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.
You Are
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And every time it's like my first time ooh wee
And I can never find the words to say
You're the perfect girl
You're made for me
It's so easy to love you baby
We're compatible, incredible and natural we are
From the bottom of my heart
Baby girl I just wanna tell you that you are
The reason I love
The reason I trust
God sent me an angel
You are, the best in the world
A wonderful girl
Knowing you by my side
Brings tears to my eyes
Baby
Girl you had me from the moment I looked into your eyes
And I knew you were an angel but you were in disguise
Tell me how can I be so lucky
That you'd fall down from heaven for me
Ooh baby
Some people searching life time
And never find the true love ooh wee
Heaven care enough for me to give me you
And now our heart can beat together
Standing strong girl here forever
You and I(you and I)
You and I (you and I)
I just want you to know you are
The reason I love
The reason I trust
God sent me an angel
You are, the best in the world
A wonderful girl
Knowing you by my side
And a man ain't suppose to cry
But girl you are
The only woman I'll make love to
The reason I come home at night
(Girl you are)
You're all that I need in my life
And it almost feel
It's not fair
Loving you?
You are (you are)
You are
You are the reason I love
The reason I trust
God sent me an angel
You are, the best in the world
A wonderful girl (you're a wonderful girl)
Whoa oh
You are
(Baby you are) you are?
(You are) You are all need
(You are) Baby heaven has sent you to me
(Baby you are) the one for me
(You are) the air that I breathe
(You are) baby you are you are (oh yeah)
You are, you are everyday to me baby
You are everything oh baby
Baby you are
The lyrics to Charlie Wilson's "You Are" are an ode to a perfect partner. The opening of the song describes the feeling of excitement and nervousness that comes with being in love, with the singer comparing it to the fluttering of butterflies. He is so overwhelmed by his emotions that he can't find the words to express how he feels. The chorus declares that the object of his affection is "the perfect girl" made just for him. The second verse goes into more detail about the singer's love for his partner, describing it as easy and natural. He has never felt this way before and wants to let her know that she is the reason he loves and trusts. The bridge acknowledges that finding true love can be difficult and that the singer feels incredibly lucky to have found his soulmate.
Overall, "You Are" is a sweet and romantic song that expresses deep affection and gratitude for a partner. The singer is clearly head over heels in love and wants the world to know how much he values his relationship. The song's catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
Line by Line Meaning
Butterflies is what I feel inside
I feel a flutter of excitement every time I think of you
And every time it's like my first time ooh wee
Every time I see you, it feels like the first time, with a mix of thrill and nervousness
And I can never find the words to say
It's hard to express how much you mean to me and how much I love you
You're the perfect girl
You are the epitome of everything I have ever wanted in a partner
You're made for me
You are the person I have been waiting for all my life, and I know we are meant to be together
It's so easy to love you baby
Loving you comes naturally and effortlessly to me. You make it easy to feel and express my affection
We're compatible, incredible and natural we are
We have a special connection that runs deep and natural, and we just fit together perfectly
And girl I've never felt this way before
I have never experienced this kind of intense, genuine, and soulful love for anyone else before
From the bottom of my heart
I speak these words with every fiber of my being, with the deepest sincerity
Baby girl I just wanna tell you that you are
I want to express how much you mean to me and the depth of my feelings for you
The reason I love
You are the source and the reason behind my love and affection
The reason I trust
You inspire trust and confidence in me, and I rely on you more than anyone else
God sent me an angel
I believe that you are an angel sent by God to bless and complete my life
You are, the best in the world
You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and you bring out the best in me as well
A wonderful girl
You are an amazing, charming, lovely, and fantastic person
Knowing you by my side
Having you in my life and by my side brings a sense of comfort, joy, and peace
Brings tears to my eyes
Thinking of you and our love is so powerful and moving that it can bring tears to my eyes
Girl you had me from the moment I looked into your eyes
You captured my heart and soul the first time I laid eyes on you, and you have had me ever since
And I knew you were an angel but you were in disguise
I recognized your amazing qualities and felt a divine connection, but I didn't realize how special you were until later
Tell me how can I be so lucky
I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have you in my life, and I don't take it for granted at all
That you'd fall down from heaven for me
I truly believe that you were heaven-sent, and I feel grateful and honored to have you as my partner
Some people searching life time
Many people spend their whole lives searching for true love and never find it
And never find the true love ooh wee
They search and hope for love but may never experience the kind of love that we share
Heaven care enough for me to give me you
I feel like I have been blessed by heaven to have someone as wonderful and loving as you in my life
And now our heart can beat together
Our love and hearts are in sync, beating as one and tuned to the same rhythm
Standing strong girl here forever
Our love is strong and lasting, and I will be here by your side forever
You and I(you and I)
The two of us together in love and harmony
But girl you are
You are amazing, beautiful, loving, and everything that I ever dreamed of in a partner
The only woman I'll make love to
You are the one and only person I want to make love to and have an intimate connection with
And a man ain't suppose to cry
It's not often that a man sheds tears, but when it comes to you and our love, my emotions can get the best of me
You're all that I need in my life
You complete me in so many ways, and I can't imagine my life without you
And it almost feel
Our love is so intense and powerful that it's almost too good to be true
It's not fair
I feel like I have won the lottery, and it's not fair to others who don't experience this kind of love
Loving you?
Loving you is a privilege and a blessing that I don't take for granted
You are (you are)
You are my love, my life, my everything
You are the reason I love
I love you because you inspire me, make me happy, and complete me in every way
Whoa oh
Expressing my love for you fills me with so much emotion and joy
Baby you are
You are my baby, my sugar, my darling, my love
the one for me
You are my one and only true love, my soulmate, and my lifelong partner
the air that I breathe
You are essential to my existence, and I can't imagine living without you
Baby heaven has sent you to me
I feel like you have been sent from heaven to bless and complete my life, and I feel truly grateful
everyday to me baby
You bring joy, love, and happiness to my life every single day, and I cherish you more and more
You are everything oh baby
You mean the world to me, and you bring everything that I could ever want or need in a partner
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WIRLIE MORRIS, DENNIS BETTIS, CARL DAYS, CHARLIE WILSON, MAHIN WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mariyanayordanova5333
LYRICS
Butterflies is what I feel inside
And every time it's like my first time ooh wee
And I can never find the words to say
You're the perfect girl
You're made for me
It's so easy to love you baby
We're compatible, incredible and natural we are
And girl I've never felt this way before
From the bottom of my heart
Baby girl I just wanna tell you that you are
The reason I love
The reason I trust
God sent me an angel
You are, the best in the world
A wonderful girl
Knowing you by my side
Brings tears to my eyes
Baby
Girl you had me from the moment I looked into your eyes
And I knew you were an angel but you were in disguise
Tell me how can I be so lucky
That you'd fall down from heaven for me
Ooh baby
Some people searching life time
And never find the true love ooh wee
Heaven care enough for me to give me you
And now our heart can beat together
Standing strong girl here forever
You and I(you and I)
You and I (you and I)
I just want you to know you are
The reason I love
The reason I trust
God sent me an angel
You are, the best in the world
A wonderful girl
Knowing you by my side
And a man ain't suppose to cry
But girl you are
The only woman I'll make love to
The reason I come home at night
(Girl you are)
You're all that I need in my life
And it almost feel
It's not fair
Loving you?
You are (you are)
You are
You are the reason I love
The reason I trust
God sent me an angel
You are, the best in the world
A wonderful girl (you're a wonderful girl)
Whoa oh
You are
(Baby you are) you are?
(You are) You are all need
(You are) Baby heaven has sent you to me
(Baby you are) the one for me
(You are) the air that I breathe
(You are) baby you are you are (oh yeah)
You are, you are everyday to me baby
You are everything oh baby
Baby you are
@buslegun
Im 48 years old. single and some may say accomplished (a dentist and own my own practice).
Had ladies at my feet when i had nothing. I was told i was hot.
But...
I had eyes for only one girl.
I didnt know what it was but i kept running from her.
Life crashed me and her together many times but i always slithered away like a snake.
She met her husband on a visit to me at my holiday job at University.
She did all she could but i don messed it all up.
She is still No 1.
Though we moved on, the last time i saw her and we sat down for lunch, we both know we couldnt even be friends without saying it.
We afterall come to God as children.
Innocence is everything.
Purity of thought and emotion is sacred.
Your comment brought me to my sacred place.
I no longer regret my actions.
I celebrate knowing something pure and true
@ro9734
THIS MAN DOES NOT HOLD BACK HIS EMOTIONS... YES SIR !!!
@eloisewarren9908
Wonderful singer and song!!!!!
@geridinewhite869
This song is dedicated to the One who saved him from self destruction ! Imagine someone who loves you and cares for you.. Imagine you have all these people that you're surrounded by, and no one in your immediate circle sees your distress, but there's That One who actually sees you ,and truly see You ! And they come to your rescue. How profound is that, when you zero in on that One through your darkest days !
@gabrielle8984
I need a man like that🥰
@andreaalessandro2945
He is fantastic
@destinyrobinson5944
So beautiful
@kimbroadie1212
My husband dedicated this song to me back in 2014 he passed Aug 20th 2019! I dedicate to him now 😭😭😭rip Anthony Broadie 2013/2019 first love best friends since1989 he said I was his angel that God sent to him he sent him to me to Teammates 4ever
@greedydesires3779
Kim Broadie so sorry for your lost. Can’t imagine
@kesandrawilliamson2464
So sorry
@catherinepalmer9488
So sorry for your loss.