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.
No words
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In fact, it's just the opposite of all of the words that come from you
And sometimes I sit around waiting
You say you come but you never show
That's not the way you treat your woman
The promise you make, you don't keep
Instead you go and to the very thing you know that hurts me
Is that your better half has needs
You don't have to say a word to me
[Chorus]
Baby just show me you love me
And you won't have to say a word
Just show me you love me
And you won't have to say a word
I don't wanna let you go
Breaking up would be absurd
If you just show me you love me
Then you don't have to say a word
Like sometimes you say you're right, but you be wrong
And still I take the blame, took all my pain
Cause I don't wanna argue all night long
Oh I toss and turn through the night
The morning comes and you are still not by my side
That's not the way you treat your woman
You said that you would be faithful, I can't tell
In fact you show me things that let me know
That your heart is somewhere else
What I'm trying to get you to see
Is that your better half has needs
You don't have to say a word to me
Baby just show me you love me
And you won't have to say a word
Just show me you love me
And you won't have to say a word
Word, word, word you won't have to say a
Word, word, you won't have to say a word
No baby, you won't have to say a word
You don't have to say a word, no no
Word no
Just show me you love me
You won't have to say a word
Hey, just show me that you love me
Sometimes you have to show me
Hey she said, all you got to do is
Pick up the phone and call me sometimes
She said, take me to the club with you sometimes
Can you take me out to dinner with you sometimes?
Send me a bouquet of flowers sometimes?
She said get up off your lazy ass and go to work sometimes
Stop hanging out with your boys and stay in with me sometimes
I'm your woman, act like it sometimes
All I ask is that you take care of business sometimes
Can you take care of the trash for me sometimes?
Can you get in the kitchen and wash the dishes sometimes
The lyrics to Charlie Wilson's "No Words" detail the frustration of the singer as they feel their partner is not living up to their promises. The singer points out that their partner doesn't follow through on what they say they will do, is unfaithful, and doesn't prioritize their needs as a partner. Despite this, the singer is willing to forgive and continue the relationship if their partner can simply show them they love them, without having to say anything. The chorus is a plea for the partner to demonstrate their love through actions rather than just words.
Throughout the song, the singer highlights instances where their partner has failed to keep their word. For example, they state that their partner promised to be faithful but has shown signs of being unfaithful. The singer also points out that their partner says they will come to see them but never follows through. Despite the frustration and hurt caused by these broken promises, the singer seems determined to find a way to reconcile with their partner. They believe that if their partner takes action to show that they care, their relationship can continue.
The message of "No Words" is relatable to anyone who has been in a relationship where their partner has broken promises or failed to follow through. It is a reminder that words alone are not enough and that actions speak louder than words. By asking their partner to show them love, the singer is expressing a desire for their partner to take tangible steps to repair their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
The things you say you do, you don't do
You don't follow through with the actions you describe.
In fact, it's just the opposite of all of the words that come from you
Your actions are contradictory to your words.
And sometimes I sit around waiting
I wait for you to keep your promises.
You say you come but you never show
You don't keep your commitments.
That's not the way you treat your woman
You're not treating me the way you should as your partner.
The promise you make, you don't keep
You fail to fulfill the promises you make.
Instead you go and to the very thing you know that hurts me
You do things that you know will hurt me.
What I'm trying to get you to see
I want you to understand the needs of our partnership.
Is that your better half has needs
Our partnership requires effort from both sides.
You don't have to say a word to me
Your actions are louder than your words.
Baby just show me you love me
Demonstrate your love for me through your actions.
And you won't have to say a word
Verbally expressing love is unnecessary if you actively show it.
I don't wanna let you go
I don't want to end our relationship.
Breaking up would be absurd
Ending our partnership would be unreasonable.
Like sometimes you say you're right, but you be wrong
You claim to be correct, but you're actually incorrect.
And still I take the blame, took all my pain
I accept responsibility for things that aren't my fault to prevent conflict.
Cause I don't wanna argue all night long
I want to avoid arguing for an extended amount of time.
Oh I toss and turn through the night
I am troubled and restless at night due to our issues.
The morning comes and you are still not by my side
You are absent and physically not present in our relationship.
You said that you would be faithful, I can't tell
You promised to be faithful, but I am uncertain if you kept that promise.
In fact you show me things that let me know
Your actions indicate that you may not have been faithful.
That your heart is somewhere else
You may have feelings for someone else.
Just show me you love me
Express your love for me through your actions.
Word, word, word you won't have to say a
You don't need to express yourself verbally.
Word, word, you won't have to say a word
You can communicate through your actions.
No baby, you won't have to say a word
I understand your feelings without you needing to articulate them.
Hey, just show me that you love me
Demonstrate your love for me through your actions.
Sometimes you have to show me
Occasionally, actions speak louder than words.
Hey she said, all you got to do is
She explained how you can show love through actions.
Pick up the phone and call me sometimes
Check in with me and have conversations with me.
Take me to the club with you sometimes
Spend enjoyable moments with me.
Can you take me out to dinner with you sometimes?
Plan dates and romantic outings for us.
Send me a bouquet of flowers sometimes?
Surprise me with thoughtful gifts to show your appreciation.
She said get up off your lazy ass and go to work sometimes
Contribute to our partnership financially and put in effort.
Stop hanging out with your boys and stay in with me sometimes
Prioritize spending quality time with me over your friends sometimes.
I'm your woman, act like it sometimes
Treat me like your partner and prioritize our relationship.
All I ask is that you take care of business sometimes
Handle responsibilities to contribute to our partnership.
Can you take care of the trash for me sometimes?
Take on household tasks to show you're invested in our living situation.
Can you get in the kitchen and wash the dishes sometimes
Help out with daily chores to show your appreciation for me.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHAN KELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind