As a child, Dennis was singing as part of a church choir in Brooklyn at the age of 7, but later moved to Virginia, and signed up to the US Air Force at 18, with whom he served for six years. Taylor then returned to New York, and following his earlier success in a talent competition, was able to secure a minor recording contract, although he failed to garner any wide-scale success. His biggest break came when he was asked to perform backing vocals on the Robin S hit Gonna Raise The Child in the early 1990s.
It wasn't until the year 2000 that he recorded his first album, 'Enough is Enough' at the Homeboy Studios in New Jersey, working with producers Fred McFarlane and Darryl James, a DJ well-known for his mixes on New York radio station WRKS. The album was received favourably, particularly among UK soul critics. Taylor performed his first UK concert at the Jazz Café in London, a gig that was partially responsible for the artist securing a contract with UK-based record label Dome in 2001. Dennis was well-received by the UK audience who particularly loved his songs 'Enough is Enough' and 'Out of Control'. His second album 'Unconditional' also won over reviewers, and owed its success in part to the heavy airplay of singles Steppin' and It's Over on the London radio station 102.2 Jazz FM (and then jazzfm.com which relaunched as Jazz FM). A subsequent UK tour followed.
Taylor also duetted with soul performer Beverlei Brown on her album 'Next To You', collaborating on the song Could Be You.
Taylor's most recent album, 'In The Mood', was released in 2003 and included the Sam Dees-penned duet Am I Dreaming?, recorded with Wincey Terry. He continues to sporadically tour the UK.
Smile
Dennis Taylor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know your words are true and I don't feel them inside
Still I believe you'll never leave
So where are you now
You're all I have, You're all I know
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Still I am gasping, aching, asking
[Chorus]
Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
My journey's here, but my heart is There
So I dream and wait, and keep the faith, while You prepare
Our destiny, til You come back for me
Oh, please make it soon!
[Chorus]
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
[Chorus: x2]
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feel like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
In "Smile" by Dennis Taylor, the lyrics express a deep longing to be with God. Despite believing in God's truth, the singer confesses to feeling a lack of connection to His presence. The song is framed around a question of distance, with the singer asking how far away God is while acknowledging the closeness of His love. The repetition of "where are You now" emphasizes the feeling of waiting and anticipation for God to reveal Himself more fully.
The chorus provides a contrast to the opening verse, expressing a hope in the future when the waiting will be over and the singer will be united with God. The mention of the "Day getting closer" could refer to the second coming of Christ, adding a sense of urgency to the lyrics. The repetition of "every minute takes an hour" and "every inch feels like a mile" highlights the sense of prolonged waiting and distance from God.
The final verse shifts the focus from the singer's personal journey to a broader sense of destiny and purpose. The singer acknowledges that they are here on Earth, but their heart is with God. They dream and wait while God prepares their ultimate destiny. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, bringing the themes of waiting and hope full circle.
Line by Line Meaning
How far are you, how close am I
I feel distant from you, but at the same time, I know you're near.
I know your words are true and I don't feel them inside
Even though I believe what you say, I struggle to feel the truth of your words.
Still I believe you'll never leave
Despite my doubts, I trust that you won't abandon me.
So where are you now
I'm wondering where you are and when we'll be reunited.
You're all I have, You're all I know
You're my only constant and my anchor in a changing world.
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Your presence sustains me and gives me life.
Still I am gasping, aching, asking
Even though you're with me, I still struggle and long for more.
Where are you now
I'm still wondering where you are and when we'll be reunited.
Cause I just wanna be with You
My deepest desire is to be with you, to know you intimately.
I just want this waiting to be over
I'm tired of the distance and the longing, and I want to be with you now.
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Thinking about the future and our eventual reunion gives me hope.
Every minute takes an hour
Time seems to stretch endlessly when I'm separated from you.
Every inch feels like a mile
The physical distance between us is torture for my heart.
Til I won't have to imagine
One day, I won't have to conjure images of you in my mind anymore.
And I finally get to see You smile
I long to look into your face and see the joy and love that I know is there.
My journey's here, but my heart is There
I'm physically present in this world, but my soul belongs with you.
So I dream and wait, and keep the faith, while You prepare
I hold onto hope and trust that you're preparing something wonderful for us.
Our destiny, til You come back for me
We have a shared destiny that will be fulfilled when we're reunited.
Oh, please make it soon!
My heart aches with longing for our reunion, and I can't wait any longer.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHARD GUARD, PHILIP JAMES RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SoulStrutter
This was a 'monster' back in the day of Soul On The Real Side @ Blue Lagoon Bedford modern nights! Still sounds great 18 years later!
@AcousticUplift
I just had to hear this today. My sis was singing it earlier this evening and it reminded me that I haven't heard this in a good while. Reminds me of being @ Uni and sunny afternoons. Great BGVs.
@dennistaylor4614
Thank U Good People! Be On the Look Out! IM coming BACK..........;)
@gilly1961
+Dennis Taylor Really ? you need to hit me up. I promo in the UK
@juliaconiston8372
Please, please come back and tour UK ? LOVE your voice and your Music xox Do you have a website ? Concert dates ?
@DolceAnie
Are you Dennis Taylor the singer, really? If so, I hope you're coming back soon. I love your music!!! Cheers from Spain :)
@stevemiller734
Dennis you are a good singer. Get yourself back on the scene 👍
@gleb202
one of my favorites songs of him,thank you very much!
@garylewis4201
Heard this track on Jeff Young's show on Jazz FM , Superb !
@leeannmcgill3424
what a tune have his cd can not fault it