Arrested Development

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
"Lonely, lonely. Oh woe is me, oh woe is me." I say
The complex cycle I go through almost every day
To my dismay, I imagine being in this set
Me holdin' the 21st letter of the alphabet
All my life I've been searchin' as if it's my obligation to find who? You
But my patience grows thin
'Cause U is just a letter surrounded by a better
Image of a sister who's new, but overdue for marriage
Marriage takes discipline, a problem that exist within'
The American culture I resist against
But I must recall and I trust that all
I've learned thru life is givin' way to a wife y'all
'Cause I want, not need, a companion to feed
The knowledge I read and the lovin' I've received
Through moms and my palms reads a long life
So hey I pray for the day I have a strong wife
Or a strong son or daughter or strong both
Give them a foundation of values
I think I'll make a great coach for them and warn 'em of sin
And maybe by then, they can nip it in the bud before it begins, so hey
If you're listening and U wishin' for a U like me that you have in store
Maybe I could be the U for U
And U could be the U for me too

[Chorus]
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
[Verse 2]
I know you're there, I just haven't found U yet
Gonna getcha five cent I'll bet
If I lose it's five cents, if I win it's five decades more
Of a life with a wife and 2 or 3 kids
My parents want grandkids wit big heads like mine
Runnin' and jumpin' on the bed with my brownish eyes
There's sort of a pressure to be married and chilled
With Terry gone, emotional gaps need to be filled
So I'm sort of searchin', but only in my spare time
Most of the time I'm busy workin' on a beat or rhyme
I don't want just a sex partner, a female friend or buddy
To be played with like silly puddy
I want to be played with like clay on a spindle
Wet it, mold it, bend it, let it hard, never dwindle
That's called longevity
Different than what U read and see On TV, so hey
If you're listening and U wishin' for a U like me that you have in store
Maybe I could be the U for U
And U could be the U for me too

[Chorus]
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
[Verse 3]
I don't know what's going wrong
People always askin me oh
Come on, come on, don't make me wait
If you miss you might be too late
That wouldn't be too great
So I pray for a deep sister
Take the life out on a nice date
Never thinking ho or bitch or nuttin' like that
That's a boys job, I'm a Mandé
And I can do my thing in action
Word! That's what's happenin'
Have a funky Hungry Jack meal and set in
My moms gives me daily lessons on cooking African
Dishes. My wish is to be all I can be for U
Who you Is? Me don't know. Only U
I let down all my defenses
Let you and your entire family in my sight
(Only you) can relate to me
(Only you) can relieve me
In my world there's just us 3
You, me and G.O.D

[Chorus]
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me too
(Maybe) I could be the U for U
(Maybe) U could be the U for me tooEmbed

Are you ready to dive into the groovy world of Arrested Development? Well, get ready to be captivated by their timeless track, "U." Known for their unique blend of conscious rap and soulful melodies, Arrested Development has been a force to reckon with in the music industry for decades. With their socially conscious lyrics and infectious rhythms, they have managed to leave an indelible mark on the world of hip-hop. So, let's embark on a journey to uncover the essence of "U" and why it continues to stand the test of time.

About U

"U" is a captivating song by Arrested Development released in 1993 as part of their critically acclaimed album, "Zingalamaduni." This dynamic track showcases the band's talent for blending various genres, including hip-hop, soul, and funk, into a harmonious musical experience. Arrested Development's ability to infuse thought-provoking lyrics with infectious beats is evident in "U," making it an absolute gem in their discography.

From the very first note, "U" grabs your attention and takes you on a whirlwind journey. The pulsating rhythm section lays the foundation for the track, creating a powerful groove that grabs you by the collar and compels you to move. The incorporation of vibrant horn sections and soulful vocal harmonies adds an extra layer of richness to the song, creating a vibrant and engaging sonic tapestry.

Lyrically, "U" carries a powerful message that resonates with listeners even to this day. Arrested Development tackles themes of self-reflection, personal growth, and the importance of community in this song. They encourage listeners to embrace their true selves, to pursue their dreams, and to lift each other up in a world that often tries to tear us down.

The song's title, "U," serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it represents the individual, urging listeners to embrace their uniqueness and not be swayed by societal expectations. On the other hand, "U" symbolizes unity and the power of coming together as a collective force to create positive change. Arrested Development's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where love, acceptance, and understanding triumph over hate and division, making "U" a powerful anthem of hope and unity.

One of the standout features of "U" is how Arrested Development seamlessly blends different musical elements to create a sound that is uniquely their own. They effortlessly fuse elements of traditional African music, funk, soul, and hip-hop to create a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and distinct. This eclectic mix of genres is a testament to the band's musical dexterity and their desire to create a sound that transcends boundaries.

Furthermore, the band's use of sampling in "U" adds another layer of complexity to the song. They ingeniously incorporate samples from various sources, including jazz records and speeches, to create a rich and diverse musical mosaic. This sampling technique not only adds depth to the track but also serves as a nod to the musical history that has influenced Arrested Development's sound.

One cannot discuss "U" without mentioning the exceptional vocal performances by Arrested Development's frontman, Speech. Known for his charismatic delivery and powerful storytelling abilities, Speech's vocals are the driving force behind the song's emotional impact. His delivery is filled with passion and conviction, allowing the lyrics to resonate deeply with listeners. It is through his voice that the message of "U" becomes truly powerful, leaving a lasting impression on those who listen.

In a world filled with mindless party anthems and superficial lyrics, "U" stands as a beacon of substance and depth. Arrested Development's ability to craft a song that not only grooves but also challenges listeners to think and reflect is truly remarkable. It is this combination of musical excellence and thought-provoking content that has secured "U" as a timeless classic in the annals of hip-hop history.

So, if you're in the mood for a song that will make you ponder, dance, and uplift your spirits all at once, "U" by Arrested Development is the perfect choice. Prepare to be captivated by their infectious rhythms, mesmerizing lyrics, and their unwavering dedication to bringing positive change through music. Let "U" be the soundtrack to your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

• Release Date: March 24, 1992
• Artist: Arrested Development