Tennessee

Arrested Development

About Tennessee

"Tennessee" is the title of a number-one R&B single by alternative hip hop group Arrested Development, from its album 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of.... The song contains a sample of Prince's "Alphabet St.". The music video for the song was directed by Milcho Manchevski and shot in Georgia, with friends of the group and people from the local area appearing in the clip. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1993. A recent poll of VH1 viewers placed the song at number 71 on the list of the "Greatest Songs of the 90s" and is listed as one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was ranked number 78 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop. The song also served as the theme to the short-lived Malcolm-Jamal Warner sitcom Here and Now.  


Year:
2004
4:35
83 

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Lord, I've really been real stressed, down and out, losing ground
Although I am black and proud, problems got me pessimistic
Brothers and sisters keep messin' up, why does it have to be so damn tuff?
I don't know where I can go to let these ghosts out of my skull
My grandma past my brother's gone, I never at once felt so alone
I know you're supposed to be my steering wheel, not just my spare tire
(Home!)  But Lord, I ask you
(Home!) to be my guiding force and truth
(Home!) For some strange reason it had to be
(Home!) he guided me to Tennessee

(Home!) Take me to another place, take me to another land
Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan
Take me to another place, take me to another land
Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan

Lord it's obvious we got a relationship
Talkin' to each other every night and day
Although you're superior over me
We talk to each other in a friendship way
Then outta nowhere you tell me to break
Outta the country and into more country
Past Dyesburg and Ripley
Where the ghost of childhood haunts me
Walk the roads my forefathers walked
Climb the trees my forefathers hung from
Ask those trees for all their wisdom
They tell me my ears are so young (Home)
Go back, from whence you came (Home)
My family tree, my family name (Home)
For some strange reason it had to be (Home)
He guided me to Tennessee (Home)

(Home!) Take me to another place, take me to another land
Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan
Take me to another place, take me to another land
Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan

Now I see the importance of history
Why my people be in the mess that they be
Many journeys to freedom made in vain
By brothers on the corner playin' ghetto games
I ask you, Lord why you enlightened me
Without the enlightenment of all my folks
He said, cuz I set myself on a quest for truth
And he was there to quench my thirst
But I am still thirsty
The Lord allowed me to drink some more
He said what I am searching for are
The answers to all which are in front of me
The ultimate truth started to get blurry
For some strange reason it had to be
It was all a dream about Tennessee

(Home!) Take me to another place, take me to another land
Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan
Take me to another place, take me to another land
Make me forget all that hurts me, let me understand your plan
Oh, won't you let me, won't you help me
won't you help me understand your plan
Take me home, take me home, home, take me to another place
Take me home, take me home, home, take me to another place

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Arrested Development

Arrested Development is an American alternative hip hop group, founded by Speech and his ex-best friend Headliner (DJ) as a positive, Afrocentric alternative to the gangsta rap popular in the early 1990s. more »

1 fan

Written by: AERLE JONES, TODD THOMAS

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Chart Performance
"Tennessee" took No. 1 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first chart topper for Arrested Development.
Award Recognition
The song won the Grammy award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1993.
Music Video Acclaim
"Tennessee" was accompanied by a highly acclaimed music video that was featured on MTV and VH1's rotation.
Hip-Hop Impact
The song is considered a significant milestone in the evolution of Southern hip-hop, known for its blend of funk, soul, and blues.
Cultural Significance
"Tennessee" is also remembered for its powerful social commentary on racial issues in America.
Production Quality
Produced by Speech and Headliner, the song is celebrated for its distinctive sound and production quality.
Commercial Success
It ranks as Arrested Development's most successful effort, making them one of the most notable rap groups of the 90s.
Positive Reviews
Music critics generally praise "Tennessee" for its lyrical depth and original instrumentation.
Song Meaning
"Tennessee" is about the lead singer's Speech's struggle with the death of his brother and grandma, both of whom he wants to ask for guidance. The song reveals his journey towards an understanding of death and spirituality.
Influential Lyrics
It contains powerful lyrics asking for direction such as, "Take me to another place/ Take me to another land/ Make me forget all that hurts me/ Let me understand your plan". These lyrics have resonated with many listeners.
Prince Sample
The song is known for its use of a sample from Prince’s “Alphabet St.” in its main riff.
Timeless Status
"Tennessee" continues to receive airplay two decades after its release, proving its timeless appeal.
Inspired Composition
The track was composed after Speech and his friend DJ Headliner spent a day picking fruit barefoot in the Tennessee countryside, marrying the urban with the rustic.
Cover Versions
"Tennessee" has been covered by various artists over several different genres, owing to its widespread popularity.
Influence on Other Artists
The song's success helped pave the way for subsequent artists in the Southern hip-hop genre including Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Gnarls Barkley.

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    Tennessee

    8.9M
    75,464     2,303

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1992

    Billboard #6


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