Released: February 7, 1995

Songwriter: Nathan Morris Wanyá Morris Shawn Stockman Michael McCary Dallas Austin

Producer: Dallas Austin Boyz II Men

[Verse 1: Wanya]
I was young (BOP)
And didn't have no where to run
I needed to wake up (Wake up) and see (And see)
What's in front of me (na-na-op)
There had to be a better way
Sing it again a better way
To show I'm grateful (hum)
So I thought up this song
To show my appreciation for lovin' me so long
You don't know much you mean to me

[Chorus: All]
'Cause even though when times got rough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)
When I felt I had enough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)

[Verse 2: Wanya & Mike]
All through my life
I knew that you'd be my world
Knowing everywhere I go
Things you taught me they would show
So many times and changes
You've seen me through
I sho nuff couldn't have survived without you, you
And so I thought up this song
To show my appreciation for lovin' me so long
You don't know how much you mean to me, oh

[Chorus: All]
'Cause even though when times got rough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)
When I felt I had enough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)
'Cause even though when times got rough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)
When I felt I had enough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)

[Break: Harmonies]

[Chorus: All]
'Cause even though when times got rough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)
When I felt I had enough
You never turned away
You were right there
And I thank you (thank you)

Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men is an R&B vocal quartet from Philadelphia who became the most successful pop group of the 1990s. They’re best known for their passionate ballads, including the number one hits “End of The Road,” “On Bended Knee,” and “I’ll Make Love To You.”

An early version of the group was founded by Nathan Morris in the mid 1980s while attending the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, where he recruited students Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Michael McCary. Singer Marc Nelson was also an early member, but left the group before their big break.

The group—who took its name from New Edition’s song “Boys To Men”—was discovered in 1988 after auditioning for New Edition’s Michael Bivins backstage at a concert. Bivins signed the group to his management company and secured them a contract with Motown Records.