Tony Rich got his start in the music industry as a staff writer at LaFace Records. While there, Rich penned hits for Boyz II Men, Johnny Gill, TLC and Toni Braxton.
While living in Detroit, Rich started playing in jazz fusion and soul bands and worked with local Detroit songwriters. It was at this time that John Salley, Detroit Pistons player and record producer, encouraged Rich to work with his artists and to even make his own tracks.
Meeting with R&B singer Pebbles, Tony Rich was introduced to her then-husband L.A. Reid. As co-founder of LaFace Records, Reid convinced Rich to move to Atlanta and to begin writing and producing for established acts. One of Rich's first projects was a session with Elton John and Sounds of Blackness for a Curtis Mayfield tribute LP. He then expanded his portfolio to include work with the previously mentioned stars.
In early 1996, Rich made his solo debut with the cd Words and the hit single Nobody Knows, which made it to number 2 on the top 100. Both the album and single went platinum and in 1997, Tony Rich won the Grammy for Best Male R&B album. The album featured two Grammy-nominated singles, Like A Woman and Nobody Knows.
The album was followed up in 1998 by Birdseye which, while critically praised, failed to generate much commercial success. Rich seemingly disappeared from the music world for several years after his album's release.
In 2003, Rich came back on the scene with the album Resurrected. Carrying a very different style this time around, the album featured Rich rocking out on the guitar as well as singing smooth ballads.
In 2006, Rich released a fourth album, Pictures. The album contains snapshots of a relationship, and is far more in the veins of his earlier works.
In 2008, he released his fifth album, Exist through Hidden Beach Recordings. Originally it was set for release on September 16, however it was pushed back to September 23, 2008. The album features download-only single, Part the Waves.
Free
The Tony Rich Project Lyrics
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The clock is ticking for everyone, time out for all the nonsense
How many stars in the universe, long beach shores and foreign countries
It's like we change when the planet turns, kiss clouds and make us all be
Free, just let us be
Don't make me cry, just let us fly
We're making our own world
What your thinking your getting now, your the first to take for granted
Freedom is loving a different phase, watch out it's happening again
Did you feel like you owe me now, everything that I did not do
Follow me if you can't do, this is the time we become
Free, just let us be
Don't make me cry, just let us fly
We're making our own world
Undo this hold on my breast, time just won't let it fade away
These great thoughts will manifest, thinking life over now
Kiss clouds and make us all be
Free, just let us be
Don't make me cry, just let us fly
We're making our own world
Free, just let us be
Don't make me cry, just let us fly
We're making our own world
Free
Don't make me cry
We're making our own world
Free, just let us be
Don't make me cry, just let us fly
The Tony Rich Project's song Free has a poignant message, touching upon various themes such as love, time, change, and freedom. The song starts off reflecting on the experience of falling in love, and how memories pay attention to every moment of love that we experience. However, Tony Rich subtly notes the inevitability of time running out for everyone, and how we must not waste it on "nonsense". He then wonders about the vast expanse of the universe and how we change when the planet turns, emphasizing on the ephemeral nature of life.
The chorus brings forth the main message of the song - the need for freedom. Tony urges for the freedom to just be ourselves, to not be held down by anything or anyone, and to create our own world. The second verse feels like a cautionary tale, warning us against taking freedom for granted and the need to be aware of the changes that are happening around us. He then reflects on how we often feel burdened to repay someone for something that they did not do, and how it's time to move on from it. The song ends on a hopeful note with the beautiful imagery of "kiss clouds and make us all be" reinforcing the message of freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
How many times do we fall in love, memories that pay attention
Reflecting on the number of times we fall in love, and how memorable each experience is.
The clock is ticking for everyone, time out for all the nonsense
Time is short for everyone and we should focus on what truly matters, instead of wasting time on trivial things.
How many stars in the universe, long beach shores and foreign countries
Wondering about the vastness of the universe, the beautiful beaches and different cultures around the world.
It's like we change when the planet turns, kiss clouds and make us all be
The changing of the world affects us all, but we should embrace it and find joy in simple things like kissing clouds.
Free, just let us be
Asking for freedom to live and be who we are without judgment or restriction.
Don't make me cry, just let us fly
Requesting to be given the chance to soar without any negative influence or hindrance.
We're making our own world
Taking responsibility for our lives and creating our own paths without relying on anyone else.
What your thinking your getting now, your the first to take for granted
Warning others not to take what they have for granted and to be mindful of their blessings.
Freedom is loving a different phase, watch out it's happening again
The beauty of freedom is loving yourself at every stage of life and embracing change, as it is happening again.
Did you feel like you owe me now, everything that I did not do
Reflecting on past mistakes and questioning if someone else should feel guilty for not doing something that was not their responsibility.
Follow me if you can't do, this is the time we become
Encouraging others to follow if they cannot lead, as this is a time to become what we truly want to be.
Undo this hold on my breast, time just won't let it fade away
Asking for the hold on the heart to be released, but acknowledging that time may not allow the pain to fade away easily.
These great thoughts will manifest, thinking life over now
Believing that positive thoughts will lead to positive outcomes, and that it's time to reflect on life as a whole.
Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: ANTONIO JEFFRIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind