Full disclosure but I in no way claim to have a total degree in mackiology or totally understand “the game” like one of my friends The Bishop Magic Don Juan but I do feel that I know a few things about understanding this love thing. We as men sometimes don’t express ourselves in the best way or have effective forms of communication when it comes to the opposite sex. But, I know ONE way you can improve this! How do you improve this? By simply listening to the Isley Brothers…YES! The Isley Brothers! The fascinating thing I have learned about life is that have some common sense and giving a damn about a woman can go a long way.
Interesting enough they have dropping nuggets of game for men since the early 70s. Ron Isley has been crooning game for decades maybe we need to heed some of the lessons. The Isley brothers have millions of tracks that lay down game for every mood you can be in with a woman and explain exactly how you feel. I have always thought that you have to go back to the old skool to learn lessons that you can use today. This time I will give you 5 Isley Brothers tracks that help with your “game” in relationships.
For The Love of You
This song is classic in the way Ron explains how much love and emotion he has for his woman. He is effectively telling his lover how much his life is dedicated to her love. Ron explains how much he is enthused and appreciates her being apart of his life. What other way to show your lady some love by letting her know that you are living your life because of her love.
Love to be
Ridin’ the waves of your love, enchanted with your touch
And it seems to me
We could sail together in and out of mystery, wellI wanna be livin’
For the love of you, alright now
All that I’m givin’
Is for the love of you, you got me, girl
Work To Do
Going after this “American Dream” isn’t an easy thing and sometimes fellas we know that our women can’t understand the grind. However, Ron Isley makes the game simple for you. He explains how much he working hard to make things better for them and that he isn’t neglecting her but working hard and going after his dreams.
Oh I’m out here trying to make it, baby can’t you see
It takes a lot of money to make, it let’s talk truthfully
So keep your love light burning
And a little food hot in my plate
You might as well get used to me coming home a little late, oh
Ooh, I got work to do, I got work baby
I got a job, yeah I got work to do
Footsteps in the Dark
We all go through relationship turmoil and ups and downs and even infidelity. Ron’s tenor voices explain things for you about how he feels that things aren’t right. It’s the sense of sadness and uncertainty of the relationship but Ron gives us the hope that the relationship can still stand strong. The game in it is saying that he hears the footsteps of the relationship being over but you can confront those issues and make the relationship better.
My mind, just now and then
Lookin’ down dark corridors and wonders what might have been
Something’s up ahead,
Hey, should I keep this same direction or go back instead?
I keep hearin’ footsteps baby In the dark, in the dark
Why? I keep hearin’ footsteps baby In the dark, in the dark
Voyage to Atlantis
Sometimes a brotha can be in a place where he loves a woman but he understands that he can’t be with her. This is one of the most misunderstood Isley Brother’s songs because of the metaphor of Atlantis being used. Ron breaks it down so heavy on this. The song is in effect telling his lover that this reunion will never happen. It is, in fact, as mythical as the “paradise” for which the song is named. The idea of a relationship being great but only being something that can happen in the future in a fantasy world is heavy game!! I guarantee you this is giving game of how to break up with a woman. The Donell Jones way isn’t the only route to go.
She’s my lady, now and ever
Whoa…how can I know
Can we go all the way together
Whoa…let it be soSo we’ll say our last goodbye
And we’ll it this time
Hey…ho…set sail with me
To a paradise out beyond the sea
Spend The Night
Sometimes in the beginning of dating there is some awkwardness and tension between a couple especially when it comes to the first time they get “Between The Sheets”. But on this song, the game is let out there plain and simple once again! Ron lets the woman understand that she is the “special” girl and that he doesn’t want a simple fling. He really cares and wants to hold her all night.
I’m not out just for an easy lay
I really love you in a special way
Unlock the door girl
We can throw away the key
I want more of you
And girl here’s all of me
You’re the girl
Only girl
So right for me
You’re the girl
Golden girl
Spend the night
With me tonight
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I can get with Ron and the crew sometimes but some of the songs do come off simpish to me! His stuff with R. Kelly is golden though. If you want to learn real game about love you gotta listen to more Pimp C and Too short in my opinion
Droppin game for brothers using the old school!! Now you know this game will go over these youngins heads
Dig, Teach the youngins a Lil something about love and game
Voyage to Atlantis is 1 of the most slept on GTD songs of all time! Mayer Hawthorne did a very dope cover of Work To Do worth checking out. Isley Bros are right up there w/ EWF as having eclectic discographies
My age showing…I’ve read it, but now i’m just playing all the songs over and over
Super dope post. Now I’m mellowing out by listening to the songs.
What? “Groove With You” didn’t make the list?? Blasphemy. LOL Good post, man, you can’t go wrong with the Isleys