Cross released his debut album, 'Christopher Cross', in 1979, and it garnered him five Grammy Awards. He's the only artist in history to receive all of the "Big Four" Grammy Awards (for 'Best Record', 'Best Song', 'Best Album', and 'Best New Artist') in the same year. Hits from the critically acclaimed album, along with "Sailing" (a number one hit that remained within Billboard's Top 40 for over three months), include "Ride Like the Wind" (which was a #2 hit), "Never Be the Same" (going to #15), and "Say You'll Be Mine" (rising to #20). Critics such as Allmusic's Mike DeGagne have lauded Cross' " crisp and colorful" songwriting and "soothing voice".
Labeled as possibly having 'peaked too early' as time went on, Cross proved the doubters wrong with another number one hit in "Arthur's Theme" (also known as "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)"). A part of the Dudley Moore film 'Arthur', the track, as stated before, won him the Academy Award for Best Song in 1981 alongside co-composers Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen. Although his popularity has waxed and waned over the years since his 70s heyday, Cross has earned a reputation as one of the key artists playing what would become known as "yacht rock" alongside contemporaries such as Loggins & Messina.
Minstrel Gigolo
Christopher Cross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you know
You sing your songs of love so soft
And low
And they want you more and more
All the young and lonely girls wait
For you
And they're hoping to
Be the one
And when you start to sing
You will be their everything
And when you start to sing
Every woman will open up her heart
And let you in
In Christopher Cross’s song, “Minstrel Gigolo,” the singer is singing about a talented male musician who enjoys performing for his adoring fans. The words, “You’re the minstrel gigolo, don’t you know,” reference his role as both an entertainer and a lothario. His songs are romantic and heartfelt, attracting a devoted following of young, single women who hope to catch his eye. The ladies wait by the backstage door, hoping to be chosen as the special someone who will hold the musician's heart.
The dynamics of the song are indicative of a man who knows the effect his music has on his listeners. He sings tenderly, his voice carrying like a caress, creating a connection with his audience. As he croons and plays his guitar, the women who hear him feel like he's singing just for them, and they are entranced. The song reveals how music can be seductive and have the power to pull individuals together. The musicians' art becomes all-encompassing - his music opens up the hearts of his fans and draws them to him like moths to a flame.
Line by Line Meaning
You're the minstrel gigolo
You're a musician who uses your talents to seduce women
Don't you know
Are you aware of the effect you have on women?
You sing your songs of love so soft
Your music is romantic and heartfelt
And low
Your singing style is gentle and calming
And they want you more and more
Women are attracted to you because of your music
All the young and lonely girls wait
Your audience consists of young, single women
For you
They are eagerly anticipating your performance
There by the backstage door
They wait for you to finish your performance and exit the stage
And they're hoping to
They desire to be chosen by you
Be the one
To have a romantic connection with you
And when you start to sing
Once you begin your performance
You will be their everything
Women become infatuated with you
Every woman will open up her heart
You have a way of connecting with women emotionally
And let you in
And they will trust you with their feelings and desires.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER C. CROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davereeves6776
Love Eric Johnson's guitar solo on this track!
@joejackson9172
I didn't know he played that. Thanks for sharing.
@onehitbarrel722
@@joejackson9172it’s such a distinct sound, especially at that time. Look up “Eric Johnson Seven Worlds”, it’s the first album he recorded in ‘79. You can really hear the influence of the music at the time as well as the trademark EJ sound
@user-iy1qf6fq9w
Amen! Still sounds fresh after all these years.
@user-iy1qf6fq9w
It really is a masterpiece solo ❤
@jeffreymcdonough418
POST THAT AGAIN, BRUH!!🎉
@097534
Had this album since release, not a bum track stunning. These songs are awesome deserved more recognition.
@thebordernow
(Although I have to say my "least-liked" song is "Poor Shirley"....)
@perfectsleeper
One of the best guitar solos of all time!!
@theonemodifier
lol