"Caution" (originally titled "Proceed With Caution") is the third track from Mariah Carey's fifteenth studio album with the same name. It was released through Epic Records on November 16, 2018.
Background[]
"Caution" was revealed as the third track of the album on October 31, 2018 by Mariah via Twitter.[2] In her reveal tweet she stated "Track 3 CAUTION The last song I wrote for this album. Originally titled PROCEED WITH CAUTION and then went on to inspire the album title! #Caution"
The song Carey combines pop and R&B styles.[3]
Composition[]
Caution is written in the key of F Minor.[4]
Caution is about someone who really likes another person and wants them to be together, but they want to make sure their feelings are real. They keep saying "Proceed with caution," which means they want to go slow and be sure that the other person isn't just interested in them for things like money or gifts. They talk about how hard it is to be apart and how they want to be close, but they also don't want to be tricked. So, they're asking the other person to be honest and show that they truly care, not just for what they have, but for who they are. It's like they're saying, "I like you a lot, but let's make sure we're both in this for the right reasons."
Critical reception[]
In their review of the song writer Mike Wass from the website Idolator states: "Caution really hits its stride on the title track. Produced by frequent Jay-Z collaborator No I.D., this is arguably the album’s most instant and radio-friendly song. A sleek, pop-R&B hybrid about the tentative first steps of a new relationship, “Caution” finds Mariah at her most direct and vulnerable. “Proceed with caution, don’t be dishonest,” she demands on the chorus over beats that sound equal parts futuristic and nostalgic. “I need you closer to love me harder.” If Destiny’s Child was still making music, they might be making bops like this. It’s one of my favorite songs on the album."[3]
Live performances[]
Carey debuted "Caution" live on February 27, 2019 and was a regular part of the setlist of Carey's Caution World.
Lyrics[]
Never too late, you can come through I'll be up waiting I don't want nobody but you No hesitating 'Cause every time you leave I fall apart Boy you're the missing pieces of my heart
[Pre-Chorus]
And I try to let you go but you resist and pull me back
And I try to be alone but you persist, I've met my match
[Chorus]
Proceed with caution, don't be dishonest
I need you closer to love me harder
Proceed with caution, face to face
And touch me in a different kind of way
Proceed with caution, but don't make me wait
Before too long it just might fade away
Proceed with caution, caution, caution, caution, caution
[Verse 2]
Never get enough gimme your touch
Don't wanna waste time
You lift me up, give me that rush
Tell me it's all mine
I'll give up everything to be right where you are
I'll follow you from here like you're the northern star
[Pre-Chorus]
And I try to let you go but you resist and pull me back
And I try to be alone but you persist, I've met my match
[Chorus]
Proceed with caution, don't be dishonest
I need you closer to love me harder
Proceed with caution, face to face
And touch me in a different kind of way
Proceed with caution, but don't make me wait
Before too long it just might fade away
Proceed with caution, caution, caution, caution, caution
[Bridge]
Do you want more material possessions? Ain't nothing
Do you want more? Can you commit to be my everything?
Do you want more? Baby convince me with the words you sing
If you wanna be more to me, you must proceed with caution
Caution, caution, caution
Caution, caution, caution
Caution, caution, yeah
Proceed with caution
[Chorus]
Proceed with caution, don't be dishonest (Don't be dishonest)
I need you closer to love me harder (I need)
Proceed with caution, face to face (Proceed with caution)
And touch me in a different kind of way (A different kind if way)
Proceed with caution, don't be dishonest (Don't be dishonest)
I need you closer to love me harder (I need)
Proceed with caution, face to face
And touch me in a different kind of way (Touch me, touch me)
Proceed with caution, but don't make me wait
Before too long it just might fade away