J9's Analysis: In this song, T.I. addresses his critics, fans, and haters. It's his redemption song and explains how one must learn from his/her mistakes and get back up. How interesting for T.I. to add Chris Brown on this track as Chris has also made his share of mistakes and seeks his own redemption. It's ironic how in the song, T.I. apologizes to his fans and friends and says he won't take them down this road again, but the day this song was released, he was sentenced back to prison.
He uses his own experiences to give some life lessons. When you're on top of your game, everybody is in your corner but the minute you fall, instead of being in your corner those same folks will talk about you behind your back. There's always going to be obstacles put in your way but it's up to you to rise above them. T.I. says no matter the odds put against him, he will prevail.
Singer/Songwriter Eric Roberson's ability to create soulful music is just amazing. His words and delivery have this poetic realness to it which is probably why I've gravitated to it so much. For years now I've heard people talk about Roberson and finally saw him perform live last year. One of the highlights that night. . . was seeing him use 5 random words given by the audience and create a brand new song in front of us. . .simply genius!
Origin: Rahway, New Jersey
Label: Blue Erro Soul (his own label)
Similar Sound: Dwele
For those familiar with that phrase used on the TV Show Intervention, I could say "Eric Roberson's music has affected me in the following ways. . ." one of which is through the song I've showcased for you below.
"Still" by Eric Roberson
Missin' Yearnin' Tossin' Turnin' Fiendin' For her STILL Waitin' Shakin' Hatin' Havin' Flashbacks Askin' Why me Blindly Walkin' Hopin' Prayin' That she Finds me Sees me Needs me Wants me STILL
By her side STILL
I've been fine But tonight was tough(oh) Heard our song (yeah) My heart had enough Finish my drink Hug my friends They all look concerned I smiled at them I say that I'm fine But that is a lie Wanna hide behind She is on my mind Outside is cold And damn these cabs I need one really bad But they all pass Memories They just creep back in (yeah) I zone out on (yeah) Remember whens' Cab cuts through and I hop on in Just drive man, drive Is all I say to him
Oh She STILL can hurt me from so far away (STILL hurt me from so far) STILL reaches in and pulls my smile away (reaches in my dream) Just when I'm fine She STILL finds simple way (and another spot) To show her goodbyes In another way (oohhhh) Oh No No No No No (mmmm) No No No No No I do not understand Why I miss her STILL
I try to escape But nothing works (oh) We did everything together (yeah) Everything hurts (hurts) We pass a store (so) Where we used to shop (bad) Favorite park (yeah) First restaurant (yeah) This corner is fine I will walk from here (yeah) I could use the air (yeah) She won't disappear Truth hits me like the midnight wind A stranger smiles It's hard to grin See My mask is off (yeah) Familiar streets I cross (yeah) As if I am lost I guess I am I can't find my way Even home (home) Feels like an empty place
Missin' (STILL) Yearnin'(oh no) Tossin' (STILL) Turnin' (STILL) Waitin' Shakin' Fiendin' (fiendin' for her STILL) For her STILL Hatin' (oohh) Havin' Flashbacks Askin' (How'd she find me yeah) How'd she Find me I do not understand Why I miss her STILL
Walkin' (Walkin') I'm just (Down this lonley road) Hopin' Prayin' (I'm just prayin' for ) That she Finds me Sees me Wants me
Why me Why me (what my heart beats for) Finds me So So (So the memories of my summer breeze) Low and Lonley
I don't understand Why I miss her STILL
Want her (STILL) Need her (STILL) Miss her (STILL)
Oh No No No No No
Need to know
Why I can't Let go (Why I can't let her go) Miss her so ( Why I still miss her so)
STILL
Now that you've read the lyrics, view the video below:
J9's Analysis: Before watching the video, I automatically thought the song was about a romantic relationship that ended and the feelings left behind to deal with. I found myself applying this to a situation I experienced. . . just when I thought I'm fine and healing from the situation . . .BAM! all of a sudden something triggers me to think about the relationship I once had. Usually the trigger is a song. . . go figure right? I did a great job putting on a happy facade in public, acting like I was okay when I was really crying inside and my heart was aching.
The verse that really got me was:
She STILL can hurt me from so far away (STILL hurt me from so far) STILL reaches in and pulls my smile away (reaches in my dream) Just when I'm fine She STILL finds simple way (and another spot) To show her goodbyes
How can someone have so much power over you? Regardless of where they are, how can someone still make you sad and relive the pain they caused you from far away? You do your best to forget and put a smile on your face but they always find a way to make it only temporary.
Then I saw the video and toward the end of it I was thrown off guard with a WHOLE different perspective. It portrayed the pain and emotion one experiences when a loved one is fighting a disease and in the video's case, the disease was cancer. This touched very close to home for me as it reminded me of what I went through witnessing my mother battle cancer and eventually losing the battle.
This just reaffirms Roberson's level of genius . . . he's just on another level. I give much props and respect to Eric Roberson and the directors Chris & Blaq for a brilliant concept that sheds light on such a very serious topic. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among African American women, and among women nationwide. Through this video, I hope it will bring more awareness to this disease and encourage women to get examined.
The song is off Roberson's lastest album, MusicFanFirst. Click on the image below to buy:
To learn more about Eric Roberson, visit her website: http://www.myspace.com/ericroberson
