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.
No Ordinary Romance
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes we need to talk about it
If there's a need please shout it
I want there to be no doubt that
This ain't
No ordinary romance
And no emotional distress
By your side I could
Withstand any pressure
Oh, it is so hypnotic
I used to only dream about it
Now I don't have to doubt it
Unquestionably sure
Strong and secure that
This ain't
No ordinary romance
And no emotional distress
Never believed it could happen to me
Two people living their lives as one
'cause
This ain't
No ordinary romance
And no emotional distress
I've got you and you've got me
And I know it's plain to see that
This ain't
No ordinary romance
And no emotional distress
In Al Jarreau's song No Ordinary Romance, the singer expresses gratitude that they are able to discuss their relationship openly when needed. The singer emphasises that their relationship is far from ordinary, stating that it is strong, secure and not susceptible to emotional distress. They assure their partner that they can withstand any pressure with them by their side, and that their love is unquestionable.
The lyrics suggest that the singer has found something special in their romantic partner, something that they had previously only dreamed about. They seem to recognize that their relationship is not just any ordinary romance, but something deeper and more meaningful. They express disbelief that they never thought it could happen to them, but are grateful that two people can live their lives as one in this magical partnership.
Overall, the song seems to be a celebration of true love and the powerful connection between two people. The lyrics convey a sense of security and happiness that the singer has found in their relationship, emphasizing that it is far from ordinary and that they are grateful for it.
Line by Line Meaning
So glad you thought about it
Expressing gratitude that the other person considered the situation and decided to talk about it.
Sometimes we need to talk about it
Acknowledging that communication is important in any relationship.
If there's a need please shout it
Encouraging openness and honesty in communication.
I want there to be no doubt that
Emphasizing the importance of clarity and certainty in a relationship.
This ain't
Asserting that the nature of the relationship is unique and special.
No ordinary romance
Not like any regular, typical romantic relationship.
And no emotional distress
There is no anxiety or turmoil in the relationship.
By your side I could
Expressing comfort and security in the presence of the other person.
Withstand any pressure
Feeling confident that they can handle any challenges that might arise.
Oh, it is so hypnotic
Describing the intense and alluring nature of the relationship.
I used to only dream about it
Revealing that this level of love and connection was once just a fantasy.
Now I don't have to doubt it
Feeling reassured and confident in the relationship.
Unquestionably sure
Utterly certain and without any doubts.
Strong and secure that
Feeling solid and unwavering in their affection for one another.
Never believed it could happen to me
Expressing surprise that they could have such a fulfilling relationship.
Two people living their lives as one
Describing a deep level of intimacy and togetherness in the relationship.
'cause
Explaining the reason why they feel so strongly about each other.
I've got you and you've got me
Reinforcing the idea that they are in this relationship together, equally invested.
And I know it's plain to see that
Acknowledging that others can see the strength of their connection as well.
This ain't
Repeating the assertion that their love is unique and special.
No ordinary romance
Not the typical kind of love story.
And no emotional distress
There is no negative drama or turmoil in their relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL GREGORY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind