The origins of Fourplay trace back to a recording session where Bob James and Harvey Mason collaborated on James' album. Impressed by their musical chemistry, they decided to form a band and invited Nathan East to join them. Later, guitarist Lee Ritenour became a founding member, but when he departed in 1998, Chuck Loeb replaced him, solidifying the lineup that has remained to this day.
Fourplay released their self-titled debut album in 1991, which quickly gained popularity and achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The album showcased their exceptional musicianship and featured smooth jazz hits like "Max-O-Man" and "After the Dance." This initial success set the stage for a string of highly successful albums, including "Between the Sheets," "Elixir," and "Esprit de Four," which further solidified their reputation as one of the leading contemporary jazz acts.
Over the years, Fourplay has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Chaka Khan, El DeBarge, Anita Baker, and Eric Clapton, among others. Their live performances are known for their captivating energy and virtuosity, captivating audiences with their intricate musical interplay and improvisation.
Fourplay's enduring popularity and success in the contemporary jazz genre can be attributed to their ability to evolve while staying true to their musical roots. Their albums often blend various genres, incorporating elements of jazz, R&B, and pop, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
Tragically, on July 31, 2017, Chuck Loeb passed away after a battle with cancer, leaving a void in the band. In 2019, guitarist and vocalist Larry Carlton joined Fourplay, bringing his own exceptional talent and adding a new chapter to the group's storied history.
With their remarkable musicianship, captivating performances, and a discography spanning over three decades, Fourplay continues to be a beloved and influential force in contemporary jazz, enchanting audiences around the world with their smooth, soulful sound.
Prelude for Lovers
Fourplay Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
La la la la la
Oh lu la la la la la
Da la la la
Keep the music soft and low
If you love her, let her know
It's OK to be a little shy
Moonlight walks along the sand
Dancing underneath the starlit sky
(Hush)
There's no need to.. (rush)
Listen to the prelude for lovers
(Ooh yeah)
You can see her body's arms
Deep inside the fire burns
Dancing in the glow of candle light
Looking in her eyes you know
She was here to take it slow
You can make this long and last all mine
(Ooh)
(Hush)
There's no need to.. (rush)
Listen to the prelude for lovers
Listen to the prelude for lovers
(Whisper)
Touch her hair
(Kiss her)
Come on and listen to the
Prelude for lovers
La la la la la la la
la la la la la la
(Hush)
There's no need to rush
Listen to the prelude.. (for lovers)
Prelude for lovers
(Whisper)
Run your fingers through her hair
(Kiss her)
Listen to this..
Prelude for lovers
(Ooh.. I know)
I know..ooh I know that you're feeling, darling
(Prelude for lovers)
(There's no need to rush)
Just let the music flow
(Prelude for lovers)
(There's no need to rush)
(Prelude for lovers)
(There's no need to rush)
The lyrics of Prelude for Lovers by Fourplay describe a romantic moment between two people who are deeply in love. The soft and melodic music sets the mood for a intimate moment under the stars, and encourages the lovers to take their time and enjoy each other's company. The song tells the man to express his love to his partner in a gentle and shy way, to cherish the moment and not rush into anything. The lyrics speak of the sensual atmosphere, as the couple dances in candlelight and enjoys each other's touch. The song ends with a passionate note, encouraging the man to take his time with his lover and enjoy the prelude for lovers.
Overall, the song is about enjoying the romantic moments between two people who are deeply in love and cherishing the special memories that they create.
Line by Line Meaning
La la la la la la
Instrumental prelude to the song
La la la la la
Instrumental prelude to the song
Oh lu la la la la la
Instrumental prelude to the song
Da la la la
Instrumental prelude to the song
Keep the music soft and low
The song should be mellow and unintrusive
If you love her, let her know
Don't hesitate to show affection
It's OK to be a little shy
Don't worry if you're nervous
Watch the sunset hand in hand
Romantically watch the sunset together
Moonlight walks along the sand
Take romantic walks on the beach at night
Dancing underneath the starlit sky
Dance together under the stars
Hush
Be quiet and listen
There's no need to..
Don't rush things
Listen to the prelude for lovers
Let the music set the mood
Ooh yeah
Expressing agreement with prior statement
You can see her body's arms
You can feel her arms around you
Deep inside the fire burns
A passionate desire for each other exists
Dancing in the glow of candle light
Romantically dancing together by candlelight
Looking in her eyes you know
Feeling a deep connection from looking into her eyes
She was here to take it slow
She wants to enjoy the moment and not rush it
You can make this long and last all mine
They can take their time to savor the moment
Ooh
Expressing satisfaction or pleasure
Whisper
Speak softly
Touch her hair
Softly caress her hair
Kiss her
Kiss her tenderly
Come on and listen to the Prelude for lovers
Let the music set the mood for a romantic evening
There's no need to rush
Don't rush things
Listen to the prelude.. (for lovers)
Let the music set the romantic mood
Prelude for lovers
The music sets a romantic mood
Run your fingers through her hair
Gently stroke her hair
I know..ooh I know that you're feeling, darling
Acknowledging that the romantic mood can be emotionally intense
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management
Written by: Hilary James, KEVIN DI SIMONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@deannagreen29
BEAUTIFUL & SENSUAL. SOFT & MELLOW. THIS SONG WISPERS GENTLEY IN THE EARS AS IT CARESSES THE MIND & SPIRIT. WOW, ESPERANZA IS AMAZING TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. I "LOVE" THIS SONG. SO GLAS I FOUND IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@skekerds
i'm addicted to this song and to the singer. both lovely
@manoneal1724
This is one of those songs that is so harmoniously balanced, beautifully measured and delivered with such sincerity that everything about it is just right.
@myhappyness1
SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!! Esperanza is awesome. I love this song. It's got the right amount of gentleness, desire, joy & softness to the ears, mind, body & soul. It's nice for a quiet date night at home.
@deannagreen29
WOW! I have to listen to this song daily, several times. It is so beautiful. I must listen to Fourplay soon. Amazing & makes me close my eyes & feel the wind as it peacefully crosses over my skin.
@woerdingsa
Such a beautiful voice and still young, wife go for it!!!
@foodbankguy74
Such a beautiful Melody, such a beautiful woman...pure ecstasy.
@tonyamcdonald4174
Beautiful voice Esprenza love it thanks for your gentle jazzy tone makes you just relax and unwind with the one you love
@elizeus49
Listen to Esperanza and 4Play is so good, i feel encouraged with brand new energy and good feeling all over.
@giahjan
just lovely~~~melting.