Brenda's greatest success came in 1988 with the release of her third album, "Get Here". It featured the hit singles "Get Here" and "Piano In The Dark". At the 31st Grammy Awards, Brenda was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance - Female for "Get Here". "Piano In The Dark" was nominated for Song of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group (there was a duet? -- duet vocal was by Joe Esposito of Brooklyn Dreams). "Get Here" was later a huge hit covered by Oleta Adams.
Nearly all of her songs were written by herself. Some of her compositions are also performed by others like Roberta Flack, Diana Ross, Patrice Rushen, Patti Austin, Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Justin Guarini, and very successfully by the aforementioned Luther Vandross and Oleta Adams.
Russell is also a chief songwriter and lyricist for the hit Broadway musical "The Color Purple". In 2005 she saw a Broadway musical version of Alice Walker's The Color Purple. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, the show's score is written by Russell and lyricists-composers Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Russell and her co-writers were nominated for a Tony Award (for Best Score) and a Grammy Award (in the Best Musical Show Album category).
In The Thick Of It
Brenda Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Better get a grip and get it on, get it on
We're in the thick of it
Better get a grip and get it on
Better get a grip and get it on
Better get a grip and get it on
Get it on, get it on
The world we live in is so hectic
Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it
So hold on tight and we'll just make it
It's such a dog-gone fight
But we won't know until we try
We're in the thick of it
Better get a grip and get it on
Better get a grip and get it on
Better get a grip and get it on
Get it on, get it on
Sometimes I think I'm going somewhere
But then I look around and who's there
It makes you wonder what's important
Is it really do or die to see if you can touch the sky?
We're in the thick of it
Better get a grip and get it on
Better get a grip and get it on
Better get a grip and get it on
Get it on, get it on
So hold on tight and we can make it
So hold on tight and we can make it
Get it on, get it on, get it on
Brenda Russell's song "In The Thick Of It" is a motivational tune that pushes listeners to persevere through life's challenges. It can be interpreted as a message to anyone who feels like they're in over their head, overwhelmed by the fast-paced, unforgiving world around them. The song suggests that when you're feeling down and struggling to keep up, you need to "get a grip and get it on."
The lyrics suggest that it's easy to feel like you're going nowhere in life, but it's important to keep pushing forward even when it seems like you're not making any progress. The phrase "hold on tight and we can make it" creates a sense of camaraderie among listeners, as if Russell is acknowledging that we all face struggles, but we can overcome them if we stay strong and work together.
The repetition of "get it on" serves as a type of mantra, encouraging listeners to take action and tackle their problems head-on rather than giving up. The song has a positive, upbeat tone that can motivate people to keep moving forward even in the toughest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, we're in the thick of it
We are currently facing a difficult situation
Better get a grip and get it on, get it on
We need to take control and face the challenge head-on
The world we live in is so hectic
Our environment is chaotic and overwhelming
Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it
Occasionally, I question if the effort is worth the reward
So hold on tight and we'll just make it
We must be resilient and persevere to overcome the challenge
It's such a dog-gone fight
The situation is difficult and requires a lot of effort
But we won't know until we try
We won't be able to determine the outcome until we make an attempt
Sometimes I think I'm going somewhere
At times, I believe I am making progress
But then I look around and who's there
However, upon closer examination, I realize I am not as far as I thought I was
It makes you wonder what's important
This realization makes me question what truly matters
Is it really do or die to see if you can touch the sky?
Is achieving greatness a matter of life or death?
So hold on tight and we can make it
We need to remain steadfast and work together to succeed
Get it on, get it on, get it on
We need to take action and persevere to overcome the challenge.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRENDA GORDON RUSSELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@colingerard7863
Brenda Russell never gets the plaudits she deserves for her avchievements as a composer and producer. A truly wonderful artist.
BTW: The acoustic guitar solo by, Fred Tackett, is fantastic.
@LydgiaOfHarlem
I was 14 when this gem dropped in 1979, now here I am in 2023 singing along like time has stood still.
Brenda Russell VIP
Very Impressive Pianist!
@gabriellecrawford9241
We never forget these great tracks with a hidden message of hope
@hell2joy958
The PHENOM known as, Brenda Russell has been one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITES, consistently for fortysomething years! I'm sharing this song with my college bestie. THIS WAS OUR DORM ROOM JAM in 79! The whole album was on loop!! She's battling cancer now, so am I! Im like, we ain't gotta do everything together! WE'RE GONNA BEAT THIS! And, this is gonna brighten her up, just like it did me! Thank YOU for posting this, AND, THANK GOD FOR THE BEAUTY & GENIUS OF BRENDA RUSSELL! This song just transported me!!! WOW!
@beautyinthedark7406
This brings back some great memories. I was young but old enough to recognize great music❤️🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
@camsbff8620
The lyrics got me through many of lifes challenges! Brenda Russell a great lyricist!❤
@markskinner3494
bought this back in '79 and simply never forgot it's magical simplicity. truly talented lady, surrounded by a plethora of brilliant musicians.
@NealTeresa157
I was 23 years old when this came out! I Loved this then and still do! ❤
@cornellallen6765
I just heard this masterpiece for the first time on 8/3/2019 but this song came out when I was 4 years old. Dam the 70's made great music
@QunDeev08
@Cornell RIGHT!!!!!! 🖤♥️💚 #RIGHTON ✊🏽👊🏽