Loeb was born in Nyack, New York, near New York City. At a young age, he listened to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan. According to a 2005 JazzTimes article, the first song he learned on guitar was Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone", which he would later play at a guest appearance with Dylan. He discovered jazz when he was sixteen through the music of guitarists Wes Montgomery, George Benson, John McLaughlin, and Pat Martino. At that point, Loeb chose to become a musician and "never thought of doing anything else".
He studied with local music teachers, then traveled to Philadelphia and became a student of jazz guitarist Dennis Sandole. In New York City, he learned from Jim Hall. For two years he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, then left in 1976 to seek professional work in New York City.
In New York, Loeb played with Chico Hamilton, Ray Barreto, and Hubert Laws. Starting in 1979, he was a member of Stan Getz's group.[5] Getz later became the best man at his wedding to singer Carmen Cuesta. Loeb and Mitchel Forman, who was also in Getz's group, formed the jazz fusion band Metro (1994). In the 1980s, he was a member of the group Steps Ahead, which included Michael Brecker, someone Loeb credits as an influence. He replaced Larry Carlton as guitarist in Fourplay (2010).
Loeb and his wife have recorded together, with Cuesta providing vocals on his albums and Loeb playing on Cuesta's albums, and their daughters Lizzy and Christina contributing vocals.
Loeb began a solo career in 1988 with his debut album My Shining Hour on the Japanese record label Pony Canyon. He released subsequent albums on DMP Digital Music Products until receiving commercial success with Shanachie Records on The Music Inside (1996). The title song from the album held the number one position on the jazz charts for six weeks. Later, he produced Moon, the Stars, & the Setting Sun (1998), Listen(1999) In a Heartbeat (2001), and All There Is (2002).
Loeb's music has appeared on TV shows, commercials, and movie soundtracks, including The Untouchables, You've Got Mail, and Hitch.
Loeb died on July 31, 2017, aged 61 after suffering from cancer for several years.
Don't Let Me Be Lonely tonight
Chuck Loeb Lyrics
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Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes for the morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
Say good-bye and say hello
Sure 'nough good to see you
But it's time to go
Don't say no
I don't want to be lonely tonight
Go away then, damn you
Go on and do as you please, yeah
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
You've been turning my world upside down
Do me wrong, do me right, right now baby
Go on and tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
I don't want to be lonely tonight
No, no, I don't want to be lonely tonight
I don't want to be lonely tonight
The lyrics of Chuck Loeb's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" describe the inner turmoil of someone who desires the company of another, even if it means being lied to or mistreated. The singer begs for the other person to keep them company and hold them tight, but not to say goodbye until morning light. The singer seems to be afraid of being left alone, and thus would rather deal with the untruths and mistreatment than be lonely.
The chorus repeats the refrain 'Don't let me be lonely tonight' stressing on how loneliness is dreadfully haunting and that love can be scary, but such is the human need for connection that it overpowers any negative behavior by the other person. The singer wavers between wanting the person to stay and wanting them to leave because they can't decide if they want to be mistreated or not. The line, "I'm undecided and your heart's been divided, you've been turning my world upside down" describes how the other person has caused confusion and brought chaos into the singer's life. The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has experienced feeling lonely and the lengths they are willing to go to avoid it.
Overall, the message of the song is that the desire for companionship can drive someone to accept poor treatment from another person rather than being alone. The song captures the intensity of human emotions, particularly the fear and desperation of loneliness.
Line by Line Meaning
Do me wrong, do me right
You can treat me badly or treat me well, it's up to you.
Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Deceive me if you must, but don't let go of me.
Save your good-byes for the morning light
Don't say farewell now, wait until the morning.
But don't let me be lonely tonight
I need you to be with me, I don't want to feel lonely.
Say good-bye and say hello
You come and go in my life, and it's bittersweet.
Sure 'nough good to see you
I'm happy to see you, even if it's brief.
But it's time to go
You have to leave now, even though I don't want you to.
Don't say yes, but please
Don't make promises you can't keep, but I'm begging you.
Don't say no
Don't reject me outright, I need your company.
I don't want to be lonely tonight
I am feeling lonely and I need someone to be with me.
Go away then, damn you
Fine, you can leave, I'm angry with you.
Go on and do as you please, yeah
You can do whatever you want, I can't stop you.
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
I won't beg you to stay or apologize.
I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
I'm unsure about my feelings, and you're conflicted too.
You've been turning my world upside down
Your presence in my life has been chaotic and confusing.
Do me wrong, do me right, right now baby
I want you to make a decision about how you'll treat me, and do it swiftly.
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light
Wait until tomorrow to say goodbye, it's too hard to bear now.
I don't want to be lonely tonight
I am scared of being alone, and I need you here.
No, no, I don't want to be lonely tonight
I am begging you not to leave me alone, please stay with me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Craig Scott
on Sierra Nevada
Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!