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.
Yo' Jeans
Al Jarreau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you no need to ask me where I'll be
But when you go out to play
I may have to slip away
I'm a 49er but nothin's finer than yo' jeans Talkin' bout yo'
Jeans, cha, cha, cha
Newport, Bridgeport, Cincinnati, Brooklyn,
Sweet mint julip afternoons in New Orleans
But when you do your sweet sashay
I'll be up and on my way
Fond of Carolina but nothins' finer than
Yo' jeans
The lyrics to Al Jarreau's song Yo Jeans depict a man who enjoys the simple pleasures of American life such as football, baseball, and Sunday afternoon television. He knows where he'll be during these times, but when his lover puts on her jeans, he just can't resist slipping away. He compares the different cities he's visited like Newport, Bridgeport, Cincinnati, Brooklyn, Queens, and New Orleans to his love for her jeans. He even admits that when she does her sweet sashay, he'll be up and on his way. He expresses that he's fond of Carolina, but nothing is finer than her jeans.
The lyrics are a playful and lighthearted way of expressing his attraction to his lover's clothing. The verses make references to different cities in the United States where various activities take place, tying in the idea that his love for her jeans transcends all geographic locations. The chorus is a playful repetition of "Yo Jeans" which adds to the song's overall catchy and upbeat tone. The way he sings, "nothin's finer than yo' jeans" in a high-pitched voice adds to the fun aspect of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Football, baseball, Sunday afternoon t.v.
I am aware that on Sundays you like to watch football or baseball on the television, and so you do not need to question where I will be.
But when you go out to play
However, if you decide to go outside to participate in some activity, then I might have to leave.
I may have to slip away
It is possible that I may need to depart from the situation to attend to something else.
I'm a 49er but nothin's finer than yo' jeans
Although I am a fan of the San Francisco 49ers, nothing looks more appealing to me than the sight of you in your jeans.
Talkin' bout yo' Jeans, cha, cha, cha
In fact, I cannot stop talking about how wonderful your jeans look, as they bring immense pleasure to me like a dance performed in a joyful manner.
Newport, Bridgeport, Cincinnati, Brooklyn, Queens
Whether it is the charming city of Newport or Brooklyn, Queens, or Cincinnati, any of these cities are perfect for a lovely stroll.
Sweet mint julip afternoons in New Orleans
In the delightful city of New Orleans, one can relax and enjoy a sweet, refreshing mint julep on an idyllic afternoon.
But when you do your sweet sashay
However, when you begin doing your lovely dance movement, characterized by swayings of the hips and shoulders, then I will have to leave.
I'll be up and on my way
I shall promptly depart to attend my other engagements.
Fond of Carolina but nothin's finer than Yo' jeans
Although I have an attachment to the beautiful state of Carolina, nothing brings me more satisfaction than seeing you wearing your stunning jeans.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AL JARREAU
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind