Whitney Houston

Released: December 10, 2002

Songwriter: Kandi Annie Roboff Holly Lamar Babyface

Producer: Babyface

[Verse 1]
Reaching for my dreams
And you're so quick to say what I can't do
You criticize my action
But I don't see you standing in my shoes
I'm going the wrong way
I'm doing the wrong things
Every word just gives me fuel
So come on come on come on come on come on come on

[Chorus]
And tell me no
And I'll show you I can
And tell me no
I dig my feet right in
Tell me no
Just tell me that I can't win
So come on
I'm sure I'll prove you wrong
Go on and go
Tell me no

[Verse 2]
For every step I take you're right there
Trying to block my next move
If you're making me feel bad
Then tell me then do you feel good
I'm just human and all I'm doing
That's what my heart tells me I should
So come on come on come on come on come on come on

[Chorus]

[Verse 3]
No no no no no no no
It motivates me more and more
And I think it's time you know
Giving me something to work forward
And I can't wait for the day
I can rub things in your face
I ain't going to stop 'til I'm done
I reach the top I'm the No.1
For every time you try and tell me no
Oh it makes me keep on keeping on

[Chorus][x2]

Known across the pop culture spectrum as the “Queen of Pop” and “The Voice” for her mezzo-soprano octave, Whitney Elizabeth Houston left an indelible impression upon pop culture. She is one of the most successful artists of all time, with more than 200 million albums sold worldwide.

Born August 9, 1963, Houston grew up singing as part of the gospel choir at her local church. She was surrounded by powerful voices in her own family (mother Cissy Houston, cousin Dionne Warwick, godmother Darlene Love, honorary aunt Aretha Franklin). After working as a model and commercial actress in the early 1980s, Whitney was discovered during a New York City nightclub performance, which led to her signing a contract with Clive Davis at Arista Records. Whitney’s first song was a duet in 1984 with Teddy Pendergrass on “Hold Me.”

She released her self-titled début album the following year, which catapulted her into superstardom as the album topped the Billboard 200 for 14 non-consecutive weeks before becoming the top-selling album of 1986, eventually achieving diamond status in the US and selling over 22 million copies worldwide. The singles “Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know,” and “Greatest Love of All” topped the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved platinum status. The music video for “How Will I Know” received heavy rotation on MTV, which was uncommon for Black women at the time. She took home the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance Grammy Award for “Saving” in 1986; her performance at the Grammys of “Saving” later won her an Emmy award. She also won seven American Music Awards between 1986 and 1987.

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