Deja Vu (I've Been Here Before)

The overall theme of this song dives deep into the idea of past lives and the feelings that come with them. Marie expresses a sense of nostalgia and familiarity, like she's lived multiple lives. She contrasts moments of happiness with the weight of life's struggles, suggesting that love and connection are what truly matter. The song feels like a journey through time and space, celebrating love and the lessons learned from past experiences.

Verse 1

I'm young and I'm old
I'm rich and I'm poor
I feel like I've been on this earth many times before
Once I was a white Gazelle
On horse back riding free
Searching in the darkness for a piece of me

In this verse, Teena sets the tone by playing with opposites, showing how life can encompass both youth and age, wealth and poverty. It makes you think about the many layers of existence. The imagery of being a “white Gazelle” evokes freedom and grace, while “searching in the darkness” hints at a quest for self-discovery. It’s a beautiful way to express that our journeys can be complex and multifaceted.

Chorus

I can feel this for sure
I've been here before
I can feel this for sure for sure
I've been here before

The chorus is catchy and repetitive, emphasizing a strong conviction. When she sings about having “been here before,” it really drives home that sense of familiarity and recognition. It’s like she’s affirming her experiences, almost as if she’s reassuring herself and listeners that these feelings are real and deeply rooted.

Verse 2

I used to be a queen you know
In a island by the sea
With rainbow coloured people
Happy as can be
Never had a problem
There never was a care
And Love was ever flowing and it's feeling shared

In this verse, Marie paints a vivid picture of an idyllic past life. The notion of being a queen suggests power and happiness, surrounded by “rainbow coloured people” implies a celebration of diversity and unity. It feels like a paradise where love is abundant and worries are non-existent. This contrast to the struggles mentioned earlier adds depth, showing how she longs for that peace and joy.

Chorus

And I can feel this for sure, ooh
I've been here before
I can feel this for sure
For sure for sure
For sure for sure

Here, the repetition of the chorus strengthens the connection to her previous life experiences. It’s like a reminder that no matter what challenges she faces, she carries that sense of love and happiness within her. It’s comforting and hopeful.

Bridge

If hate is on your mind
And you can't give love the time
If anger is your friend
Don't know when you die you'll come back again
And in the master's plan
You'll come back woman or man
If your life is full of sin
Don't you know when you die you'll come back again!

The bridge shifts the tone slightly, addressing the darker aspects of life. It acknowledges that negative feelings can trap you. Marie presents reincarnation as a cycle of learning, suggesting that if you don't embrace love, you might find yourself back again to try again. It’s a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences and that growth comes from overcoming struggles.

Outro

I thank God, thank God, thank God
I am not coming back no more!
I've been here before
Thank God, thank God, thank God!
(I don't want to come back no more!)

In the outro, there's a sense of relief and closure. Teena expresses gratitude for her experiences and seems to embrace the idea of moving forward, not wanting to repeat the cycle. It’s a hopeful conclusion, suggesting she’s learned enough in this life and is ready for what’s next, whatever that may be.

Closing Thoughts

"Deja Vu (I've Been Here Before)" is a rich, reflective song that invites listeners to think about their own lives and connections. Teena Marie's blend of joy and introspection gives the song a unique depth. It’s a beautiful reminder that life is a journey, and every experience, good or bad, shapes who we are.