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.
Breakin
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're makin' more fun for me.
Troubadour me,destined to be
Set in my ways-stuck in my daze.
You were the butterfly,
Winkin' at me
Makin' my fires fly.
Taught me to dance
Makin' me win,makin' me grin.
Schoolin' me.
Breakin' away,your love has
Opened eyes that couldn't see.
Breakin' away,your beacon in
The night discovered me.
Show me some parachutes
(Away,today,sail away)
As long as I'm here,bring me some
Climbing boots.
Open the door,give me some more.
Fasten me in-loosen the pin.
Pull for me.
Breakin' away,your love has opened
Eyes that couldn't see.
Breakin' away,your beacon in the
Night discovered me.
The song "Breakin' Away" by Al Jarreau is a romantic ballad that celebrates the transformative power of love. The lyrics describe the singer's newfound joy and freedom, which are attributed to the love and support of a special someone. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer acknowledging the positive impact his lover has had on his life. He describes himself as being "set in his ways" and "stuck in his daze," but his lover has brought him out of his shell and made life more enjoyable.
The second verse continues in this vein, with the singer likening his lover to a butterfly that has brought him romance and taught him to dance. His love interest has also "schooled" him, or taught him valuable lessons about life and love. In the chorus, the singer emphasizes the powerful effect that his lover has had on him, stating that her love has opened his eyes and served as a beacon in the dark.
The bridge of the song takes a slightly different turn, with the singer requesting more excitement and adventure in his life. He asks for "parachutes" and "climbing boots," speaking to his desire to be bold and fearless. He asks his lover to fasten him in and loosen the pin, indicating his readiness for risk and adventure. The song ends with a reprise of the chorus, emphasizing again the transformative power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Look what you've done for me
You've had a significant, positive impact on my life and I am grateful for it.
You're makin' more fun for me.
You make life more enjoyable and exciting for me.
Troubadour me,destined to be Set in my ways-stuck in my daze.
I was meant to be a troubadour, but I have been stuck in my ways and lost in my own thoughts.
You were the butterfly, Winkin' at me Makin' my fires fly.
You were the catalyst for change in my life, sparking a newfound passion within me.
Brought me romance, Taught me to dance Makin' me win,makin' me grin. Schoolin' me.
You've taught me to embrace romance, dance and joy, reinvigorating me with a new spirit of enthusiasm and success.
Breakin' away,your love has Opened eyes that couldn't see.
Through your love, my eyes have been opened to new possibilities and opportunities that I couldn't see before.
Breakin' away, your beacon in The night discovered me.
Your love was the guiding light that led me out of darkness and into a new, brighter future.
Show me some parachutes (Away,today,sail away) As long as I'm here,bring me some Climbing boots. Open the door,give me some more.
I'm ready for new adventures and challenges, so bring me what I need to succeed.
Fasten me in-loosen the pin. Pull for me.
Help me prepare for what's ahead by securing me while still allowing for flexibility and being there to support me along the way.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, GARDEN RAKE MUSIC
Written by: AL JARREAU, TOM CANNING, JAY GRAYDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind