this is what I do
I'm a professional at getting the party started
Yo mic check, mic check, yeah here you go
Testing my microphone before I start performing
Nah, he over here
Pointing someone in the right direction
Yeah, I heard he got that hot new thing
I've heard about a hot new song or dance move
It's called "Switch" (switch)
The new hot song or dance move is called Switch
Let's get it going
Let's start dancing and having fun
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Start dancing to the music and switch up your moves
Turn around, now switch
Change your dance moves and turn around
Hey, vibe to vibe a second, it's a club girl why you arrived naked
Enjoy the music and the atmosphere while noticing the sexy dancers
Hear that, how the veteran glide the record
Listen to how the DJ skillfully mixes and plays the music
But don't download, go out and buy the record
Support the artist and pay for the music instead of downloading it illegally
Hey, something sexy bout her
There's something alluring about the sexy dancer
Girl on the floor, all her friends around her
The sexy dancer is surrounded by her friends
I mean real clean, ain't gotta touch or nothing
The dancing is classy and doesn't involve physical contact
It ain't like I like a chick on chick or something
I'm not into same-sex relationships, I just enjoy dancing with women
I'm just a sucker for a hot track
I can't resist dancing to a great song
Gimme a drink and a chick to tell 'Stop that'
I just need a drink and a girl to join me in dancing and having fun
Dance is a hop and a clap, flip it round
The dance move involves hopping and clapping before flipping around
Now bring it on back, break it down
Bring the dance move back and break it down
Now switch
Switch it up and try a new move
I gotta question, I need to ask somebody
I have a question and need someone to answer it
Why is it that when y'all see me at the party
Why do people act surprised when they see me at a party?
Y'all be looking like, "Ooh, he a movie star
People assume I'm too famous to be at a regular party
He ain't supposed to be out on the floor with everybody"
People think that because I'm famous, I shouldn't dance with regular people
But oh wait, whoa, y'all forgetting
Hold on, don't forget
When I was, amateur spitting before the scripts were written
I used to be an amateur rapper before I became famous
First one in, last one out the club
I'm always the first one to arrive at the club and the last one to leave
Bursting in, passing out in the club
I'm energetic and sometimes even pass out from all the clubbing
Back at it, this cat is the wit and the charm
I'm known for my wit and charm when I'm performing
Taking you higher, like a syringe hittin' ya arm
I'm going to take the energy level of the party to the next level
Bringing the fire, making your Benz ring the alarm
I'm bringing the heat and excitement to the party, making your car alarm go off
Let me see you clap, spin baby, come on
I want to see you dance and clap to the music with me
Oh, you just gonna stand there, huh
You're just going to stand there and not dance with me?
What you too cute to dance, or you scared
Are you too cute to dance or are you scared?
It ain't really that hard to do and
Dancing isn't that difficult, anyone can do it
I ain't trying to be in love with you and
I'm not trying to fall in love with you, I just want to dance
All I wanted was a moment or two to
I just wanted a few moments to dance with you
See if you could do that switch-a-roo and
I wanted to see if you could dance the Switch with me
Shut your mouth fool, get your crew and
Stop talking and bring your friends over to dance
The thick body and the rear one too and
Bring your curvy friends over to dance with us
I'll be right hear waiting on you to
I'll be here waiting for you to come dance with us
See if y'all can do that switch-a-roo
Let's see if all of us can dance the Switch together
That's what I'm talking bout, do that thing mama
That's what I'm talking about, keep dancing like that
Hey switch, turn it over and hit it
Keep dancing and switch things up
Turn around, now switch
Turn around and change your dance move
Turn it over and hit it
Get back into dancing and switch things up again
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ROBERT JAMES SMITH, JASON TOOP COOPER, SIMON GALLUP, PORL THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Adriftingleaf
A great actor, a great rapper, and a great slapper!
@jenniferjones2289
Was looking for this comment lmao
@NubianGirl7
Lol 😂
@kaypizle7424
🤣🤣🤣🤣
@benreiltd.2528
💯💯💯🖤🖤🥰😁😆😃
@TheBigb45
🤣🤣🤣👀
@midnightwerewolf5567
18 years later and it still slaps hard
@DatPRGuy2017
Haha slaps hard😂
@Malik_Free
Lmao 🤣🤣 I'm guessing no pun intended
@ClaireCarstater
😂