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.
Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow
Earl Klugh Lyrics
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Don't do it.
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
[Chorus:]
Keep your eye on the sparrow,
When the going gets narrow.
Don't do it.
Don't run your feet down a dead-end street.
[Chorus]
Don't do me dirt or you're gonna get hurt
Don't do it.
Don't run away till you hear what I say.
[Chorus]
Ain't gonna fight with no thief in the night
Won't do it.
I'm gonna go where the cold wind don't blow.
[Chorus]
Earl Klugh's song "Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow" is a song about living an honorable life and making smart choices. The first verse advises listeners not to go to bed with a "price on your head," meaning don't do anything illegal or immoral that might cause harm to yourself or others. The song then advises against committing crimes if you're not willing to face the consequences, saying "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."
The chorus of the song gives the listener advice on how to navigate difficult times in life. It says to "keep your eye on the sparrow when the going gets narrow," which means to focus on the small things, to stay humble and to keep moving forward even when faced with challenges. The second verse again advises against taking risks if you're not prepared for the consequences, saying "Don't roll the dice if you can't pay the price." The song also warns against going down a "dead-end street," meaning to avoid situations that don't lead to anything positive.
The final verse of the song advises against dishonesty, saying "Don't do me dirt or you're gonna get hurt." The song advises against running away before hearing someone out, and reminds listeners to always make good choices. The song concludes with the idea that one should avoid conflict or confrontation altogether by simply going somewhere where they won't be bothered or harmed, saying "I'm gonna go where the cold wind don't blow."
Line by Line Meaning
Don't go to bed with no price on your head,
Don't go to sleep feeling guilty or indebted.
Don't do it.
Don't engage in such behavior.
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
Don't commit any offense that you're not ready to face the consequences for.
Keep your eye on the sparrow,
Stay focused on what's important and don't lose sight of your goals.
When the going gets narrow.
Especially during difficult times.
Don't roll the dice if you can't pay the price,
Don't take unnecessary risks that might result in negative consequences you can't afford.
Don't run your feet down a dead-end street.
Don't waste your time and effort on outcomes that are unlikely or impossible.
Don't do me dirt or you're gonna get hurt
Don't treat me unfairly or dishonestly, or you'll face my wrath.
Don't do it.
Don't act in that way.
Don't run away till you hear what I say.
Don't leave the conversation until you fully understand what I'm trying to say.
Ain't gonna fight with no thief in the night
I won't engage in any conflict with someone who's trying to take advantage of me or sneaky.
Won't do it.
I refuse to participate in that type of behavior.
I'm gonna go where the cold wind don't blow.
I'm going to seek out environments that are more comfortable and stress-free.
Keep your eye on the sparrow,
Stay focused on what's important and don't lose sight of your goals.
When the going gets narrow.
Especially during difficult times.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID GRUSIN, MORGAN AMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thomas Mokoena
on Across the Sand
When I first heard this in 1994 I was in school on the radio by non other than ausi Makgotso (aka Mamontha Modise) will make sure that as the program starts I've tuned in and waiting for her to introduce herself, still my favorite.