Prior to her appearance on The Wiz, Cheryl taped an episode of the Gong Show in the early part of 1976. She went on to win the competition while singing Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful." Lynn later told Dick Clark during her appearance on American Bandstand that after the episode aired, in the fall of 1976, record industry executives were calling about her soon after the win.
Success and later career
After signing with Columbia Records, Lynn released her first and biggest hit, "Got to Be Real," which was penned by Toto's keyboardist David Paich, David Foster and Lynn. The song peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 on the R&B chart. The success of the single prompted a full scale debut album. Titled, Cheryl Lynn, it was produced by Paich. The album sold over a million copies and peaked at #5 on Billboard's R&B albums chart and #23 on Billboard's top 200 album charts. The follow-up single, "Star Love," also became a hit βreaching the top twenty on both the R&B and Dance charts.
During Cheryl's debut album's run, members of the rock group Toto were putting together their debut album. During the production Lynn was asked to provided the female backing vocal on the single, "Georgy Porgy." The single peaked at #48 on Billboard's Pop charts. Although Toto would go on to chart more than a dozen pop hits throughout the years, it was Lynn's vocal on "Georgy Porgy" that aided the group in charting their one and only R&B (#18) and Dance (#80) hit on the Billboard charts.
In 1981, Ray Parker, Jr. produced "Shake It Up Tonight," a major club R&B hit from Lynn's third album, In The Night. The following year, Luther Vandross was called on to produced Cheryl's fourth album, Instant Love. The second single off the album, "If This World Were Mine" βa 1982 duet with Luther Vandross that covered a Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell song, has become an urban contemporary classic. For her fifth album, Preppie, Cheryl took it upon herself to produce most of the tracks with the exception of the single "Encore" (#1 R&B hit) βwritten and produced by the Minneapolis funk duo, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. It became Lynn's second #1 single on the U.S. Billboard R&B Charts. Her final top ten hit in the 80s was released in 1989: "Every Time I Try To Say Goodbye," from her eighth album, Whatever It Takes.
The 1990's
Cheryl began the 90's without a record contract. During this period she did session work on Richard Marx albums Rush Street and Paid Vacation. She also worked with Luther Vandross on his album Your Secret Love . In 1995, after a six year hiatus from recording her own material, Lynn teamed up with producer/songwriter Teddy Riley, (formally of the New Jack Swing group Guy), to record her ninth album, Good Time. It was released in Japan, the UK and later in the United States as an imported CD and featured the club favorite single "Guarantee For My Heart."
2000 to present
During the new millennium Lynn toured Japan and did the occasional gig in the U.S., performing at charity events in her hometown of Los Angeles. She performed on ABC's The Disco Ball... A 30-Year Celebration, which aired in January 2003. In 2004 she recorded the song, "Sweet Kind Of Life," which was also written and produced by Jam & Lewis, for the animated film and soundtrack to Shark Tale.
On September 19, 2005, Lynn's signature song "Got to Be Real" was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. She is considered an influence on some of today's R&B female singers, including Mary J. Blige, who, along with Will Smith, covered Lynn's signature song, "Got to Be Real", also for the soundtrack of the animated film Shark Tale.
Sweet Kind Of Life
Cheryl Lynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh,
Yaβ²all can dance to this if you want to
Ya'all can step to this if you want to
Yaβ²all can slide to this if you want to
Ya'all can do whatever you want to
This sweet kind of life
Sweet kind of life
Life is one big party when you share the wealth
Wouldn't mean as much if i just spend it on myself
While my cup is running over let me give you some
Life is good life oh, its something got enough for everyone - i just wanna have some fun
And take a moment, and sugarcoat it, cmon and party down
Tell you what i love to live
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Iβ²m a star and iβ²m shining bright
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Oh, baby it feels so right
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Life is a party every night
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
I've got everything i need and iβ²m feeling great
Knowing i can afford things without the headache
Know i don't have to worry about every dime i spend
Cause my moneyβ²s real flowing and i'm payed up on my ring - i just wanna have some fun
And take a moment, and sugarcoat it, cmon and party down
Tell you what i love to live
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Iβ²m a star and i'm shining bright
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Oh, baby it feels so right
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Life is a party every night
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Tell you what i love to live
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
I'm a star and iβ²m shining bright
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Oh, baby it feels so right
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Life is a party every night
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Yaβ²all can dance to this if you want to (aha)
Ya'all can step to this if you want to (yeah)
Yaβ²all can slide to this if you want to
Ya'all can do whatever you want to
Yaβ²all can dance to this if you want to
Ya'all can step to this if you want to
Yaβ²all can slide to this if you want to
Ya'all can do whatever you want to
It's so sweet, kind of life i lead
Itβ²s so sweet, kind of love i give
I wanna give it to you, that what i wanna do
I wanna make it right, i wanna party all night
Tell you what i love to live
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Iβ²m a star and i'm shining bright
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Oh, baby it feels so right
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
Life is a party every night
This sweet kind of life, sweet kind of life
The lyrics to Cheryl Lynn's song "Sweet Kind Of Life" convey a joyous celebration of life and an appreciation for the abundance and happiness that it brings. From the beginning, the lyrics invite listeners to dance, step, slide, and do whatever they want to enjoy the sweet kind of life. The song suggests that life is like a big party, made even more meaningful when we share our blessings with others and have fun together.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of generosity and sharing wealth. The singer acknowledges that life wouldn't be as fulfilling if she only focused on herself and her own desires. Instead, she finds joy in giving and sharing with others, recognizing that there is enough goodness and abundance for everyone. The lines "While my cup is running over let me give you some" and "I just wanna have some fun" convey this sentiment of spreading happiness and wealth.
In addition, the lyrics express contentment and gratitude for the financial security and freedom she has. The singer feels great knowing she can afford things without worries, as her money is flowing and she is financially stable. This sense of security allows her to live her life to the fullest and enjoy the party every night. The repetition of the line "I just wanna have some fun" reinforces her desire to savor the sweet and fulfilling aspects of life.
Overall, "Sweet Kind Of Life" by Cheryl Lynn is an uplifting anthem that celebrates the joy, abundance, and generosity of life. It encourages listeners to embrace the party-like atmosphere of life, share their blessings, and fully enjoy the sweet moments.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet kind of life
Life is enjoyable and fulfilling
Oh, Ya'all can dance to this if you want to
You are free to express yourself and have fun
Ya'all can step to this if you want to
You can join in and participate
Ya'all can slide to this if you want to
You can move smoothly and enjoy the rhythm
Ya'all can do whatever you want to
You have the freedom to do as you please
Life is one big party when you share the wealth
Life becomes more joyful when you share your blessings
Wouldn't mean as much if I just spend it on myself
Material possessions lose their value without sharing
While my cup is running over let me give you some
In my abundance, I want to share with you
Life is good life oh, it's something got enough for everyone - I just wanna have some fun
Life is enjoyable and there is plenty for everyone - I simply want to enjoy myself
And take a moment, and sugarcoat it, c'mon and party down
Let's cherish the moment and celebrate joyfully
Tell you what I love to live
I want to share what I enjoy in life
I'm a star and I'm shining bright
I feel confident and successful
Oh, baby it feels so right
It feels absolutely perfect
Life is a party every night
Life is filled with excitement and celebration
I've got everything I need and I'm feeling great
I have all the necessities and I am content
Knowing I can afford things without the headache
I am financially secure and don't worry about expenses
Know I don't have to worry about every dime I spend
I don't stress about every penny I use
Cause my money's real flowing and I'm paid up on my ring - I just wanna have some fun
My finances are stable and I want to enjoy myself
It's so sweet, kind of life I lead
The life I live is pleasant and enjoyable
It's so sweet, kind of love I give
The love I give is genuine and heartwarming
I wanna give it to you, that's what I wanna do
I want to share my love and joy with you
I wanna make it right, I wanna party all night
I want everything to be perfect and celebrate all night long
Writer(s): Terry Lewis, Cheryl Lynn, James Harris Iii, James Wright, Izzy Avila, Bobby Ross Jr. Avila, Andre Shepard
Contributed by Jeremiah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jhmotown
Love this. I can put this on repeat and keep movin' to it.
@explore4284
This one track that never got the Radio AirPlay that it deserved. Simply Awesome and who still listening in 2021? π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
@user-yr4pm1zw8s
2023 and its still on repeat for me
@newdimensionabstract9762
Awesome Song!
@jentryhaskins9189
Now I'm sitting at house listening a random play list on utube and this song came on. Now I wanna know when Cheryl Lynn is coming to the Bay area. Song is π₯π₯π₯and it's on repeat.
@jason20599
why isnβt this on spotify or apple music?
@TomJerry-jk4nm
My fav song at the end of shark talesβ€π₯ππ
@Tamada357
NO ONE cares about this "Sharktale" madness. What i only care about is reliving the good'ol'years with this beat that slaps so much. Can i have a time machine?
@Iisthegreat1
from the movie Shark tale
@rennagordons5852
I heard it from the ending