In the 1970s, he moved away from his previous hard-bop jazz base and began to record jazz fusion and rhythm and blues. Teaming up with the Mizell Brothers, he produced Black Byrd, which was enormously successful and became Blue Note Records' highest-ever selling album. The follow-up albums, Places and Spaces, Stepping Into Tomorrow, and Street Lady, were also big sellers, and have subsequently provided a rich source of samples for hip-hop artists such as Us3.
He has taught music at Rutgers University, the Hampton Institute, New York University, Howard University, and Oberlin College. In 1974 he created The Blackbyrds, a fusion group consisting of his best students. They scored several major hits, including "Walking In Rhythm" and "Blackbyrds Theme".
You And Music
Donald Byrd Lyrics
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When you speak, a symphony begins
Melodies of a thousand violins
When you touch me baby
My horn starts to play
To the beat of a soulful serenade
Ooh, maestro, my heart sings along
Perfect rhythm, sweet harmony
Makes me want to dance
Makes me want romance
Puts me in a trance
Baby, I can use it
You, you and music
When you speak, a symphony begins
Melodies of a thousand violins
When you touch me baby
My horn starts to play
To the beat of a soulful serenade
Ooh, maestro, my heart sings along
Keeping time with each stroke of your baton
Perfect rhythm, sweet harmony
Makes me want to dance
Makes me want romance
Puts me in a trance
Ooh, baby, I can use it
You, you, you and music
Baby, I can use it
You, you, you and music
You and music
You and music
You and music
You and music
Ooh, baby
I can use it
The lyrics of "You and Music" by Donald Byrd express the strong connection between music and love. The singer compares their lover's presence to a symphony, with their voice starting a melody and their touch making their soulful instrument come to life.
The use of musical terminology throughout the lyrics is significant in showcasing the singer's appreciation for the art form, such as referring to their lover as a "maestro" and their own instrument as a horn. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "perfect rhythm, sweet harmony" emphasizes the idea that music and love go hand in hand, creating a sense of ease and joy in the singer's mind.
The lyrics also express that the music and their partner put them in a trance, making them want to dance and experience romance. It is evident that the singer sees music and their lover as one and the same, with the final repeated line of "you and music" conveying this connection.
Overall, the lyrics of "You and Music" convey the importance of music and love in the singer's life, showcasing the deep connection between the two art forms.
Line by Line Meaning
When you speak, a symphony begins
Your words are so captivating that they inspire beautiful music.
Melodies of a thousand violins
The music you inspire is grand and beautiful.
When you touch me baby, My horn starts to play
Your touch ignites a passion in me that I can't ignore.
To the beat of a soulful serenade
I am moved by the music we make together.
Ooh, maestro, my heart sings along
You are a master at conducting my heart and emotions.
Keeping time with each stroke of your baton
I synchronize with your every move.
Perfect rhythm, sweet harmony
Our connection is seamless and beautiful.
Makes me want to dance, Makes me want romance, Puts me in a trance
Being with you and making music together fills me with a desire for both physical and emotional connection, and leaves me entranced.
Baby, I can use it, You, you and music
I need you and our music to bring meaning and fulfillment to my life.
You and music
The combination of you and music is a powerful force that I cannot resist.
Ooh, baby, I can use it
I need the beauty and inspiration of you and music in my life.
Writer(s): Larry Mizell, Alphonso James Mizell
Contributed by Addison L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Humanistic
Oooh
When you speak
A symphony begins
Melodies of a thousand violins
When you touch me baby
My horn starts to play
To the beat of a soulful serenade
Heyyy
Maestro, my heart sings along
Keeping time with each stroke of your baton
Perfect rhythm, sweet harmony
Makes me want to dance
Makes me want romance
Puts me in a trance
Baby, I hear music
You, you and music
ewaf88
@B Smith Yes it is.
I have a friend who loves jazz and soul.
He's in his 60s like me, yet he'd never heard of them.
But they wrote such great tunes.
I love jazz and soul too , and I'd try to get to an alternative Universe if these genres didn't exist
I was entranced by John Coltrane's version of ' My Favourite things ' yesterday
C.A.
this was the last song my mom and I listed to together before she passed in 2013. she used to play this for me as a kid. I never stopped loving this song through the years. never will.
Roc Jackson
That's really beautiful...
D. McLovin
That's awesome
Artful Dodger
Rip ma'am.
Robert Wilder
Freaking awesome
yoshluv7
My mom used to play this too!!!!
Anthony Gatta
For 3 decades, this man and this album have been an important part of my life. every song on this album is a keeper. in Philadelphia at 18 years old, I saw Donald Byrd and the Blackbirds! now at 54 years old, it still has a strong hold on me.
Eric B
Good to see a fellow paisan who digs Donald Byrd :)
Rob Lieberfarb
love this. me too
J R
Ok boomer