Yvette Marie Stevens (born March 23, 1953), better known as Chaka Khan, and… Read Full Bio ↴Yvette Marie Stevens (born March 23, 1953), better known as Chaka Khan, and frequently referred to as the "Queen of Funk", is a 10-time Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois who gained fame in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus.

In 1964, at the age of 11, Khan formed her first musical group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters — neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus.

Debuting in 1973 with a self-titled effort on the ABC label, Rufus was among the preeminent funk groups of the decade. Distinguished by Khan's dynamic vocals, the group earned half a dozen gold or platinum albums.

While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits, both with Rufus and solo, include "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".

Remember You
Chaka Khan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I remember you
From a long time ago
When my eyes were new
It could be just a feeling
But I don't think so
I'm trusting all my senses
That's how I know
I remember you

I remember you
A warm and simple memory
Soft and all aglow
Like a mother's love
That every baby knows
I've listened to my heart

And it tells me so
I remember you

Overall Meaning

In Chaka Khan's song "Remember You," the singer is recounting her memories of a past lover. The opening lines suggest that this person was significant to her, and that she still recalls them vividly despite the passage of time. The reference to her "eyes" being "new" is telling, as it suggests that she was very young when she first knew this person. She then goes on to state that she is "trusting all my senses," suggesting that her feelings are genuine and that she is not simply imagining the connection she once had with this person.

Later in the song, Khan describes her memory of this person as "warm and simple," and "all aglow," implying that the feelings she had for them were positive and affectionate. She even likens them to a "mother's love," which is one of the strongest and most unconditional kinds of love. The final line, "I remember you," is repeated throughout the song, driving home the idea that this person left a lasting impression on her, and that her memories of them still hold significance.

Overall, “Remember You” is a wistful and nostalgic ballad that speaks to the power of memory and the lasting impact that people can have on our lives. It is a testament to the enduring nature of love, even when time and distance threaten to erode it.

Line by Line Meaning

I remember you
The singer recalls a person from the past

From a long time ago
The person is from a distant point in history

When my eyes were new
The singer was young when they knew this person

It could be just a feeling
The artist acknowledges that their memory might not be entirely accurate

But I don't think so
The artist is confident in their recollection

I'm trusting all my senses
The singer is relying on their intuition to remember this person

That's how I know
The singer is certain that they remember this person accurately

A warm and simple memory
The memory of the person is comforting and uncomplicated

Soft and all aglow
The artist remembers the person's warm and nurturing presence

Like a mother's love
The artist compares the person's kindness to a mother's unconditional love

That every baby knows
The singer suggests that this type of love is universally recognized

I've listened to my heart
The artist has taken the time to reflect on their emotions and memories

And it tells me so
The singer's heart affirms that they remember this person fondly

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LARRY GRAHAM, CHAKA KAHN, NELSON ROGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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