Terius Youngdell Nash … Read Full Bio ↴Rockingham NC, United States (2001 – present)
Terius Youngdell Nash (born June 14, 1978 in Rockingham, North Carolina), better known by his stage name The-Dream, is is a Grammy Award winning American R&B singer-songwriter, producer and Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam Records. In 2007 he released his debut album Love/Hate which spawned three top 20 singles. In 2009 he released his second album, Love vs. Money, which reached #2 on the Billboard 200 and features guest appearances from artists such as Kanye West. In June 2010, his third album, Love King, was released. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200.
At the age of two he moved with his mother to Atlanta, Georgia where she raised him until her sudden death at the age of thirty-five. Afterwards, he was taken in by his grandfather, who was an avid music fan. It was through this relationship that he was introduced to many legendary artists that made up his grandfather’s record collection. As soon as he heard the soulful sounds of Sam Cooke and Al Green, The-Dream was hooked. In the third grade he began his musical venture by enrolling in introductory trumpet classes at Grove Park Elementary School. He continued playing the trumpet through high school and later learned to play the drums and guitar.
In junior high and high school his musical influences extended toward such artists such as Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Aaliyah and Tupac Shakur. His talents continued to naturally develop and eventually lead The-Dream to begin producing, singing, rapping and song writing.
Form of Flattery
Terius Nash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So please keep the hand claps
No need for a compliment
I can pat myself on the back
No dying for an award
You can keep the trophy
I could really care less
Whether any of y’all mother fuckers know me
I don’t mean to steal your shine
Man I’ll be in this sun for so long
Lookin’ my way will just make you blind
All I need is the love
'Cause I can never have enough of that
You don’t have to try to be the man
When you the man
See I’m embedded
And your fifteen minutes are almost up
Socialite
I wish you would roll up
Don’t try me I’m not like him
Not like them
I wish you would roll up
I’m not him I’m not like them
Don’t try me
I’m not better than that
Form of flattery
You say he sound like me
You say they sound like me
I don’t need another whip
A nigga flyin’ now
I see you in the shadow
In motion without a paddle
Stop acting like a girlfriend
Stop acting like a freshman
If you’re surprised you’re here
It means you shouldn’t be here
No heart no glory
No pain no fear
It’s one thing to be hot
But that don’t make it a career
I’m embedded
And your fifteen minutes are almost up
I wish you would roll up
Don’t try me I’m not like him
Not like them
I wish you would roll up
I’m not him I’m not like them
Don’t try me
I’m not better than that
But I appreciate the form of flattery
Tic tok
Terius Nash's song Form of Flattery is a clear statement that he does not seek validation from others. He is unapologetic about not meeting anyone's approval and is content patting himself on the back. Nash seems to be addressing all the naysayers or haters who keep comparing him to other artists and keep trying to bring him down. He talks about not wanting any awards or trophies and not caring whether people know him or not. The chorus "Form of flattery, you say he sounds like me, you say they sound like me" highlights the fact that people imitate him and it's only a form of flattery, but it doesn't mean he needs another "whip" or validation as he's already successful.
Nash seems to be drawing a line between himself and the rest of the crowd. He talks about not trying to be the man when he is the man and the fifteen minutes of fame being almost over for others. He touches on the fact that it's not just about being hot for a moment; it's about creating a long-lasting career. In the last few lines, he reiterates that he is not better than others, but he appreciates the form of flattery. The song encourages self-validation and self-love, highlighting that one doesn't need anyone's approval to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
I’m sorry I can’t meet your approval
I apologize for not living up to your expectations
So please keep the hand claps
You can refrain from showing appreciation for me
No need for a compliment
Your praise is unnecessary
I can pat myself on the back
I can take pride in my own achievements
No dying for an award
I am not desperate for recognition or accolades
You can keep the trophy
You can hold onto any awards or honors
I could really care less
I am indifferent towards your opinions
Whether any of y’all mother fuckers know me
I am unaffected by whether or not you are aware of who I am
Excuse my french pardon me
I apologize for any offensive language
I don’t mean to steal your shine
I am not trying to take credit away from you
Man I’ll be in this sun for so long
I have been in the public eye for a long time
Lookin’ my way will just make you blind
Focusing on me can be blinding to your own potential
All I need is the love
I value love and support above material success
'Cause I can never have enough of that
I will always appreciate and desire love and support
You don’t have to try to be the man
You do not need to assert your dominance
When you the man
Because you already are in a position of power
See I’m embedded
I have a strong presence and reputation
And your fifteen minutes are almost up
Your fame is temporary and will soon fade
Socialite
Referring to someone who is famous for their social connections rather than their talent
I wish you would roll up
I would prefer if you left or stayed away
Don’t try me I’m not like him
Do not mistake me for someone else
Not like them
Different from others in the same field
I’m not him I’m not like them
I am a unique individual
Don’t try me
Do not attempt to challenge me
I’m not better than that
I am not superior to anyone else
Form of flattery
Referring to the imitation or copying of one's style or work
You say he sound like me
Acknowledging that someone is copying one's style or work
You say they sound like me
Acknowledging that multiple people are copying one's style or work
I don’t need another whip
I do not need any more material possessions
A nigga flyin’ now
Referring to one's success and the feeling of being on top
I see you in the shadow
Referring to someone who is trying to copy or imitate without success
In motion without a paddle
Referring to someone who is moving forward without a clear plan or direction
Stop acting like a girlfriend
Stop being overly dependent or clingy
Stop acting like a freshman
Stop behaving like a naive or inexperienced person
If you’re surprised you’re here
If you are surprised by your success or presence
It means you shouldn’t be here
Implying that someone does not deserve to be in their current position
No heart no glory
Without passion or dedication, one cannot achieve great success
No pain no fear
Going through challenges and hardships is necessary for personal growth and success
It’s one thing to be hot
Having a brief period of popularity or fame is not significant
But that don’t make it a career
Success and fame are not the same as having a long and successful career
But I appreciate the form of flattery
Acknowledging that imitation can be a form of respect or admiration
Tic tok
End of song; time is running out for those who imitate or copy
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NASH, TERIUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind