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.
It's How You Said It
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you turn away, something I say
Could keep her faithful and true
Used to say, satin, silk and lace
Fascinate a pretty face
Bet you're life she'll stay
I was stunned, struck dumb y'all
It's how you say it, it's all in how you play it
If it's a love I get to feeling it baby
It's how you move me, it's all in how you do me
If it's for real we make a melody down in my soul
Callin' all players, Don Juan, Romeo too
Please dont' turn away, everything I say
Is with affection for you
She's in pain, cause' when you hit and run
Like you're blind, deaf, and dumb, every dreams' undone
Only one way to hold her
Be for real before she walks away
It's how you say it, it's all in how you play it
If it's a love I get to feeling it baby
It's how you move me, it's all in how you do me
If it's for real I get a tickle down in my soul
It's how you say it, it's all in how you play it
If it's a love I get to feeling it baby
It's how you move me, it's all in how you do me
If it's for real I get a tickle in the middle
Round and round, they all fall down
It's just a losing game when you break it down
(Let me just break it down)
[Repeat: x2]
It's how you say it, all in how you play it
If it's a love I get to feeling it baby
It's how you move me, it's all in how you do me
If it's for real I get a tickle down in my soul
Al Jarreau’s “It’s How You Say It” is a song that explores the intricacies of love and the art of communication within a relationship. The song is comprised of two verses and a chorus that is repeated twice with the same lyrics. The verse addresses the players and the lovers, urging them not to turn away from important things that could keep their partners faithful and true. The song emphasizes the importance of words and actions, their impact on the people and the relationships.
The chorus of the song is the most significant part, comprising of lines that emphasize how powerful communication is in love. Jarreau stresses the importance of the way we say things and how we play the game of love. He reminds us that love is not only about feeling but also how we move and act; it is not only about words, but also the melody that we create. The chorus goes on to explain how a genuine feeling could create a “tickle” down in a person’s soul, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in love.
In conclusion, Al Jarreau’s “It’s How You Say It” is a beautifully composed song that highlights the importance of communication and authenticity in relationships. The song reminds us that love is not just about feelings and emotions but also about the way we act and speak. It encourages lovers to be honest and authentic to avoid the pain of broken relationships in the long term.
Line by Line Meaning
Callin' all players, Don Juan, Romeo too
Addressing all men who play the game of love and romance with different partners, including the smooth-talking and charming ones like Don Juan and Romeo.
Don't you turn away, something I say
Listen to what I have to say without dismissing it.
Could keep her faithful and true
My advice could help you maintain your love interest's loyalty and honesty towards you.
Used to say, satin, silk and lace
I used to think that material possessions like expensive clothes could win a woman's heart.
Fascinate a pretty face
That physical beauty alone is enough to impress and capture a woman's heart.
Bet you're life she'll stay
I was convinced that she'll stay because of my material offering and attraction towards her face or body.
I was stunned, struck dumb y'all
I was surprised, astonished, and speechless when she walked away from me.
Total strangers when she walked away, she told me
She became a complete stranger to me when she left, and she explained to me that I was wrong in my approach to love and affection.
It's how you say it, it's all in how you play it
The manner or method of expressing your love and intentions, including your actions, strategies, and communication style, can make all the difference in achieving success in love.
If it's a love I get to feeling it baby
If the affection and connection between two people are genuine and sincere, then it will be felt by both individuals in the relationship.
It's how you move me, it's all in how you do me
The way a person expresses their emotions and interest towards their partner, including their body language, touch, and intimate moments, make all the difference in building a genuine connection.
If it's for real we make a melody down in my soul
If the love and connection between two people are genuine and authentic, it creates a beautiful and harmonious experience that resonates deep within one's soul.
Please dont' turn away, everything I say
Please don't dismiss what I'm telling you because it could help your situation.
Is with affection for you
My intentions and words come from a place of love and care for you.
She's in pain, cause' when you hit and run
The woman you're pursuing is in emotional pain because you're only interested in a sexual encounter and quickly moving on to someone else.
Like you're blind, deaf, and dumb, every dreams' undone
Your actions towards her are foolish and careless, resulting in the end of her hopes and wishes for a genuine connection.
Only one way to hold her
The only way to keep her and sustain a real relationship is to be honest, genuine, and sincere in your actions and intentions.
Be for real before she walks away
If you don't express your true intentions and feelings towards her, she will eventually leave and move on to someone who does.
If it's for real I get a tickle down in my soul
When the love and connection between two people are genuine and sincere, it produces a joyful and pleasant sensation in one's soul.
Round and round, they all fall down
People continuously engage in love and relationships, and sometimes, they experience pain and failure in their pursuit of genuine connection.
It's just a losing game when you break it down
Love and relationships can be challenging and risky, and often people don't succeed or accomplish their intentions.
Let me just break it down
Let me explain the reality and the truth behind the game of love and relationships with different partners.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AL JARREAU, BARRY JAMES EASTMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@willdeaquino263
Mr. Jarreau, you are simply UNFORGETTABLE.
@walterbrown9079
CALLING All PLAYAS he's singing the blues in heaven rest in peace Al jarreau classic song !
@walterbrown798
It how U Say it ! Classic Al Jarreau,! Keep playing with in heaven with God and all the other musicians saying the Blues !
@walterbrown9079
Al jarreau is playing heaven 🙏😇 where all the musical geniuses are !
@boulaisthomas2105
Punch drink, beach, sunset, hot wind, life and fun... Love Al, RIP.
@edisonmosleyii1300
...I was on my way home from work this morning listening to Watercolors on Sirius XM and I heard this and I was smitten with, It's How you Say It... It's All In How You Play It... It's How You Move Me... It's All In How You Do Me... Life can be so breath taking from time to time... There is nothing better than a beautiful woman in your arms... Yes!
@aaronrosa3263
The best Al song ever! Thankfully we have his soulful voice recorded to enjoy until the end of time.
@KStatus7
Al was truly an artist, I love this jam by him
@triplesixsdc8193
RIP Al Jarreau. If I go to heaven and I don't hear his voice, I'll be sorely disappointed.
@amarableau9167
TripleSixSDC Me too.