Sherrick (July 6, 1957 – January 22, 1999) was an American soul musician. Read Full Bio ↴Sherrick (July 6, 1957 – January 22, 1999) was an American soul musician.

He was born F Lamonte-Smith; or Lamotte Smith in 1957 in Sacramento, California.

Sherrick was given his professional break by Raynoma Gordy (née Singleton), former wife of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Sherrick was the lead singer of the Motown group, Kagny, who recorded a song for the Motown movie, The Last Dragon. He also had two solo singles in the UK Singles Chart in 1987. These were "Just Call" (#23) and "Let's Be Lovers Tonight" (#63) on Warner Bros. Records. In addition his album, Sherrick reached #27 in the UK Albums Chart the same year.

He died in Los Angeles, California in January 1999, at the age of 41. He is survived by his widow, Lynne Conner-Smith and his three children, Kiriandra, Paris and Chance Smith.

Baby I'm For Real
Sherrick Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Baby, baby
You don't understand
How much I love you baby
And how much I wanna' be you're only man
Oh baby

Baby, baby, baby
You don't have to go

Stay a little while longer baby
I wanna' talk to you just a little more
I see the little tears in your eyes about to fall
You are wondering
If I'm for real

But if you cry
Wonder why you cry
I'll tell you no lie
This is how I feel
Baby yeah
Baby I'm for real

(Baby I'm for real)
(Baby I'm for real)

If you wanna' know the truth about it
I just can't live without it
That's why I'm confessing my love to you
Oh girl
I wan't to live, my whole life with you

Baby,baby,baby yeah
(I'm for real girl)
Wo oohhh
Never ever gonna, ever gonna'
Ever gonna, leave you girl
(I'm for real girl)

Ohhh baby
(I'm for real girl)
Oooh baby, baby, ohhh baby girl
(I'm for real girl)
Never ever gonna' leave you baby
(I'm for real girl)
(I'm for real girl)
(I'm for real girl)

But if you wanna' know the truth about it
I just can't live without it
That's why I'm confessing my love to you
I wan't to live, my whole life with you

Baby,baby, baby, yeah
(I'm for real girl)
Wo ohhh ooo
Never ever gonna' leave you baby
(I'm for real girl)
Baby I'm for real
(I'm for real girl)
I want you to know that darling
Do you believe me girl?
Baby I'm for real

(I'm for real girl)
Baby I'm telling you girl

Overall Meaning

The song "Baby I'm for Real" by Sherrick is a beautiful love song that emphasizes the depth of love the singer has for his girl. In the first verse of the song, Sherrick confesses his love for his girl, telling her how much he loves her and how much he wants to be her only man. He reassures her that he is the real deal and he is not just playing games with her heart, even though she seems unsure if his feelings are genuine. The chorus emphasizes his sincerity and his willingness to spend the rest of his life with her.

In the second verse, Sherrick reaffirms his love for her and expresses his dependence on her. He cannot imagine living without her and he is willing to confess his love for her openly. He wants her not to doubt his sincerity, as he is willing to remain committed to her for the rest of his life.

Overall, "Baby I'm for Real" is a powerful declaration of love and commitment. The lyrics are beautifully crafted to convey the depth of emotion that Sherrick feels for his partner. It is a song that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who has ever been in love.

Line by Line Meaning

Baby, baby
Addressing the listener with affection

You don't understand
Expressing that the love for the listener is incomprehensible

How much I love you baby
Stating the intensity of love for the listener

And how much I wanna' be you're only man
Expressing a desire to be the listener's only romantic partner

Oh baby
Further expressing affection and endearment for the listener

Baby, baby, baby
Reiterating affectionate address to the listener

You don't have to go
Asking the listener not to leave

Stay a little while longer baby
Expressing a desire for the listener to stay longer

I wanna' talk to you just a little more
Expressing a desire to have further conversation with the listener

I see the little tears in your eyes about to fall
Observing the listener's emotional state and empathizing with them

You are wondering
Acknowledging the listener's doubt or uncertainty

If I'm for real
Addressing the listener's skepticism and wondering if they believe in the sincerity of the love

But if you cry
Hypothesizing about the possibility of the listener crying

Wonder why you cry
Expressing confusion about the reasons behind the listener's tears

I'll tell you no lie
Assuring the listener that the singer is truthful

This is how I feel
Further emphasizing the sincerity of the artist's love

Baby yeah
Continuing to address the listener with affection

Baby I'm for real
Affirming the true and genuine nature of the singer's love

(Baby I'm for real)
Reiterating the authenticity of the love

(Baby I'm for real)
Repeating for emphasis

If you wanna' know the truth about it
Addressing the listener's doubts and offering the truth

I just can't live without it
Expressing the artist's inability to live without the listener

That's why I'm confessing my love to you
Explaining the reason for the declaration of love

Oh girl
Addressing the listener with affection

I wan't to live, my whole life with you
Expressing a desire for a lifelong commitment to the listener

Wo oohhh
Vocalizing an emotional response

Never ever gonna, ever gonna'
Promise of absolute commitment

Ever gonna, leave you girl
Promise of never leaving the listener

(I'm for real girl)
Reiterating the authenticity of the artist's love

Oooh baby, baby, ohhh baby girl
Addressing the listener with affection and endearment

Never ever gonna' leave you baby
Promise of never leaving the listener

Baby I'm for real
Affirming the true and genuine nature of the artist's love

I want you to know that darling
Expressing a desire for the listener to know the depth of the artist's love

Do you believe me girl?
Asking the listener if they believe in the sincerity of the artist's love

Baby I'm telling you girl
Reasserting the authenticity of the singer's love

(I'm for real girl)
Reiterating the sincerity of the artist's love

Writer(s): Gaye Marvin P, Gaye Anna

Contributed by Anthony N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

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Comments from YouTube:

Jeff I

11y↑19

Not Sherrick's song, but he certainly "owns" it with this rendition. Just awesome!!!!

Chubby Gallasso

7y↑38

Love the Originals version too ,but Sherrick nails this song.

chessdrummer

6y↑2

He does well in this cover. It's a totally different song... different tone.

JockItch96

15y↑2

Yes indeed. This guys voice is second to noen. Blues and Soul mag artist of the year. A album that needs a re-release if any did. Cant believe the album was deleted. Lets be Lovers Tonight and Just Call was a chunk of pure liquid gold.

Shahz39

14y↑1

Its a shame because there aren't many singers like these anymore. He sings this perfectly

chessdrummer

5y↑25

I'm not crazy, but he has a voice up there with Jeffrey Osborne and James Ingram.

funkazoid2511

15y↑8

One of the best male singer R&B music ever had...a real strong man with emotions... something between Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross... excellent...thank for posting...the whole album of Sherrick is fantastic...

MrNooneseesme

15y↑5

Way do the talented always die young. Man you had such tallent and this is your very best in my opinion. None does it better. This still sends a shiver down my spine and makes me close my eyes, its just so full of emotion and power. If only you were still with us

mspenney3

3y↑95

The Wendy Williams Movie brought me here. I didn't even remember this man but I remember the song.

Davida Mathis

3y↑5

You probably remember the original version of this song by the Originals.

SHANTAY JEFFERSON

3y↑1

Me too!!

BlowN Smoke Catering

3y↑1

Same

Pamela T-Yancey

3y↑4

I didn’t realize he was the original artist to do this song. I actually don’t remember him. I thought the group After 7 sung it first.

Tia

3y↑2

@Pamela T-Yancey right!😂 I thought After 7 did the song over never knew him or heard this version🤷🏾‍♀️

3 More Replies...

Lynval Hall

8y↑11

beautiful, crisp and soulful rendition!

tilaunc

4y↑1

Great performance of a classic!! Sherrick had that special voice!!

Robert Williams

12y↑18

I am speechless......This was such a handsome gentleman and talented singer. I regret hearing about his demise and am very sure that he would have gone on to higher heights if it wasn't for the demons in his life.

Stephen Broadhurst

13y↑6

one of the best voices of 80's soul, i remeber a quote from Will Downing saying he wished he could sing like this. and Will had a very good voice. absolute talent

jacquelinem1960

3y↑3

I agree . I've even watched the Will Downing version and he has an amazing voice but Sherrick nails this. He was such a loss to music the industry. So underrated. I remember he was coming to England and got on a plane and then had to return to America.. That was the end and it still haunts me ... that life is indeed short.

J Eshun

5y↑2

Written by Marvin Gaye & Anna Gordy in 1969, the track was originally recorded by The Originals, but Sherrick revamps it & makes it his own, what a beautiful ballad from 1987

mike evans

14y↑23

The original "Baby I'm For Real" is an incredible ballad,a "hands down" killer ballad.I've been in radio for 26 years,and we played this song when I was on the air in Macon,Ga. in the eighties.I said it then,and I'll say it again that Sherrick's cover of this song is one of the most incredible re-makes that no one ever heard! It never loses the original intimacy,yet he adds a "grab her by the back of her neck and tell her I love her" element to this song that is unreal! In my top 5 for life!

rscystrunk

Mactown in the house!

David Fuller

39w

Also listen to After 7 version

Nate The Great

30w

It's crazy how you mentioned Macon! See, i remember this song because my Dad is actually FROM Macon, GA! One of my favorite memories is him getting the family together and piling us all in a van for a summer road trip from Detroit to Macon to visit relatives. This song 🎵 was on a tape he made. I'll always have good memories of him. He passed away on July 4, 2021.

Nikki St.Clair

12y↑7

I woke up with this song on my heart and mind, Ive played it about 8 times. Once I researched him, I found out he died in 1999 on this very day. Im a little spooked about that, but I LOVE this song.

MrNooneseesme

13y↑3

Periodically keep coming back to this. Its just so beautiful, beautiful voice, perfection. Im with you man, I share just some of your pain in a life that the fight for survival finally knocks it out of you

Erica Brown

6y↑1

Ohhhh How I love this song!!! This man sang this song with all of his heart & soul. You can feel the melody coming from his gut. Thank you for the years and all the great songs Sherrick. May you continue to rest well. :-(

MrNooneseesme

13y↑3

He was 'king awesome. Typical of the pressures that face us all, I suppose. I sure know Im struggling for survival. But I also know know that this track is a moment of perfection in time. Complete and utter harmony. Always a great man

L Brown

I remember BOTH of his hits! Great voice and nice eye candy too! ❤❤

dener francisco

9y↑2

Que Maravilha de música,música está de pessoas de bom gosto!

undecided25

12y↑2

I remember getting this album on "LP Vinyl"........Yes I Know I'm and old fart. What a beautiful voice and such a sad story. Gone too soon and sadly missed. Sing it Sherrick !!!!!!

MaxiBaby80

11y↑2

I can't take this off repeat! <3

John Musoke

14y↑1

classic cut, an all time favourite. Thanks for brightening up my day Davey

Marshall Hennington

7y↑53

Sherrick use to date my sister in LA when I was a teenager in the 80's and he was so nice and obviously very talented. A kind soul the man had it all it all it seemed, but like many of the artist in the industry he gave into drugs due to many factors. I wish he could have been with us longer because his talent was phenomenal. I ran into his brother in the LA Valley a few years ago and I shared my fond thoughts of Sherrick with him. He is gone but never he will never be forgotten for those of us who had an opportunity to witness his greatness!

MsMookalate

Ahhh that's how Wendy got into drugs

Colt Fathwell

@MsMookalate na..... She got him into drugs which lead to his death. Not only has wendy killed daytime TV and her own career but she killed this man too.

Lisa Augustin

People show many faces, to many people !!!!

Sandra Robinson

Thanks

1 More Replies...

Checkmate Checkmate

14y↑1

Yep - this version is my fav, as well. I love The Originals. But this one is just special - so powerful - so passionate.

Ada Brock

Omg Love his voice

Tony G

11y↑2

I was blown away when I heard this version of the song in the mid-late '80s. Sherrick truly had a gift. It was tragic that the demons won before his talents could be fully explored, but the short glimpse we saw was magnificent. I would love to have heard Marvin Gaye's reaction to this rendition of his song. I'm certain he would have been pleased. Classic, powerful, clear, genuine. True music.

Mickey Blue

I too love the original song but when I heard this man sing it for the first time I was blown away.

Somer Knight

14y↑2

This was always my favorite version. I read a disturbing article about him recently. He died in 1999 at the age of 41. Before his career started he was heavily into drugs (WHAT ELSE IS NEW IN HOLLYWEIRD). His mgr would look for him in the worst parts of L.A & drag him out of crack houses to get him ready for the studio or a performance. His mgmt team had finally had enough.

Lil69446

13y↑2

My favorite cover of this song!

Evelyn Price

Mine too🎤🎶❤️👍🏾

Graham Holt

52w

And mine

Heartbeatz FM

Wonderful Song ❤❤❤

SoulBroPete

12y↑1

A beautiful version of a fantastic song. I've grown up with this kind of music. Hope your projects come to fruition soon. Peace.

Martin Man United Stretford end

8y↑1

Simply soul excellence-Rest in heavenly peace soul brother-thank you for sharing your gift..

MrNooneseesme

13y↑1

Complete and utter perfection

MrNooneseesme

12y↑5

Ok Im here again. Well, just cant keep away from perfection. i know this isnt the original version, but with ALL due respect to the wonderful original version.........the late and great Sherrick is one of the ultra ultra rare examples that once in a lifetime excels beyond anything imginable. Sherrick this is a tribute to you mate, never gone and certainly never forgotten.

kimmy1984

15y↑3

I usually don't like remakes but this one was fantastic! Thanks for posting I was a fan of Sherrick back in the day.

John Musoke

14y

Classic track davey. Glad to know there are some 80s soul guys out there. Takes me back to nights at Parkers Hotel in Manchester, run by Expansion Records and Sunset 102 (Robbie Vincent). Also used to check out Steve Davies' show (more than just a snooker player!). Used to play this and Just a Matter of Time by the Manhattans..Real Soul

Linval Hall

10y↑4

My all-time favorite...Sherrick js for real!

mrbsfld

12y

i was in high school when this dropped and i never stopped playing it!

Barry Wright

Great rendition

sixpaw

You left us gems like this Sherrick. RIP

MrNooneseesme

12y↑3

Just dropped by again, thinking of you and your music. You stay with us - never forgotten mate. RIP, late and great guy. Noone does it better

Sonia Chamberlain

love this song still listening too sherrick 2020 RIP ❤

mrbillhicks

11y↑1

Lamonte Smith recorded one of the best albums in my collection... not to mention the finest version of Baby I'm for real.... We are the same age 56, I'm glad he passed my way...

manoel messias santis Santos

10y↑3

uma das minhas preferidas..

MrNooneseesme

11y↑1

Sherrick fan here. Stopping by on my regular tirps here. No matter how much the music industry tries to crush and delete the postings of this from you tube, this survives. COMPLETE AND UTTER PERFECTION. RESPECT TO YOU MAN, SO SORRY YOU ARNT HERE, BUT NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN. AS FRESH AS CAN BE NOW AND FOR ALWAYS, RESPECT TO YOU AND FAMILY

MrNooneseesme

7y↑7

yup Im back again. This never ever ages, never ever fades. What a voice and what a version of this song. Always with us Sherrick

Satinblue1

13y↑1

such a lovely Tune.. hearing the lyrics.. Baby.. I Do!!

Miss Ginny

10y↑10

We miss you Sherrick. Rest In Peace

Zachary Cunningham

15y

man this song is awesome...i remember him

Patsy Thomas

10y↑3

One of my parents favorite songs

POLYNZN33

14y

THANKS!!! been looking for this for the longest time! WOW what trip down memory lane.............. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meeki

3y↑10

I'm only here after watching WW movie, and I remember this song.

MB

Excellent rendition of the Originals, Baby I'm For Real, Gone too soon.....

claudemir gomes

13y

infelismente as drogas silemciaram esta linda voz...mas nos que curtimos blacking in love...estaremos sempre com vc Sherick em nossos coraçoes...sei q vc esta longe mas ao mesmo tempo perto de nos..seu fa do Brazil

dener francisco

7y↑1

claudemir gomes q pena q uma voz tão maravilhosa se acaba na flor dá idade aos 41 anos no ano de 1999 mais uma perda para está maldita drogas q Deus te envie para um lugar abençoado Sherick

Claudio Campos

Dener Francisco o importante q ta gravado sherick sera eterno em nossos corações

JaWana Brown

Superb!!!

MinaxXx007

14y↑1

a great singer...

latasha turk

I'm patiently waiting for a man(my soulmate) to love me like this...for real! 💯

Cvada Royals

I saw a great video of him singing this song years ago. Does it still survive?

MrNooneseesme

11y↑2

Well assuming you are for real, all I can say is respect to you and family for what you went through. None knows what is was like unless they have been there themselves and even then its different for anyone. Some comments here speak volumes and I cant expand on them, dont want to in fact. You know the score

Cinnamon Spice

Sweet soul making baby 👶 musical 🎶🎼🍾🍾

Patrick Black

Classic!

DelVita Ahmed

14y

Brings back memories

Kgotso Sehlodi

great stuff, I remember him now

Cami BluTube

3y↑2

Damn! I didn't know he sung this song?! I guess I'm here because of Wendy, but I still love this song!

chessdrummer

5y↑3

He may have given into drugs, but at least we have this song to listen to for the next 1000 years.

Martina G.

14y

wondeful voice he was a very handsome man just died too young the age of 41.

mannyprime

13y↑1

My mom still plays this lol

MrNooneseesme

And yes back again. Isnt this just one of the most superb, harmonious and slick productions youve ever ever heard? Go on, admit it, let your heart speak

Little Lamb

45w

Now THIS was the makings of the REAL “Quiet Storm” on Sunday nights

Dean Ward

4y↑1

Michel mc Donald, sherric, after7, all all versions are great is a matter of who you prefer for me after7, Melvin, kevon, Keith man them boys have some wicked vocals.

qbano55

14y↑34

Sherrick was my cousin. He's the reason I moved to L.A. we went to ASU together in the late 70's. I really miss him! Love you bro!

MrCandlewax

3y↑1

Did you know about the wendy williams thing?

mrbillhicks

“The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.”

Cedric Koonce

Love this song but I never knew thanks Wendy

MrNooneseesme

12y↑2

I cant imagine the pain that you have been through. I know things must have been and probably still are so really difficult and upsetting for you all. All i can relate to is the public side, which is his music. And without any doubt this is his very very best. it is complete and utter perfection and that will be at odds with his addiction and lifestyle. I wish peace and respect to you and family and hope that in whatever way you have found a way of dealing with this. Take care now and always

Marco Rey

14y

this song is very romantic and great.. Im sorry he missed...i don t know the causes of that!!

Kewania Yarbrough

3y↑2

I remember this song dang he didn't have to do poor Wendy like that smh.

MrNooneseesme

11y↑2

your legacy remains for always, because noone does it better

Black Anonymous

6y↑23

I knew the After 7 version of this but I've never heard this version.

Renee W

3y↑1

The first version. of this song, came out in 1969, by a group called the originals

saywhat157

10y↑2

Like the Originals version, though he does have a nice voice.

steven bauer

9y↑8

He Sounds like robert brookins great singer rip brother.

In the Third Circuit

3y↑8

I'm sick. This was my favorite version of this song and to find out he's a creep makes my stomach turn.

shavonne ross

3y↑33

Anyone here because of Wendy Williams?

taradickey1

3y↑1

Yup. I believe her

MrNooneseesme

11y↑2

this is a profound and informed viewpoint. probably too much than the average YT viewer can appreciate, but thanks for posting .

Gary Legna

11y↑1

Very sad loss .Just going to do a tribute to him on Facebook Disco,Soul,Gold

Monica Sanders

I remember this song

John Justice

Sherrick made this Awesomely song

Carlos Augusto Couto

Going Back to 80's.

daveyctvr

13y

Is there any news on his unreleased material? I haven't heard from Red Diamond in a while.

Cynthia gomes

God is in control.

Tee McCallum

9y↑2

He passed away? Oooh I loved him!

VARUNCOUTINHO

Wow..... the Original?
Been listening to After 7's smooth version.

Toss Yo

I use this song i'm in the car with my wife

daveyctvr

13y

Couldn't agree more my friend.

Mia_ G

Literally here right now because of Wendy Williams. Too young to know who he was so I was curious to know what he looked like. Never heard of him but I’ve heard this song before