His GRP debut album Freedom at Midnight was his biggest seller and most popular album. Benoit also says that it was his favorite album to produce, because it was when "everything came together," as he stated in an interview on smoothviews.com.
Out of respect for one of his main influencers, Bill Evans, he dedicated his 1992 album Letter to Evan to him.
Many of his songs employed a string section, most notably on his American Landscape and Orchestral Stories albums in 1997 and 2005, respectively. He has said that it is his dream to release a symphonic album.
In 2000, after the death of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, he released a memorial album entitled Here's to You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years! Collaborators included the chorus group Take 6, guitarist Mark Antoine and trumpeter Chris Botti. He also did the music for "Peanuts" in the later specials.
He is a close friend of The Rippingtons' guitarist and lead Russ Freeman, and they often appeared on each other's albums. They also released collaborative efforts The Benoit/Freeman Project and The Benoit / Freeman Project 2.
Human Nature
David Benoit Lyrics
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Across the nighttime
The city winks a sleepless eye
Hear her voice
Shake my window
Sweet seducing sighs
Get me out
Four walls won't hold me tonight
If this town
Is just an apple
Then let me take a bite
If they say
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why does he do me that way
Reaching out
To touch a stranger
Electric eyes are everywhere
See that girl
She knows I'm watching
She likes the way I stare
If they say
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why does he do me that way
I like livin' this way
I like lovin' this way
Looking out
Across the morning
Where the city's heart begins to beat
Reaching out
I touch her shoulder
I'm dreaming of the street
If they say
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why, does he do me that way
If they say
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
Why, why does he do me that way
The song "Human Nature" by David Benoit explores the human experience of desire and the need for connection with others. The lyrics focus on the singer's restlessness and longing for adventure, expressed through the metaphor of the city at night. The city is personified as a seductive woman who whispers sweet nothings into the singer's ear through the sound of her voice and the sight of her twinkling lights. The singer's desire is not just for the city, but also for the people in it, as he reaches out to touch a stranger and enjoys the attention of a girl who likes the way he stares.
However, the singer's desires are not always reciprocated, and he acknowledges that sometimes people treat each other poorly for reasons beyond their control. When others question his behavior or motivations, he responds with the refrain "tell 'em that it's human nature." This phrase suggests that the need for connection and the struggle to find it is a fundamental part of being human, and not something that can always be explained or controlled. The song ultimately suggests that even though life can be unpredictable and difficult, it's still worth it to live and love passionately.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking out
Observing and surveying my surroundings
Across the nighttime
Through the darkness of the night
The city winks a sleepless eye
The urban environment remains awake and alive
Hear her voice
Receiving auditory input
Shake my window
The sound was potent enough to cause vibrations
Sweet seducing sighs
Attractive whispers from the source
Get me out
I need to leave my current state
Into the nighttime
During the evening hours
Four walls won't hold me tonight
I am yearning to be free and unconstrained
If this town
Regarding the current location in question
Is just an apple
If it's something worth pursuing, like low-hanging fruit
Then let me take a bite
I am willing to indulge and partake in it
If they say
If people ask or inquire
Why, why, tell 'em that it's human nature
These actions are natural or inherent to human beings
Why, why, does he do me that way
I am confused as to why someone is treating me in a certain manner
Reaching out
Extending my arm or hand
To touch a stranger
Someone unfamiliar to me
Electric eyes are everywhere
Intense gazes or glares are abundant
See that girl
Pointing out a specific female
She knows I'm watching
She's aware that I'm paying attention to her
She likes the way I stare
She's interested and approves of my persistent gaze
I like livin' this way
I enjoy the lifestyle and state of being that I am in
I like lovin' this way
I enjoy the way I show and experience love
Looking out
Observing and surveying my surroundings
Across the morning
As the day is breaking
Where the city's heart begins to beat
The urban environment starts to come to life
Reaching out
Extending my arm or hand
I touch her shoulder
Making physical contact with a specific person
I'm dreaming of the street
Mentally visualizing and anticipating what's outside
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, ONErpm, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steve Porcaro, John Bettis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind