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.
One More Day
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lord has kept me (woah-woah-woah)
Oh, don't rush, keep the pace
I'm focused on my goal
I live to tell the story, yeah
Get together in a state to make me great
Even when I fell flat on my face
Lord knows that, I haven't been an angel and I'm no saint
But I'll always take the time to give you face
For all you've done for me
One more day (one more day)
One more day (God)
God has given us (one more day)
One more day (one more day)
One more day (come on children)
One more day (God)
God has given us (one more day)
One more day (God)
God has given us (one more)
One more
It's just one more day
That the lord has kept me (woah-oah-oah)
And I take this special moment (special moment)
To tell you about my life, the ups and downs
You don't know the half, it was almost a wrap for me
Get together in a state to make me great
Even when I fell flat on my face
You gave me grace
Lord knows that, I haven't been an angel and I'm no saint
But I'll always take the time to give you face
For all you've done for me
One more day (ooh-wee)
One more day (oh-a)
God has given us (one more day)
One more day (can you sing it again?)
One more day (oh-oh, one more)
One more day (God)
God has given us (has given us)
One more day (sing it again)
God has given us (one more)
One more (one more day)
He picked me up
And he turned me around
And he placed my feet
And I'm looking pretty good right now
Worst crackhead, that you ever did see
But listen, I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
With you by my side (you by my side)
We gonna win the fight (we gon' win the fight)
Oh, I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (woah-woah-woah)
With you by my side (you by my side)
We gonna win the fight (we gon' win the fight)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling, feeling, yee, yeah
Oh-oh, yeah
In this song, Charlie Wilson is expressing gratitude to God for giving him one more day to live. He acknowledges that even though he has made mistakes and is not perfect, God continues to bless him with grace, protection, and second chances. He also speaks about the ups and downs of his life, how he has fallen flat on his face but got back up again with the help of God. Charlie is taking this special moment to share his story and inspire his listeners to live their lives more intentionally and with a sense of purpose. He also emphasizes the importance of having faith and trust in God even when things seem uncertain or difficult.
Throughout the song, Charlie uses repetition of the phrase "One more day" to emphasize the gift of life and God's continuous blessings. He also uses imagery such as "picked me up and turned me around" and "placed my feet" to convey a sense of transformation and renewal that comes from having faith in God. He notes that even though he was once the worst crackhead that you could ever see, he now has a feeling that everything will be alright with God by his side.
Overall, the song is a powerful expression of faith, hope, and gratitude towards God for the gift of life and second chances.
Line by Line Meaning
It's just one more day
I am grateful for one more day to live and achieve my goals.
The lord has kept me (woah-woah-woah)
I am thankful for God keeping me safe and alive.
Oh, don't rush, keep the pace
I need to take it slow to stay on track with the journey of life.
I'm focused on my goal
I am working hard to achieve the objectives that I have set.
I live to tell the story, yeah
I have overcome so many hardships in my life, and I want to share my story to inspire others.
Get together in a state to make me great
I have a support system that helps me stay motivated to achieve my goals.
Even when I fell flat on my face
I have made mistakes, but I keep trying and never give up.
You gave me grace
God has given me the gift of forgiveness.
Lord knows that, I haven't been an angel and I'm no saint
I am not perfect and have made mistakes, but I accept them and move forward.
But I'll always take the time to give you face
I will always take time to appreciate everything that God has done for me.
For all you've done for me
I am grateful for all the blessings that I have received.
One more day (one more day)
I am thankful for another day to live.
One more day (God)
I thank God for another day of life.
God has given us (one more day)
I acknowledge that my life is in God's hands.
One more day (come on children)
I invite others to join me in being grateful for another day of life.
And I take this special moment (special moment)
I take this moment in time to appreciate all that I have in my life.
To tell you about my life, the ups and downs
I want to share my life experiences with others - both the good and the bad.
You don't know the half, it was almost a wrap for me
I have had some very difficult moments in my life, and I almost didn't make it.
He picked me up
God has helped me through the toughest times in my life.
And he turned me around
God has turned my life around and given me a new direction.
And he placed my feet
God has guided me and given me the strength to keep moving forward in life.
And I'm looking pretty good right now
I am proud of myself and my progress in life.
Worst crackhead, that you ever did see
I have had a troubled past and made mistakes, but I have changed for the better.
But listen, I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I have a sense of hopefulness and positivity for the future.
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I believe that everything will work out in the end.
With you by my side (you by my side)
I have faith that God is always with me and guiding me along my journey.
We gonna win the fight (we gon' win the fight)
I know that I will overcome any struggles I face with God's help.
I got a feeling, feeling, yee, yeah
I have a sense of positivity and joy in my heart.
Oh-oh, yeah
I am thankful for all the blessings in my life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Missing Link Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Anthony Williams II, Bennett R Paysinger, Charles Bereal, Jermaine Griffin, Joseph Alonzo Bereal, Michael Lawrence Bereal, Joseph Bereal Sr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason Smalls
[Verse 1: Charlie Wilson]
It's just one more day
The lord has kept me (woah-woah-woah)
Oh, don't rush, keep the pace
I'm focused on my goal
I need to tell the story, yeah
[Pre-Chorus: Charlie Wilson]
Get together in a state to make me great
Even when I fell flat on my face
You gave me grace
Lord knows that, I haven't been an angel and I'm no saint
But I'll always take the time to give you face
For all you've done for me
[Chorus: Choir + (Charlie Wilson)]
One more day (one more day)
One more day (God)
God has given us (one more day)
One more day (one more day)
One more day (come on children)
One more day (God)
God has given us (one more day)
One more day (God)
God has given us (one more)
One more
[Verse 2: Charlie Wilson + (Choir)]
It's just one more day
That the lord has kept me (woah-oah-oah)
And I take this special moment (special moment)
To tell you about my life, the ups and downs
You don't know the half, it was almost a wrap for me
[Pre-Chorus: Charlie Wilson]
Get together in a state to make me great
Even when I fell flat on my face
You gave me grace
Lord knows that, I haven't been an angel and I'm no saint
But I'll always take the time to give you face
For all you've done for me
[Chorus: Choir + (Charlie Wilson)]
One more day (ooh-wee)
One more day (oh-a)
God has given us (one more day)
One more day (can you sing it again?)
One more day (oh-oh, one more)
One more day (God)
God has given us (has given us)
One more day (sing it again)
God has given us (one more)
One more (one more day)
[Verse 3: Charlie Wilson]
He picked me up
And he turned me around
And he placed my feet
And I'm looking pretty good right now
First crackhead, that you ever did see
[Refrain: Charlie Wilson + (Choir)]
But listen, I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
With you by my side (you by my side)
We gonna win the fight (we gon' win the fight)
Oh, I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (woah-woah-woah)
With you by my side (you by my side)
We gonna win the fight (we gon' win the fight)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
It's gonna be alright (it's gon' be alright)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling (I got a feeling)
I got a feeling, feeling, yee, yeah
Oh-oh, yeah
Michelle Renee
This song touched my spirit this morning. Thank you Snoop and Charlie, may God bless you both in Jesus name. Amen.
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I never knew I need so much gospel in my life !!! This music gives so much hope !!! Goosebumps !!! ❤
J. James
These kinds of songs are so beautiful!!! God bless us!!! We want more Gospel and Grace songs!!! Amen.🙏🌸⛪🎹🎤
Besenty Correa
Thanks Snoop and uncle Charlie for this great song. I can dance to it all day. God bless
Roberta Jim
I like how this song speaks to an issue that our youth go through today. Suicide isn’t an easy subject to talk about. He searched for his daughter, his family and friends come together to pray for her. Such a great message to share with our children and youth. Snoop has said he dropped a gospel album and no talk about. It seems like when we do good, there is no talk about it. And that is such a true statement. I hope our people, children and youth imitate the movement of following Jesus as more and more celebrities come out about being Christian.
ABURA GIVEN CALEB
True that
Bonnie Riley
Charlie Wilson voice is EXCELLENT ❤❤❤
Nakiesha West
Sing it Charlie great song💃💃💃💃💃💝💝
Christian Pritchard
Man Cant get enough of this song! I love it! Amen :) ONE MORE DAY
Christine Richards
Thank you Lord for all the One More Days you've given me in Jesus name I pray Amen - love the song and the measage