Tonex's parents, Anthony and Betty Williams, are the Pastor and Assistant Pastor of Truth Apostolic Community Church in Spring Valley, California where they have been in existence for six years. "Our church is filled with young people from every walk of life, but they love the Lord and have a desire for the word of God," says Tonex.
"T.Boy (the album's producer) and I tried to create a sound that was extinct to the Christian Market; something fresh, alive, and completely the opposite of everything going on musically in the CCM market today. We created an album with the intent of a Christian music revolution being the outcome of its release," says the Stellar-nominated artist. Sales of the project skyrocketed and remain sold out in most stores. A re-release of the now unavailable classic album has been scheduled for release in late 1999. The recent performance by Tonex on the 14th Annual Stellar Awards has compared to the same impact Michael Jackson made on the Motown 25th Anniversary special back in 1983.
"I believe the reason for [the success of Pronounced Toe-Nay] is the fact that God's timing is the best timing. Had the album come out any sooner in the CCM market, it probably would not have worked out right with heavy-hitters Kirk Franklin and DC Talk still promoting their latest efforts. It came out at a time when people were 'Stomp-ed out' so to speak. Creativity is one of the main drawing cards about this album. It's really unique just as I am. I have many styles and diversities about myself and they reflect throughout the album's six music genre sections. As you listen to the entire album, it is evident that God ordained his entire project."
Pronounced Toe-Nay is Tonex's third solo album that also marks his national debut. He has performed with Andraè & Sandra Crouch, Daryl Coley, Kirk Franklin, T-Bone, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Sheila E., Nancey Jackson, Dawkins & Dawkins, John P. Kee, Boyz II Men, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Grammy-nominee Deleon Richards.
He has had national television and print media coverage (JET, Sister 2 Sister, Billboard, Gospel Industry Today). "The ministry that God has given me is geared towards an audience previously left stranded in Christian music. With anointed lyrics and the most state-of-the-art R&B production, I intend to sabotage demonic forces causing a backfire on Satan's hold in R&B music," says Tonex. This generation is blessed to have such talent that believes in giving 110% of his gift to his music, to his fans, and most of all, to God.
That's When
Tonex Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Contemplating ‘bout my life chewing on my nails
I'm the head of this house, now it's all on me
To provide for my Wife and kids are my responsibility
Can't afford to break down gotta be a man
Ain't the richest guy around but I do what I can
How it's gonna go down homie don't ask me
I just pray to the Lord up above in search of reciprocity
Chorus
That's when, that's when You bless me
That's when, that's when You rescued me from
The pain and the heartache, that's when that's when…
Verse 2
Don't know how in the world I'm gone pay these bills
Feel like sometimes I wanna cry I'm a keep it real
But I ain't giving up my pride or my sanity
I refuse to let society win, it won't get the best of me
Baby's crying, Wife is whinin' ‘cuz they never se me
But it's hard when you're working two jobs you see
Have a feeling that trouble won't last always
Lift my hands to the sky up above
I hope You hearin' what I say
Chorus
(Repeat Chorus)
The lyrics to "That's When" by Tonex portray a struggling father who is stressed and worried about providing for his wife and kids. He feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, being the head of the household. He acknowledges that he is not the richest person, but he does what he can. The father realizes he cannot afford to break down and must be a strong man for his family. He prays to the Lord up above, hoping for reciprocity.
The chorus emphasizes when blessings come and when the Lord rescues him from the pain and heartache of his struggles. The father is trying to make ends meet, paying bills, and working two jobs. He is trying his best, but it is taking a toll on him, and his family just expects him to be there for them. Despite this, the father lifts his hands to the sky, believing that trouble will not last forever and hoping that the Lord hears him.
The song highlights the struggles that a lot of people go through in their daily lives. The acknowledgment of the father's plight secures the recognition of the struggles of the middle and lower class. This song's lyrics serve to encourage people to keep pushing through the obstacles and have faith that blessings will come.
Line by Line Meaning
All alone just sittin' thinkin' by myself
I am sitting alone, lost in thoughts about my life
Contemplating ‘bout my life chewing on my nails
I am deep in thought, anxiously biting my nails
I'm the head of this house, now it's all on me
I am responsible for taking care of my family
To provide for my Wife and kids are my responsibility
It is my duty to provide for my wife and children
Can't afford to break down gotta be a man
I can't afford to fall apart, I have to be strong
Ain't the richest guy around but I do what I can
I may not be wealthy, but I do my best
How it's gonna go down homie don't ask me
I can't predict the future, my friend
I just pray to the Lord up above in search of reciprocity
I pray to God for help and hope for something in return
Don't know how in the world I'm gone pay these bills
I don't know how to afford my bills
Feel like sometimes I wanna cry I'm a keep it real
There are times I feel like crying, I'm being honest
But I ain't giving up my pride or my sanity
I refuse to lose my self-respect or my mental health
I refuse to let society win, it won't get the best of me
I won't let society defeat me, I'm stronger than that
Baby's crying, Wife is whinin' ‘cuz they never se me
My baby is crying, and my wife is complaining because they never see me
But it's hard when you're working two jobs you see
It's difficult working two jobs, you understand
Have a feeling that trouble won't last always
I have a sense that things will get better eventually
Lift my hands to the sky up above, I hope You hearin' what I say
I raise my hands to the sky, hoping God hears my prayers
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: WILLIAM JAMES III MC AULEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arris Stephane Ibouily Boucka
on Cry No More
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