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.
I Do
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While the sun comes streaming
Blessed be the promise take on today
Sunshine and May wine streaming
Whoa, something borrowed, something blue
Gold and lace of white and blue
Whoa, romance we can now renew
Come celebrate this season of me
There's a wheel a-turning and the fire's burning
As we move from sweet day to day
And I sensed that
There's a wheel a-turning, little fire's burning
Echo and recall the words that we say
I do, I wanna watch over you
Yes, I do
I wanna be good to you
Yes, I do
I want to know how you do
Yes, I do
I wanna bless you, could you
Yes, I do
I want to take you to heart
Yes, I do
I want to teach you the part
Yes, I do
Wanna give you the key to me
Yes, I do
I know we can be higher
Yes, I do
Wanna watch over you, girl
Yes, I do
I wanna be good to you
Yes, I do
Whoa, I want to know how you do
Yes, I do
I wanna bless you, could you
Yes, I do
Well, let me take you to heart
Yes, I do
Love gon' teach you the part
Yes, I do
Well, I want to give you the key to me
Yes, I do
Don't you know that we can be higher
I do, wanna watch over you
Yes, I do
Wanna be good to you, yeah
Yes, I do
I want to know how you do
Yes, I do
Lord, let me bless you, could you
Yes, I do
Take you to heart
Yes, I do
And I'm gon' teach you the part
Yes, I do
Whoa, wanna let me give you the key to me
Yes, I do
Don't you think we can be higher?
Come celebrate the season of me
Sunshine, May wine, ribbons, streamers
There's a wheel a-turning and fire's burning
As we walk from sweet day to day
See the sweet wheel a turning and fire's burning
As we move from sweet day to day
The lyrics of Al Jarreau's song "I Do" seem to capture the joy and celebration of a new season. The opening lines invite the listener to join in the festivities and embrace the promise of the present day. The mention of "sunshine and May wine streaming" suggests the warmth and abundance of this season, emphasizing the positive and uplifting atmosphere.
The following lines, "something borrowed, something blue, gold and lace of white and blue, romance we can now renew," evoke a sense of renewal and fresh beginnings. The lyrics allude to wedding traditions, symbolizing the renewal of love and commitment between two people. This notion of rejuvenation is further emphasized in the lines "come see the lovely queen of the bay" and "celebrate this season of me."
The second verse introduces the idea of time passing and the importance of cherishing each day. The references to "the wheel a-turning" and "fire's burning" indicate the cyclical nature of life and the need to appreciate the present before it fades away. The repetition of the phrase "I do" throughout the song reflects a deep commitment and desire to be there for someone, to protect, bless, and teach them. There is also an underlying belief that together they can reach higher levels of happiness and fulfillment.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Do" convey a message of celebration, renewal, and dedication to a loved one, all set against the backdrop of embracing the seasons of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, come celebrate the season of me
Let's rejoice in the time dedicated to my happiness
While the sun comes streaming
During the radiant rays of sunlight
Blessed be the promise take on today
May we appreciate and embrace the opportunities of today with gratitude
Sunshine and May wine streaming
Radiance and the spirit of celebration flowing
Whoa, something borrowed, something blue
Expressing elements of tradition and emotions
Gold and lace of white and blue
The luxurious and delicate fusion of purity and emotions
Whoa, romance we can now renew
Restoring and rekindling our love
Well, come see the lovely queen of the bay
Witness the captivating ruler of the coast
Come celebrate this season of me
Let's rejoice in this dedicated time to my happiness
There's a wheel a-turning and the fire's burning
A cycle continues while passion persists
As we move from sweet day to day
While progressing through pleasant moments
And I sensed that
I perceived that notion
There's a wheel a-turning, little fire's burning
A cycle continues while a small flame flickers
Echo and recall the words that we say
Reflecting and remembering the words we express
I do, I wanna watch over you
I commit to protect and care for you
Yes, I do
Certainly, without a doubt
I wanna be good to you
I desire to treat you well
I want to know how you do
I am curious about your well-being
I wanna bless you, could you
I wish to bestow blessings upon you, is that acceptable?
Well, let me take you to heart
Allow me to deeply care for you
Love gon' teach you the part
Love will guide and shape your role
Wanna give you the key to me
I intend to share the core of who I am with you
Don't you know that we can be higher
Are you aware that we are capable of reaching greater heights?
Wanna watch over you, girl
Desire to protect and care for you, my dear
I want to be good to you
I aspire to treat you well
Whoa, I want to know how you do
Oh, I wish to understand your well-being
Lord, let me bless you, could you
God, please allow me to bestow blessings upon you, is that acceptable?
Take you to heart
Embrace you deeply
And I'm gon' teach you the part
And I will guide and shape your role
Whoa, wanna let me give you the key to me
Oh, won't you allow me to share the core of who I am with you?
Don't you think we can be higher?
Don't you believe we are capable of reaching greater heights?
Come celebrate the season of me
Let's rejoice in the time dedicated to my happiness
Sunshine, May wine, ribbons, streamers
Radiance, festive drinks, decorations, and flowing ribbons
There's a wheel a-turning and fire's burning
A cycle continues while passion persists
As we walk from sweet day to day
While we journey through pleasant moments
See the sweet wheel a turning and fire's burning
Observe the delightful cycle and persistent passion
As we move from sweet day to day
While progressing through pleasant moments
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Al Jarreau, Tom Canning
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind