Anyone familiar with the rhythmic repertoire of the Gap band, including classic tracks "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)," and "Yearning for Your Love," can hear traces of Charlie in the contemporary voices of current R&B royalty. Their music continues to be sampled by hundreds of artists including Madonna, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Will Smith, and George Michael to name a few.
"From day one, R. Kelly has always proclaimed himself a modern day Charlie Wilson," he says. "He and I have been talking about collaborating for years, and now it’s finally happening." On Charlie, Last Name Wilson, his first disc since 2001, the former cowboy boot wearing bro is now gator stepping in Chi-town with the king of urban grooves. "This was a big step for me, because the Gap band always did our own music," Wilson recalls. "Letting others write and produce for me, is a big step." Fortunately, coming through on his promise, R. Kelly has stepped to the plate to produce four mackadelic tracks.
"The first song we recorded was the title track. I already knew he was talented, but it was then I realized he’s a genius." With his own classic appeal, Charlie Wilson possess a style that has never gone out of style, the kind of voice that can be gutbucket and cool, smooth as hot butter and tasty as chocolate. "Charlie, Last Name Wilson" is the kind of urban romancer that will appeal to both old souls hanging in the spot and R&B kids chilling on the block.
The instant classic "No Words," is an exquisite track that has an eternal pop sound comparable to Burt Bacharach, Curtis Mayfield or Babyface. With this enchanting song, sonic Chicago architect R. Kelly has constructed one of the finest "drama" ballads of his career. "That is my favorite song, because it’s so powerful," Charlie says. "Basically, it’s me singing from the woman’s perspective. I know some men are going to be mad that I’m saying these things, because now they might have to stop playing basketball long enough to buy their lady some flowers."
Proving himself to be more than a balladeer, the smoking "So Hot" is the kind of popping dance-floor track one might not expect to hear. A master blaster for the BET generation, one can imagine booming speakers, slinking girls and enough sweat to swim through without drowning. Indeed, with a brilliant collection of material, Charlie, Last Name Wilson has created the perfect re-introduction for contemporary audiences to embrace.
Throwing down some new tricks, the upbeat groove of "Magic" is a whimsical song with Uncle Charlie (that’s what the kids call him) playing the roll of a magician—the kind who can blink his eye, mumble a few words and make your clothes disappear. "It’s all about being able to work that charm," Wilson says slyly. Abracadabra, hocus pocus and all that jazz…
Raised the son of a preacher man and a strict mother, Charlie recalls his Tulsa days with the fondness of a Hallmark card. "It was the kind of place where you could go to any door and borrow a cup of sugar," he says. "I had a very happy childhood." Though his mother did not want him sullying his ears with secular sounds, he says, "Pops didn’t care, because he had a nephew who was a blues musician. Every time he came around his car had shiny wheels and slicked back hair; he wore sharkskin suits and always had a car full of women. I knew then, that is what I wanted to do.
Inspired by the black velveteen of Sam Cooke and the Motown sound of Little Stevie Wonder, young Charlie began performing in local night spots while still a teen. "I would be playing for the same people at night that was teaching us during the day. We were playing grown folk’s music when we were still kids." Teaming with his brothers in 1967 Wilson proudly says, "And we’re still performing together today. We may not see eye to eye on everything, but we are family first. Some crazy things have gone down over the years, but family is the mother ship; and that big ship is the Gap Band."
In addition to their "roof is on fire" jams, the Gap Band was also known for making cowboy gear cool in the hood. "People used to tease us, because we came from Okalahoma," Charlie laughs. "So we just decided to dress like cowboys. When we put on the hat and boots, we knew it looked corny, but we did not care. That’s our look."
Though Charlie has had his share of wealth, he has also had his share of demons. Partying hard and living close to the edge, Charlie lost everything due to bad decisions and drug abuse. "I went from living in a mansion to living on the street," Charlie confesses. "I had strangers living in my house, stealing my cars. I had hit rock bottom. If it wasn’t for God and my wife, who knows where I would be today."
After the recording with R.Kelly in the windy city, Charlie returned to his adopted hometown of Los Angeles, going straight to the studio with superstar label-mate Justin Timberlake and Black Eyed Peas auteur Will.i.am. "Justin is a very talented kid," says Wilson. "We had worked together on a project with Snoop. We were hanging-out in my trailer when I asked if he wanted to be a part of the project. Justin is a real humble guy." Called "Floatin’," the track is bound to introduce Charlie Wilson to a brand new crowd. Simultaneously laidback and funky, there is a certain bliss one feels when listening to this song. Like an easy Sunday morning, "Floatin’" will make you feel good. "Will is like a modern day Sly Stone," he says. "He is on his way to great things."
For sure, Charlie Wilson knows about great things. From those early days touring with the Rolling Stones to being a major headliner in the early ‘80s, the Gap Band always brought the party. "When we performed it was all about showmanship," informs Wilson. "That’s what I think is missing in music right now, and I’m ready to bring it back."
The track for former new jack swing fans is Wilson’s remake of Guy’s classic ballad "Let’s Chill." Of course, as Uncle Charlie is quick to point out, Guy singer Aaron Hall listened to his share of Gap Band material before going into the vocal booth for the first time.
"We laugh about it," Wilson says. "But, singers like R. Kelly and Aaron Hall continued in the tradition of what I was doing." Produced by Platinum Brothers and Larry "Rock" Campbell the tone of the "Let’s Chill" remake does not stray far from the original Teddy Riley joint-ski, Wilson provides enough flavors to make it even spicier. With a haunting quality to his voice, this is the kind of mood music that demands a red light bulb dangling over the waterbed.
On Charlie, Last Name Wilson a masterful performer returns to proclaim his rightful place on the throne. Mixing booming beats with chocolate love, Charlie Wilson is bringing the truth; and, as with most great soul singers, the gospel of life, love and happiness can be heard in the grain of his voice.
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I noticed you from across the room
Excuse me, miss, don't take this wrong
I couldn't resist that smile and those beautiful eyes
I could see that you were fancy clothes and drive a fancy car
Your hair did and your nails done, looking like a superstar
Can I take out to dinner, baby?
'Cause there's something that I wanna say to you
My love is all I have
I have to give, I have to give
My love is all I have
I have to give, I have to give to you
I may not have a bank account with seven figures,
And I may not have a sailboat and a big old mansion, oh, no
But I do know how to love you, baby
And in my own way, my own way, I'm rich as hell
I really hope that none of this don't matter
And I hope that you don't judge a man by his status
And I was wondering if you and I could get together
Know each other better
And I promise you I'll give my all and make my heart your mansion
I'll give you all I have
Love is all I have
Girl, you see what it is, I'm just keeping it real
It's real, it's real
My love is all I have
I have to give, I have to give
My love is all I have
I have to give, I have to give
My love is all I have
I have to give, I have to give
My love is all I have
I have to give, I have to give to you
The song "My Love Is All I Have" by Charlie Wilson tells the story of a man who approaches a woman he is attracted to and expresses his desires to take her out to dinner. Despite her seeming affluence and status, he reassures her that he may not have material wealth, but he does have something greater to offer - his love. Despite the societal pressure to have money, status, and possessions, the singer of the song believes that love is enough to sustain them both.
The lyrics of the song convey an important message of love and show that despite societal expectations, one can find true love without material wealth. The singer is confident in his ability to provide love, which in his mind, is greater than anything materialistic. The song inspires listeners to value and seek true love rather than being disillusioned by material possessions.
The chorus of the song, "My love is all I have, I have to give, I have to give," emphasizes the fact that love is the only thing that is truly valuable and important. The repetition of these lyrics reinforces the message of the song and suggests that love is all that we need to be happy in life.
Overall, "My Love Is All I Have" is a touching and inspiring song that encourages listeners not to put value on material possessions and instead to seek and cherish true love.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, do you have a minute?
The singer is approaching someone he is interested in and asking for their attention.
I noticed you from across the room
The singer was drawn to this person's appearance from a distance.
Excuse me, miss, don't take this wrong
The singer is worried about being perceived in a negative light and is asking for understanding.
I couldn't resist that smile and those beautiful eyes
The singer finds the person very attractive, which is why he approached them.
I could see that you were fancy clothes and drive a fancy car
The singer noticed the person's expensive appearance and possessions.
Your hair did and your nails done, looking like a superstar
The singer thinks the person looks like a celebrity based on their grooming and style choices.
Can I take out to dinner, baby?
The singer is asking for a date with the person.
'Cause there's something that I wanna say to you
The singer has something important to convey to the person.
My love is all I have
The singer lacks material wealth but compensates for it with his affection.
I have to give, I have to give
The singer wants to express his love for the person.
I may not have a bank account with seven figures,
The singer acknowledges that he lacks financial resources.
And I may not have a sailboat and a big old mansion, oh, no
The singer also admits that he doesn't own lavish properties.
But I do know how to love you, baby
The singer's main strength is his ability to love.
And in my own way, my own way, I'm rich as hell
Despite his lack of wealth, the singer feels fulfilled because of his affection for the person.
I really hope that none of this don't matter
The singer expresses concern that his financial status might become a barrier to their connection.
And I hope that you don't judge a man by his status
The singer doesn't want to be harshly assessed based on his lack of material wealth.
And I was wondering if you and I could get together
The singer still wants to see if there is a chance for a relationship between them.
Know each other better
The singer wants to deepen their connection and explore their mutual feelings.
And I promise you I'll give my all and make my heart your mansion
The singer pledges to invest all of his love and effort into the relationship, elevating his partner's quality of life.
I'll give you all I have
The singer reiterates his willingness to give everything he's got for the person he loves.
Love is all I have
The central message of this song is that love is the most important thing that the singer can offer.
Girl, you see what it is, I'm just keeping it real
The singer is being honest about his financial limitations and expressing his genuine feelings.
It's real, it's real
The singer emphasizes that his affection is authentic and profound.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLIE WILSON, MAHIN WILSON, MICHAEL PARAN, WIRLIE MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind