You know, when people mention some of the most romantic lyric writers of the 20th century, one becomes accustomed to hearing names like Rodgers and Hart, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, the Gershwins. But one man is always forgetten. He is one of the most prolific and successful songwriters/singers from the last 20th century. This genius’ name? Robert Sylvester Kelly. Most know him better by his stage name: R. Kelly.

I was in the mood for a little old school R&B from my college days and remembered how much I used to love that “Bump & Grind” remix. Every time it came on the radio, I would turn the volume knob and bob my head a little. So, I went onto the all encompassing web, found the song, downloaded it and began to listen.

A lot has changed from 1994 when this song first hit the scene. What has changed the most? My ears. First, the beat, R. Kelly’s voice, the whole mood of the song – still love it. Can’t lie on that one. But it occurred to me that the beat, the voice and the mood was all I really paid attention to 13 years ago. Because after listening to the lyrics and eventually downloading and reading them. I realized that R. Kelly knows his audience, but he ain’t no Gershwin. Let’s take a look, shall we? I’ve highlighted my favorite lines.

You know I can’t see nothing wrong with a little bump n grind baby
Repeat x 4

Sit down on the couch
Take your shoes off
Let me rub your body before I tear it off (I can just hear Sinatra belting out this line, can’t you)
The honey lover man is ready to flex
Girl flex time to have sex
We’ll start right here and work our way around
I won’t stop until I hear the “ooo ah” sound
Don’t front you know about the rodeo show (Kelly stole this line from Roy Rogers)
So show me some ID before I get knee deep into you (At some point he stopped asking for ID and just started pissing on people)
you I don’t see

Chorus
I don’t see nothing wrong
(you know I can’t see nothing wrong with a little bump n grind baby)
Repeat x 4

This is goin on till the early morn
And my word is bond so baby flex the thongs (This is how my dad wooed my mom)
I got what you want you got what I need
Homie lover friends is all I wanna be
Its the pretty round brown driving me wild (Is he talking about meatloaf?)
Oooo child things are gonna get a little freakier
And I will have you singing like a mockingbird…word (This line is almost sappy, but then he throws “word” in there and it’s all good)
Don’t front you know about the rodeo show
So show me some ID before I get knee deep into you I don’t see yeah

Chorus

Ah yeah break it down - this is the remix on the wild tip
Comin at ya for the 94

Baby turn the lights off
I’m gonna set it off
Driving you out of your mind with a
Little bump n grind
(Who needs roses are red, violets are blue when R. Kelly is in the house)

I know it sounds like I am dissing him, but honestly, I loved this song back then and still do like it a lot. Some things you have to take at face value. Not every song can be “Embraceable You”.