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.
Let's Pretend
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
After our romance
Thinkin' about you baby
How there's still a chance
I know there's magic
Whenever you're around me
So much it makes me wanna sing
In a novel way
To create a situation
One we both can play
I'll write the story
You'll be my inspiration
Just like two actors in a play
[Chorus]
Let's pretend
We're in another world
Livin' a fantasy
Let's pretend
Just another boy and girl
Falling in love
Let's pretend
Babe we'll remember when
Maybe we'll start again
Let's pretend
What we had will never end
Ooh ooh aah
I'm jumpin' right in now baby
With my body and soul
Everyone thinks I'm crazy
But I love you so
I know there's magic
Whenever you're around me
So much it makes me wanna
[Chorus]
Girl remember when
Do you remember when
Bring it back again
In all the love we made
I'm sure we saved some for
A rainy day
[Chorus]
In Al Jarreau's song "Let's Pretend," the singer reminisces about their past romance and expresses their desire to reignite their love. They are thinking about their love interest constantly and are convinced that there is still magic between them. The singer decides to use their imagination to create a situation in which they can both play a part, like writing a story or acting in a play. The singer is willing to jump right in with their whole being, despite the doubts of others, because they're in love.
The chorus encourages the listener to join the singer in pretending they're in another world and living a fantasy. The singer wants to relive the feeling of falling in love with their partner by pretending that they're just another boy and girl. The idea of memory and reminiscence is also prevalent in the song, with the lyrics "Babe we'll remember when" and "Girl remember when." The idea of saving love for a rainy day is also mentioned, showing the singer's determination to make their love last.
Altogether, "Let's Pretend" is a song that talks about a breakup and the desire to reignite an old romance. The singer's willingness to use their imagination and act out a fantasy with their lover is a testament to their commitment to making their love work, even if it means pretending.
Line by Line Meaning
Runnin' around like crazy
I am moving around uncontrollably thinking about my romance.
After our romance
After spending time with you romantically.
Thinkin' about you baby
My thoughts revolve around you and our relationship.
How there's still a chance
I believe that there is still hope for our relationship.
I know there's magic
I am aware of the magical feeling that arises whenever I am around you.
Whenever you're around me
Whenever you are in my presence.
So much it makes me wanna sing
The feeling is so strong that it makes me want to break into song.
I'll use my imagination
I intend to use my creativity.
In a novel way
I will employ a unique approach.
To create a situation
To establish a scenario.
One we both can play
One that the two of us can partake in.
I'll write the story
I will put the story into words
You'll be my inspiration
You will serve as my muse.
Just like two actors in a play
We would be like two actors in a theatrical production.
Let's pretend
Let us engage in make-believe.
We're in another world
In a different reality.
Livin' a fantasy
Living out a pipe dream.
Just another boy and girl
Simply two young lovers.
Falling in love
Beginning to fall head over heels for each other.
Babe we'll remember when
We will reminisce about these moments in the future.
Maybe we'll start again
Perhaps we will have the opportunity to resume our relationship.
What we had will never end
Our love for each other will never dissipate.
Ooh ooh aah
Vocal expressions of excitement and happiness.
I'm jumpin' right in now baby
I am diving headfirst into our relationship.
With my body and soul
All of me, mentally and physically engaged.
Everyone thinks I'm crazy
People around me perceive me as insane.
But I love you so
The truth is that I adore you.
Girl remember when
Honey, reminisce with me for a moment.
Do you remember when
Can you recall that time?
Bring it back again
Let us relive it once more.
In all the love we made
In all the moments of our love.
I'm sure we saved some for
I know we have saved some for.
A rainy day
A future time of need.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JAY JOSEPH GRAYDON, JOHN ROSS LANG, RICHARD JAMES PAGE, STEVE GEORGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind