First was … Read Full Bio ↴There are three bands that have gone by the name “Crusaders.”
First was the 1970’s Jazz band.
Second is a European Oi band.
The Third is a Australian Garage surf band.
In 1960, following the demise of a few short-lived Houston-based groups, pianist Joe Sample, drummer Stix Hooper, saxophonist Wilton Felder and trombonist Wayne Henderson relocated to Los Angeles, CA. After changing their name to "The Jazz Crusaders," the group signed with Pacific Jazz Records, where they would remain throughout the 1960s. Employing a two-manned front-line horn section (trombone and tenor saxophone), the group's sound was rooted in hard bop, with an emphasis on R&B and soul.
The group shortened their name to "The Crusaders" in 1971, and adopted a jazz-funk style, which really ushered in the genre which came to be known as "jazz fusion". They also incorporated the electric bass and electric guitar into their music. Guitarist Larry Carlton became a member, and was featured prominently on the group's albums throughout most of the 1970s. With this new style came increased crossover appeal, and the group's albums started to appear on the Billboard pop charts. The height of the group's commercial success came with 1979's Street Life, which peaked at #18 on the pop charts.
The Crusaders created a unique, warm, southern soul based Jazz funk hybrid. Wilton Fender's soaring muscular tenor saxophone improvisations are without peer and combined with Wayne Henderson's trombone managed to create a tight horn section sound with only a tenor sax and a trombone. Joe Sample on Fender Rhodes piano weaved ambitious funky lines and 'stix" hooper's intricate drum playing were a solid foundation for what was a seminal group in their heyday.
So far away
Crusaders Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doesn't anybody stay in one place any more?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn't help to know you're just time away
Long ago I reached for you and there you stood
Holding you again would only do me good
Oh how I wish I could but you're so far away
I can't say much of anything that's new
But if I could only work this life out my way
I'd rather spend it being close to you
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place any more?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn't help to know you're so far away
So far away, yeah, you're so far away
Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
And I sure hope the road don't get to own me
There's so many dreams that I've yet to find
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place any more?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
And it doesn't help to know you're so far away
So far away, yeah, you're so far away
The lyrics to The Crusaders' "So Far Away" are about the feeling of distance and separation from someone that the singer cares deeply about. The song begins by questioning why people don't stay in one place anymore, and expressing a desire to see the person's face at their door. The singer acknowledges that the knowledge that the person is only a certain amount of time away doesn't alleviate the pain of their physical absence.
The second verse continues with the theme of distance, but takes on a more somber tone. The singer expresses frustration that they can't seem to make their life work the way they want it to, specifically in terms of being close to the person they miss. The bridge continues with the feeling of loneliness that comes from being on the road and traveling, with the lyrics painting a picture of the singer feeling isolated and desperate to find something more fulfilling.
Overall, "So Far Away" is a heartfelt exploration of the loneliness and longing that comes from being separated from someone you love. The Crusaders convey their emotions through a beautiful combination of bluesy instrumentals and poignant lyrics that speak to the human experience of missing someone deeply.
Line by Line Meaning
So far away
The person the singer wants to see is physically distant.
Doesn't anybody stay in one place any more?
The singer wonders why people move around so much instead of staying in one place.
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
The singer expresses a strong desire to see the face of the person they miss so much.
And it doesn’t help to know you’re just time away
Knowing that the person is only a matter of time away doesn't make the singer miss them any less.
Long ago I reached for you and there you stood
The singer and their loved one were once together and close to one another.
Holding you again would only do me good
The singer believes that holding the person they miss would make them feel much better.
Oh how I wish I could but you're so far away
The singer wishes they could be with the person they miss but acknowledges that physical distance makes it impossible.
One more song about moving along the highway
The singer acknowledges that there are many songs about traveling around and being on the road.
I can't say much of anything that's new
The singer doesn't have anything new to say about traveling or being on the road.
But if I could only work this life out my way
The singer wishes they could control their own life and be close to the person they miss.
I'd rather spend it being close to you
The singer emphasizes how much they would rather be with the person they miss.
Traveling around sure gets me down and lonely
The singer feels sad and alone while traveling around.
Nothing else to do but close my mind
The singer has no choice but to give up and not think about how much they miss the person they are separated from.
And I sure hope the road don't get to own me
The singer hopes that they won't become so used to traveling around that they never settle down in one place again.
There's so many dreams that I've yet to find
Despite feeling lonely and sad, the singer still has many dreams they wish to pursue while traveling around.
So far away, yeah, you're so far away
The person the singer misses is very physically distant, emphasizing the long distance between them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLE KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheProfessorBacon
The absolute best instrumental ever recoded in my eyes. I was introduced to the Crusaders by my father back in the early 70's. This classic from 1972 is my "go-to" whenever a musical groove is needed to calm the chaos of life. Reminds my of my dad every time I hear it. RIH daddy and thank you for introducing me to jazz, and specifically the Crusaders.
@edwardevans652
@TheProfessorBacon Same here, this album reminds me of my Dad since he owned this LP and left it with me. Through this great music, our Dads are still with us.
@charlesdavis113
I Owe My En'Lightenment to My Older Brother...Miles'Yard'Bird, Donald'Byrd,Nina'Somoan
@charlesdavis113
I Owe My En'Lightenment to My Older Brother...Miles'Yard'Bird, Donald'Byrd,Nina'Somoan
@charlesdavis113
That Was Nina'Simon Jimmy Hendrix Janis'Joplin....on And On , I Could Go'On,🤔But I Digress and Confess 🎶🤫🎼🎵Music is My'Sanctuary 🎼 Music is My'Life 👉😆😂🤣 What Would You Expect Commin From Mo'Town ❤️✌️💪🙏💯🎼
@progrockdock
Your dad and mine! I grew up wearing this out on the turntable. A masterpiece!~Sebastian
@clydecrisp687
When I hear this song I feel like a bird in the sky free as can be. Wind beneath my wings. All my worries are gone and I am truely relaxed. Thank God for the Jazz Crusaders. There will never ever be another like them. Jazz to the fullest, soulfull, delightful and sweet to the ears, relaxing to the body and forever enlightening the heart. Just beautiful music man. Groovey
@prentissbelton4042
Yes sir
@simonedwards3457
Every word true. Beautifully put.
@tafimutekwe2855
First time I heard this tune I must have been about 21 or 22. It completely blew me away and I fell head over heels in love with jazz!!!!!!!!