Charmbracelet, released on December 3, 2002, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart after selling 241,000 copies and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on January 9, 2003. The album features collaborations with producers Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Just Blaze, Damizza and Dre & Vidal, among others, as well as guest appearances by Jay-Z, Cam'ron, Freeway, Joe and Mariah's former back-up singer Kelly Price.
Mariah started working on Charmbracelet right after the release of Glitter and parting ways with record label Virgin. “I could not have written this album — which I truly love — without having gone through those hard times. That was the case with my first album, and Butterfly, and a few of my other albums. Sometimes, the greatest art comes from pain. It would be nice to not have to go through that, but I'm growing to accept that life is full of bumps in the road. The gratifying part is when you can come out on the other side tougher and wiser — and with some great songs,” she explained. “I started writing and recording the songs that would later go on this album before I had a deal. I needed to be absorbed in the process of making music purely for the sake of expressing myself for a while. There were no deadlines, no pressures. I made music as a means of centering myself after all of the drama I'd endured. I found incredible inner peace and clarity in the creation of these songs.”
As she did with the Rainbow album, most of Charmbracelet was recorded in Capri, Italy. “I basically moved into the studio in Italy,” Mariah told MTV. “I was writing songs in my little apartment upstairs, then I would go downstairs and record them at night. I had so much to say — this was the perfect outlet for me to do that.”
Charmbracelet is dedicated to Mariah's father, Alfred Roy Carey, who passed away in 2002. “My father got sick just as we were learning to understand each other more,” she told Elysa Gardner. “It was really intense, but it brought the family closer together. One cousin told me that my father's mother had also had a charm bracelet. She was a very spiritual person, and spirituality has always been a big theme in my music. Some of the songs that may seem like love songs on this album, like I'm singing about a guy, are actually more spiritual songs.” The album contains the song “Sunflowers for Alfred Roy,” written with Lionel Cole. “What you hear on the album is the only time I ever sang it straight through. It was too emotional an experience to revisit. I can't even listen to it in front of other people.”
“Through The Rain” was sent to US radio as the lead single on September 30, 2002. “I've always tried to insert positivity into my songs wherever I can, to inspire other people who go through stuff,” Mariah told MTV. “The stuff they talked about in tabloids and the things that were so overly exaggerated, that's one aspect. I also went through a lot of personal stuff, a lot of family stuff this year. Losing a parent is an intense thing for anybody. It's brought me to another place. People are going to read into it as, ‘This is Mariah and her struggle.’ But the way I try to word it is, ‘It's OK once you say I can make it through the rain.’ Not just me going, ‘I can make it through the rain,’ it's me telling people that if you believe you can get through whatever you're going through, you can get to the other side.” “Through The Rain” became Mariah's twenty-seventh entry on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number eighty-one during the week of December 28, 2002
Mariah decided to close the album with the remix of “Through The Rain,” which she produced with Just Blaze. “The remix of ‘Through The Rain’ was really important to me because the album starts out with the original ‘Through The Rain’ and it tells a story and it ends with the same message of hope,” she explained. “Doing it with Kelly Price and Joe was great because they're two of my favorite singers, they're two incredibly amazing singers. The track has more of a Gospel feel, definitely more than the original. When I listen to it, it's really inspirational to me.”
After initially planning on releasing “The One” as the second single, “Boy (I Need You)” was chosen instead. The song, which features rapper Cam'ron, was released on March 24, 2003. “‘Boy (I Need You)’ was obviously based on the original Cam'ron record called ‘Oh Boy,’ which Just Blaze had produced,” Mariah explained. “Just Blaze is one of my favorite producers, he has a unique style and I really wanted to work with him. I wanted to do something similar to ‘Oh Boy’ and we got in the studio and we did a couple of songs together and then he was like, ‘Why don't you just do the original ‘Oh Boy’ and you do an R&B record on top of it?’ So many people have been wanting to do that, so it might as well be the original producer and me. I had a great time because Cam'ron came to Capri to do his vocals, it was a lot of fun making that record.”
Charmbracelet includes a cover of Def Leppard's “Bringin' On The Heartbreak” that was sent to radios as the album's third and final single on November 24, 2002. “I love going from showing my Minnie Riperton influences to hip-hop to rock. It's all me,” Mariah told Billboard in 2002. “For ‘Heartbreak,’ it was fun to go back to a song that I loved singing when I was in school. I think we bring some fresh elements to it.”
The album also saw Mariah working with Dre and Vidal (“Clown” and “Lullaby”), 7 Aurelius (“Subtle Invitation” and “There Goes My Heart”) and Randy Jackson (“I Only Wanted” and “My Saving Grace,” among others). “These are songs that just brought me such joy to sing,” she explained. “They're not punched in a million times. It's just me in front of the mic, performing from the heart.”
Track # | Song | Run time |
---|---|---|
1 | Through The Rain
Written by: Mariah Carey, Lionel Cole.
Produced by: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Mariah Carey. Co-produced by James “Big Jim” Wright. |
4:50 |
2 | Boy (I Need You) [feat. Cam'ron]
Written by: Mariah Carey, Justin Smith, Norman Whitfield.
Produced by: Just Blaze and Mariah Carey. |
5:16 |
3 | The One
Written by: Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri. Co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox. |
4:10 |
4 | Yours
Written by: Mariah Carey, James Harris III, Terry Lewis, James “Big Jim” Wright.
Produced by: Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Mariah Carey. Co-produced by James “Big Jim” Wright. |
5:08 |
5 | You Got Me (feat. Jay-Z and Freeway)
Written by: Mariah Carey, Justin Smith, Shawn Carter, Leslie Pridgen.
Produced by: Just Blaze and Mariah Carey. |
4:24 |
6 | I Only Wanted
Written by: Mariah Carey, Lionel Cole.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson. |
3:40 |
7 | Clown
Written by: Mariah Carey, Andre Harris, Vidal David, Mary Ann Tatum.
Produced by: Dre and Vidal and Mariah Carey. |
3:19 |
8 | My Saving Grace
Written by: Mariah Carey, Trevor Lawrence, Kenneth Crouch, Randy Jackson.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson. |
4:11 |
9 | You Had Your Chance
Written by: Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, Leon Haywood.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri. Co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox. |
4:24 |
10 | Lullaby
Written by: Mariah Carey, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis.
Produced by: Dre and Vidal and Mariah Carey. |
4:58 |
11 | Irresistible (West Side Connection)
Written by: Mariah Carey, Damion Young, O'Shea Jackson, Quincy Jones III, Theodore Life, Dexter Wansel.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and Damizza. |
5:06 |
12 | Subtle Invitation
Written by: Mariah Carey, 7 Aurelius, Lloyd Smith, Kenneth Crouch, Rob Bacon, Randy Jackson.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and 7 Aurelius. Co-produced by I.G. |
4:29 |
13 | Bringin' On The Heartbreak
Written by: Steven Maynard Clark, Joseph Elliot, Peter Andrew Willis.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson. |
4:36 |
14 | Sunflowers For Alfred Roy
Written by: Mariah Carey, Lionel Cole.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson. |
3:01 |
15 | Through The Rain (Remix feat. Kelly Price and Joe)
Written by: Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Kenneth Crouch.
Produced by: Just Blaze and Mariah Carey. |
3:32 |
Bonus | Miss You (feat. Jadakiss)
Written by: Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, James Phillips,
Terri Etlinger, Linda Laurie.
Produced by: Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey. Co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox. |
5:09 |
Bonus | I Know What You Want (Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey feat. Flipmode Squad)
Written by: Trevor Smith, William Lewis, Roger McNair, Leroy Jones, Rashia Fisher, Ricardo Thomas.
Produced by: Rick Rock. |
4:18 |
Track # | Song | Run time |
---|---|---|
1 | There Goes My Heart
Written by: Mariah Carey, 7 Aurelius, Irving Lorenzo, Lloyd L. Smith.
Produced by: Mariah Carey and 7 Aurelius. |
4:10 |
2 | I Know What You Want (Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey feat. Flipmode Squad)
Written by: Trevor Smith, William Lewis, Roger McNair, Leroy Jones, Rashia Fisher, Ricardo Thomas.
Produced by: Rick Rock. |
4:18 |
3 | Got A Thing For You (Da Brat and Mariah Carey feat. Elephant Man)
Written by: Robert Caldwell, Shawntae Harris, L.T. Hutton, Alfons Kettner.
Produced by: Shawntae Harris and L.T. Hutton. |
5:24 |
4 | The One (So So Def Remix feat. Bone Crusher)
Written by: Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Wayne Hardnett, Teddy Riley, Gene Griffin, Aaron Hall, Timmy Gatling.
Produced by: Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey. Co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox. |
4:44 |
Charmbracelet was originally available on CD, Vinyl and Cassette. In Japan, the albums contains sixteen songs, including the bonus track “Miss You.”
The United Kingdom got a special edition of the album including two bonus tracks: “Miss You” and “I Know What You Want,” with Busta Rhymes and The Flipmode Squad. A Tour Edition of Charmbracelet was released in Asia in June 2003 including four bonus tracks and the music videos for “Through The Rain” and “Boy (I Need You).”
In January 2021, the album was re-issued on vinyl, including a limited edition bone-colored vinyl. A new variant was issued in 2024, when Amazon Music re-released Charmbracelet in translucent tan vinyl.
When you get caught in the rain
With nowhere to run
When you're distraught and in pain
Without anyone
When you keep crying out to be saved
But nobody comes
And you feel so far away
That you just can't find your way home
You can get there alone, it's ok
Once you say
I can make it through the rain
I can stand up once again on my own
And I know that I'm strong enough to mend
And every time I feel afraid
I hold tighter to my faith
And I live one more day
And I make it through the rain
And if you keep falling down
Don't you dare give in
You will arise safe and sound
So keep pressing on steadfastly
And you'll find what you need to prevail
Once you say
I can make it through the rain
I can stand up once again on my own
And I know that I'm strong enough to mend
And every time I feel afraid
I hold tighter to my faith
And I live one more day
And I make it through the rain
And when the wind blows
And shadows grow close
Don't be afraid
There's nothing you can't face
And should they tell you
You'll never pull through
Don't hesitate
Stand tall and say
I can make it through the rain
I can stand up once again on my own
And I know that I'm strong enough to mend
And every time I feel afraid
I hold tighter to my faith
And I live one more day
And I make it through the rain
I can make it through the rain
And stand up once again
And I'll live one more day, and I
I can make it through the rain
Oh yes you can
You're gonna make it through the rain
Written by Mariah Carey and Lionel Cole.
Produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Mariah Carey. Co-Produced by James “Big Jim” Wright.
I can't help it
When I'm not around you (boy)
Cause all I ever seem to do is drift away
In dreams about you
Cause when I'm without you (boy)
It always seems like part of me is missing baby
Sometimes I don't call
Like I don't care at all
But secretly, you're the only thing
That lifts me up and makes me smile
When I'm unhappy
All you gotta do is call
And suddenly things don't really
Seem so bad at all
(boy) I need you (boy) adore you (boy)
Gotta have you (oh boy)
I wanna feel your touch
This ain't no little crush
So come and get my love
Baby anything you want
Feeling you (boy)
Fiending for you (boy)
Just waiting on you (boy)
When I see you (oh boy)
I'm gonna wrap you up
Inside my love
And never let you go boy
Never let you go boy
My heart races when my Motorola beeps
Or my cell rings
I just make a wish and if it's you
My whole day changes
Cause when I know you're thinking of me (boy)
Heaven knows
Suddenly it's not so dismal baby
Sometimes I don't call
Like I don't care at all
But secretly, you're the only thing
That lifts me up and makes me smile
When I'm unhappy
All you gotta do is call
And suddenly things don't really
Seem so bad at all
(boy) I need you (boy) adore you (boy)
Gotta have you (oh boy)
I wanna feel your touch
This ain't no little crush
So come and get my love
Baby anything you want
Feeling you (boy)
Fiending for you (boy)
Just waiting on you (boy)
When I see you (oh boy)
I'm gonna wrap you up
Inside my love
And never let you go boy
Never let you go boy
Cam'ron:
Mami feelin' my gangsta cause usually I stay on the block
But the girl wet whirl jet, straight to the yacht
Eighth in the sock, jewelry, chrome and stones
Wow it's Giles, Liles, Combs and Jones
Go to Capri, see my mami Mariah
Chanel glasses, had me on fire
Mami's a rider
She want the (boy)
So I give her the (boy)
Now she screamin' out (boy, boy, boy, boy)
She want the hundred carat (boy)
The Harlem world (boy)
My arm is savage, better guard ya girl (boy)
So c-c-c-c-c-call me
And we'll start to cake up
Marc Jacobs, you're a heartbreaker
Good (boy)
I'm a mobster and pimp
Eight keys, two hammers, lobster and shrimp
Look at my limp, mami we could be a couple still (boy, boy, boy, boy)
Sing my hook, help me sell a couple mill
Now sing (boy)
I — (what?)
Need — (who?)
You — (uh huh uh huh)
I wanna feel your touch — (why wouldn't you)
So come and get my love — (show me where it's at — now sing)
I — (what?)
Need — (who?)
You — (uh huh uh huh)
I'm gonna wrap you up (wrap me up)
And never let you go boy
Never let you go boy (never let me go, girl)
(boy) I need you (boy) adore you (boy)
Gotta have you (oh boy)
I wanna feel your touch
This ain't no little crush
So come and get my love
Baby anything you want
Feeling you (boy)
Fiending for you (boy)
Just waiting on you (boy)
When I see you (oh boy)
I'm gonna wrap you up
Inside my love
And never let you go boy
Never let you go boy
Written by Mariah Carey, Justin Smith and Norman Whitfield.
Produced by Just Blaze and Mariah Carey.
Jermaine Dupri:
Yo, if you've ever been in a relationship
And got hurt really really bad
This song's for you
I mean, you know what it feel like (Now MC baby tell 'em what we talkin' about)
To not ever wanna do it again
Now you meet somebody
And without a doubt you know they the one
Yeah, you'd be so scared and nervous
You don't wanna get hurt again (Now MC baby tell 'em what we talkin' about)
Mariah:
See I'm going through a situation that I can't help
Wanna get a little closer but I promised myself
That I would never give my heart up away again
Oo oo babe
I know it's hard Butcha gotta understand it
The truth is
All the hurt and the pain and the shit that you get when you have it
Ain't worth it
I've been there so many times
I should know better but I
Can't stop what I feel when you're next to me
I really think I
Finally found somebody that could be the one
But I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to love (Oh no)
And I'm scared, and I'm nervous
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad
Cause I know that you're the one
Finally found somebody that could be the one (I think I finally)
But I promised myself bhat I wouldn't give in to love
Said I'm scared, and I'm nervous (Boy I'm so afraid)
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad
Cause I know that you're the one (Baby you're the one)
See the problem with relationships in general
Is that it's always a game
In the beginning they'll do anything to have you
And once they do it's never the same
And I, know everyone out there can relate
So the question is
One: do I really wanna trust this feeling
Two: do I wanna let it pass me by
Three: do you think it's only superficial
Four: could it actually be different this time
Someone to love me
Someone to be my everything
Maybe I've stumbled upon
Finally found somebody that could be the one (The only one)
But I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to love (No, no)
And I'm scared, and I'm nervous (I just don't wanna be hurt)
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad
Cause I know that you're the one (But boy I think you might be the one)
Finally found somebody that could be the one (Maybe I've found)
But I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to love (Yeah)
And I'm scared, and I'm nervous (Boy I'm so afraid)
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad
Cause I know that you're the one (Cause I know you're the one)
Oh baby
Sweet darling
I
I think I finally found
Finally found somebody that could be the one (The only one)
But I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to love (Baby, no)
And I'm scared, and I'm nervous
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad (I don't wanna be hurt no more)
Cause I know that you're the one (But I think you might really be the one)
Finally found somebody that could be the one (Finally found)
But I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to love (I promised myself not to give in)
And I'm scared, and I'm nervous
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad (Anymore this is bad)
Cause I know that you're the one
Finally found somebody that could be the one (I finally found somebody that could be the one)
But I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to love
And I'm scared, and I'm nervous (And I'm scared and I'm nervous)
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad (Please, please baby baby)
Cause I know that you're the one
Finally found somebody that could be the one
But I promised myself that I wouldn't give in to love
And I'm scared, and I'm nervous
Don't wanna be hurt anymore, this is bad
Cause I know that you're the one
Written by Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox.
Produced by Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey. Co-Produced by Bryan Michael Cox.
You brighten up the moon and stars at night
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky
You bring new meaning to my life, now
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours
Yours
Tender love's what you're giving me and
You surpass all my fantasies and
I keep thanking The Lord above for
Blessing me with oh so much
Cause I know how it feels to be part of you boy
Every day of my life's so abundant with joy
And I honestly never thought love could be real
Until the angels guided you to me
You brighten up the moon and stars at night
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky
You bring new meaning to my life, now
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours
Yours
Lying with you so natural
I never knew this was possible
And it finally feels like my life has begun
Now that I can share it with someone
You brighten up the moon and stars at night
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky
You bring new meaning to my life, now
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours
Yours
You brighten up the moon and stars at night
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky
You bring new meaning to my life, now
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours
Yours
Baby our love will always persevere (Always)
Anything you ever need, you know that I'll be right here and (And you know, and you know)
You don't have to worry boy I won't betray your trust (Don't worry baby)
Because I'm so much in love (So much in love)
Every time your lips meet mine it still feels like the first time (Still like the first time)
And if you lost everything I'd keep on standing by your side and (Standing by your side)
Boy it seems like everyday I fall deeper in love
Because I can't get enough
You brighten up the moon and stars at night (Oh baby you…)
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky
You bring new meaning to my life, now
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours (I believe, I believe)
Yours
You brighten up the moon and stars at night (Stars at night)
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky (Rainbows in the sky)
You bring new meaning to my life, now (And you bring new meaning to my life)
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours (Baby I'm forever yours)
Yours (Baby I'm yours)
Yours (Baby I'm yours)
Yours (Baby I'm yours)
Yours (Yours)
Everything that you do's so amazing (So amazing)
Everything that you do's so amazing (So amazing)
Everything that you do's so amazing (So amazing)
Everything that you do's so amazing to me
Boy
You brighten up the moon and stars at night (Yeah…)
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky (And you bring, and you bring)
You bring new meaning to my life, now (New meaning to my life)
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours
:59 till end
Yours
You brighten up the moon and stars at night (Boy…)
You keep me seeing rainbows in the sky
You bring new meaning to my life, now (And you bring new meaning to my life)
I believe in miracles baby I'm forever yours (Baby I'm forever yours)
Yours
Yours
Yours
Baby I believe in miracles because I'm
Baby forever yours
Yours
I believe in miracles
Baby I'm forever
Yours
Written by Mariah Carey, James Harris III, Terry Lewis and James “Big Jim” Wright.
Produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Mariah Carey. Co-Produced by James “Big Jim” Wright.
You know you got me
You know you got me
You know you got me
You know you got me
Freeway:
It's Mariah and Free
Just Blaze beats, yeah
It's the Roc and Mariah and the women go
And I love it when the ladies sing
And they love it when the wristses glow, smother the ring
Slide upon ya strip and go
Just to pick up ya sister, bro
You like to pick and choose who she dates
Will I skate, do I like to stick and move
Silly fool, she know that I got her
I'll run up on the strip and go
For Mariah play a brother role
I'll play a different role
Let her roll in the wheel, long days nowhere to go
And no other slimie will do
She just like Honey so she got me like Winnie the Pooh
Long nights let her chill with the crew
Only backwards will do and she know how to roll
They say out with the old and in with the new
But she my Dreamlover so I Can't Let Go, hey no
Please believe me, I never been a liar
Just fire Mariah and Free-weezy
Mariah:
I get shy around you
Don't know what to say and I don't know what to do
Cause you do something to me
That I can't describe baby
Always catch myself thinkin' bout the things you do
There ain't no one else, I got my heart set on you
You really got me baby it's true
You know you got me
So in love
You know you got me
Daydreamin' bout us
You know you got me
Starry eyed and elated
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby
You know you got me
Hypnotized
You know you got me
With you on my mind
You know you got me
Feeling intoxicated
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby
Boy I'm entangled up in you
These feelings I just can't elude
Cause you're so captivating
That I inadvertently
Always catch myself thinking bout the things you do (The things that you do)
There ain't no one else, I got my heart set on you
You really got me baby it's true
You know you got me
So in love
You know you got me
Daydreamin' bout us (Daydreamin' about us)
You know you got me
Starry eyed and elated
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby (Whenever you want me baby)
You know you got me
Hypnotized
You know you got me
With you on my mind
You know you got me
Feeling intoxicated (You know you got me)
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby
Jay-Z:
Mami got me buyin' property
Speedin' too fast, high velocity
Coppin' bracelets, Baby Roc piece
Vacay Saint-Tropez and Capri
And usually I be on my shit
Harlem Shakin' these groupies off me quick
But this time it's diff
Think the love gon' stick
Like velcro, let go, hell no ma
You know you got me
Mariah:
Said I'm insecure when I'm around you
Don't know what to say or to do
Catching feelings boy, in spite of myself (Catching feelings baby)
I can't think of nobody else sugar (Nobody else)
You're the star of all my dreams
I just wanna be your everything (Just wanna be your everything)
Boy you know you really got me baby
Yeah
You know you got me
So in love
You know you got me
Daydreamin' bout us
You know you got me
Starry eyed and elated
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby (You know you got me)
You know you got me
Hypnotized
You know you got me
With you on my mind (Baby)
You know you got me
Feeling intoxicated
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby
You know you got me
So in love
You know you got me
Daydreamin' bout us
You know you got me
Starry eyed and elated
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby
You know you got me
Hypnotized
You know you got me
With you on my mind
You know you got me
Feeling intoxicated
You know you got me
Whenever you want me baby
Written by Mariah Carey, Justin Smith, Shawn Carter and Leslie Pridgen.
Produced by Just Blaze and Mariah Carey.
Doesn't it ever stay
Must it always fade away
Couldn't love ever be
Something tangible and real
Farewell, fairweather friend
Abandonment returns to taunt me again
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life for the first time
I only wanted you to be there when I
Opened up my eyes
I was caught in your masquerade
Wish I'd stayed beneath my veil
But it just seemed so easy to
Open up myself to you
Once more into the wind
The embers scatter and the chill settles in
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life for the first time
I only wanted you to be there when I
Opened up my eyes
I only wanted you to stay
Linger and mean the words you said
Foolishly I romanticized
Someone was saving my life for the first time
I only wanted you to be
The one to get me through that night
I only wanted you
To be there when I
Opened up my eyes
Doesn't it ever stay
I only wanted you to
Stay
Written by Mariah Carey and Lionel Cole.
Produced by Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson.
I guess your mamma never told you that what goes around comes back around…
I should've left it at, how ya doin
I should've left it at, I like your music too, and
I should've never called you back when you pursued me
I should've never given you my fuckin two way
I should've never listened to your woeful stories
The ones I'm sure you told a thousand times before me
You should've never intimated we were lovers
When you know very well we never even touched each other
Who's gonna love you when it all falls down, and
Who's gonna love you when your bankroll runs out
Who's gonna care when the novelty's over
When the star of the show isn't you anymore
Nobody cares when the tears of a clown fall down
Nobody cares when the tears of a clown fall down
I guess your mamma never told you that what goes around comes back around
I gotta break it to ya delicately, dunny
Takin' my G5 twenty minutes wasn't nothin'
But I guess you wouldn't know
That's the way I roll
Consequently now your ego's fully overblown
You don't want the world to know
That you're just a puppet show
And the little boy inside
Often sits at home alone
And cries, cries, cries, cries
Who's gonna love you when it all falls down, and (Boo hoo… who?)
Who's gonna love you when your bankroll runs out (When your bankroll runs out)
Who's gonna care when the novelty's over (Nobody…)
When the star of the show isn't you anymore
Nobody
Your pain is so deep rooted
What will your life become
Sure you hide it but you're lost and lonesome
Still just a frail shook one (Tell me who's gonna love you)
Who's gonna love you when it all falls down, and (Who? I'd like to know)
Who's gonna love you when your bankroll runs out (If you didn't have nothing)
Who's gonna care when the novelty's over (Who — who'd still be there)
When the star of the show isn't you anymore (Nobody, nobody, nobody)
Nobody cares when the tears of a clown fall down (There ain't nobody baby)
I guess your mamma never told you that what goes around comes back around (Bullies in the schoolyard)
Nobody cares when the tears of a clown fall down (When they fall they fall hard)
I guess your mamma never told you that what goes around comes back around (Yeah… so you better think twice better play nice)
Who's gonna love you when it all falls down, and (Cause who's gonna be there when the joke's on you)
Who's gonna love you when your bankroll runs out (A marionette show)
Who's gonna care when the novelty's over (Who's makin' you move though)
When the star of the show isn't you anymore (I know what kills you slow)
Nobody cares when the tears of a clown fall down (I'm gonna keep your little secret though)
I guess your mamma never told you that what goes around comes back around (And you know that I know)
Nobody cares when the tears of a clown (You're no superhero)
I guess your mamma never told you that what goes around comes back around
Pow
Written by Mariah Carey, Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, Mary Ann Tatum.
Produced by Dre and Vidal and Mariah Carey.
I've still got a lot to learn
But at least I know where I can turn (At least I know where I can turn when I'm in my times of)
When I'm in my times of need
Just as long (As I know all things are possible)
Just as long as I believe (I… believe)
(Oh yes)
Long as a I believe
I've loved a lot
Hurt a lot
Been burned a lot
In my life and times
Spent precious years
wrapped up in fears
With no end in sight
Until my saving grace shined on me
Until my saving grace set me free
(Giving me peace)
Giving me peace
Giving me strength when I'd
Almost lost it all
Catching my every fall
I still exist because you keep me safe
I found my saving grace within you
Yes, I've been bruised
Grew up confused
Been destitute
I've seen life from many sides
Been stigmatized
Been black and white
Felt inferior inside
Until my saving grace shined on me
Until my saving grace set me free
(Giving me peace)
Giving me peace
Giving me strength when I'd
Almost lost it all
Catching my every fall
I still exist because you kept me safe
I found my saving grace within you
And the bountiful things that you do
Lord thank you (Lord thank you)
For delivering me and
Giving me peace
Giving me strength
Giving me hope when I'd
Almost lost it all
Catching my every fall
I still exist because you keep me safe
Always my saving grace
Pulls me through (Pulls me through)
(Found my) I found my saving grace within you
(Yes you are) Within you
(You're my every, everything)
(Only, only you) Yes Lord
Only you
My saving grace Lord is
You
Written by Mariah Carey, Trevor Lawrence, Kenneth Crouch and Randy Jackson.
Produced by Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson.
Sorry but you had your chance baby (You had your chance, you had it)
I'm sorry but you had your chance baby (You had your chance, you had it)
I'm sorry but you had your chance baby (You had your chance, you had it)
I'm sorry but you had your chance baby (You had your chance, you had it)
Well it's been a while
Since I looked into your eyes
Never dreamed I'd see you tonight
And it's interesting
That I just don't feel a thing
For the so called love of my life, my life
We used to be close
But you didn't love me
We used to be best friends
(But you never really cared
I let you into my soul
I didn't know you couldn't be trusted
It took me so long to forget
All the little things we shared
And now you want me back again
After my heartache and suffering (Well well well)
I was your fool
But that's all in the past
So sorry boy
But you had your chance
See, I spent so many sleepless nights
Tryin' to block you from my mind
I was so convinced I'd die without you
Once upon a time
Now my eyes are open and I can see
You were devious and shady
Only trifling with me
We used to be close
But you didn't love me
We used to be best friends (Used to be like best friends)
But you never really cared (No)
I let you into my soul
I didn't know you couldn't be trusted (I didn't know, I didn't know)
It took me so long to forget
All the little things we shared
And now you want me back again
After my heartache and suffering (After)
I was your fool (I was your fool in the past)
But that's all in the past (But those days are gone)
So sorry boy
But you had your chance
Where were you when I needed you most
Would've done anything just to hold you close
Would've given the world to be back in your arms
But you left me so torn apart (Now baby)
And now you want me back again (Say you want me back again)
After my heartache and suffering (After my heartache and suffering)
I was your fool
But that's all in the past (I was your fool)
So sorry boy (So sorry boy)
But you had your chance
And now you want me back again
After my heartache and suffering
I was your fool
But that's all in the past
So sorry boy
But you had your chance
And now you want me back again
After my heartache and suffering
I was your fool
But that's all in the past
So sorry boy
But you had your chance
And now you want me back again
After my heartache and suffering
I was your fool
But that's all in the past
So sorry boy
But you had your chance
Written by Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael Cox and Leon Haywood.
Produced by Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey. Co-Produced by Bryan Michael Cox.
I should just hug you goodbye
But I just can't walk away from paradise
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby
And we can revisit us one more time
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight
Hey boy, what's going on
Thanks, I'm doing okay
Don't believe rumors — hey
How's your family
Please say hello for me
Guess we've both grown up a bit
But I have to admit
It really still feels good
Here by your side
Sitting right next to you
Just like I used to do
You know we can't deny
No one else in our lives
Holds a candle to you and I
I should just hug you goodbye
But I just can't walk away from paradise (I can't, so I)
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby
And we can revisit us one more time
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight
I should just hug you goodbye (I should hug you goodbye)
But I just can't walk away from paradise (But you know I can't, baby)
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby (So I guess I'll cuddle with you baby)
And we can revisit us one more time
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight
So here we are again
All by ourselves
So familiar you know
That it actually almost feels like déjà vu
Of that night on the roof
We kissed under the sky amid the city lights
A sudden flashback to so long ago
In the dark all alone
With our bodies this close
Guess some things never change
Cause I still melt away
When you touch me
And say my name
I should just hug you goodbye (Baby I)
But I just can't walk away from paradise (So I guess)
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby (I'll come and love you to sleep)
And we can revisit us one more time (Revisit paradise for a while)
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight (By your side)
(Lullaby)
I should just hug you goodbye (See I know I should)
But I just can't walk away from paradise (But boy, you just look so good)
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby (So I'll sing that song you like to hear me sing)
And we can revisit us one more time (As we revisit us)
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight
(It still feels, feels good)
(Lullaby)
I should just hug you goodbye
But I just can't walk away from paradise (I can't walk away from paradise)
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby (So I'll take you home and sing to you baby)
And we can revisit us one more time
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight (Though I know that I should just)
I should just hug you goodbye (Oh I can't…)
But I just can't walk away from paradise (Cause you)
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby (You and I both know)
And we can revisit us one more time (Nobody else in our lives holds a candle to you and I)
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight
I should just hug you goodbye (Shhh! so hush pretty baby)
But I just can't walk away from paradise (Mmm, it's just me and you, yeah)
So I guess I'll sing you that sweet lullaby (As we relive the splendor of you and I)
And we can revisit us one more time
Yes, I'll come home with you tonight (I'm gonna sing our sweet lullaby)
Written by Mariah Carey, Andre Harris and Vidal Davis.
Produced by Dre and Vidal and Mariah Carey.
Ice Cube:
Slippin', slidin', glidin', low ridin'
Ain't no hidin' from this hit
Fool, you know how we do it
Irresistible
Just keep it poppin', ain't no stoppin'
Fo hoppin', ass droppin'
Just keep it poppin', ain't no stoppin'
Fo hoppin', ass droppin'
Mariah:
Every time I try to leave
Something pulls me back baby
Tried and tried to let you go
But it's just impossible
Every time we say goodbye
Bitter tear drops fill my eyes
Wish I didn't need you so
But you're irresistible
I don't wanna lose you to somebody else
But I can't go on contradicting myself
I know that it's pointless to keep holding on
But something inside tells me you're where I belong
Every time I try to leave
Something pulls me back baby
Tried and tried to let you go (Tried…)
But it's just impossible
Every time we say goodbye
Bitter tear drops fill my eyes
Wish I didn't need you so
But you're irresistible
I know that it's unrealistic to think
That things will get better between you and me
Cause time after time you just shatter my heart
But when I'm without you I feel so torn apart
Every time I try to leave
Something pulls me back baby
Tried and tried to let you go (Yeah, I try and I try)
But it's just impossible
Every time we say goodbye
Bitter tear drops fill my eyes (Every time we say goodbye baby)
Wish I didn't need you so
But you're irresistible
Boy I wish
That I didn't love you so
I try to tell you no
But you're irresistible
Mack 10:
Ain't nothin' goin' on but a party and a hit song
Jumpin' all night long
It's like tires gettin' deeper and the game's gettin' flier
Cause the Westside done connected with Mariah
I hit the Grammy party and the 64 is what I drove through
Cause divas like thugs too
Mack 10, and I'm so so gangsta with mills
And I ain't lyin' that's on everything I'm keepin' it real
WC:
Can you feel it
Nothin' can save you from this
Young rider with big wheels and paper
New millennium Clyde and Bonnie, doin' 90
With Giovanni's on the big body
Though your friends say ‘Girl he ain't lovin' you right’
You stay down with this thug in ya life
What we got is deeper than a physical
Dub-C and Mariah, gangsta love is irresistible
Mariah:
See I only want it to be like it was (Like it was)
When we got together and first fell in love (Fell in love)
Sometimes it's just like I'm addicted to you
This love's so consuming I don't know what to do
Every time I try to leave
Something pulls me back baby
Tried and tried to let you go (Tried to let you go)
But it's just impossible (Oh I can't)
Every time I say goodbye
Bitter tear drops fill my eyes (Tears…)
Wish I didn't need you so (Said I wish I didn't)
But you're irresistible
Every time I try to leave (Baby why you gotta be so irresistible)
Something pulls me back baby
Tried and tried to let you go
But it's just impossible
Every time I say goodbye (Every time I try)
Bitter tear drops fill my eyes (Tears…)
Wish I didn't need you so
But you're irresistible
Every time I try to leave
Something pulls me back baby (Said I just can't leave, said I just can't leave)
Tried and tried to let you go
But it's just impossible
Every time I say goodbye
Bitter tear drops fill my eyes (Said I just can't leave, said I just can't leave)
Wish I didn't need you so
But you're irresistible (I wish)
Every time I try to leave
Something pulls me back baby (See I tried and tried)
Tried and tried to let you go
But it's just impossible
Every time I say goodbye
Bitter tear drops fill my eyes
Wish I didn't need you so
But you're irresistible
Written by Mariah Carey, Damion Young, O'Shea Jackson, Quincy Jones III, Theodore Life, Dexter Wansel.
Produced by Mariah Carey and Damizza.
See it's hard to tell somebody
That you're still somewhat attached to the dream
Of being in love once again
When it's clear they've moved on
So I sat down and wrote these few words
On the off chance you'd hear
And if you happen to be somewhere listening
You should know I'm still here
If you really need me
Baby just reach out and touch me
You don't ever have to be
Downhearted again (No no no no no no)
If she hurts you or misleads you
Baby all you ever need to do
Is call me and let love rush in
What can I say, I had a little extra time
So I figured I might as well explain
A couple little things to you that you probably never knew
Like you'll always be an intrinsic part of me
Even though life goes on
If you really need me
Baby just reach out and touch me (Reach)
You don't ever have to be downhearted again (Oh baby no no no no)
If she hurts you or misleads you
Baby all you ever need to do
Is call me and let love rush in (Baby)
And in my love will flow like the waves to the shore
You can fall into me once again effortlessly
And I'll comfort you so, your heart won't hurt anymore
I'm waiting patiently
If you really need me
Baby just reach out and touch me (Baby)
You don't ever have to be downhearted again (Reach no no)
If she hurts you or misleads you
Baby all you ever need to do (If she hurts you or misleads you)
Is call me and let love rush in (You can just call me baby)
(If you really need me baby) If you really need me
Baby just reach out and touch me (Reach, reach baby)
You don't ever have to be downhearted again (Don't ever hesitate to call me)
If she hurts you or misleads you (And if she hurts you)
Baby all you ever need to do (She's a damn fool)
Is call me and let love rush in (All you gotta do is call me boy, I got you)
If you really need me (Yeah…)
Baby just reach out and touch me (If you're listening to me baby)
You don't ever have to be downhearted again (Like you used to before I even knew you)
If she hurts you or misleads you (Then you know I'm singing to you)
Baby all you ever need to do (So I just wanted you to know)
Is call me and let love rush in (That “anytime you need a friend”)
(I'm here) If you really need me
Baby just reach out and touch me (You can still believe in fairy tales)
You don't ever have to be downhearted again (Yours and mine)
If she hurts you or misleads you (So if by chance you take a listen)
Baby all you ever need to do (I'm quite sure you know that this one's for you)
Is call me and let love rush in (Cause I'm giving “my all”)
Written by Mariah Carey, 7 Aurelius, Lloyd Smith, Kenneth Crouch, Rob Bacon and Randy Jackson.
Produced by Mariah Carey and 7 Aurelius. Co-Produced by I.G..
Yeah
XXX
You're bringin' on the heartache
Gypsy, sittin' lookin' pretty
A broken rose and laughin' eyes
You're a mystery
Always runnin' wild
Like a child without a home
You're always searchin'
Searchin' for a feelin'
But it's easy come and easy go
Oh — I'm sorry but it's true
You're bringin' on the heartache
Takin' all the best of me
Oh can't you see
You got the best of me
Whoah can't you see
You're bringin' on the heartbreak
Bringin' on the heartache
You're bringin' on the heartbreak
Bringin' on the heartache
Can't you see
Oh
You're such a secret
Misty eyed and shady
Baby how you hold the key
Oh you're like a candle
Your flame slowly fadin'
Burnin' out and burnin' me
Can't you see
Just tryin' to say to you
You're bringin' on the heartache
Takin' all the best of me
Oh can't you see
You got the best of me
Oh can't you see
You're bringin' on the hearbreak (Yeah)
Bringin' on the heartache
You're bringin on the heartbreak (You're bringin' on the heartache)
Bringin' on the heartache (Yeah)
Can't you see
Can't you see
No
No
No —
Hey baby
You…
You got the best of me
Oh can't you see (Oh can't you see)
You got the best of me (You got the best of me)
Oh can't you see (Oh can't you see)
You're bringin' on the heartbreak (Yeah yeah yes)
Bringin' on the heartache (You're bringin' on the heartache)
You're bringin' on the heartbreak (Oh you're bringin' on the broken heart)
You're bringin' on the heartache (The heartbreak you're bringin' on)
You're bringin' on the heartbreak
You're bringin' on the heartache (You're bringin' on the heartache)
You're bringin' on the heartbreak (Yeah… can't you see)
You're bringin' on the heartache (You're bringin' on the heartache)
You're bringin' on the heartbreak
Written by Steven Maynard Clark, Joseph Elliot and Peter Andrew Willis.
Produced by Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson.
Now you're shining like a sunflower up in the sky
Shining like a sunflower up in the sky
Thank you for forgiving hurtful things I've done
As a child, adolescent or woman
Thank you for embracing a flaxen-haired baby
Although I'm aware you had doubts (I guess anybody would have had)
I guess anybody'd have had doubts
Please be at peace father
I'm at peace with you
Bitterness isn't worth clinging to
After all the anguish we've all been through
Thank you for the mountains
The lake of the clouds
I'm picturing you and me there right now
As the crystal cascades showered down
Strange to feel that proud, strong man
Grip tightly to my hand
Hard to see the life inside
Wane as the days went by
Trying to preserve each word
He murmured in my ear
Watch part of my life disappear
Father, thanks for reaching out and lovingly
Saying that you've always been proud of me (I needed to feel that so)
I needed to feel that so desperately (Now you're shining like a sunflower up in the sky)
You're always alive inside of me (Way up high)
Written by Mariah Carey and Lionel Cole.
Produced by Mariah Carey and Randy Jackson.
When you get caught
In the pouring rain
With nowhere to run
Without anyone and you
Get a little bit frightened
Cause you've lost your way home
But through all the thunder and lightening
Just keep praying and keep
Saying to yourself
Yes I can, yes I can
I'll make it through the rain
I'll stand up once again
On my own and I know
That I'm strong and in time
I can mend
When I'm afraid
I hold tighter to my faith
Live another day longer
And I make it through the rain
And if you keep on falling down
Don't you dare give in
You will arise safe and sound
If you keep pressing on, steadfastly
You'll have everything you need
Believe you will prevail
If you just say
Yes I can, yes I can
I'll make it through the rain
I'll stand up once again
On my own and I know
That I'm strong and in time
I can mend
When I'm afraid
I hold tighter to my faith
Live another day longer
And I make it through the rain
There are times in your life
When you feel like you can't
Keep going
But keep holding on, keep holding on
There are times in your life when you
Feel like the world all around you
Has shattered, but know that you can't be broken
Don't be afraid, stand tall and say
Yes I can, yes I can
I'll make it through the rain
I'll stand up once again
On my own and I know
That I'm strong and in time
I can mend
When I'm afraid
I hold tighter to my faith
Live another day longer
And I make it through the rain
Repeat
Written by Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson and Kenneth Crouch.
Produced by Just Blaze and Mariah Carey.
Said Jermaine likes it
And I like it
You know I'm really missing you baby
You know I'm really missing you baby
You know I'm really missing you baby
Baby, baby I miss you
Longing for you everyday and I reach for you every night
Baby, nothing's been the same since the day we said goodbye
And I can't go on like this for too long
Baby, baby I miss you
Boy, I need you next to me and I'm hungering for your touch
Caught up in the memories and you're all I'm thinking of
Cause I can't get past what we used to have
Baby, baby I miss you
I'm talkin' 'bout how I used to like it when you whispered to me
Tell me that you love me and those beautiful things
Baby won't you come back cause I'm really in need
I'm lost in your love
And I don't know what to do with myself
I don't wanna be with nobody else
I just think about you
Think about us
Think about how much
I miss you
All I do is reminisce of the love that we used to share
Can't recover from your kiss because nothing else compares
Ain't no substitute when it comes to you
Baby, baby I miss you
Visions of us hand in hand come to me when I close my eyes
Baby I don't understand how we let it all slip by
Tell me, can we try, maybe one more time
Baby baby, I miss you
I'm talkin' 'bout how I used to like it when you whispered to me
Tell me that you love me and those beautiful things (You whispered to me)
Baby won't you come back cause I'm really in need
I'm lost in your love (Baby please come back)
And I don't know what to do with myself
I don't wanna be with nobody else
I just think about you
Think about us
Think about how much
I miss you
Remember when
Our eyes first met
I knew I'd never be the same again
Why can't it just
Be like it was
Enough is enough
Baby, I miss your love
Jadakiss:
Yo, I remember when I first kicked it to you
We hit it off well, then I used to whisper to you
It was all swell
Said you came from a family with money
Me, I was fresh off the block handling twenties
When I smiled was you open or what
Say you can't judge a book by the cover 'til you open it up
Past hot, we was more like lava boo
Used to chill and the smoke didn't bother you
Beauty of a rose, scent of a flower
Love when I tell her to get in the shower, hit it for hours
When I thought you was able to cope
That's where things fell apart ma, and it stagnated us both
And now the pain is killing you crazy
When all the time in your mind, you knew I was feeling you crazy
But Kiss is official boo and Imma come clean
You miss me, well I miss you too, come on
Mariah:
I'm talkin' 'bout how I used to like it when you whispered to me (Baby I do)
Tell me that you love me and those beautiful things (All those things)
Baby won't you come back cause I'm really in need (That you said to me baby)
I'm lost in your love
And I don't know what to do with myself
I don't wanna be with nobody else (Nobody else baby)
I just think about you (You)
Think about us
Think about how much (Boy I miss you)
I miss you
I'm talkin' 'bout how I used to like it when you whispered to me
Tell me that you love me and those beautiful things
Baby won't you come back cause I'm really in need
I'm lost in your love (Baby please come back)
And I don't know what to do with myself
I don't wanna be with nobody else (Nobody else)
I just think about you
Think about us
Think about how much (Baby baby I miss you)
I miss you
I'm talkin' 'bout how I used to like it when you whispered to me
Tell me that you love me and those beautiful things (All those things)
Baby won't you come back cause I'm really in need (That you said to me baby)
I'm lost in your love (Baby what can I do)
And I don't know what to do with myself
I don't wanna be with nobody else (I don't want nobody else)
I just think about you (I just think about us)
Think about us
Think about how much
I miss you
I'm talkin' 'bout how I used to like it when you whispered to me (And baby baby I miss you)
Tell me that you love me and those beautiful things (You)
Baby won't you come back cause I'm really in need (Why'd you have to go and tell me that you loved me)
I'm lost in your love (If you didn't really mean it baby)
And I don't know what to do with myself
I don't wanna be with nobody else (Now all I do is think about you)
I just think about you (Think about us baby)
Think about us
Think about how much
I miss you
Written by Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan Michael Cox, J.T. Phillips, Terry Etling, Linda Laurie.
Produced by Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey. Co-Produced by Brian Michael Cox.