She was born in Marlin, Texas, and raised in Dallas. Her flute training included classical and jazz styles in high school. She continued her studies at Texas Southern University and Southern Methodist University. Dizzy Gillespie saw Humphrey play at a talent contest at Southern Methodist, and inspired her to pursue a musical career in New York City. She followed his advice, getting her first big break performing at the Apollo Theatre on Amateur Night. She eventually began playing regularly throughout the city, including a gig with Duke Ellington.
By 1972, she was recording for the Blue Note Jazz label, one of the first female instrumentalists to do so. Humphrey has played with well-known musicians, ranging from Duke Ellington to Lee Morgan. Guitarist George Benson and Humphrey were guest musicians on Humphrey's friend Stevie Wonder's single "Another Star" from his Songs in the Key of Life (1976) album. In 1976, she was named Best Female Instrumentalist by Billboard. In 1994 Humphrey launched her label, Paradise Sounds Records, releasing Passion Flute, which continues to be one of her best-selling recordings.
Bobbi Humphrey has played at the Apollo Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival, Russian River Jazz Festival (Northern California), and other venues around the world.
Just a Love Child
Bobbi Humphrey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fallin' off your cloud
For just a minute
Running around love, oh
And then you're in it
Up and down
You're goin' 'round
Love child
Love child
Fallin' off your cloud
For just a minute, oh
Running around love, oh
And then you're in it
Up and down
Love child
Fallin' off your cloud for just a minute
Running around love and then you're in it
Up and down, you're goin' 'round
Again
Then you go on and on a visit
Tryna change your mind
What is it? What can it be?
Love child
Love child
Love child
Ooh
Love child
Love child (Can you tell me now?)
Love child (You might find yourself)
Ooh (And you'll find, ooh love inside)
(Love child)
The song "Just a Love Child" by Bobbi Humphrey is a catchy tune that tells the story of a person falling in and out of love. The lyrics "Love child, falling off your cloud for just a minute" depict a person who falls out of love just as quickly as they fell in love. The repetition of the phrase "running around love" suggests that this person is always chasing love, but never truly finding it. The song talks about the ups and downs of love, with the line "up and down, you're goin' 'round" suggesting that love can be a rollercoaster of emotions.
The lyrics also suggest that this person is trying to change their mind about love. The line "then you go on and on a visit, tryna change your mind" suggests that this person is constantly trying to convince themselves that they are in love or that they should fall in love again. The repeated use of the phrase "love child" may suggest that this person is searching for something that they cannot find and that they are unsure of what they truly want.
In summary, "Just a Love Child" is a song about the pursuit of love and the confusion that comes with it. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is constantly trying to find love but struggles to keep it.
Line by Line Meaning
Love child
Refers to someone who was born out of wedlock, without a committed relationship between their parents
Fallin' off your cloud
Feeling let down or disappointed about the reality of the situation
For just a minute
A fleeting moment of feeling carefree and reckless
Running around love, oh
Engaging in meaningless, casual relationships without any deeper emotional connection
And then you're in it
Suddenly finding oneself deeply involved and emotionally invested in a relationship
Up and down
Experiencing the highs and lows of love and relationships
Again
Repeating the same pattern of behavior despite the potential negative consequences
Then you go on and on a visit
Continuing to pursue a relationship even though it may not be healthy or beneficial
Tryna change your mind
Attempting to convince oneself that a certain relationship is worth pursuing
What is it? What can it be?
Questioning the nature and meaning of the relationship
Love child, ooh
Reinforcing the idea of an illegitimate child caused by failed relationships
Can you tell me now?
Seeking answers and clarity about the situation and the relationship
You might find yourself, ooh
Suggesting that despite the potential difficulties and complications, one can still find love and a sense of belonging
And you'll find, ooh love inside
Emphasizing the importance of self-love and acceptance in finding fulfilling relationships
Writer(s): Larry Mizell
Contributed by Bentley V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.