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).
It's Something
Brenda Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You and I have something
How I long to be around when
When you can see that
You and I have something
Come on, oh, oh, it's something
You better believe it
How I long to be around when
When you can see that
You and I have something
And come on, it's been a revelation, yeah
You've been an inspiration to me
And there is not one question, no
And my heart will run to you
Oh, oh, it's something
You better believe it
You and I have something
I don't wanna lose this time, babe
And hope you can see that
'Cause you and I have something
In my heart I can't believe we've been so blind
Looks like we've wasted so much time
There's not a doubt that rings untrue
Said when I'm with you
Oh, you and I got something
Come on, oh, oh, it's something
Oh, you and I, we got something
Come on, oh, oh, it's something
The song "It's Something" by Brenda Russell is a soulful ode to the presence of something special and meaningful shared between two people. The lyrics express a longing to be in the presence of this intangible presence, a feeling that the singer and her loved one share. The song speaks to the fact that there is a deep connection between two people that is not easily put into words, but is felt in the heart. The singer is sure of one thing, that she and her partner have something special and she doesn't want to lose it.
The hesitation and uncertainty that are often present in the beginning of a relationship are touched on in the lyrics, with the singer admitting that it took her some time to see what was always there between them. There is a sense of regret for the time that has been wasted in missing what was obviously there, but at the same time the song looks forward to a renewed commitment to the relationship, now that the bond has been acknowledged.
Overall, "It's Something" is a song about the power of love to transcend words and time, and the importance of acknowledging and cherishing the beauty of a deep, meaningful connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, ooh, ooh, it's something
There is a special feeling between us that cannot be fully described
You and I have something
We share a connection that is unique and special to us
How I long to be around when
I am eager to experience the moment when
When you can see that
When you realize and acknowledge the fact that
Come on, oh, oh, it's something
Let's embrace and celebrate this special connection between us
You better believe it
This connection is very real and meaningful
And I'm sure of one thing
I am absolutely certain that
And come on, it's been a revelation, yeah
This realization has been a powerful and enlightening experience
You've been an inspiration to me
Your presence and influence has motivated and inspired me
And there is not one question, no
There is not a single doubt or uncertainty
And my heart will run to you
My heart is drawn to you and desires to be close to you
I don't wanna lose this time, babe
I am committed to not letting this special opportunity slip away
And hope you can see that
And I hope that you also realize and value the unique bond we share
'Cause you and I have something
Because we have a connection that is truly special and meaningful
In my heart I can't believe we've been so blind
I am surprised that it took us so long to recognize this connection
Looks like we've wasted so much time
It seems we have let opportunities pass us by because we did not realize the significance of our connection
There's not a doubt that rings untrue
I am completely confident in the truth of our special connection
Said when I'm with you
When I am with you, I feel the depth and significance of our bond
Oh, you and I got something
We have a unique bond that cannot be easily replicated or replaced
Oh, you and I, we got something
The connection we share is truly special and meaningful
Come on, oh, oh, it's something
Let's embrace the significance of our bond and celebrate it together
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRENDA GORDON RUSSELL, DAVID W. FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Greg Muscovalley
Brenda Russel is phenomenal songwriter!!!
T. Bone
Singer, Player , Composer, Writer, Incredible Artist
guybarnett1
SUCH a cool tune and a great groove; I never tire of listening to this.
1018miamidrive
This is just an amazing song. The writing and production is timeless. This song can be remade until the last days Earth 🌍 exist and still have an impact. Love this.
djcoolcliff
What’s crazy is that Lalah did this song over her debut project back in the day! I dint even know the Brenda Russell and David wrote and produced this!!!!
Gustavo Gomes dos Santos
Excelente cantora boa musica perfeita saudades dessa época que não volta mais saudades
Jon Tillyard
When I heard the first album,I was hooked, this woman is a songwriting genius.
st0nerb
Lalah Hathaway just won a Grammy for Best R & B Performance of this classic
Elixear
You can't miss with that song. Brenda Russell composed a masterpiece here.
HeroDude1000
Don't forget Snarky Puppy, they preformed it with her.