Tennessee
Arrested Development
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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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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.
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Award RecognitionThe song won the Grammy award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1993.
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Music Video Acclaim"Tennessee" was accompanied by a highly acclaimed music video that was featured on MTV and VH1's rotation.
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Hip-Hop ImpactThe song is considered a significant milestone in the evolution of Southern hip-hop, known for its blend of funk, soul, and blues.
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Cultural Significance"Tennessee" is also remembered for its powerful social commentary on racial issues in America.
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Production QualityProduced by Speech and Headliner, the song is celebrated for its distinctive sound and production quality.
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Commercial SuccessIt ranks as Arrested Development's most successful effort, making them one of the most notable rap groups of the 90s.
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Positive ReviewsMusic critics generally praise "Tennessee" for its lyrical depth and original instrumentation.
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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.
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Influential LyricsIt 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.
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Prince SampleThe song is known for its use of a sample from Prince’s “Alphabet St.” in its main riff.
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Timeless Status"Tennessee" continues to receive airplay two decades after its release, proving its timeless appeal.
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Inspired CompositionThe 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.
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Cover Versions"Tennessee" has been covered by various artists over several different genres, owing to its widespread popularity.
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Influence on Other ArtistsThe 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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Citation
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"Tennessee Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 4 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1515736/Arrested+Development/Tennessee>.
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