Two albums were released, Buckshot LeFonque (1994) (which featured mostly DJ Premier produced tracks) and the follow up Music Evolution (1997) (which featured mostly Frank McComb on the vocals). Other frequent collaborators were Branford Marsalis' brother, Delfeayo Marsalis and rapper Uptown (of Dope On Plastic fame) aka 50 The Unknown Soldier. Both albums displayed a very broad musical picture, which is probably the reason why they failed to be commercially successful.
The name Buckshot LeFonque was a pseudonym of the jazz saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.
Live band members include:
* Branford Marsalis - MC as well as tenor, alto & soprano sax
* Frank McComb - keyboards & vocals
* 50 Styles:The Unknown Soldier, Ricky Dacosta - rapper
* Joey Calderazzo - keyboards / first tour
* Kermith Campbell - keyboards / until Frank was available
* Russell Gunn - trumpet
* John Touchy - Trombone - first tour
* Carl Burnett - acoustic & electric guitar
* Reggie Washington - upright & electric bass / first half of first tour
* Reginald Veal - upright & electric bass / second half of first tour
* Eric Revis - upright & electric bass / second tour
* DJ Apollo - turntables "Wheels O Steel"
* Rocky Bryant - drums & percussion & beat accurate sample triggering
* Mino Cinelu - percussion / first tour
* Black Heart the group - reggae rappers / first tour
Weary With Toil
Buckshot LeFonque Lyrics
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'Tis love which makes the elephant forget
Weary with toil, my soul seeks sweet repose
Yet far from home, no comfort is there to find
My mind at journey's end resumes command
To cast unshadowed doubt (one might suppose)
Our zealous pilgrimage fo sorts unkown
Varied states of enduring discontent
Lo thus, my heart ascends the royal throne
And like the thief woh borrows not, but takes
The lover who invokes a jealous rage
With vulgar thoughts spoke venomous in tone
Creates a trembling air, which ultimately quakes
Forgive me not for harboring roguish ways
Not for crude language from a brutal tongue
'tis love which makes the elephant forget
So guilty am I, myself, love shan't acquit
The lyrics of Buckshot LeFonque's song "Weary with Toil" explore the theme of love being the ultimate cure for forgetfulness and inner turmoil. The first two lines of the song convey this idea by saying that love is what makes the elephant forget. The metaphor of the forgetful elephant recalls the idiom of "the elephant in the room," which refers to an issue that people don't want to talk about but is hard to ignore. Love is seen as a powerful force that helps one move past the problems they face in life.
The following lines of the song express the singer's sense of weariness and longing for peace, which they cannot find away from home. The phrase "no comfort is there to find" implies a profound sense of alienation and loneliness, which is further underscored by the use of the word "journey" and "pilgrimage." The singer's mind at the journey's end is still in command and can't shake off its doubts. The song's lyrics describe the varied states of discontent that lead the singer's mind and soul to despair.
The closing lines of the song express a sense of guilt and the realization that love may not fully absolve one of their mistakes. Despite seeking forgiveness, the singer doesn't expect to be fully acquitted of their deeds. The lyrics hint at the idea that love can sometimes be complicated and messy, and it may not always provide an easy solution to life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
'Tis love which makes the elephant forget
Love can make people forget their misgivings and grievances, just as an elephant is rumored to have an excellent memory but can forget when it is in love.
Weary with toil, my soul seeks sweet repose
I am tired from the struggles of life and need to find peace to rest my soul.
Yet far from home, no comfort is there to find
Even when away from home, comfort and solace can be nowhere to be found in one's surroundings.
My mind at journey's end resumes command
After a challenging journey, one's mind regains control of one's faculties.
To cast unshadowed doubt (one might suppose)
To question and second-guess without suspicion or malice.
Our zealous pilgrimage of sorts unknown
We embark upon a fervent journey, not knowing what the outcome will be.
Varied states of enduring discontent
There are many different ways to be unhappy and discontented.
Lead my mind and soul to mortal clatter
The chaos and noise of mortality can cause distress to one's mind and soul.
Lo thus, my heart ascends the royal throne
Thus, my heart assumes the mantle of royalty and takes command of my thoughts and actions.
And like the thief who borrows not, but takes
I take what I want without asking, like a thief who does not borrow but outright takes.
The lover who invokes a jealous rage
A lover who inspires jealousy and anger in others.
With vulgar thoughts spoke venomous in tone
They express their wicked thoughts and poisonous words in a crass and vulgar way.
Creates a trembling air, which ultimately quakes
Their words and actions create an unsettling atmosphere, which eventually causes a disturbance.
Forgive me not for harboring roguish ways
Do not forgive me for my mischievous tendencies and actions.
Not for crude language from a brutal tongue
Also do not forgive me for the harsh words that come from my cruel tongue.
'Tis love which makes the elephant forget
Love has the power to make people forget their troubles, as previously stated.
So guilty am I, myself, love shan't acquit
I am so ashamed of my actions that even love cannot easily forgive me.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRANFORD MARSALIS, DELFEAYO MARSALIS, ELLIS MARSALIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind