Early Life
Marie was born in Santa Monica, California. She is of Belgian, Portuguese, Irish, Italian, and Native American ancestry. Marie grew up in Oakwood, a neighborhood in West Los Angeles. As a child, she had an acting role on The Beverly Hillbillies, credited as Tina Marie Brockert. She also sang at the wedding of actor Jerry Lewis's son when she was 10 years old.
Marie worked briefly at Pup 'n' Taco in the mid 1970s while attending Venice High School, where she joined the Summer Dance Production, and also had a role in the school's production of The Music Man.
1979–1981: Motown era
Marie signed with Motown Records in 1976, having gained an introduction to staff producer Hal Davis (best known for his work with The Jackson 5) and then auditioned, with her then band, for label boss Berry Gordy. She recorded unreleased material with a number of different producers, including Kerner and Wise, but was then spotted by Rick James, who effectively became her mentor. (Some of the earlier unreleased material has since been made available on compilation albums.) Her debut album release, Wild and Peaceful, was originally conceived as a project to be produced by James for Diana Ross, but James preferred to work with Marie. The album was at one point due to be credited to "Tina Tryson", but ultimately was put out under Marie's now-established stage name. It scored Marie her first top-ten R&B hit, "I'm Just a Sucker for Your Love" (#8 Black Singles Chart), which was a duet with James. Neither the album sleeve nor other packaging showed a picture of Marie, apparently on the theory that black audiences might be reluctant to buy an album by a white artist. In fact, many radio programmers wrongly assumed Marie was African American during the earliest months of her career. This myth was dispelled when, in 1980, her sophomore album, Lady T, sported a picture of her on the cover.
Marie's second album is noted for having production from Richard Rudolph (husband of R&B singer Minnie Riperton who passed a year earlier). Marie had asked Berry Gordy to contact Rudolph and secure his input as Rick James was unavailable and she did not feel quite ready yet to be sole producer of her own material. Rudolph intended for the song he penned, "Now That I Have You", to be sung by his wife, but was later given to Marie. Rudolph also co-composed the single "Behind The Groove", which reached number 21 on the black singles chart. The song was also included on the soundtrack of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on the Fever 105 station. Another notable track, "Too Many Colors," featured Rudolph and Riperton's then 7-year-old daughter, Maya Rudolph, who became Teena Marie's god-daughter.
Also in 1980, Marie released her third LP, Irons in The Fire, in which she handled all writing and production herself, including the horn and rhythm arrangements of her band and all backing vocals. The single "I Need Your Lovin'" (#37 Pop, #9 Black Singles) brought Teena her first top 40 hit. That same year, Teena Marie appeared on James' hugely successful album Street Songs with the steamy duet "Fire and Desire." The two would perform the single at the 2004 BET Awards, which would be the two's last TV appearance with one another as Rick James passed later that year.
Marie continued her success with Motown in 1981 with the release of It Must Be Magic (#2 Black Albums Chart), her first gold record, which included her then biggest hit on R&B, "Square Biz" (#3 Black Singles). Other notable tracks include "Portuguese Love" (featuring a brief, uncredited cameo by James, #54 Black Singles), the title track "It Must be Magic" (#30 Black Singles), and album only track "Yes Indeed" which Marie cites as a personal favorite.
In 1982, Marie got into a heated legal battle with Motown records over her contract and disagreements on releasing her new material. The shuffle resulted in "The Brockert Initiative", which makes it illegal for a record company to keep an artist under contract without releasing new material for that artist. The artist would then be able to sign and release with another label instead of being held back by an unsupportive one. Teena Marie commented on the law in an LA Times article, saying, "It wasn't something I set out to do. I just wanted to get away from Motown and have a good life. But it helped a lot of people, like Luther Vandross and the Mary Jane Girls and a lot of different artists, to be able to get out of their contracts".
1983-1991: Epic Records
After leaving Motown in 1982, Marie signed with Epic Records in 1983 and released the concept album Robbery, which featured the hit "Fix It" (#21 R&B), as well as "track artist=Teena Marie]Shadow Boxing" and "Casanova Brown." The latter was one of a number of tracks Marie would write over the years about her real-life romance with one-time mentor Rick James. The relationship had ended by that point, but the two would continue a sometimes tempestuous friendship until James's death. In 1984, Marie released her biggest-selling album, Starchild. It yielded the singles "Lovergirl" and "Out on a Limb," the former of which became Marie's highest-peaking single to date on the US pop charts, peaking at #4, while peaking at #9 on the R&B charts. "Out on a Limb" was not as successful as "Lovergirl" on the R&B Charts, however, peaking only at #56. Also in 1985, "14k" (R&B #87) was featured on the soundtrack of the film Goonies.
In 1986, Marie released a rock-music-influenced concept album titled Emerald City. It was controversial with her established fan base and not as successful as its predecessors. She also recorded another rock-influenced track, "Lead Me On", co-produced by Georgio Moroder, for the soundtrack of the box office hit film Top Gun that year. In 1988, however, she returned to her R&B and funk roots releasing the critically-acclaimed album Naked to the World. That album contained the hit "Ooo La La La," which reached the top of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and remains her only #1 single on that chart to date.
Marie released Ivory in the fall of 1990. Despite the success of the first two singles, "Here's Looking at You" (#11 R&B) and "If I Were a Bell" (#8 R&B), Epic Records was not totally pleased with sales of the album, so Marie and her label mutually agreed to go their separate ways.
Mid 90s Hiatus: Passion Play and Black Rain
During the 1990s, Marie's classic R&B, soul and funk records were either sampled by hip-hop artists or covered by R&B divas. Marie herself is regarded as something of a pioneer in helping to bring hip-hop to the mainstream by becoming one of the first and only artists of her time to rap one of her singles—the aforementioned "Square Biz." In the hip-hop portion of that song, she mentions some of her inspirations: Sarah Vaughn, Johann Sebastian Bach, Shakespeare, Maya Angelou, and Nikki Giovanni, "just to name a few," as she said. In 1996, The Fugees paid tribute to her by interpolating the chorus of her 1988 hit "Ooo, La, La, La" on their own "Fu-Gee-La," which was a huge hit.
In the fall of 1994, Marie released Passion Play on her own independent label, Sarai. Lacking the backing of a major label, this album sold less well than her earlier work, but was well received by fans.
Subsequently Marie devoted most of her time to raising her daughter Alia Rose (who has since adopted the name Rose Le Beau and is pursuing her own singing career). During the late 1990s, she made appearances (as herself) on the TV sitcoms The Steve Harvey Show and The Parkers. She also began work on a new album, entitled Black Rain. She was unable to secure a major label deal for this, and did not want to put it out on her own Sarai label in light of the modest sales of Passion Play. However, a version pressed for promotional purposes was widely bootlegged amongst fans. This contained the tracks: "The Mackin Game", "I'll Take the Pressure", "Baby I'm Your Fiend", "My Body's Hungry", "Ecstasy", "I'm On Fire", "Watcha Got 4 Me", "Black Rain", "1999", "Butterflies", "Spanish Harlem", "Blackberry Playa", "The Perfect Feeling" and "Rainbow Outro". Some of these tracks have resurfaced on the later albums La Doña, Sapphire and Congo Square, in some cases (e.g. "The Mackin Game") in significantly reworked versions. Although there have been rumours of other tracks recorded during the Black Rain sessions, including one called "Underneath the Covers" and another (allegedly a duet with Rick James) entitled "Pretty Tony", these would appear to be apocryphal.
2004-2006: La Doña and Sapphire
After a 14-year sabbatical from the national spotlight, Marie returned to her musical career by signing with the Classics sub-label of the successful hip-hop label Cash Money Records, and she released her comeback album, La Doña, in 2004, and follow up Sapphire, in 2006. La Doña became a gold-certified success (and the highest-charting album of her career, peaking at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart) on the basis of the Al Green-sampled "I'm Still In Love" (#23 R&B, #70 Pop) and a duet with the late Gerald Levert, "A Rose by Any Other Name." Marie was nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award for Best R&B Female Vocal Performance for "Still in Love." Marie quickly followed this success with the release of Sapphire in 2006. While sales were not as great this time around (the album peaked at #24 on the Pop Chart), the release did give Marie yet another R&B Top-40 hit, "Ooh Wee" (#32); it also reunited her (on "God Has Created" and "Cruise Control") with Smokey Robinson, the early Motown mentor whose style she had emulated on early hits such as "Young Love." Marie parted ways with Ca$h Money records after the release of Sapphire.
2009-present: Congo Square
On September 19, 2008, Teena performed in concert at BB King's restaurant in NYC. Marie took this time to play a couple of finished tracks from her upcoming album, Congo Square, and she received a positive response from the crowd. Congo Square was released on June 9, 2009 on the Stax Records/Concord Music label. She has described the album as "personal and spiritual" and indicated that it is more jazz-influenced than most of her previous work. "Can't Last a Day", a duet with Faith Evans, leaked to the internet in March 2009. Teena Marie says of Evans, "It was after I had recorded the song (Can't Last a Day) I got the idea to put Faith on it. I’ve always loved Faith and her vocal style. She reminds me of me. Her correlation with Biggie — having a career with him and without him — reminds me of me and Rick (Rick James). I feel like she’s a younger me. Of the younger ladies, she’s the one I love most.” The album proved another success, reaching the Top 20 on Billboard's Top 200, and giving Teena Marie yet another Top 10 R&B chart entry. In 2023 she posthumously received a Grammy award for a sample credit on Cuff It by Beyoncé, but for unknown reasons the credit was removed so her Grammy was revoked.
Love Starved
Teena Marie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trying to put a square pet into a circular hole
Trying to recreate something I felt back in my youth
A long, long time ago when life was beautiful
Settling for some things that just weren't me baby
Trying to turn pain into ecstasy baby
Just when I thought I could never be truly happy baby
Baby I'm love starved, hungry for real love
Wishing on a star, looking for pure love
With a heart that's true,
Need a confident protection boy
Love's all for you
[Chorus]
Baby I'm hungry ,thirty for love
Baby I'm love starved
Hunger pains and I was thirsty
Seem like all the time
No one could fulfill the empty spaces in my mind
You're the kind of guy that turns a gray sky colorful
That's why I love you so, deep down inside my soul
Just like on a circle sweetness in a candy store
You're everything I want in a man and so much more
Stop, look, listen to your heart ,hear what it's saying
That's the one who walking down to lover's lane
Baby I'm love starved, thirsty for real love
Wishing on a star,
I still wait to send me somebody sweet and kind
Need all of your provision shall
And I will find
[Chorus]
Hungry for real love
And here you are, thirsty for somebody
With a heart that's true
Need a substance baby, I'm starving for you
[Chorus: x2]
Wake up girl it's time for you to recognize
Open up your eyes it's time to realize
Hungry quite in love will make you so all alone
Make you feel like a stranger in your own home
[Chorus: x4]
If you're hungry for real love baby
Come round here
If you're looking for real love sugar
Baby just come right here
If you're feeling thirsty or lonely
Come round here
If you're love starve for me boy
Baby just come round here
[Chorus: x2]
I'm love starved, I'm hungry for you
[Chorus: x3]
The lyrics of Teena Marie's song Love Starved tell a story of the singer's journey to find true love. She has been searching for love in all the wrong places and trying to force something that isn't natural. She describes settling for things that don't fit her personality and trying to turn pain into pleasure. However, just when she thought she could never be truly happy, someone came into her life that changed everything. She sings about being love starved and hungry for real love, and finally finding someone that she can share that with.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "baby I'm love starved, hungry for real love" which not only captures the essence of the song but also makes it catchy and easy to remember. Teena Marie's soulful voice adds depth and emotion to the lyrics, conveying the longing and desperation of someone seeking true love. The lyrics also hint at the idea that true love is hard to find and that it can heal past wounds and make life beautiful again.
Overall, Love Starved is a powerful song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt unsatisfied or unfulfilled in their search for love. Its message is one of hope and perseverance, reminding us that true love is worth waiting for and that it can bring joy and happiness into our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I was looking for love baby in all the wrong places
I was searching for love in inappropriate or incompatible environments or with the wrong people.
Trying to put a square pet into a circular hole
Attempting to fit an incompatible or unsuitable item or person in a situation or environment unsuited for them.
Trying to recreate something I felt back in my youth
Attempting to reenact or rebuild the feelings and emotions experienced long ago in one's youth.
A long, long time ago when life was beautiful
Referring to a time in the past when things were better and life was easier or more enjoyable.
Settling for some things that just weren't me baby
Accepting things or people that do not align with one's true nature or values.
Trying to turn pain into ecstasy baby
Attempting to convert a negative or painful experience into pleasure or joy.
Just when I thought I could never be truly happy baby
When one lost all hope of being genuinely happy.
The sky turned blue, and then it came you
Suddenly, without warning, one met someone who brought happiness and hope to their life.
Baby I'm love starved, hungry for real love
Desperately hungry and starving for genuine love.
Wishing on a star, looking for pure love
Seeking uncompromised and sincere love, hoping and wishing for its arrival.
With a heart that's true,
Having an honest and faithful heart.
Need a confident protection boy
Desiring someone strong and confident to provide support, security, and protection.
Love's all for you
All the love that one has to give is for the other person.
Baby I'm hungry ,thirty for love
Deeply yearning and wanting authentic love.
Hunger pains and I was thirsty
Experiencing intense pain and ache due to starvation from a lack of genuine love.
Seem like all the time
Referring to a constant persistent state of being love starved.
No one could fulfill the empty spaces in my mind
Nobody could satisfy or fill the void in one's mind, soul, or heart.
You're the kind of guy that turns a gray sky colorful
Being with this person can bring joy, happiness, and brightness, turning a dull or gloomy situation into something exciting and vivid.
Just like on a circle sweetness in a candy store
Referring to the happiness and pureness that one feels in a candy store, comparing it to that of being with the other person.
You're everything I want in a man and so much more
This person embodies and possesses all of the qualities and traits that one desires in a partner and then extends beyond those needs to provide more happiness.
Stop, look, listen to your heart ,hear what it's saying
Taking the time to pause and reflect and discern what one's heart is telling them about the situation at hand.
That's the one who walking down to lover's lane
Referring to the person that one is meant to be with, leading them down the path to love and happiness.
Baby I'm love starved, thirsty for real love
Being incredibly thirsty and craving for genuine love.
Wishing on a star, I still wait to send me somebody sweet and kind
Hoping and praying for someone who is gentle, compassionate, and caring to arrive in their life.
Need all of your provision shall
Desperately requiring all of this person's provisions, needs, and supports.
And I will find
Believing that they will eventually locate this source of genuine love.
Wake up girl it's time for you to recognize
It is time for the individual to awaken and become disenchanted by their situation.
Open up your eyes it's time to realize
It is time for the individual to recognize and come to the realization of the situation's reality.
If you're hungry for real love baby
When one is craving genuine love.
Come round here
Come to this place, wherever or whoever it may be, to receive the love that one desires.
If you're looking for real love sugar
If one is searching for genuine love.
Baby just come right here
Come to the person or place that can provide the real, authentic love that one is searching for.
If you're feeling thirsty or lonely
When one is experiencing a drought of love and deep feelings of loneliness.
Come round here
Come to this place, wherever or whoever it may be, to receive the love that one desires.
If you're love starve for me boy
If one is starving or hungering for love from a particular person.
Baby just come round here
Come to the person or place that can provide the real, authentic love that one is searching for.
I'm love starved, I'm hungry for you
Being deeply starved and famished for the love of the individual.
Lyrics © SCHUBERT MUSIC PUBLISHING INC.
Written by: TEENA MARIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sara
on I'm a Sucker for Your Love
Beautiful ❤️ just for you and me.