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.
Where Would I Be
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I couldn't see the road
Headed down a path of destruction
See I didn't get out of my own way
Should have turned right
But I make left
Steady doing wrong, to myself
That's when a second chance came
And it started with you
Thank you for rebuilding me
Baby where would I be, if there was no you
Tell me where would I fly if you wasn't my sky
If you wasn't my strength tell me where would I be
Cause girl you brought me through hell and back again
Where would I be
Baby where I would be
You are mine
You were my high
Now you my reason to live my life
I'll never gonna leave your side
Together we will survive
You've been there for me
I will be there for you
We will be growing strong like lovers do
You believed in me when I wasn't doing so good
I almost had given up
That's when a second chance came
And it started with you
Thank you for rebuilding me
Baby where would I be, if there was no you
Tell me where would I fly
(baby where would I fly)
If you wasn't my sky
If you wasn't my strength (who)
Tell me where would I be
Cause girl you brought me through hell and back again
Where would I be
Your love is unconditional
And will never fade away
No matter where I've been
You have always be there
Through thick and think
We wont stop
We will fight to the end
Baby where would I be, if there was no you
Tell me where would I fly
If you wasn't my sky
If you wasn't my strength
Baby me where would I be
Cause girl you brought me through hell and back again
Where would I be
Where would I be
Where would I be
Tell me where would I be.
Where would I be
Where would I be
They say behind every good man is a strong woman
Cause girl you brought me through hell and back again
Where would I be
The song "Where Would I Be" by Charlie Wilson is a tribute to the singer's significant other who helped him in his time of need. The lyrics describe the struggles that he faced before he met his partner and how she became his source of strength and reason to live. The first verse talks about the singer's chaotic and destructive past where he made wrong decisions, and how he needed someone to guide him in the right direction. The second verse describes his partner's role in his life, how much she means to him, and how she helps him become a better version of himself. The chorus is an expression of gratitude towards his partner for her unconditional love, unwavering support, and for being the light in his dark times.
Line by Line Meaning
Early my heart rains like stormy nights
At a time when my heart was troubled, I felt like I was in the middle of a stormy night
I couldn't see the road
I couldn't find my way or purpose in life
Headed down a path of destruction
I was walking towards disaster and ruin
See I didn't get out of my own way
I was stuck in my own self-destructive tendencies
Should have turned right
I should have made better choices in life
But I make left
But I made wrong decisions instead
Steady doing wrong, to myself
I was constantly making bad choices that were affecting my life negatively
Wanted it all to end, right there
I just wanted everything to stop and for my life to end
That's when a second chance came
But then an opportunity for redemption presented itself
And it started with you
And it all began with you
Thank you for rebuilding me
I am grateful to you for helping me rebuild my life
Baby where would I be, if there was no you
I wouldn't have made it this far without you in my life
Tell me where would I fly if you wasn't my sky
You are the only thing that gives me direction and purpose in life
If you wasn't my strength tell me where would I be
Your support and love are what keep me going every day
Cause girl you brought me through hell and back again
You have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life
You are mine
You belong to me
You were my high
You were the source of my happiness
Now you my reason to live my life
Now you are the reason why I want to live every day and make the most of it
I'll never gonna leave your side
I will always be there for you, no matter what happens
Together we will survive
We will make it through anything as long as we're together
You've been there for me
You have always been supportive of me
We will be growing strong like lovers do
Our relationship will only grow stronger over time
You believed in me when I wasn't doing so good
You stood by me even when I was at my lowest
Your love is unconditional
Your love for me knows no bounds
And will never fade away
And it will continue to be strong and unwavering
No matter where I've been
Even when I've been at my worst
You have always be there
You have always been by my side
Through thick and think
Through the good times and bad times
We wont stop
We will persist no matter what obstacles we face
We will fight to the end
We will keep working hard and never give up
They say behind every good man is a strong woman
It is often said that a man's success is dependent on the support of a strong woman
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC
Written by: Almarcus Dean, Carl Days, Charles Wilson, Dennis Bettis, Mahin Wilson, Wirlie Morris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind