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.
While I'm Alone
Frankie Beverly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We had a ball the dynamite right from the first day
Tell me that you’ll call me just as soon as you get home
To pacify my heart while I’m alone
I don’t like being alone
The things we did this time my love we’ve never done before
You’ve made some changes in my head I don’t feel the same no more
To comfort me my love while I’m alone
I don’t like being alone
Just think the times you left before and me burnin’ up inside
Something I can’t see no more not for my foolish pride
Please be with me honey all the times when you’re not home
To pacify my hear while I’m alone I don’t like being alone
Hey hey, I’d don’t like it being alone
Can’t stand it being alone
Ooh baby ooh baby...
(fade)
The lyrics of Frankie Beverly's song "While I'm Alone" express the feeling of a person who doesn't like being alone after spending an amazing weekend with their loved one. The weekend may have been explosive and exciting, but now it's over, and the person has to go back home. The singer is pleading with the other person to call as soon as they get home to pacify their heart while they are alone. The singer acknowledges the fact that the person they spent the weekend with has made some significant changes in their mind and have shown them love like never before. The singer is asking for confirmation that the love and affection they shared is real and not just a temporary feeling.
The lyrics also reveal the singer's fear of being left alone. They are not comfortable being alone, and the fact that the person they love has to leave is making them uneasy. The singer is hoping that their partner will always be there for them, even when they are not physically present. The singer highlights that they do not want a repeat of the past where they were left alone, and it caused them emotional pain. Frankie Beverly's emotive delivery of the lyrics adds a layer of authenticity to the words and emphasizes how crucial it is for the singer to have their partner's love and affection.
Fact about Frankie Beverly's song "While I'm Alone":
1) The song was recorded in 1976 and is part of Maze's debut album.
2) The album was certified gold in the US.
3) Many R&B artists, including Jay-Z and Tupac, have sampled songs from the album.
4) Beverly wrote most of the Maze's compositions, including "Happy Feelin's," "Running Away," and "Golden Time of Day."
5) Maze and Frankie Beverly have been performing together since the 1970s.
6) The group's smooth R&B sound and well-crafted songs have kept them relevant for many years.
7) "While I'm Alone" has become a popular song at weddings and other romantic events.
8) Beverly's distinctive and soulful voice has been compared to that of Al Green and Teddy Pendergrass.
9) The song is a fan favorite and is often included in Maze's setlist during their live performances.
10) In 2012, the group received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their contribution to R&B music.
Chords (if known): The chords for "While I'm Alone" are not available as the song features mainly instrumental sections with intermittent vocal lines.
Line by Line Meaning
I guess the weekend’s over now and you’ll have to make your way
I realize that our time together has ended and you must go back to your daily routine
We had a ball the dynamite right from the first day
We had an amazing time and enjoyed each other's company from the very beginning
Tell me that you’ll call me just as soon as you get home
Please promise to call me the moment you arrive safely at your destination
To pacify my heart while I’m alone
I need to hear from you to ease my worries while I am by myself
I don’t like being alone
I feel uncomfortable and uneasy when I am alone
The things we did this time my love we’ve never done before
We experienced new and exciting things together that we have never done before
You’ve made some changes in my head I don’t feel the same no more
Your presence has influenced my thoughts and emotions, and I am not the same as before
Tell me it’s not make believe this feel that you’ve shown
Assure me that your feelings for me are genuine and not just a figment of my imagination
To comfort me my love while I’m alone
I need your love and support to feel at ease and comforted when I am alone
Just think the times you left before and me burnin’ up inside
Remember how I felt when you left me in the past, it caused me intense emotional pain
Something I can’t see no more not for my foolish pride
I no longer want to let my ego get in the way of expressing my true feelings
Please be with me honey all the times when you’re not home
I want you to be present with me, even when you are physically away
Hey hey, I’d don’t like it being alone
I really dislike being alone, it makes me feel unhappy and anxious
Can’t stand it being alone
I cannot tolerate being alone, it causes me mental and emotional distress
Ooh baby ooh baby...
An expression of affection towards the person being addressed
Contributed by Tristan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@franciswise1183
This is one of their most underrated songs in my opinion!!!!!
@danablake9349
This was their first release, 1977, went to #21 on r&b charts,#89 on pop!!
@agnesandrews8233
@Dana Blake mom
@laruejones6250
Yes indeed
@SONJASAVEDBYGRACE
I agree
@clarajernigan42
And that’s real ❤️❤️❤️
@lindam2682
This song will never get old. Never. Love Maze.
@linfh8431
NEVER!!!
@janiferclay6163
Song is mind blowing love this 😀
@stacia6714
If ur not feeling this, ur not alive. Period.❤️💜💪🏾