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.
Last Night
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About you, I thought about you (2x)
It's like they use to say
You'll never gonna survive
Unless you're just a little crazy
Jump right in the game of love
Start believin' in that someone
Last night
I thought about you
(And the miracles of things that you do)
Last night
I thought about you
(And everyday your ways, I'll thank you)
You're just the one for me
And I believe you'll never leave
Take care my heart and soul
Never left to take a full control
[Repeat: x2]
Last night
I thought about you
(And the miracles of things that you do)
Last night
I thought about you
(And everyday your ways, I'll thank you)
You, you brighten my life
So many times
And believe me
I'm so satisfied
I know I'm sure
I found what I was lookin' for
Last night
I thought about you
(And the miracles of things that you do)
Last night
I thought about you
"Last Night" by Al Jarreau is a romantic ballad that expresses the singer's deep feelings for a special someone. The lyrics talk about the importance of having faith in love and trusting in someone to take care of your heart and soul. The repetition of the line "about you, I thought about you" emphasizes the intensity of his thoughts and feelings for this person. Al Jarreau cleverly references the idiom "jump right in the game of love" suggesting that the singer is ready to take a risk and pursue love regardless of the potential hurt that may come with it. The lyrics also reflect on the magic and miracles that this person brings to the singer's life; emphasizing the impact that this person has on the singer's happiness and satisfaction.
Overall, the song is a tribute to love and the emotions that come with it. It is a reminder that love requires courage and faith, but when found, it can bring about enormous joy and contentment in one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
I thought about you, last night
Reflecting on the memories of a loved one from the previous night.
About you, I thought about you (2x)
Continuing to think deeply about the person and their impact on one's life.
It's like they use to say
Referring to common wisdom or advice passed down through generations.
You'll never gonna survive
Implying that love is a dangerous game with potentially devastating consequences.
Unless you're just a little crazy
Stating that sometimes it takes a bit of risk-taking and boldness to succeed in love.
Jump right in the game of love
Encouraging taking the plunge into romantic relationships.
Start believin' in that someone
Encouraging trust and faith in a partner.
You can really trust
Affirming that the person being referred to is worthy of trust.
Last night
Continuing to reflect on past experiences.
I thought about you
Still remembering and thinking about the person.
(And the miracles of things that you do)
Recognizing and appreciating the positive impacts and actions of the person.
(And everyday your ways, I'll thank you)
Expressing gratitude for the everyday behaviors and traits of the person.
You're just the one for me
Affirming that the person being referred to is the perfect match.
And I believe you'll never leave
Having faith and trust that the person will remain committed in the relationship.
Take care my heart and soul
Asking the person to handle one's emotional well-being with care.
Never left to take a full control
Ensuring that one's agency and autonomy in the relationship are respected.
You, you brighten my life
Acknowledging that the person brings joy and positivity into one's life.
So many times
Emphasizing that this has happened on numerous occasions.
And believe me
Conveying that this sentiment is genuine and heartfelt.
I'm so satisfied
Expressing contentment and happiness with the relationship.
I know I'm sure
Being completely certain and confident about the relationship.
I found what I was lookin' for
Affirming that the search for the perfect partner has come to an end.
Last night
Closing with a final reflection on past experiences with the loved one.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDREA MONICA MARTIN, STEVEN DUBIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind