Born in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she attended George Westinghouse High School and studied music at the Filion School of Music in Pittsburgh. Later she performed regularly in the Hill District, a jazz hotspot, as a vocalist with the Joe Westray Orchestra, a popular Pittsburgh orchestra. She next spent several years in the nightclub circuit in such cities as Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland and St. Louis. While in New York, she was noticed singing at a Harlem nightclub called the Baby Grand by Dave Cavanaugh, a producer for Capitol Records. She was signed and released several singles, her success leading her to win Down Beat magazine's "Most Promising Newcomer" award in 1955. In 1958, Staton wed Talib Dawud, a black Antigua-born Ahmadi Muslim trumpeter and noted critic of Elijah Muhammad. She subsequently converted to Islam and used the name Aliyah Rabia for some time. The marriage ultimately ended in divorce.
She released several critically acclaimed albums in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including: The Late, Late Show (1957), whose title track was her biggest hit, In the Night (1957), a collaboration with pianist George Shearing, Dynamic! (1958) and Dakota at Storyville (1961), a live album recorded at the Storyville jazz club in Boston. In the mid-1960s Staton moved to England, where she recorded the album Dakota ′67. Returning to the US in the early 1970s, she continued to record semi-regularly, her recordings taking an increasingly strong gospel and blues influence. She suffered a stroke in 1999, after which her health deteriorated. Staton died in New York City aged 76 in 2007.
When Lights Are Low
Dakota Staton Lyrics
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Soothing and low
Strains of a mellow cello
When lights are low
Dear, we're so close together
I love you so
Why think about the weather
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Loves all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Loves all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low
The lyrics of Dakota Staton's song "When Lights Are Low" describe a romantic and intimate moment between two lovers that is enhanced by the presence of music. The first verse sets the mood with "sweet music soft and mellow" that is "soothing and low" and includes the "strains of a mellow cello." As the song continues, the focus shifts to the couple and their closeness. The lyrics suggest that they have forgotten about the outside world and their worries as they are lost in each other's embrace. The repeated phrase "when the lights are low" further emphasizes this sense of intimacy and the idea that the outside world has faded away.
The chorus of the song reinforces the idea that music and love are intertwined. Dakota Staton sings that "music hath charms" and that life is more appealing when inspired by love. The verse that follows describes the physical closeness between the couple and the intensity of their emotions. The lyrics suggest that they are caught up in the moment and that they do not want to let go of each other. They should surrender to their feelings and enjoy the fullness of this romantic moment.
Overall, the lyrics of "When Lights Are Low" celebrate the power of music and the beauty of love, and the two are perfectly intertwined in the creation of an intimate and romantic moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet music soft and mellow
The music is calming, smooth and gentle
Soothing and low
It has a peaceful and quiet sound
Strains of a mellow cello
The music is emotional and played by a mellow cello
When lights are low
The atmosphere is intimate and cozy
Dear, we're so close together
The two people are physically near each other
I love you so
One person is expressing their deep love for the other
Why think about the weather
There's no need to worry or focus on anything else
Two hearts revealing
The two people are sharing their emotions and feelings
Music hath charms
Music has the power to influence people's feelings
Life's so appealing
The moment is enjoyable and satisfying
With inspiration in your arms
The feeling of closeness is inspiring and motivating
Our lips meeting soft and tender
The two people are sharing a romantic kiss
Loves all aglow
The love between the two people is strong and passionate
Why shouldn't we surrender
They should give in and embrace their love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK CHRISTOPHER BATSON, MARSHALL B. III MATHERS, ANDRE ROMELL YOUNG, SEAN A. CRUSE, MICHAEL A. ELIZONDO, TREVOR LAWRENCE, DAWAUN W. PARKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind