Lead by vocalist Byron Stingily, the band also included guitarist Herb Lawson, keyboardist Byron Burke and producer Marshall Jefferson. Ten City's debut album, Foundation a crossover hit, peaking at #49 on the Top Rhythm and Blues/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Of their ten entries on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, they are best remembered for their hit songs "Devotion", "Right Back To You" and "That's The Way Love Is" which hit #1 in 1989. These songs are considered to be a House classics today. Stingily, who left the group in 1995 after they officially disbanded, became a successful solo artist. He rerecorded "That's The Way Love Is", the song and brought it back to #1 on the dance chart in 1999.
Ten City's several Top 10 Hot Dance chart/Single sales entries include Right Back To You, Devotion, My Piece Of Heaven and Fantasy.
Discography
Albums:
* Foundation Atlantic Records 1989
* State of Mind Atlantic Records 1990
* No House Big Enough Atlantic Records 1992
* That Was Then, This Is Now Sony Records 1994
* The Best of Ten City Ibadan 2001
Singles:
* "Devotion"
* "Right Back To You"
* "That's The Way Love Is"
* "That's The Way Love Is (Club House Mix)" (Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman)
* "Where Do We Go?"
* "Suspicious"
* "Foundation"
* "Whatever Makes You Happy"
* Superficial People"
* "Nothing's Changed"
* "My Piece of Heaven"
* "Only Time Will Tell"
* "Fantasy"
* "Goin' Up In Smoke"
Devotion
Ten City Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They dont care what's in your head
They really know how to play the game
But in the mornin' they dont know your name
They're only out to get some kicks
First sign of trouble and they're gone too quick
You need someone who truly cares
A lover, who will always be there
Devotion
Someone by your side
Devotion
When things aren't going right
Devotion
Someone to be a friend
Devotion
Through thick and through thin
When you're short on cash I've got your length
When you're weak I'll be your strength
When you're cold I'll be your heat
With other women I swear I'll never cheat
I'll be there when no ones around
I'll pick you up when you're feeling down
I'll give you something you can treasure
A deeper that love that mere words can't measure
Devotion
Someone by your side
Devotion
When things aren't going right
Devotion
Someone to be a friend
Devotion
Through thick and through thin
Through thick and through thin
I wanna be your devotion
Oh yeah
Yeah, yeah, eh, yeah
I'll be your devotion
I'll be your devotion
Let me be your devotion
I just wanna see you happy
Yeah
I wanna give you devotion
I wanna give you devotion
Yeah, devotion, devotion, devotion
Devotion, devotion
Someone by your side
When things aren't going right
De-de-devotion, oh, oh, oh
Oh
I just want to
I just wanna give you something you can treasure
A deeper that love that mere words can't measure
Give you devotion
I wanna give you devotion
I wanna give you devo-devo-devotion
Yeah, baby
I just wanna give you, I just wanna give you
I just wanna give you
I just wanna, just wanna
Just want, just want, just want, want, want, want, want, want devotion
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, yeah, yeah
Give you, I wanna give, I wanna, I wanna give devotion
Love, love, love, love, love, love, love
The lyrics to Ten City's "Devotion" speak to the desire for a deeper and more meaningful connection with someone. The song is a call to women to recognize that many men, while they may be charming and fun, are not truly interested in a long-lasting and committed relationship. They are just looking for a good time and are quick to leave at the first sign of trouble. This is contrasted with the singer's declaration that he will always be there for his partner, through thick and thin. He promises to be a friend and a source of support, offering strength, warmth, and comfort when she needs it.
The song is a plea for devotion, for a love that is steadfast and true. It is a reminder that real love isn't just about physical pleasure, but about emotional connection and commitment. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes this message, with its insistent call for someone to be by your side, to be a friend, and to offer devotion through thick and thin. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody reinforce this message, making it an anthem for anyone looking for a deeper and more meaningful connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Many men will try to take you to bed
Numerous men are going to attempt to seduce you
They dont care what's in your head
These men are unconcerned with what resides in your mind
They really know how to play the game
They possess the skillset to have their way with you
But in the mornin' they dont know your name
When dawn breaks, they'll forget who you are
They're only out to get some kicks
All they want is to indulge in their own whims
First sign of trouble and they're gone too quick
They'll flee at the slightest hint of adversity
You need someone who truly cares
You need someone who sincerely loves and cares for you
A lover, who will always be there
You need a committed partner who will stay by your side no matter what
When you're short on cash I've got your length
I'll provide assistance with finances when you're in need
When you're weak I'll be your strength
I'll lift you up when you're feeling vulnerable
When you're cold I'll be your heat
I'll warm you up when you're feeling cold
With other women I swear I'll never cheat
I promise to be faithful and not cheat on you with other women
I'll be there when no ones around
I'll be there for you when no one else is
I'll pick you up when you're feeling down
I'll be there to help you regain your spirits when you're feeling down
I'll give you something you can treasure
I'll provide you with something you can cherish and value
A deeper that love that mere words can't measure
The love I have for you is profound and goes beyond what words can express
Through thick and through thin
I'll be there with you through the easy and the tough times
I wanna be your devotion
I want to be the person you turn to for constant support and loyalty
I wanna give you something you can treasure
I want to provide you with something you can cherish and hold dear
Give you devotion
I want to give you my devotion and commitment
Someone by your side
I want to be the person you can rely on and have around you
De-de-devotion, oh, oh, oh
Devotion is what I'm offering, oh, oh, oh
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Marshall Jefferson, Byron A. Stingily
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bigsteve1966
for some reason, i still know ever single word to this song
When you're short on cash I've got your length
When you're weak I'll be your strength
When you're cold I'll be your heat
With other women, I swear I'll never cheat
I'll be there when no one's around
I'll pick you up when you're feeling down
I'll give you something you can treasure
A deeper love that mere words can't measure
💗
@MsLovedandBlessed
My dad played this on repeat - so much so that I still know all the words. 1958-2015, this helps me feel like he's still with me.
@chrisharder4854
❤
@dbank6107
Bless
@hopscotch3466
good fadda!
@jerryhand5298
Pops had good taste!
@andreaspena8230
GTA online brought me here this song is the greatest of house music it just reminds me of gta san andreas
@marquisesmith6420
My DJ played this song on GTA.... In my club Thanks.
@patriothammer1460
Another classic 🙏
The UK has a lot to thank Chi for ✌ stay safe stay 😎 X
@crystalriley9671
Thanks and all is well over here. Media tends to distort da real Chitown. Stay safe!
@patriothammer1460
@@crystalriley9671 That's Awesome to hear X