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 electric piano, she’s accompanied by Nicke Brown (acoustic guitar, soloist).
Morning whispers to me unaware
I awake to fingers floating softly through my hair
Paradise this feeling being lost inside of you
An adventure in the raw a phantasm for two
You say you love me with your eyes
My heart soars up to the skies
And it’s all so crazy
What you do to me, baby
You make love like springtime
And I can’t control my passion
You make love like springtime
Even when love’s not in fashion
I love you so and I can’t let go of you
Ooh la la la ooh la baby ooh la la oui
Poetry in motion teach my spirit dove
No words need be spoken I know what you’re dreaming of
Like this song I wear your love like heaven on my breast
Rainbow colors all so pure I feel like I’ve been blessed
You say you love me with your eyes
My heart soars up to the skies
And it’s all so crazy
What you do to me, baby
You make love like springtime
And I can’t control my passion
You make love like springtime
Even when love’s not in fashion
I love you so and I can’t let go of you
Ooh la la la ooh la baby ooh la la oui
You’re making love to me like oooh
You know that you made so happy
I couldn’t leave you if I tried
I had a dream and it was you
I made a wish and you made it come true
You’re making love to me like springtime
I thank the Lord above you’re mine
You’re making love to me like summer
I’ll never need no other lover
You’re making love to me like autumn
Your love will never be forgotten
You’re making love to me like winter
I thank the Lord when we’re together
You’re making love to me like springtime
I thank the Lord above you’re mine hey…
