Originally signed to Philly Groove Records via a production contract with Norman Harris, the group came with Harris when he signed onboard the newly formed Salsoul. Most of Harris' work would be issued on the Gold Mind subsidiary of Salsoul - First Choice were no exception. The bulk of the group's offerings came from the stable of Baker/Harris/Young, but other producers and mixers would feature prominently, such as Tee Scott and Tom Moulton (whose mix of "Dr. Love" is the all-time favorite of Salsoul Label head Ken Cayre). "Let No Man Put Asunder" would not reach it's penultimate destination in every urban DJ's front crate until Shep Pettibone re-worked it inthe early 1980's. The group had recorded a Southern Soul styled version of Al Green's "Love and Happiness" for their sole Philly Groove album, where it sat alongside the major hit "Armed and Extremely Dangerous" and the minor hit "Smarty Pants". Salsould would eventually re-mix and re-issue all three tracks in various incarnations, leading to the misconception that they were vintage Salsoul cuts. In fact, they were vintage Baker/Harris/Young productions that preceded Salsoul and were acquire by the label after the fact.
Lead vocalist Rochelle Fleming enjoys a reputation as one of the legendary disco divas, and still lends vocals to the occassional one-off house track, such as Tom De Novy's "Summer Love".
First Choice was an American girl group vocal music trio from Philadelphia. The group produced the disco hits "Armed and Extremely Dangerous", "The Player", "Love Thang", "Let No Man Put Asunder" and "Dr. Love".
Career
Fleming was the main vocalist. The group was originally known as the Debronettes.
Philadelphia DJ Georgie Woods introduced the trio to Norman Harris, guitarist with MFSB, to produce their debut single, "This Is The House Where Love Died". Although it sold poorly, the record led to a recording contract with the Philly Groove record label, and the release of Armed and Extremely Dangerous. Also produced by Harris, the song was a hit first in the UK, where it reached the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart on Bell Records.
U.S. success followed and the later singles, "Smarty Pants" and "The Player," sold equally well.[citation needed] While producer Harris was associated with numerous hits during the disco boom of the late 1970s, the only later chart entry for First Choice was "Dr. Love," and, in 1984, the group split up.
In 1983, however, the group's 1977 album cut "Let No Man Put Asunder" was remixed by Shep Pettibone and Frankie Knuckles for club play, and became a staple for urban DJs and a classic for listeners. The centerpiece vocals and bass riff of the song were among the most sampled expressions of the emerging Chicago house music scene in the 1980s. Steve "Silk" Hurley used this bass line in his 1987 song "Jack Your Body," which went on to become the first house record to top the UK charts.
In 1987, Fleming re-formed the group with her cousin Laconya Fleming, and Lawrence Cottel, to record Love Itch (Prelude Records). In the same year, a reissue of "Let No Man Put Asunder" was a dancefloor hit in the UK.[citation needed]
Over the years, the group has seen some new success, as many of their songs have been remixed and re-released. Larry Levan remixed its "Double Cross" (Gold Mind, 1979) track, plus Tee Scott's first studio mix was "Love Thang" (1979)). It was also remixed by Tony Humphries in 1993 for the Salsoul remix project, two albums released on Double J Records. First Choice benefitted somewhat when Rhino Records put its Armed and Extremely Dangerous into the Soul Hits of the 70s: Didn't It Blow Your Mind series, and also when the Salsoul catalog was digitally remastered and released in the 1990s.
Fleming has also provided guest vocals for the occasional house music release over the years.
Wake Up To Me
First Choice Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wake up to me
I love you
Sitting here alone with nothing to do
But think of you wondering
Wake up to meWake up to me
I love you
Wake up to me
Wake up to me
I need you
Thank you for the love you've given me
Wake up to me
Wake up to me
Cause I love you
Wake up to me
Wake up to me
I need you
Mmmh
Wake up to me
Wake up to me
I love you
Wake up to me
Wake up to me
I need you
Wake up to me
Wake up to me
Cause I love you
"Wake Up to Me" by First Choice is a poignant expression of longing and desire that encapsulates the emotional intensity of love. The repetitive refrain "wake up to me" serves as both a literal and metaphorical plea for the attention and affection of a loved one. The phrasing suggests a desire for awakening not just in a physical sense, but also in an emotional or spiritual one. The repetition underscores the urgency and intensity of the singer's feelings, as if they are trying to break through a barrier of indifference or distance in their relationship. This can be interpreted as a call to truly engage with one another in a deeper way, to remove the veil of separation that can often arise in relationships, emphasizing the importance of connection and presence.
The lyrics also convey a sense of solitude and introspection. The line "Sitting here alone with nothing to do but think of you" paints a vivid picture of loneliness and contemplation. It suggests that the singer’s mind is filled with thoughts of the person they love, indicating that their affection is not just fleeting or superficial but deeply ingrained in their daily existence. This sentiment might resonate with listeners who have experienced the bittersweet pain of separation or yearning for someone who may not be near. The act of waiting and reflecting on a loved one highlights the emotional weight of love, as the singer navigates their feelings in quiet solitude, ultimately reinforcing the central theme of longing.
The phrase "Thank you for the love you've given me" introduces an element of gratitude that enriches the narrative of the song. It acknowledges the reciprocation of feelings and the beauty that the relationship has brought into the singer's life. This gratitude adds another layer to the complex emotions associated with love, as it implies that the relationship has moments of joy, tenderness, and fulfillment, even in times of absence. Recognizing and appreciating past love can enhance the yearning felt in the present, making the plea for the loved one to “wake up” all the more poignant. It suggests that while the singer is experiencing longing, it is also rooted in the happiness and love they have shared, which makes the absence even more pronounced.
Overall, “Wake Up to Me” encapsulates a longing for intimacy alongside an appreciation for love received. The intertwining of need and affection creates a powerful emotional landscape, resonating with anyone who has felt the pang of being apart from someone they cherish. The repeated calls to "wake up" serve as an emotional catalyst, driving home the intensity of the singer's feelings, revealing a deep desire not only to reconnect but also to cultivate a love that is vibrant and alive. This song transcends mere romantic longing, suggesting a universal yearning for closeness, understanding, and emotional awakening that many can relate to, making it a touching tribute to the complexities of love.
Line by Line Meaning
Wake up to me
Open your eyes to my presence and realities.
Wake up to me
A call for awareness and connection with me.
I love you
An expression of deep affection and commitment.
Sitting here alone with nothing to do
I find myself in solitude, idly passing time.
But think of you wondering
My mind is filled with thoughts of you, pondering your significance in my life.
Wake up to me
A plea for you to recognize my yearning for closeness.
Wake up to me
Reiterating my desire for you to notice my presence.
I love you
Affirming my strong feelings of love towards you once again.
Wake up to me
Requesting your attention to acknowledge my feelings.
Wake up to me
Reiterating that I yearn for you to see what’s in my heart.
I need you
Expressing my deep emotional reliance on you.
Thank you for the love you've given me
Gratitude for the affection and support you’ve shown me.
Wake up to me
Another call for you to acknowledge my love.
Wake up to me
Reinforcing my plea for your awareness of my devotion.
Cause I love you
The reason behind my calls; it stems from my love for you.
Wake up to me
Inviting you to recognize the importance of our connection.
Wake up to me
Asking for your attention in the midst of my longing.
I need you
A heartfelt acknowledgement of my emotional dependence on you.
Wake up to me
Yet again urging you to realize our bond.
Wake up to me
Reinforcing the desire for your engagement in our relationship.
Cause I love you
Affirming that all I desire originates from a place of love for you.
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Allan W Felder, Norman Ray Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justinsalas8834
Who else here because cole world posted it??
@adriantiburcio9588
🤷🏽♂️😂😂
@dd470_
Yo same!!! 😂
@timothytannersr.997
exactly
@sadress887
It’s so good both songs
@SenatorPhoenix
When J. Cole walked into the arena square to this song, I was blown away. I love the sample portion used for Middle Child, but the sentiment of the song is so much more.
@brianlovo6946
J. Cole bringing out the soul again
@thorbeats5748
What you're lookin for is at 0:54
@zahl6518
Thor Beats thanks
@benjaminmchami4878
genius