At the age of 13, Klugh was captivated by the guitar playing of Chet Atkins when he made an appearance on the Perry Como Show. He has since been a guest on several Atkins albums. Atkins, reciprocating as well, joined Earl on his Magic In Your Eyes album. Klugh was also influenced by Bob James, Ray Parker Jr, Wes Montgomery and Laurindo Almeida. His sound is a blend of these jazz, pop and rhythm' and blues influences, forming a potpourri of sweet contemporary music original to only him.
Klugh became a guitar instructor at the young age of 15, and was eventually discovered by Yusef Lateef. His career rapidly progressed to working with the likes of George Benson, George Shearing, Chick Corea, and many others. Like several other Detroit-bred entertainers, Klugh attended Mumford High School (Michigan).
For their album One on One, Klugh and Bob James received a Grammy award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance of 1981. He has since received 13 Grammy nods, millions of record and CD sales, and continues touring worldwide to this day.
If It's in Your Heart
Earl Klugh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
California dreams
Looked up through the bright lights
No stars that I see
You said, "It′s all yours if you take it there."
I said, "I can't do it alone, I swear."
You said, "It′s all yours,
It's only you
Who loves me like you do
Trying to keep it cool
But I can′t keep cool about it
Acting like a fool
Wanna scream it from the roof
I′m trying to keep it cool
But I can't keep cool about it (about it)
Before you, love, I was lost
Drifting at sea
You were the beacon I′d followed home
You were the one who rescued me
You said, "It's all yours if you take it there."
I said, "I can′t do it alone, I swear."
You said, "It's all yours,
It′s all yours when you smile."
It's only you
Loves me like you do
Trying to keep it cool
But I can't keep cool about it
Acting like a fool
Wanna scream it from the roof
I′m trying to keep it cool
But I can′t keep cool about it (about it)
You said, "Oh, whoa.
I won't lose you, no, whoa."
It′s only you
Loves me like you do
Trying to keep it cool
But I can't keep cool about it
Acting like a fool
Wanna scream it from the roof
I′m trying to keep it cool
But I can't keep cool about it
The lyrics of "If It's In Your Heart" by Earl Klugh are a beautiful love song about finding true love and the struggles of keeping a cool composure when you feel overwhelmed by emotion. The first stanza describes the artist's journey to California and the disappointment of not being able to see the stars through the bright lights. It sets the scene for the rest of the lyrics, which focus on a new love, the struggles of trying to remain composed in a new relationship, and the depth of passion felt.
The singer and their lover are engaged in a conversation, and the lover says that the world is the singer's if they want it. However, the singer feels that they cannot do it alone and swear that they need the lover's help. The lover responds, saying that everything is the singer's when they smile. This indicates that the singer's happiness is tied to the lover's love and acceptance, which is ultimately what they desire most.
The remaining lyrics describe the singer's love for the lover, the feeling of being lost before finding them, and how the lover rescued them. The artist ends the song repeating the same lines, emphasizing their passionate feelings for the person who loves them for who they are.
Overall, "If It's in Your Heart" is a beautiful and emotional song about finding true love, the struggles of remaining composed when you feel overwhelmed, and the importance of having someone in your life who loves you for who you are.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw stars on the pavement
I was lost and in California, hoping for better things
California dreams
I was dreaming of a better life in California
Looked up through the bright lights
I was searching for something in the bustling city
No stars that I see
I couldn't find what I was looking for
You said, "It's all yours if you take it there."
You offered me the chance at success
I said, "I can't do it alone, I swear."
I acknowledged that I couldn't do it without your help
You said, "It's all yours,
It's all yours when you smile."
You reminded me that happiness and success come from within
It's only you
Who loves me like you do
You are the only one who can love me the way you do
Trying to keep it cool
But I can't keep cool about it
Acting like a fool
Wanna scream it from the roof
I'm trying to keep it cool
But I can't keep cool about it (about it)
I'm trying to hide my excitement, but I can't contain it
Before you, love, I was lost
Drifting at sea
You were the beacon I'd followed home
You were the one who rescued me
Before I met you, I was lost and alone, but you showed me the way and saved me
You said, "Oh, whoa.
I won't lose you, no, whoa."
You promised to always be there for me and never let me go
Writer(s): E. Klugh
Contributed by Jake H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@EarwaveMusic
Hi Dave Pomeroy here (bass player in the video). Earl was playing a Sadowsky electric nylon string, one of the best "plugged in" acoustic sounds I've heard. Glad all of you are enjoying this, it was a pleasure to play with Earl, a very nice guy and amazing musician.
@joffyjazz
You sound so good on the Stingray! Earl sounds great on that electric nylon Sadowsky! Wow!
@dotunfaranpojo6549
Thanks for posting these amazing video. You played the bass guitar so great. You both make a great team
@olusesanfesobi5219
Can we have more videos of Earl Klugh play this kind of nylon guitar. I found his really fascinating
@adeosunoluwaseyi6437
You are a great bassist and I can see you are truly enjoying yourself with that bobbing movement. I tried scoring your basslines for the groove and it was cool hearing from the person that actually performed what I tried scoring
@Frapzoid
Dave you were really getting into the song. Looks like you were enjoying yourself. You're a good bass player too.
@noinwe
Dave, you are putting a hurtin on that bass, very melodic bass line with nice fills. Great job. Also Earl Klugh is by far my favorite guitarist, the man just makes beautiful music. You definetly made us bass players proud, with your performance.
@noinwe
Dave, you are putting a hurtin on that bass, very melodic bass line with nice fills. Great job. Also Earl Klugh is by far my favorite guitarist, the man just makes beautiful music. You definetly made us bass players proud, with your performance. Actually I should mention, that the whole band is tight, nice job all around.
@missmochashake
I remember this old tune quite vividly when Iwas in my 20's.Earl this piece my favorite and you were dynamtic when you played this tune.Your great!!!
@paulooliveira7511
Muito bom som gostoso e bem a gosto do dos ritmos brasileiros, com certeza já gostei muito bom mesmo vale conhecer para quem não conhecia como eu, fiquei fã.