Teena Marie – Irons In The Fire (Gordy Records 1980)

“Irons In The Fire” is a song written by Mickey Hearn.

Mary Christine Brockert (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010), better known by her stage name Teena Marie, was an American singer, songwriter, and producer. She was known by her childhood nickname Tina before taking the stage name Teena Marie; she later acquired the nickname of Lady Tee (sometimes spelled Lady T), given to her by collaborator and friend, Rick James.

She was known for her distinctive soulful vocals, which initially caused many listeners to believe she was African American. Her success in R&B and soul and loyalty to these genres would earn her the title Ivory Queen of Soul. She played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and congas. She also wrote, produced, sang, and arranged virtually all of her songs since her 1980 release, Irons in the Fire, which she later said was her favorite album.

Irons in the Fire is the third album by American R&B/soul singer Teena Marie, released on July 6, 1980 by Motown. Her first self produced effort, it was dedicated to her father, Thomas Leslie Brockert. It received positive reviews on its release.

Irons in the Fire peaked at #9 on the Black Albums chart and #38 on the Pop Albums chart. Lead single “I Need Your Lovin'” peaked at #9 on the US Black Singles chart and #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached #28 in the United Kingdom, making it Marie’s second and last top 30 single in that country. In addition, along with the track “Chains”, “I Need Your Lovin'” peaked at number two for two weeks on the dance charts.

With Teena on piano, she’s accompanied by Lloyd Linderoth (harp).

People say I’ve got my hands in too many things
Keeping time with paupers just as well as kings
I toss my hat up to the silver sky
And then I sigh
Look at all the blessings in my life

Here I am your Piscean holocaust
Born in Venice Harlem with some sweet and sour sauce
I close my eyes and still somehow I feel
You’re here with me
And you are such a blessing in my life

Here I am, I’m just a fragment of my God
Heavenly father, hear me
Sometimes life gets so hard
With you as my desire
Spirit’s gonna build me higher
I’ve got to keep my irons in the fire
Got to keep my irons in the fire