Welcome to Music Friday, when we highlight songs that sparkle with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. On the eve of Valentine’s Day, we’re revisiting a heartfelt favorite: Kelly Price’s romantic 2004 ballad, “He Proposed.”
In the Grammy-nominated track, Price recounts in great detail a Valentine’s Day surprise that turns an ordinary February 14 into a life-changing occasion. With emotion and warmth, she sings, “He proposed to me, my baby proposed with a diamond ring / I couldn’t believe it, I looked in his eyes and I said yes.”
The lyrics capture the essence of what makes engagement jewelry so meaningful — not just the sparkle of the stone, but the promise and emotion behind it.
Price saves one dazzling detail for the closing lines: “He proposed and what a surprise / Ten carats nearly filled my eyes.”
The official music video unfolds like an intimate gathering, with Price sharing the joyful story of her Valentine’s proposal with a circle of friends. Set in a cozy living room, the scene reflects the excitement, disbelief and happiness that often accompany a surprise engagement.
“He Proposed” appears as the 10th track on Price’s third studio album, Priceless. The song earned her a 2004 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, adding another milestone to a career defined by powerful vocals and emotional storytelling.
Born in New York City in 1973, Price began singing in her grandfather’s Pentecostal church before launching a professional career that has spanned more than three decades. A nine-time Grammy nominee, she has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, The Isley Brothers, George Michael, Elton John and Faith Evans.
Still celebrated for her rich, soulful voice, Price continues to perform for audiences across the country, often bringing the same passion and authenticity that make songs like “He Proposed” resonate year after year. Ironically, she has a special Valentine's Day performance scheduled in Shreveport, LA.
Be sure to check out the official video for “He Proposed” — and the lyrics below if you’d like to sing along…
“He Proposed”
Written by Bobby Arrington. Performed by Kelly Price.
It was Valentine’s Day, February the 14th
My baby took me to a special place
Said he had a surprise for me
He told me to close my eyes, so that I could not see
And when I opened them up
He was on one knee reachin’ for my hand
That’s when
He proposed to me, he proposed with a diamond ring
I started crying, he placed it on my finger and I said yes
I’ll never forget that night. It was 8:43 pm to be precise
He looked in my eyes and said,
“You’ve made me the happiest man alive”
And soon as I got home I called my mother on the phone
I said, “Momma, you won’t believe what just happened to me”
He proposed to me, he proposed with a diamond ring
I started crying, he placed it on my finger and I said yes
He proposed to me, my baby proposed with a diamond ring
Couldn’t believe it, I looked in his eyes and I said yes
‘Cuz we will be together baby and this I know
See, we will love forever baby, my heart told me so
See, if you promise to hold me tight and never let me go
We will be husband and wife for the rest of our lives
He proposed to me, he proposed with a diamond ring
I started crying, he placed it on my finger and I said yes
He proposed to me, my baby proposed with a diamond ring
Couldn’t believe it, I looked in his eyes and I said yes
He proposed to me, he proposed with a diamond ring
I started crying, he placed it on my finger and I said yes
He proposed to me, my baby proposed with a diamond ring
Couldn’t believe it, I looked in his eyes and I said yes
He proposed and what a surprise
Ten carats nearly filled my eyes
I started crying, I looked in his eyes and I said yes
My baby proposed to me
Credit: Screen capture via YouTube / Kelly Price.