Rick James

Released: October 14, 1997

Featuring: Bobby Womack Snoop Dogg

Songwriter: Bobby Womack Snoop Dogg Rick James

Producer: Daniel LeMelle Rick James

[Intro:]
Yeah girl, I'll be your daddy
But you know what you got to do don't you
You gotta take care of your business, baby
Like you're supposed to
So we can come around on this thing together
Me and you
You know what I'm sayin'

[Chorus:]
You own the heart and soul
You own my body forever
(Every day every day mama)
If I just made you stay
(That's the player's way)
(That's the player's way)

[Verse 1: Rick James & (Bobby Womack)]
When I first hit the spot you were hot and dry and so nice
Girl I ran so much game on you you could not believe it baby
I was your king and you were my queen
(You were my queen)
We played high society
Girl I talked to your trick and worked your slick game on this ho
(Yes indeed)
And I took you to places that before you could never know
And oh how we danced
(Oh how we danced)
Not so long ago

[Chorus:]
You own the heart and soul
You own my body forever
(If I just made you stay)
If I just made you stay
(That's the player's way)
(That's the player's way)

[Bridge:]
Yeah girl, I'll be your daddy
(I'll be your daddy)
But you know that everything right comes with a price
(Oooooooh)
Girl, I gotta get mine
(Gotta get mine)
And I'll make sure you get yours
(I'm gon' make sure you get yours)
Plus we in this thing together baby
(Baby baby baby baby baby baby)
You know what I'm saying

[Verse 2: Rick James & (Bobby Womack)]
On the first day you chose me you were just what I had to do
(Yes you did)
Get my pockets all full and now the world was up to you
(I'd rather have my money baby)
Get out on the stroll and get my bankroll
And my money grew and grew
And then there was once a time I looked in your eyes and lied
My motto was get my money bitch I pimp or die
(I pimp or die)
I am your king and you are my queen
(That's the way it is)
That's the way it's got to be

[Chorus:]
You own the heart and soul
(You own my body forever)
You own my body forever
(If I made you stay)
If I just made you stay
(Then I choose you)
(That's the player's way)
(I choose you)
(That's the player's way)

[Chorus:]
You own the heart and soul
(You own my body forever)
You own my body forever
(If I only made you stay)
If I just made you stay
(Then I choose you)
(That's the player's way)
(I choose you)
(That's the player's way)

[Verse 3: Snoop Dogg]
Pimp or die don't ask why
Nigga that's just how we does
With Mary Jane in the game
You know cuz gon' stay buzz
Don't flip out, trip out
Just too quick
Just let me hit your ass with some of this player shit
I once was in love with a girl named Shail
She was 17 years old and bad as hell
I was 22 so I couldn't tell
Cuz if her momma knew, I'd be threw in jail
Well, it all went down like this
It started with a date and ended wit a kiss
Next thing I know, I was diggin' her out
Sneakin' into her house
Sneakin' into my house
I choose you, and you choose me
If you use me, that's when you lose me
Don't confuse me
I ain't that young ass, lower class
Quick to blast nigga that you spit at during lunch time
I'm the equivalent to Iceberg Slim
Gold dig, pretty toning, Snoop called in on in
That's when my old pimp homies
Pulled me to the side and this game is what he showed me
Player, player say what you say
One more time just keep it divine
We got braids in our hair
We don't mind if you stare
The dress cold as the mold of a motherfucking player
Beyotch

[Outro: Bobby Womack & (Rick James)]
That's the player's way
That's the player's way
(And you better believe it when I say it)
(To you baby, oh yeah)
That's the player's way
That's the player's way
(Do it yeah)

Rick James (born James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. February 1, 1948 – August 6, 2004) was an American musician and composer.

Influenced by singers such as Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson, James started singing in doo-wop and R&B groups as a teenager in his hometown of Buffalo, New York. After entering the U.S. Navy to avoid being drafted, he deserted to Toronto, where he formed the rock and R&B band, The Mynah Birds, whose lineup once included Bruce Palmer, Neil Young, and Nick St. Nicholas. James' tenure with the group was interrupted after he was discovered recording with the group in Motown in 1966. Surrendering to military authorities, he served a one-year prison term. Upon release, James moved to California to resume his duties with the Mynah Birds, although the group eventually split. James began a series of rock bands in California and worked with Motown under the assumed name “Ricky Matthews” as a songwriter.

In 1977, he signed with the Gordy Records imprint of Motown as a recording artist, releasing his debut, Come Get It!, in April 1978. The album sold over two million copies and launched his career into the mainstream as a funk and soul artist. His most popular album, 1981’s Street Songs, launched him into superstardom thanks to the hit singles, “Give It to Me Baby” and “Super Freak”, the latter song becoming his signature song for the rest of his life, and the basis of MC Hammer’s biggest hit, “U Can’t Touch This”; James eventually sued for back royalties. After being credited as writer of the song, James became the 1990 recipient of a Best R&B Song Grammy for composing the song. Due to this success, James was often called the “king of punk funk”, for his mix of funk, soul and underground-inspired rock music. In addition to his own success, James emerged as a successful songwriter and producer for other artists, such as Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, The Temptations, Eddie Murphy and Smokey Robinson.

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