Born in Dallas, Texas, Campbell was introduced to the R&B by Quincy Jones in August 1989. Campbell's debut single was "Tomorrow (A Better You Better Me)" which reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip hop Singles chart in June 1990. It was the lead single from Quincy Jones' critically acclaimed ensemble LP Back on the Block which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1991. After working with Jones and writers and producers including Siedah Garrett, Campbell worked with producers Narada Michael Walden, Al B. Sure, Babyface, and others to record additional music.
Campbell's first solo hit was "Round and Round", which charted at #3 on R&B charts in November 1991 and #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1991 was produced by Prince and was featured in Prince's film Graffiti Bridge. Campbell followed the success of his first two singles by releasing his debut album, T.E.V.I.N., in November 1991 which featured the R&B hit singles and Campbell's only #1 Adult Contemporary hit: "Tell Me What You Want Me To Do" followed by:, "Alone With You", and "Goodbye". His second album, I'm Ready released October 1993, yielded the #1 R&B hit and #9 pop single "Can We Talk" in December 1993, "I'm Ready", "Always in My Heart" which charted at #3 on the R&B chart. He also scored a Top 30 hit with "Don't Say Goodbye Girl" on the R&B charts. In September 1994, Campbell also scored an R&B hit with the single "U Will Know" as part of the R&B supergroup Black Men United, a group that also included singer Usher.
The year 1996 saw the release of his third album, Back to the World (#11 R&B). The title track was a success (hitting the R&B Top 20), but additional singles failed to make an impact on the chart. His early 1999 self-titled album was found Campbell venturing into the neo-soul venue. The project was rushed, and as a result charted below the R&B Top 30, with only one single charting, a Top 30 song called "Another Way".
Campbell was nominated for five Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards.
In December 2005, Campbell made his Broadway debut in the role of Seaweed J. Stubbs in the hit musical Hairspray. Campbell is currently still playing in Hairspray.
Campbell returned to the studios in 2006, working with producers Scott Storch, The Underdogs, Krucial Keys, Bryan Michael Cox, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, and Ryan Leslie. The comeback album is waiting to be published and will be released in 2008.
Confused
Tevin Campbell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
so real it blows my mind
Can somebody tell me where could I find these places
And maybe spend some time?
In time I'll see face after face, true and untrue, yeah
All good things come to those who wait for them
I'm still young, I have plenty of time
I'm so confused about the way I feel
I'm trying with all my mind
And if you ask me why girl please be patient and
I'll be through when it's time
I like the way I feel and I hope you do, yeah
I'm so curious I need to know
You said I could talk to you, and you would help me
And tell me things that I should know
Oh yeah
As time goes on yeah (you know what?) I'll see the world, baby
Oh I guess sometimes I'll have to grow up wondering
I hope I know what to do when it's time
[Chorus]
The song "Confused" by Tevin Campbell is a reflection on the confusion and uncertainty that comes with growing up and figuring out who you are. The opening lines, "Every night I dream of places I've never been to, so real it blows my mind, can somebody tell me where could I find these places and maybe spend some time?" convey a sense of longing and desire to explore new horizons. The singer is uncertain about his place in the world and is searching for something, perhaps a sense of purpose or belonging.
Later on, the lyrics "I'm so confused about the way I feel, I'm trying with all my mind, and if you ask me why girl please be patient and, I'll be through when it's time" reveal a vulnerability and a struggle to comprehend one's emotions. The singer is unsure about his feelings and seems to be asking for patience and time to sort them out. The chorus, "I'm so confused about the way I feel, I'm trying with all my mind" is a repeated refrain that emphasizes the confusion and uncertainty that the singer is experiencing.
Overall, "Confused" is a song that captures the angst and confusion of growing up and trying to navigate the complexities of life. It speaks to anyone who has felt lost or unsure about their place in the world and offers a message of hope that things will become clearer with time.
Line by Line Meaning
Every night I dream of places I've never been to,
In my mind, I imagine places that I have not yet visited.
so real it blows my mind
These places are so vivid, it's as if they are real.
Can somebody tell me where could I find these places
I wonder if there's a way to actually locate these imaginary locations.
And maybe spend some time?
Perhaps I can even experience these places for myself.
In time I'll see face after face, true and untrue, yeah
As I grow older, I will encounter both genuine and false individuals.
All good things come to those who wait for them
I believe that success and happiness come to those who are patient and persistent.
I'm still young, I have plenty of time
Since I am still young, I have time to figure things out and make mistakes.
I'm so confused about the way I feel
I feel unsure and uncertain about my emotions.
I'm trying with all my mind
However, I am doing my best to work through my confusion.
And if you ask me why girl please be patient and
If you want to know why I feel this way, please give me time to sort it out.
I'll be through when it's time
Eventually, I will have an answer to your question when I'm ready.
I like the way I feel and I hope you do, yeah
I'm satisfied with how I feel, and I hope you feel the same way too.
I'm so curious I need to know
I am very inquisitive, and I crave answers to my questions.
You said I could talk to you, and you would help me
You offered to be a listening ear and give me guidance when I need it.
And tell me things that I should know
You can provide me with useful knowledge and advice.
As time goes on yeah (you know what?) I'll see the world, baby
As I grow older, I will gain more experience and perspective on the world.
Oh I guess sometimes I'll have to grow up wondering
There will be times where I won't have all the answers and I will have to learn through experience.
I hope I know what to do when it's time
I aspire to have the wisdom and understanding to make the right choices when it's necessary.
I'm so confused about the way I feel
I feel uncertain about my emotions.
I'm trying with all my mind
However, I'm making a conscious effort to work through my confusion.
And if you ask me why girl please be patient and
If you want to know why I feel this way, please give me some time.
I'll be through when it's time
Eventually, I'll have an answer to your question when I'm ready.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALBERT JOSEPH III BROWN, KYLE ALBERT WEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amjnyc79
Jodeci did the background and chorus on this track, produced by Devante Swing, and Al B Sure! .
Legendary.
@jaywad8876
Kyle West did it with Al--not DeVante Swing.
@ushercrave
We don’t care
@strauqq1
@@jaywad8876 That's right, you better tell em
@jaywad8876
@@strauqq1 no prob
@MusaBrasi
JoJo singing back ground for sure 💯
@kayc.805
This is easily one of Tevin's most underrated songs. His vocal agility at 15/16? The instrumentation? The production? JoJo from Jodeci singing in the background? *chef's kiss* I was only eight when this video came out, but I loved Tevin hard. Lol
@toyiahm
Yes to all of this! The groove is unreal and his voice blows my mind. How did he have those instincts to do his runs so effortlessly as a teenager?! The drums, the song structure... It's just an incredible song!
@strauqq1
Al B sure and Kyle West= amazing production, and Tevins runs and delivery killed it!
@waltongraham7031
Yes indeed AlB. Sure and Kyle West excellent underrated producers! Jodeci and Al B. singing background is awesome too.