One of the most popular pop/jazz groups, Fattburger has been classified by some as new adult contemporary music, contemporary jazz , or smooth jazz . The San Diego-based unit has survived through many trends and still plays the same type of accessible funky music that was its original goal. Saxophonist Hollis Gentry, while in high school, led a group (Power) that opened for Cannonball Adderley at a college concert in 1972. After graduating, Gentry toured with R&B groups. He attended San Diego State University and during the second half of the 1970s had opportunities to play straight-ahead jazz with Bruce Cameron. When their last band broke up, Gentry and the other musicians (keyboardist Carl Evans, bassist Mark Hunter, drummer Kevin Koch, and guitarist [arist]Steve Laury) went out on their own and became Fattburger. Tommy Aros joined the band as their percussionist and in the early '90s, when Laury started a solo career, Evan Marks became Fattburger's guitarist. In the mid-'90s, Fattburger found a home on the Shanachie label, releasing a string of well-received albums into the 21st Century
59th St.
Fattburger Lyrics
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Honeysuckle
Strangers, strange this
Lights from pages
Paper thin thing
Protected by the naked eye
Pearly sunrise
Kneeling like a supplicant
Darkened skin
Afraid to see
Radiate
Open lips
Keep smiling for me
Darkened skin
Afraid to see
Radiate
Open lips
Keep smiling for me
Weightless cool
Honeysuckle
Fair skin freckles
Uncut teeth
Tranquil eyes
Bite my lips
Bite my lips
Shh
Under your feet
The lyrics of Fattburgerโs song 59th St. speak of a moment of weightlessness and suspended animation, as if one has been lifted off the ground and lost touch with reality. The imagery is abstract and surreal, with honeysuckle and a pearly sunrise suggesting a harmonious natural world, while strangers and strange lights hint at a more unsettling, unfamiliar atmosphere. The "paper thin thing" referred to in the lyrics may be a metaphor for a fragile existence or a delicate moment that could easily be destroyed by the intrusion of the outside world. Despite the vulnerability of this state, the singer is "protected by the naked eye", suggesting that they are hidden in plain sight, obscured from those who cannot see beyond the surface.
The second verse of the song brings in darker themes, as the singer is described as "nearly worn" and "kneeling like a supplicant". The image of "darkened skin" suggests that they have experienced some kind of hardship or been exposed to the harshness of life. They are "afraid to see" what is before them, perhaps because they are scared of what the future holds or because they are reluctant to leave this suspended state. The idea of radiating and keeping their lips open to smile suggests a sense of empathy and connection with others, despite their own difficulties. The repeated refrain of "keep smiling for me" could be interpreted as both a plea and a reassurance that the singer is not alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Weightless falls
The feeling of something light and airy floating down
Honeysuckle
Sweet-smelling flowers indigenous to the warm climate
Strangers, strange this
People who are unfamiliar with each other, this is strange
Lights from pages
Light emerging from written words
Paper thin thing
An object that is thin like paper
Protected by the naked eye
Something that appears obvious and able to be seen without assistance to protect from danger
Pearly sunrise
Sunrise with a pearl-like luster
Nearly worn
Close to being completely used up
Kneeling like a supplicant
Bending down to pray or to ask for something in a position of submission
Darkened skin
Skin that is darker or has lost its vibrancy
Afraid to see
Fear of facing or looking at something
Radiate
Reflect energy or light
Open lips
Mouth is wide open
Keep smiling for me
Continue to smile or look happy for someone else's sake
Weightless cool
Cold in a way that doesn't weigh you down
Honeysuckle
Sweet-smelling flowers indigenous to the warm climate
Fair skin freckles
Light-colored skin with small brown spots
Uncut teeth
Teeth that haven't been filed or trimmed
Tranquil eyes
Calm and relaxed eyes
Bite my lips
Bite down on one's own lip
Bite my lips
Bite down on one's own lip
Shh
Sound made to indicate silence
Under your feet
Beneath your feet or where you stand
Contributed by Dominic C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Wes ervine
Steve Lauryn wrote that song as well as most the other songs when he was in FattBurger. His version is the best version of the song. I should know because Steve is my best grind
Wes ervine
Dteve
@patriciabradley301
I agree that this group was very under rated. This song is one of my many favorites by this group. Omg ! I really love this song.
@timbuktug3321
Me too and I have this in my Vinyl Collection in mint condition too
@stevenennis2328
Worked at the catamaran hotel in 1984 and fattburger filled the place on Thursday nights. I was honored to be able to meet Hollis personally. What a great person and musician
@timbuktug3321
Whoever the people are hitting the thumbs down button truly have no heart for good music.
@drumdad54sdl47
Bieber fans.
@timbuktug3321
drumdad54 sdl thatโs a great way of putting it
@MsIsabelle21
Amenโฆso sad!
@azurskyz
Ah Fattburger! One of the smoothest creators of smooth jazz that ever graced the planet. Timeless music that truly is "One of a Kind." 59th Street is classic; it has it all.