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.
Leavin'
The Tony Rich Project Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you don't even have a ride
Say you like walkin' around
But your shoes won't fit
I like certain people
But with wise words to give
I'm walkin' down onto the pier
And talk to the voice I hear
Said I be leavin'
I'm lookin' for my wings in the sky
My journey's long over
And my body's tired
So when I'm leavin'
I'm make sure I tell you good-bye
I know somebody really loves me
But I gotta be leavin'
You say you like nothin'
But somethin's always on your mind
You say ya don't think much
But you're always tellin' lies
I can read you
I think you're about money and greed
I'll pack my bags and be on my way
I can't stay
Said I be leavin'
I'm lookin' for my wings in the sky
My journey's long over
And my body's tired
So when I'm leavin'
I'm make sure I tell you good-bye
I know somebody really loves me
But I gotta be leavin'
In “Leavin’” by the Tony Rich Project, the lyrics paint a picture of someone who realizes that they do not belong in their current situation. They are aware of their worth and are looking to move on to something more fulfilling. The singer recognizes the dishonesty and lack of direction in the person they are referring to in the lyrics. They seem to be in search of personal growth and self-discovery, which can only be achieved by letting go of the past and moving on.
The first verse of the lyrics communicates the discrepancies between what the person says they want and what they actually have. They claim to like to travel but do not have the means to do so. They say that they enjoy walking but their current shoes are not adequate for the task. This person is not living up to their potential and is not being honest with themselves or others. The singer knows that they cannot hold onto something that is not genuine and while it may be hard, they must leave.
The chorus emphasizes the singer’s desire to move on. They are looking for their own path and recognize that their journey has come to an end in their current situation. They must say goodbye to the people they have met along the way, even though they know that someone among them truly loves them. The second verse further explores the dishonesty of the individual being referred to in the lyrics. They claim to be thinking about nothing but always have something on their mind. They say they do not think much but then contradict themselves by consistently telling lies. The singer is not interested in being associated with someone who embodies these qualities and is prepared to move on.
Line by Line Meaning
You say ya like to travel
You claim to enjoy traveling.
But you don't even have a ride
Despite your claim, you do not possess the means to travel.
Say you like walkin' around
You express your fondness for strolling through places.
But your shoes won't fit
You cannot walk comfortably or adequately because your shoes are ill-fitting.
I like certain people
I have a liking for specific individuals.
But with wise words to give
I admire those who are knowledgeable and able to dispense sagacious ideas.
I'm walkin' down onto the pier
I'm heading towards the long structure built over water where boats are docked.
And talk to the voice I hear
I shall communicate with the inner voice within me.
Said I be leavin'
I proclaimed that I will depart.
I'm lookin' for my wings in the sky
I'm searching for a way to soar and be free.
My journey's long over
My expedition has surpassed its duration.
And my body's tired
I'm exhausted physically and mentally.
So when I'm leavin'
As I depart.
I'm make sure I tell you good-bye
I will ensure to bid you farewell.
I know somebody really loves me
I'm aware that someone harbors genuine affection towards me.
But I gotta be leavin'
However, I must go.
You say you like nothin'
You declare that nothing interests you.
But somethin's always on your mind
Nevertheless, something consistently preoccupies your thoughts.
You say ya don't think much
You allege that you don't contemplate much.
But you're always tellin' lies
However, you frequently speak untruths.
I can read you
I perceive and understand your motives and personality.
I think you're about money and greed
I believe you are only interested in wealth and avarice.
I'll pack my bags and be on my way
I will prepare my belongings and depart from this place.
I can't stay
I am unable to remain any longer.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: T. RICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
EsEs
Tony Rich, incredible, very underrated artist
Marc Coleman
Can't understand why this guy wasn't a bigger star. Fantastic album.
Trent Rama
i think he was a head of his time he did not fit in to conversional r&b and plus he took a different approach to topics very introspective especially with women
Blackdragon6
Trent Rama by conventional you must mean traditional. because Jodeci wasn't conventional either.
Trent Rama
jodeci was different but this was close to writing music from an introspective way
Tshepo Marks
leaving and when the grass is green
What is wrong With My Present Name
reigned in the shadows of Kenny Edmonds that's why!
broncofangj
This song makes me think of my late husband who passed away last year. Love you dearly and miss you. So glad you found your wings in the sky! Now you are free no more sickness and pain.
Granger Mahlangu
Take heart
Lena Rice
Sorry fir your loss bless your heart