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 Time
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even though you got your own way that you show it
Ooh baby
You gotta trust me
Sometimes it ain't enough to know it
I need to feel it
I need to breathe it
I need you to need it, like I need it
Like I see, ooh I want ya heart
And not just a little bit
Ooh right now I want you all
[Chorus]
One time
I wanna feel the passion
The pleasure
And all that I dream of
One time
I'm tired of all the guessing
I just want to know that I am loved
One time
I wanna feel specially needed
One time
Want you to say something and mean it
One time
It ain't a whole lot to ask
So can you do it one time
Do it one time
Don't tell it to the others
Bring it to your best friend
I'm not just you lover
Wanna feel like I'm not harassing
When I need simple answer
To the question that I'm asking
This ain't acting
You're the best
Long as you're here I'm blessed
Ain't trying to cause you no stress
I just need a little
R-e-s-p-e-c-t
C'mon baby now you know me
So what you need to do is get up on ya grind
Keep me on ya mind
Day and night
One time
I wanna feel the passion
The pleasure
And all that I dream of
One time
I'm tired of all the guessing
I just want to know that I am loved
One time
I wanna feel specially needed
One time
Want you to say something and mean it
One time
It ain't a whole lot to ask
So can you do it one time
Do it one time
Baby save me
Don't let me be afraid
That this love could slip away
One time
Baby don't lie to me
Don't say that you gone do it
And then really not gone do it
One time I wanna do
Something we've never done
Let's turn our back on two
And try to work as one
One time, one time, one time, one time, one time
One time, one time, one time, one time, one time
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
The lyrics to Charlie Wilson's song "One Time" express the singer's desire for a deeper connection with his partner. He acknowledges that he knows they love each other, but he needs to feel that love and passion expressed in a more tangible way. He wants to be assured that he is loved, wanted, and needed by his partner. He asks for respect and honesty so that he can trust in their relationship, and he wants to work together as one to strengthen their bond.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "one time," emphasizing the importance of his request. While Wilson loves his partner and acknowledges that they have a good relationship, he wants to take things to the next level and feel the passion and pleasure he dreams of. He wants to be reassured that he is loved and needed, and he asks his partner to mean what they say.
Overall, Wilson's "One Time" is a plea for his partner to show him their love, not just speak about it. He wants to deepen their connection, work as one, and feel the passion and love he desires.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby I know you love me
I am aware that you have feelings for me
Even though you got your own way that you show it
Although you express your love in your own way
Ooh baby
Expression of affection
You gotta trust me
You need to believe and have faith in me
Sometimes it ain't enough to know it
Knowing is not sufficient
I need to feel it
I require a physical expression of your love
I need to breathe it
I need to fully experience your love and feel it with my soul
I need you to need it, like I need it
I need you to desire our love and relationship with the same intensity as I do
I need us to be
I want our relationship to reach a certain level of understanding and commitment
Like I see, ooh I want ya heart
I envision a deep connection with you and I want your heart
And not just a little bit
I desire your heart completely
Ooh right now I want you all
I want all of your love and attention
[Chorus]
Refrain of the song
One time
I yearn for a particular type of love and affection
I wanna feel the passion
I desire an intense expression of love
The pleasure
I want to be satisfied emotionally and physically
And all that I dream of
I want my ideal relationship to come true
I'm tired of all the guessing
I am weary of uncertainty and ambiguity in our relationship
I just want to know that I am loved
I want reassurance that I am truly loved and appreciated
I wanna feel specially needed
I want to be reminded that I am essential in your life
Want you to say something and mean it
I need you to speak from the heart and be sincere
It ain't a whole lot to ask
I don't think my request is unreasonable
So can you do it one time
Can you fulfill my desire just once?
Do it one time
Grant my request just once
Don't tell it to the others
I want your love to be exclusively for me
Bring it to your best friend
I want you to confide in me, to trust me with your deepest thoughts and feelings
I'm not just your lover
I am more than just a physical partner, I want to be your emotional support and companion
Wanna feel like I'm not harassing
I want to feel respected and not a burden or nuisance to you
When I need simple answer
I appreciate directness and simplicity in communication
To the question that I'm asking
I am searching for clarity and understanding
This ain't acting
My feelings and intentions are genuine
You're the best
I have confidence in your abilities and character
Long as you're here I'm blessed
I am grateful to have you in my life
Ain't trying to cause you no stress
I don't want to make things difficult for you
I just need a little
I'm not asking for much
R-e-s-p-e-c-t
I want to be respected in our relationship
C'mon baby now you know me
You know what I need and desire
So what you need to do is get up on ya grind
You need to put in effort and make an active attempt to fulfill my desires
Keep me on ya mind
Think of me often
Day and night
Consistently
Baby save me
Help me, support me emotionally
Don't let me be afraid
Protect me from my fears or worries about our relationship
That this love could slip away
That our relationship could come to an end
Baby don't lie to me
Please be honest with me
Don't say that you gone do it
Don't make promises that you can't fulfill
And then really not gone do it
I expect you to stay true to your word
One time I wanna do
I want to experience a unique, meaningful moment with you
Something we've never done
Something new and exciting
Let's turn our back on two
Let's focus on our relationship and commit to each other
And try to work as one
Collaborate and support each other in our strive for the same goals
One time, one time, one time, one time, one time
Reiteration of the refrain
[Chorus:Repeat x2]
Refrain of the song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: DERRICK BAKER, JOHNTA AUSTIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind