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.
Scootcha Booty
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The (clock) track is runnin' darlin'
Drummer's drummin'
The pulse is pumpin' darlin'
Summer's gone in
The distance runnin' darlin'
Scootcha-booty bottom move
Scootcha-booty bottom move
Stumblers stumblin'
Are gonna stumble on it
Bumblers bumlin'
Will bumble 'til they've found it
No more slumberin'
Get out from under darlin'
Scootcha-booty bottom move
Scootcha-booty bottom move
I seen some lessons in that new school
You never laugh or smile or grin
The same expression if they boo youâ?¦
Now if that ain't the time to laugh
You've got'ta show me when
Paint some flowers on your wagon
To help yourself to laugh and grin
Pick up them trousers kid they're saggin'
And don't bite and snap
When you rap
And someone will let you in
Number on is
The track is runnin' darlin'
Drummer's drummin'
The pulse is pumpin' darlin'
Summer's gone in
The distance runnin' darlin'
Scootcha-booty bottom move
Scootcha-booty bottom move
Computers workin' but I'm starvin'
I'd to show it how to sweat
Before it's over we'll be farmin'
You know that just might be
The best thing to happen yet
Number one is
The track is runnin' darlin'
Drummer's drummin'
The pulse is pumpin' darlin'
Summer's gone in
The distance runnin' darlin'
Scootcha-booty bottom move
The lyrics to Al Jarreau's song Scootcha Booty seem to be about letting loose and having a good time. The first verse sets the scene with a clock ticking, a drum beat, and a sense of momentum building. The phrase "summer's gone in the distance runnin'" suggests a feeling of urgency to make the most of the time we have. The repetition of "scootcha-booty bottom move" is a playful invitation to dance and let go of inhibitions.
In the second verse, the lyrics suggest that some people may struggle to find their groove, stumbling and bumbling until they find their way. The line "no more slumberin', get out from under darlin'" is a call to action, a reminder that life is short and we shouldn't waste it by sitting on the sidelines. The playful tone continues with the repetition of "scootcha-booty bottom move," urging the listener to join in the fun.
The third verse takes a slightly more serious turn, with a reference to the pressures of the "new school." The lyrics suggest that conforming to expectations and maintaining a stoic expression in the face of adversity is not the way to live life to the fullest. Instead, the advice is to "paint some flowers on your wagon" and "help yourself to laugh and grin." The repetition of "scootcha-booty bottom move" brings us back to the central theme of letting loose and having a good time.
Overall, the lyrics to Scootcha Booty are a celebration of life and the joy that can be found in dance and music. The playful repetition of the phrase "scootcha-booty bottom move" reinforces the idea that we should let go of our inhibitions and enjoy the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Number one is
We're starting off this song with a strong beat and feeling good
The track is runnin' darlin'
The music is playing and we're ready to dance and have a good time
Drummer's drummin'
The drummer is keeping the beat steady and consistent
The pulse is pumpin' darlin'
Our hearts are beating fast with the excitement of the music
Summer's gone in
Time is passing quickly, and we need to enjoy the moment before it's over
The distance runnin' darlin'
We're in this for the long haul, and we need to keep moving forward
Scootcha-booty bottom move
Let's get up and dance! Show off your moves and have some fun
Stumblers stumblin'
People who struggle with dancing will still find a way to move and enjoy themselves
Are gonna stumble on it
Even if you're not the best dancer, you can still find joy in moving to the music
Bumblers bumlin'
People who aren't confident in their dancing skills will still try their best and have fun
Will bumble 'til they've found it
Even if you struggle at first, keep trying until you find your groove
No more slumberin'
Wake up and start moving, don't miss out on the fun
Get out from under darlin'
Don't hold back, let loose and dance like nobody's watching
I seen some lessons in that new school
The new generation could learn a thing or two about having fun and enjoying life
You never laugh or smile or grin
Some people take life too seriously and forget to have fun
The same expression if they boo you
Even when faced with criticism, some people refuse to let loose and enjoy themselves
Now if that ain't the time to laugh
Laughter is the best medicine, especially in tough times
You've got'ta show me when
If you disagree, prove it to me by enjoying yourself and having fun
Paint some flowers on your wagon
Be creative and add some color to your life
To help yourself to laugh and grin
Don't take life too seriously, find reasons to smile and enjoy the moment
Pick up them trousers kid they're saggin'
Don't worry about fitting in, be yourself and embrace what makes you unique
And don't bite and snap
Don't let negative comments or attitudes bring you down, stay positive and enjoy yourself
When you rap
Even if you're not the best dancer, give it your all and enjoy yourself
And someone will let you in
Be yourself and people will accept and embrace you for who you are
Computers workin' but I'm starvin'
Technology can't replace the joy and excitement of human connection
I'd to show it how to sweat
Working hard and pushing yourself is important for personal growth and fulfillment
Before it's over we'll be farmin'
We need to stay connected to our roots and remember the importance of community and working together
You know that just might be
Perhaps the best thing we can do is reconnect with each other and the world around us
The best thing to happen yet
Finding happiness and fulfillment in life is the best thing we can achieve
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AL JARREAU, RUSSELL FERRANTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind