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.
Say
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What if my eyes never saw you
What if my path never crossed you
How many times have I told you
Girl I just don't know where I would be, be
What if my lips never kissed yours
And what if you never helped me through my storms
Girl I just don't know where I would be
Baby say you'll never leave
You will always stay with me
Don't need to hear it every day
But every now and then's OK
And baby we're just fine but
It feels good to hear you say
What if these arms never held you
And what if my heart never fails you
One million times I will tell you
And girl I just don't know where
I would be, I would be
Baby say you'll never leave
You will always stay with me
Don't need to hear it every day
But every now and then's OK
And baby we're just fine but
It feels good to hear you say
I know you care for me
You're always there for me
But it makes me feel some kind of way
To hear you say
So if you want to say
I won't hesitate
I would say it to you every time you need
Baby say you'll never leave
You will always stay with me
Don't need to hear it every day
But every now and then's OK
And baby we're just fine but
It feels good to hear you say
Baby say you'll never leave
You will always stay with me
Don't need to hear it every day
But every now and then's OK
And baby we're just fine but
It feels good to hear you say
good yo hear you say
you never leave
feels good
Don't ever leave
The lyrics of Charlie Wilson's song Say show a deep appreciation for a partner who has truly been there through thick and thin. Wilson sings about the hypotheticals that pop into his mind occasionally - what if he had never met this person, kissed them, or experienced their emotional support? He expresses his gratitude for their presence in his life and how much it means to him to know that they will always be by his side. The lyrics also reveal Wilson's vulnerability and the need for reassurance every now and then.
The first verse sets the tone for the entire song - Wilson sings about how he doesn't know where he would be without his partner. The second verse takes it a step further, with Wilson saying that he doesn't know where he would be without his partner's physical and emotional support. The chorus then shifts to Wilson asking his partner to say that they will never leave and will always stay with him. He acknowledges that he doesn't need to hear it every day but that it feels good to hear it sometimes. The final verse reinforces Wilson's appreciation for his partner, saying that even though he knows they care for him and are always there for him, it still feels great to hear them say it.
Overall, the lyrics of Say showcase Wilson's gratitude and vulnerability, while also emphasizing the importance of communication and reassurance in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
It feels good to hear you say
Acknowledging your love and devotion brings me immense happiness and joy
What if my eyes never saw you
What if I had never met you?
What if my path never crossed you
What if our paths had never crossed?
How many times have I told you
I have told you many times
Girl I just don't know where I would be, be
I cannot imagine my life without you
What if my lips never kissed yours
What if we had never kissed?
And if my soul never missed yours
What if our souls had never connected?
And what if you never helped me through my storms
What if you had never supported me through tough times?
Baby say you'll never leave
Promise me that you will never leave me
You will always stay with me
You will always be by my side
Don't need to hear it every day
I don't require daily affirmation, but sometimes I need to hear it
But every now and then's OK
It's okay if you don't say it all the time
And baby we're just fine but
We are doing well, but...
It feels good to hear you say
It's still amazing to hear you say it
What if these arms never held you
What if I had never held you?
And what if my heart never fails you
What if I wasn't always there to support and love you?
One million times I will tell you
I will say it a million times if I need to
And girl I just don't know where I would be, I would be
I cannot fathom where I'd be without you
I know you care for me
I know you love me
You're always there for me
You are always there to support me
But it makes me feel some kind of way
Hearing you say it makes me feel amazing
To hear you say
It is powerful to hear you say it
So if you want to say
If you want to say it, you should
I won't hesitate
I will not hold back from voicing my love for you
I would say it to you every time you need
I will tell you how much I love you whenever you need to hear it
good yo hear you say
It's amazing to hear you say it
you never leave
Promise me that you won't ever leave me
feels good
It feels amazing
Don't ever leave
Do not leave me ever
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FLORENCE LARUE, JAMES D.C. WILSON, OLLIE E. BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind