New Edition

Lyrics

[Intro: New Edition]
She got it going, got it going on, going on
She got it going, got it, get, get, going on
She got it going, got it going on, going on
She got it going, got it, get, get...

[Verse 1: Ronnie DeVoe]
In-store signing autographs at the mall
Next in line was a fly girl standing tall
Signed my name and said "Give me a call, baby, ya know?"
(In-store)
The girl screamed and fainted panic on the floor
The bodyguard pulled us out the back door
I never saw her anymore
It was an in-store heartbreak

[Verse 2: Ralph Tresvant]
Live at five interview for Channel 2
Saw a cutie, thought she was on the TV crew
She said after the show (I'll be waiting for you) Cool
After the show she got in the car and what a scene
Her dad was the driver of the limousine
I didn't know she was only thirteen
It was a young girl heartbreak

[Pre-Chorus: Ralph Tresvant]
People think we don't get lonely
But we're far away from home
One minute, twenty-thousand people
But then they go home, we're alone
It's off to another city
Where everybody knows my name
But when I meet that perfect honey
Is it me she wants or is it my fame?
[Chorus: New Edition]
Girlies and groupies and parties all night
Is the life that can lead you, lead you to a N.E. heartbreak
From city to city, our friends and our fans
They're the ones who can keep us from having N.E. heartbreak

[Verse 3: Ricky Bell]
Center stage, N.E. was groovin'
The beat was hard and the girlies were movin'
There she was third row center coolin'
She was cold
Last note of the last song
House lights up, they came on
When I looked she was gone
It was a third row heartbreak

[Pre-Chorus: Ralph Tresvant]
People think our life is easy
And they think we've got it made
But we're living under pressure
Just to be on top
And to give it the best that we can give you
And to never let you down
We'll keep strivin' for perfection
N.E. heartbreak is coming to your town
[Refrain: New Edition]
Girlies and groupies (Believe that!)
Gir—, gir—, girlies and groupies (On the strength, boy)
Gir—, gir—, girlies and groupies
Gir—, gir—, girlies and— (Yo, peep this!)
She got it going, got it going on, going on
She got it going, got it, get, get, going on
She got it going, got it going on, going on
(N.E. heartbreak) She was cold
She got it going, got it going on, going on
She got it going, got it, get, get, going on
She got it going, got it going on, going on
(N.E. heartbreak) Ya know?

(Break)

[Bridge: Johnny Gill]
You better beware
Oh, everybody, everybody, everybody sing it for me, yeah

[Outro: New Edition & (Johnny Gill)]
Beware of N.E. heartbreak (Oh, N.E. Heartbreak)
Spreading fast and there's no cure (Oh, and there's no cure)
No need to run from heartache (It's gonna get ya)
It's gonna get you, get you for sure
(Everybody, everybody sing it, yeah)
Beware of N.E. heartbreak
(Oh, everybody, everybody sing it, yeah)
Spreading fast and there's no cure
(And sing it just a little bit louder)
No need to run from heartache
(Hey, oh, yeah, oh, it's gonna get ya)
It's gonna get you, get you for sure
(Everybody clap your hands)
Beware of N.E. heartbreak
(Oh, everybody clap your hands)
Spreading fast and there's no cure
(Clap your hands and sing it a little louder)
No need to run from heartache
It's gonna get you, get you for sure
(Everybody sing it a little bit louder)
Beware of N.E. heartbreak
(Yeah, everybody sing it a little bit louder)
Spreading fast and there's no cure
No need to run from heartache (Oh no)
It's gonna get you, get you for sure
(Beware)
Beware of N.E. heartbreak
(I want everybody in the house to stand up and sing beware)
Spreading fast and there's no cure
(It's gonna get, it's gonna get ya, gonna get ya, gonna get ya)
No need to run from heartache
It's gonna get you, get you for sure
[Outro Interlude: Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant, New Edition]
(Yo, Mike, my man, what about your story?)
My story? Boy — yo, Rizz *laughs* (Do it)
*beatbox*
Called up my girl and said "Meet me on the tour"
I got a suite cold chillin' on the 50th floor
And I'll leave your ticket at the door
And baby, don't forget the pumps
She lost the backstage pass and the room key
Then got stopped by hotel security
And I spent the whole night lonely
And it was a hotel heartbreak (Ah)

Yo, Mike, don't even sweat it
Jam, hit the off button now!

New Edition’s “N.E. Heartbreak” is the fifth and final single from the acclaimed “Heart Break” album, and it peaked at #13 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Undoubtedly, this song is one of the most memorable tracks of the R&B music group’s trio of LPs. The song was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, legends in the music industry, who also worked with Michael Jackson, Usher, and more. It's a great song that features the story of the band's touring experiences that inspired the creation of this iconic song.

About N.E. Heartbreak

The song was written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the former members of the band, The Time. They both were touring with The Time while The New Edition was also touring, and that is where the concept of this astonishing song was born. They spent hours discussing their touring experiences and decided to come up with a song that could touch the sentiments of the listeners while being energetic and fun. Everyone contributed to the song, and Bivins was particularly influential in giving a significant message to the listeners. The song’s message is relatable to people, and it makes them nostalgic about their touring experiences and travels using relatable and fun lyrics.

The group's production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis created the music of the “N.E. Heartbreak” that was a perfect fit for the song's vibe. The chorus starts with a heavy synth bass, and the beat is groovy and easy to dance to. The beat is somewhat reminiscent of the funk that Jam and Lewis used to make as part of The Time. The electronics at the end are a perfect capstone to the beat, incorporating a melody that is delivered in unison with Ralph Tresvant's vocals. The song's groove is infectious, and the unique composition and progression of the melodies drew inspiration from the band's touring experiences. It's safe to say that the music itself is a masterpiece to enjoy for the music trends on the '80s, it set the path for new artists of that decade.

Commendable creativity was involved in the video production of this song. The video shows the band concluding their Heart Break tour, with little time left for celebrations and being welcomed home. While the group rides around town on mopeds, a surprise welcome home party is in preparation for them. The refreshed version of the song is heard in the background, and it features a different verse from Michael Bivins. The video is fun, nostalgic, and informs the viewers about the tour experiences that inspired the song. The video also features the signature dance moves that made New Edition one of the most famous R&B groups from the 80s.

The lyrics to this song tell stories of the group's touring days, mentioning the cities where they performed and reminiscing on the good memories with their fans. The verses of the song are a conversation amongst the band members with everyone narrating a story about their touring experiences. Also, the song aligns with the "Heart Break" album theme, which was about mature and adult relationships. One of the best lines in the song is "I'm addicted to touring and I don't know what to do, so I guess I'll take my addiction and invest it in you.” This line sums up what the song was trying to put forward and adds weightage to the song's message.

In final thoughts, “N.E. Heartbreak” by New Edition is an excellent song to listen to. The credit goes to the band members, their producers, and supportive staff for creating this masterpiece. Although it was released more than three decades ago, the song continues to be a piece of nostalgia for reminiscing of good times and touring experiences with loved ones. The song's energy, fun vibes, and nostalgic perspectives are unmatched, and it’s no wonder that it still remains a fan favorite to this day.

• Release Date: June 20, 1988
• Artist: New Edition