The album also earned the artist a Grammy Award in March 1988 in the category of 'Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male'. In that same year, D'Arby earned three Soul Train Award nominations for 'Male Album of the Year' (from releasing 'Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby'), 'Male Single of the Year' (from releasing "Wishing Well"), and 'Best New Artist'. Receiving immense critical praise for a work that became RIAA certified as mutli-platinum, fans worried that he may have peaked too early, but they found D'Arby determined to continue down his own unique musical path.
D'Arby was born in Manhattan, New York, and he joined the army after leaving college, serving in Elvis Presley's old regiment in Germany. He was formally discharged by the army in 1983 after going absent without leave. While in Germany, he also worked with the group The Touch, releasing an album of material called 'Love On Time' in 1984. That album was later re-issued in 1989 as 'Early Works'.
D'Arby's follow-up studio album, 'Neither Fish Nor Flesh', came out in 1989. It sold over two million copies and earned praise from fans. Many critical reviews, however, were mixed and faulted D'Arby for what they saw as wandering about musically with a purpose, and the artist's acrimonious disputes with his record label grated on him. Note that the album is often alternatively known as 'Neither Fish Nor Flesh: A Soundtrack of Love, Faith, Hope & Destruction',
The expectations placed on D'Arby's shoulders from his early success caused him to undertake some needed soul searching. It took four more years and a move to Los Angeles, California until his next project, 1993's 'Symphony or Damn', was released. Also known as 'Symphony or Damn: Exploring the Tension Inside the Sweetness', the work proved somewhat of a commercial comeback and peaked at #4 on the U.K. album charts while receiving many supportive reviews.
D'Arby had moved into more and more of a musical vibe influenced by gritty rock, often inspired by blues. In 1995, D'Arby released 'Vibrator', which largely followed his previous work in its musical direction. Sadly, his commercial prospects were judged by many critics to be waning.
During the mid-90s, the relations between the artist and his label, Columbia Records, had became strained to the braking point, leading to the artist's departure in 1996. This was followed by four-years on Java Records, during which he recorded an album titled 'Terence Trent D'Arby's Solar Return'. Said work, however, was never released. In 2000, he bought the rights to his unreleased album and left the record company as well as Lippman Entertainment, which was his then-management-team.
In 1999, D'Arby was briefly hired by INXS to replace his friend, late vocalist Michael Hutchence, so the band could play at the opening of facilities for the Sydney Olympics.
In 2001 D'Arby changed his name to Sananda Francesco Maitreya. The same year, he settled in Munich, Germany, and started his own independent record label, Treehouse Pub. The year also marked his first album release in six years, Wildcard (the unreleased "Solar Return"). The album, first available for free through his website, was later released through a one-album distribution deal with Universal Music.
In 2002 Maitreya moved to Milan, Italy, and began working on his next project, Angels & Vampires - Volume I.
In July 2005 Maitreya started working on Angels & Vampires - Volume II, he released chapter after chapter online as soon he finished recording the songs. In April 2006 he released the finished album; again via his website.
Since 2006, Maitreya has released five more studio albums, alongside touring and the release of a few live albums and various live shows to his YouTube channel. In 2020, Maitreya was featured on The Avalanches' single Reflecting Light which would later be on their 'We Will Always Love You' album, later that same year.
Trivia:
D'Arby/Maitreya appeared in in the TV series "Shake, Rattle And Roll" where he played the part of Jackie Wilson. His music has also been included on several movie soundtracks, most notably 1991's Frankie and Johnny.
Billy Don't Fall
Terence Trent D'Arby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who's fate did decree
That he would like only other boys
So being with a boy came to him naturally
Billy was a green boy
His thoughts so naive
He wondered why he was so victimised
And his fear brought him close to me suddenly
But
Billy my friend
Don't fall in love with me
I'm not that kind of guy
But I'll stand by your side
If you need me to be
But
Billy my friend
Don't fall in love with me
Though it can't be wrong to be
To be what you are
Billy was a sick boy
His life fading to grey
He tried to grab for straws of family
But his loved ones turned young Billy away
Billy died a young man
His face to the wind
And of the things I regret the most
Was seeing how hate and fear killed a friend
But
Billy my friend
Don't fall in love with me
I'm not that kind of guy
But I'll stand by your side
If you need me to be
But
Billy my friend
Don't fall in love with me
Though it can't be wrong to be
To be what you are
The song "Billy Don't Fall" by Terence Trent D'Arby is a poignant and heart-wrenching ballad about a young boy named Billy who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality in a world that is hostile to homosexuality. The song begins by describing how Billy "liked only other boys" and how "being with a boy came to him naturally." However, Billy is also shown to be "naive" and "victimised," suggesting that he has not yet fully come to terms with his sexuality and the discrimination that he faces.
The singer of the song, who is a friend of Billy's, offers to stand by his side and support him through his struggles, but also makes it clear that he does not want to be romantic partners with Billy. The song repeatedly emphasizes this point, with the lines "I'm not that kind of guy" and "don't fall in love with me" repeated throughout.
The song reaches its emotional climax with the death of Billy, who is described as a "young man" whose life is "fading to grey." The singer expresses regret for not being able to protect Billy from the hate and fear that ultimately led to his demise.
Overall, "Billy Don't Fall" is a moving tribute to the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ people in a world that continues to be shaped by discrimination and prejudice.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy was a young boy
Billy was a boy at an early age
Who's fate did decree
Whose destiny was predetermined
That he would like only other boys
Billy was attracted to males exclusively
So being with a boy came to him naturally
It felt natural for Billy to be with another male
Billy was a green boy
Billy was inexperienced and naive
His thoughts so naive
His ideas were simplistic and innocent
He wondered why he was so victimised
He questioned why he was being singled out and bullied
And his fear brought him close to me suddenly
His fear made him seek comfort from the singer
But Billy my friend
The singer addressing Billy affectionately
Don't fall in love with me
The singer is warning Billy not to develop romantic feelings for him
I'm not that kind of guy
The singer is not attracted to other males in that way
But I'll stand by your side
The singer will offer his support to Billy
If you need me to be
If Billy requires the singer's assistance
Though it can't be wrong to be
Although it is not wrong to be who you are
To be what you are
To be true to oneself
Billy was a sick boy
Billy was ill
His life fading to grey
His existence was becoming dull and lifeless
He tried to grab for straws of family
Billy sought the support of his relatives
But his loved ones turned young Billy away
However, his family rejected him
Billy died a young man
Billy passed away at an early age
His face to the wind
His face was exposed to the elements
And of the things I regret the most
Of all the things the singer feels remorse about
Was seeing how hate and fear killed a friend
Witnessing how hatred and fear caused the death of a close friend
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: TERENCE TRENT D'ARBY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mireille Kang
I get so upset that Terence Trent D'Arby doesn't get the credit that he deserves. He's an honest raw talent, and a true musical genius like the best of them. He was so ahead of his time. I'm glad he's happy in his life. He doesn't seem to be interested in touring as much to promote his new music. He's still one of my favorite artists of all time.
Roy Shuler
I agree Mirielle. You cannot get to the Neo Soul movement of the 90s and beyond without going through this cat. There are stories that Michael Jackson played a role in slowing his ascension by demanding this his manager at the time drop the former TTD as a client. As great as MJ was, I would've been paying very close attention to this dude upon the release of 'The Hardline...'
Warren Lightning
Mireille Kang Don't be sad for him. He is very successful doing it his way and escaped the evil murdering high powered music industry. We are glad he is alive ,performing, healthy and happy.
Lorena Izaguirre
I feel he took the right decision, walking away from the big industry. You depend more on yourself and your music than in an agent, a promoter ... Look at Marlon Brando, he did what he wanted, ...
Chelsea Rogers
@Tony Messed up part is Sony would not promote him but kept him signed up anyway.
Tris Mac Carran
The lyrics to this song show a man of compassion & understanding; he was aware of his appeal to both sexes, even though he is decidedly masculine. Still love listening to him speak in interviews, where his keen insights into the world we occupy and the one we Hope to occupy coexist. Keep keepin' it real, Sananda. We need it.
Damein Bell
he and the band rocks .. incredible song bittersweet and affirmative at the same time .. Sananda brillance .. of course
Olga Vog.
Fantastic, magic singer! Adore him ❤
Evette De Luca
His soul shines so brightly. What genuine talent and joy. Moves me so.
Cátia ASMR
Que show eu estava lá...viva os anos 90✌✌✌