Frankie Beverly started out singing gospel music in church as a schoolboy in Philadelphia. He has claimed that his first professional gig was a tour with The Silhouettes (famous for their 1958 hit Get A Job) when he was only twelve years old, but this is disputed by those associated with the group, whose members were never known to mention him while they were alive.[1]
As a teenager he formed The Blenders, a short-lived a cappella, doo-wop group that were influenced by The Dells, The Moonglows, and The Del Vikings. After that outfit dissolved, he founded The Butlers, which would be the first group he recorded with in 1963. As time passed, they caught the attention of the veteran producer Kenny Gamble, who eventually released recordings by the group.
It turned out that music performed by The Butlers did not fit into the "Philly Sound", and after some heavy touring, the group relocated to California. The unit was re-christened as Raw Soul and caught the attention of a sister-in-law to Marvin Gaye. He was so enamored by the act, he had them as an opening act at his shows. Gaye also convinced Beverly to have the band's name changed to Maze.
Beverly's onstage attire (all-white casual clothing, including slacks, long-sleeved shirt, and a baseball cap) has become his signature dress style over the years.
Love Is the Key
Frankie Beverly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The thing that makes it right
Why we can't be one I'll never know
Love is the key this time
And there's know doubt in my mind
If you really want to be free
Love is the key
It's the kind of thing you can feel
We can make things nice If we let it be
Love is the key you know I'm right
Oh it makes you feel so dynamite
If you really want to be free
You can believe that love is the key
Love is the key to life
The thing that makes it right
Why we can't be one I'll never know
Love is the key you know I'm right
Oh it makes you feel so dynamite
If you really want to be free
You can believe that love is the key
If you really want to be free
You can believe that love is the key
The lyrics to Frankie Beverly's song Love Is the Key are a deep philosophical take on the importance of love in life. Beverly believes that love is the key to life and the one thing that makes everything right. He expresses confusion over why people cannot come together as one because love is the answer to everything. Beverly is convinced that love is the key to being free and emphasizes this by repeating the line "If you really want to be free, love is the key".
The song's repeating phrase conveys the message that love is essential in life, and the belief that if one truly understands the power of love, they can be genuinely free. Beverly equates the feeling of love to something that is real and impactful, as it makes one feel dynamic, which emphasizes the profound effect love can have on people.
Overall, the song's message is clear, love is the key to everything, and if we understand this and let love guide us, we can live a fulfilled life free from everything that holds us back.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is the key to life
Love is the essential element that makes life complete and fulfilling
The thing that makes it right
Without love, life can feel incomplete or inadequate
Why we can't be one I'll never know
The singer is puzzled as to why love cannot unite people and bring them together
Love is the key this time
Love is especially important at this moment and in this situation
And there's know doubt in my mind
The singer is certain and completely convinced about the importance of love
If you really want to be free
Freedom can be found by embracing and practicing love
Love is the key that's so real
Love is genuine and authentic, and not something superficial or fake
It's the kind of thing you can feel
Love can be sensed and experienced in a tangible way
We can make things nice If we let it be
Love has the power to improve and enhance things, if we allow it to do so
Love is the key you know I'm right
The singer is confident in the truth of the importance of love
Oh it makes you feel so dynamite
Love can make one feel energized, excited, and enthusiastic
If you really want to be free
Freedom is attainable through love
You can believe that love is the key
The singer urges listeners to have faith in the power of love to bring about positive change
If you really want to be free
Freedom is attainable through love
You can believe that love is the key
The message is repeated to emphasize the importance of believing in love's transformative power
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: FRANKIE BEVERLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@neuronsactivated
Seeing them in concert in August of 1983 is one of my most cherished memories. It was one of those shows that just stays with you. They encored with this song. Oh my, what a groove.
@GeorgeMurray-by9qy
2:00
@misscstarr1988
I remember playing this song marching season at my high school. To say that this is great music would be an understatement! I have always loved Frankie Beverley and Maze. Joy and Pain, Happy Feelins', Love is the Key, Before I Let Go, and Can't Get Over You just to name a few. Frankie Beverly sings with such ease that it seems as if he was destined to sing! I love it! Simply Phenomenal!
@mamastrick
I've seen some great performances but, Frankie Beverly and Maze just make you wanna holla. OH YES!!!
@Dash19801
Love Maze simply the best live band in the world
@deborahpatterson7692
I love Frankie Beverly and Maze. They are the soundtrack to the BEST relationship I EVER HAD. LOVE , REAL LOVE❣️
@Wisewoman77
Frankie Beverly may be one of the greatest entertainers alive!!!!! MAZE their shows are the best ever!!!!!
@tanikablack2626
Baby…this song makes me feel good! LOVE IS THE KEY! 40 years later and this song still is it!
@jridgely3354
Love Is The Key In Jesus Name Amen!
@tiffanyjohnson334
Amen!