As the son of a vicar, he had his first singing experiences in a church choir. He attended Ripon College, where he also sang non-professionally with a group called the Indigos, and graduated in 1962. He went on to earn a master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation from the University of Iowa, and worked as a rehabilitation counselor in San Francisco before joining a small jazz club trio headed by George Duke and deciding that he would make professional singing his life in 1968
He appeared in such Los Angeles hot spots as Dino's, the Troubador and Bitter End West. Television exposure came from Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and David Frost, while he expanded his nightclub appearances to include performing at the Improv between the acts of such rising-star comics as Bette Midler, Jimmie Walker, and John Belushi, among others.
He was spotted by Warner Bros. in 1975 and soon thereafter released his critically acclaimed debut album, We Got By, which catapulted him into international fame and garnered him a German Grammy Award. A second German Grammy would follow with the release of his second album, Glow.
One of Jarreau's most commercially and artistically successful albums is Breakin' Away (1981), which includes the hit song "We're in This Love Together." He wrote and performed the Grammy-nominated theme to the 1980s American television show Moonlighting. Among other things, he is well-known for his scat singing and the ability to perfectly imitate conventional guitar, bass and percussive instrumentation. He was also a featured vocalist on USA for Africa's "We are the World" and sang the line, "...and so we all must lend a helping hand."
He has toured and performed with such greats as Joe Sample, Kathleen Battle, Miles Davis, David Sanborn and Rick Braun. He also performed the role of the Teen Angel in a 1996 Broadway production of Grease. On March 6, 2001 he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.
Boogie Down
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can be what I want to
And all I need is to
Get my boogie down
I can be what I want to
You know all I need is to
Get my boogie down
You can be what I want to
And all I need is to
Get my boogie down
I got my certain and my sure 'nough on
And I'm puttin' on my really for real
You face that curtain with your best stuff on
You are the winner and you're gonna feel
You can be what you want to
And all you need is to
Get your boogie down
[Chorus]
I got my certain and my sure 'nough on
And I'm puttin' on my really for real
You face that curtain with your best stuff on
You are the winner and you're gonna feel
You can be what you want to
And all you need is to
Get your boogie down
You can be what you want to
And all you need is to
Get your boogie down
Now you go one and two and three
Here's a little step for you and me
Come and strut your stuff but leave enough
For the nearest boogie and truest boogie woogie
[Chorus]
"Boogie Down" is a song about self-expression, confidence, and dancing. The chorus repeats "I can be what I want to, and all I need is to get my boogie down," emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and finding joy in life through music and dance. The song encourages listeners to put their best foot forward and face the world with confidence, knowing that they are winners in their own right.
The stanza following the chorus uses the imagery of putting on one's best clothes and facing a curtain as a metaphor for presenting oneself to the world. The line "you are the winner and you're gonna feel" suggests that when one is confident and self-assured, they will be successful in whatever they do.
The final stanza includes a call to dance and enjoy oneself. The lines "here's a little step for you and me" and "come and strut your stuff but leave enough for the nearest boogie and truest boogie woogie" indicate that dancing is meant to be social and inclusive, and that there is room for everyone to express themselves through movement.
Overall, "Boogie Down" is a song that encourages self-expression and confidence, and emphasizes the importance of enjoying life through music and dance.
Line by Line Meaning
I can be what I want to
I have the power to be whoever I want to be in life.
And all I need is to
I only require the desire to pursue my aspirations in order to achieve them.
Get my boogie down
Get into a state of mind that will allow me to reach my goals in life.
You can be what I want to
You can also attain whatever you set your sights on in life.
I got my certain and my sure 'nough on
My confidence in myself is at an all-time high.
And I'm puttin' on my really for real
I am putting forth genuine effort to achieve my goals.
You face that curtain with your best stuff on
You tackle challenges with your best qualities, skills, and talents.
You are the winner and you're gonna feel
You will emerge victorious and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Now you go one and two and three
Follow these simple steps.
Here's a little step for you and me
I am sharing my experience and expertise to help you achieve your goals.
Come and strut your stuff but leave enough
Let your talents shine, but make sure to leave some space for others to showcase theirs.
For the nearest boogie and truest boogie woogie
Show respect and appreciation for both the people and the unique culture of the environment you're in.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AL JARREAU, MICHAEL OMARTIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PABWECG
This man knew who he was. You can see it in the way he carries himself. Watching him dance and smile is so addictive.
@23trillionskidoo
Yup!!!!!
@ethelarrington2835
The world is a better place because Al Jarreau was a part of our universe. Thank you for sharing the talent that lived inside your melodic soul. Now rest, your work here is done.
@vieuxbal1253
great comment!!!
@phillipfruge8670
This man was in a class of his own...R.I.P Mr. Al Jarreau!
@stephansteohanlarsen7457
He's amazing Rastafari yes I Tucson Arizona Sonoran Desert
@kelvinharrison591
I didn’t even know that he had passed away. I was in a restaurant and someone was singing karaoke on one of his songs. RIP AJ
@a.person7825
He was a Sabbath keeper, too! Yahweh made a wonderful creation with him.
@RaiderRSupastar
Al is jamming and got people jamming with him
@a.person7825
@@richarddeleon4786 He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He may have had a home there.🤷🏻