Preston first came to widespread attention of a U.S. mainstream audience as the organist (and sometimes vocalist) in the house band on the television show 'Shindig,' popular during 1964-66. On tour backing stars Little Richard and Sam Cooke, he met the Beatles (early in their career) in Hamburg, Germany in 1962. He was later invited by George Harrison to join The Beatles in the studio for the filming/recording of 'Let It Be' (1970). Preston's most memorable performance with the Beatles is on the track "Get Back".
The apparent reason for the collaboration was that the project was being done live— without overdubs— and the Beatles wanted a second keyboardist. Preston's soulful style was to compliment the rhythm and blues approach the Beatles had for this album. His was a genre they'd grown up listening to and were reaching back to as well as paying tribute to.
Another apparent reason for Preston's involvement was to buffer the growing tensions between the members of the band (that had started around the time of filming). Everyone set aside their differences to make Preston feel welcome at the sessions. Members of the band have later commented on their joy with working with Preston, whom they respected as a talented musician.
While Preston was never considered for permanent membership in the Beatles (despite stories to the contrary), he did continue working with them through to the end of the 60s: releasing two solo albums on Apple Records (the Beatles' label), collaborating with George Harrison on 'All Things Must Pass', and joining in on the Concert for Bangladesh— one of the first significant benefit concerts of its kind (at Madison Square Garden in 1972). Preston also later made an appearance in the infamous Beatles tribute film 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' (1978), as the title character— Sgt. Pepper. He's sometimes been referred to as a 'Fifth Beatle'.
In addition to work with said group, Preston also played and toured with The Rolling Stones, playing on significant albums such as 'Sticky Fingers' and 'Exile on Main St.' In the 70s, Preston also worked with Bob Dylan, playing as an accompanist on ' Blood on the Tracks', and Aretha Franklin, on her record 'Young, Gifted and Black'. As the years went on, Preston collaborated with numerous other artists including Barbra Streisand and Miles Davis, also notable touring with Sly and the Family Stone for a time. He also played organ with the Ray Charles big band on tour in the late 60s.
In terms of his solo career, Preston's hit tracks "Will It Go 'Round in Circles" and "Nothing From Nothing" both reached all the way to number one in the U.S. and still remain staples of oldies stations. He won a Grammy Award for best pop instrumental performance for "Outa Space" in 1971, and he received an invitation to the White House no less in 1974. Though perhaps overshadowed by his collaborative work, he devolved a strong and devoted fan-base as album after album made it into the Billboard top 200 album chart.
Preston was also the music director and band leader for the Garry Shandling show in the 80s, returning to the TV work that had given him his start. Yet, in the 80s and 90s, Preston sadly suffered substance abuse and financial issues. He spent three years in prison in 1997 for a drugs possession charge handed out earlier that year (cocaine possession and assault).
His last recordings were on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' album 'Stadium Arcadium' and with Neil Diamond for his "12 songs" record, both produced by Rick Rubin.
A U.S. musical legend, Preston passed away at the age of 59 in a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona, as a result of "malignant hypertension that resulted in kidney failure and other complications".
Do What You Want
Billy Preston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somethin' about you
That I can't explain
Compared to the other girls
You're not the same
Your hairstyle is different
Your walk is too
You ask what to do
Do what you want to
(I will love you anyway, hey)
Time you stopped listenin' to what they say
Sound the past on and live your best today
Stay out of trouble as much as you can
I'll always remain your man
Do what you want to
(I will love you anyway)
(Not just one but everyday)
In my eyes, you do no wrong
That's why I keep on singin' this song
Yours is a property that's hard to find
Whatever you do, bear this in mind
In my eyes you can do no wrong
A kiss from you makes me really strong
Do what you want to
(I will love you anyway, hey)
(I will love you anyway, hey)
(I will love you anyway, hey)
Do what you want to, baby
Do what you want to
(I will love you anyway)
Time you stopped listenin' to what they say
Sound the past on and live your best today
Stay out of trouble as much as you can
And I'll always remain your man
Do what you want to
(I will love you anyway, hey)
Do what you want to
I will love you anyway, hey
I will love you anyway, hey
I will love you anyway, hey
I will love you anyway, hey
I will love you anyway, hey
In Billy Preston's song DO YOU, the artist sings about a woman who he cannot quite explain. He notes that she stands out from other girls, with a different hairstyle and walk. Additionally, she often asks for advice when in doubt. Preston then reassures her to do what she wants and not to listen to the haters or critics, assuring her of his love regardless. He encourages her to live life to the fullest and stay out of trouble, reminding her that he will always remain her man. The song closes with Preston repeating that he will love her anyway, no matter what she does or where she goes.
This song speaks about the importance of being true to oneself and living life on one's own terms, without fear of judgment or criticism. It urges listeners to follow their hearts and not be swayed by the opinions of others. Additionally, the lyrics show the unconditional love and acceptance that the artist has for the woman, solidifying the message of self-love and acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
You said
You spoke to me
Somethin' about you
You mentioned something about yourself that caught my attention
That I can't explain
I don't understand why, but I am drawn to you
Compared to the other girls
When compared to other females
You're not the same
You stand out
Your hairstyle is different
Your hairdo is unique
Your walk is too
The way you move is distinct
When you're in doubt
When you're uncertain
You ask what to do
You seek guidance
Do what you want to
Follow your heart
(I will love you anyway, hey)
My affection for you will not change
Time you stopped listenin' to what they say
You should stop paying heed to the opinions of others
Sound the past on and live your best today
Leave the past behind and make the most of the present
Stay out of trouble as much as you can
Try to avoid getting into problems
I'll always remain your man
I will continue to be here for you
In my eyes, you do no wrong
I see you as perfect
That's why I keep on singin' this song
That's why I keep expressing my feelings through this tune
Yours is a property that's hard to find
You possess rare qualities
Whatever you do, bear this in mind
Keep this in consideration whatever you decide
A kiss from you makes me really strong
Your affection empowers me
Do what you want to, baby
Follow your desires, darling
I will love you anyway
My feelings for you will not waver
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BILLY PRESTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Ranzoni
What a marvelous album, so criminally underrated.
Guy De Larrea
Harrison à la guitare, au synthétiseur Moog ainsi qu'au sitar et aux chœurs, Eric Clapton est aussi à la guitare, Keith Richards à la basse, Ginger Baker à la batterie ainsi que les choristes Doris Troy et Madeline Bell.
Daniel CHAVANT
EXACT!
Steven Weinstein
I know what u mean! I was doing that to this song 40 yrs. ago.