Wilson's repertoire includes both jazz and blues standards and renditions of pop and rock songs. Her contralto voice has been described as bluesy and sultry, and the style of her music ranges from swing to funk to bossa nova. Many of the songs she covers are by artists who usually record in other genres.
Wilson counts the late Miles Davis as one of her greatest influences. In 1989 she performed as the opening act for Davis at the JVC Jazz Festival in Chicago. In 1999 she produced Traveling Miles as a tribute to Davis. The album developed from a series of jazz concerts that she performed at Lincoln Center in November 1997 in Davis's honor and includes three selections based on Davis's own compositions, in which Wilson adapted the original themes.
A Brief Discography
Point of View (1986, JMT)
Days Aweigh (1987, JMT)
Blue Skies (1988, JMT)
Jumpworld (1989, JMT)
She Who Weeps (1990, JMT)
Live (1991, JMT)
After the Beginning Again (1992, JMT)
Dance to the Drums Again (1992, DIW/Columbia)
Blue Light 'til Dawn (1993, Blue Note)
New Moon Daughter (1995, Blue Note)
Rendezvous (with Jacky Terrasson) (1998, Blue Note)
Traveling Miles (1999, Blue Note)
Belly of the Sun (2002, Blue Note)
Glamoured (2003, Blue Note)
Thunderbird (2006, Blue Note)
Loverly (2008, Blue Note)
Silver Pony (2010, Blue Note)
Another Country (2012, eOne)
Official website: www.cassandrawilson.com
Crazy Love
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the heavens open every time he smiles
And when I come to him, that's where I belong
And I'm running to him like a river's song
He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love
He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love
He's got a fine sense of humor when I'm feelin low down
Take away my troubles, take away my grief
Take away my heartache, I can go back to sleep
He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love
He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love
Yes I need him in the daytime
Yes I need him in the night
Yes I want to throw my arms around him...
Kiss him, hug him, kiss him, hold him tight
When I'm returning from so far away, he gives me sweet loving
Brightens up my day
Yes he makes me righteous
Yes he makes me whole
Yes he makes me mellow down to my soul
In "Crazy Love," Cassandra Wilson expresses the deep, visceral love she feels for her lover. She describes the way his presence alone can make her heart race, and how she feels like she truly belongs in his arms. Her love for him is so intense that it feels like a river's song, a natural, timeless phenomenon that will always continue flowing. This love also has the power to bring her peace, taking away her troubles, grief, and heartache, so she can fall asleep soundly. The lyrics also touch on the importance of humor in their relationship, and how he has the ability to make her laugh even when she's feeling down. The depth of their connection is further highlighted when she sings about how much she needs him, both during the day and at night, and how he makes her feel righteous and whole.
Overall, "Crazy Love" is a beautiful ode to a love that is all-encompassing and transformative. Wilson's powerful vocals and moving lyrics capture the intensity of this love, painting a picture of a relationship that is deep, meaningful, and full of joy.
Line by Line Meaning
I can hear his heart beat for a thousand miles
His love is so strong and passionate that I can feel it from a distance.
And the heavens open every time he smiles
When he shows his joy and happiness, it feels like the whole world is celebrating with us.
And when I come to him, that's where I belong
Being in his presence feels like home; it's where I feel the most comforted and safe.
And I'm running to him like a river's song
My desire to be with him is like a constant flow, it never fades or runs dry.
He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love
His love is overwhelming and intense, surpassing what I thought love could be.
He's got a fine sense of humor when I'm feelin low down
Even when I'm feeling low or down, his sense of humor can lift my spirits and make me feel better.
And when I come to him, well, the sun goes down
Being with him can make time stand still, and it feels like nothing else matters but us.
Take away my troubles, take away my grief
His love has the power to ease my worries and pain, making everything feel better.
Take away my heartache, I can go back to sleep
With his love, I don't have to carry the weight of heartache, and can rest peacefully.
Yes I need him in the daytime
My love for him is not bound by time, I need him just as much during the day as I do at night.
Yes I need him in the night
Even in the darkness of night, my love for him remains strong and unwavering.
Yes I want to throw my arms around him...
I have an intense desire to hold him close, to feel his warmth and love.
Kiss him, hug him, kiss him, hold him tight
I want to express my love through physical touch, wanting to kiss, hug, and hold him tight.
When I'm returning from so far away, he gives me sweet loving
Even after being apart for a long time, his love is as sweet and caring as ever.
Brightens up my day
His love is like a ray of sunlight, bringing brightness and joy to my life.
Yes he makes me righteous
His love makes me feel good, like I'm a better person, filled with righteousness.
Yes he makes me whole
Being loved by him makes me feel complete, as if I am no longer missing anything in life.
Yes he makes me mellow down to my soul
His love has a calming effect on me, bringing peace to my very soul.
Contributed by Layla W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Edward Nethery
I love this woman intensely. Her voice is the primary instrument of her combo. She has this quality - she takes a song, and she transforms it into her very own. And, it is transforming.
Natalie E
I love her version. Her voice is amazing.
memeexclusive
Been listening to Cassandra for years, this is the first time I've heard her rendition of this song, damn how many times am I going to fall in with this woman!
SisterHoneyHair
I can get over how beautiful this song is as sung by one of my favorite artists...I could listen all night long...
Huong Vu
Her voice is amazing
Katie Beth
WOW. She is just utterly incredible. Love this version.
shaulanaw
Sultry and sexy...absolutely love her vocal ability!
john lewis
Superb voice.....Great rendition of a classic song.
gold22l
Cassandra Wlison takes every song she covers and makes it her own. I absolutely love what she does to music!
trudie driesen
awesome ! love this song great performance !