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).
Kiss Me With The Wind
Brenda Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting for you
I thought that it would never be
Someone really watchin' over me
But now I feel a breeze
Kiss me with the wind
Touch me with the sky
Hold me in the darkness
Wake me in the light
You're so very close
I'm so very shy
Kiss me with the wind
Touch me with the sky
Sometimes I worry
I'll be looking for you
But you keep moving off the line
I can never see you right behind
With me all the time
Kiss me with the wind
Touch me with the sky
Hold me in the darkness
Wake me in the light
You're so very close
I'm so very shy
Kiss me with the wind
Touch me with the sky
I never felt this way before
I never needed any more
You're so very close
I'm so very shy
Kiss me with the wind
Touch me with the sky
The lyrics of Brenda Russell's song 'Kiss Me With The Wind' speak about the feeling of being watched over by someone special, even if that person may not physically exist. The opening lines suggest that the singer had always heard people say that there's someone waiting for us, but she never believed it for herself until she actually started to feel a spiritual presence around her. The wind represents this force, which brings comfort and connection to the singer's soul. She implores it to kiss her gently, touch her with the sky, and be with her through both light and darkness.
The second verse talks about the singer's worries of missing this special someone, who she imagines is always close but just out of sight. However, she takes solace in the fact that this person is still watching over her and touching her heart, even if she can't see them. The chorus repeats the same lines, emphasizing the singer's yearning for this presence, and her shyness in accepting it. Despite the uncertainty, she feels more complete and satisfied than ever before, and doesn't need anything more than the knowledge that someone is there for her.
Line by Line Meaning
It's always said there's someone
People often say that there is a special someone meant for everyone.
Waiting for you
This person will be patiently waiting for you.
I thought that it would never be
At one point, the singer didn't believe this was true.
Someone really watchin' over me
However, the singer feels that there is a presence looking out for them now.
But now I feel a breeze
They sense this presence around them as a gentle wind.
Kiss me with the wind
They want to feel this presence's embrace like a soft breeze.
Touch me with the sky
They want to feel that this presence is everywhere, like the sky.
Hold me in the darkness
They want comfort even during dark times.
Wake me in the light
They want to be surrounded by this presence even during the good times.
You're so very close
The presence feels very near.
I'm so very shy
Despite feeling the presence, they still feel timid.
Kiss me with the wind
They long for this presence's touch.
Touch me with the sky
They want to feel their presence everywhere.
Sometimes I worry
The singer admits to worrying at times.
I'll be looking for you
They may feel like they are searching for this special someone.
But you keep moving off the line
Sometimes this presence can feel elusive.
I can never see you right behind
The singer may not realize the presence is always with them.
With me all the time
However, they acknowledge that the presence is always around.
I never felt this way before
The singer is experiencing new emotions.
I never needed any more
They didn't think they needed anyone else.
You're so very close
Despite the hesitation, they still feel the presence.
I'm so very shy
But they still feel hesitant and unsure.
Kiss me with the wind
They still long for the presence's embrace.
Touch me with the sky
They want to feel their presence all around.
Contributed by Isaac J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Alden R. Davis
If you’re still loving this in 2020.. you’ve got good taste in music like this.
Spirit Angelfish
My favorite Brenda Russell song! Always sounded like a massive hit to me.....#1 on my personal chart!
Gustavo Gomes dos Santos
Linda música perfeita saudades dessa época 1990 eu tinha 20 anos de idade curtindo muito essa música saudades te amo brenda russell
Alden R. Davis
Anyone still loving this with the power of good music in 2019? ...please, send me give.
Alden R. Davis
If you’re still loving this in 2021, you got good taste in music like this.
Marcus Smith
Happy 71st Birthday Brenda Russell!(Born April 8, 1949)😀🎂🎉🎊🎈🎁🍾🖤🌷🌹💐👏🏿
Ghazal Khazana
Wao! Typical 90's rytham which has lost somewhere since yelling and screaming has taken over the beautiful music we used to create and listen.
80's and 90's songs have no comparison and she has sung this so beautifully one can listen and watch over and over again. Thanks for posting
AnthonyYouTubeFan
This should have been as big a hit as Madonna's "Vogue", since they were written around the exact same time. Why didn't I hear this on the radio -- then and now?
Leftatalbuquerque
It got some Canadian FM Adult radio play, in the era when Madonna and Phil Collins ruled and Grunge was taking over.
Brian Creacy
Great artist. Under appreciated.