Benson's next recording was It's Uptown with the George Benson Quartet with Lonnie Smith on organ and Ronnie Cuber on baritone sax. This album showcases Benson's talent in constructing swinging bebop lines at blistering tempos. Benson followed it up with "The George Benson Cookbook," also with Lonnie Smith and Ronnie Cuber.
One of his major hits is the song "This Masquerade", which is included in the top-selling album Breezin' . This album represents a shift to more commercially oriented music which brought Benson a wider audience but alienated some jazz fans. Other singles that have made the Billboard Hot 100 charts include "On Broadway" (1978), "Love Ballad" (1979), "Give Me The Night" (1980) and "Turn Your Love Around" (1982).
Benson continues to play outstanding jazz guitar, as evidenced on recordings such as Jimmy Smith's Off the Top, Benson's own live album Par Excellence, and Tenderly, on which Benson is accompanied by McCoy Tyner on piano.
For his contribution to the recording industry, George Benson has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7055 Hollywood Blvd.
Masquerade
George Benson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With this lonely game we play?
Looking for words to say
Searching but not finding understanding anywhere
We're lost in a masquerade
Both afraid to say we're just too far away
From being close together from the start
We're lost inside this lonely game we play
Thoughts of leaving disappear
Every time I see your eyes
No matter how hard I try
To understand the reasons that we carry on this way
We're lost in a masquerade
The song "This Masquerade" by George Benson explores the idea of two people being caught up in a façade of togetherness, but in reality are simply going through the motions. The opening lines "Are we really happy here with this lonely game we play?" set the tone for the song. The singer is questioning the relationship they are in and whether it is fulfilling or simply a game they are playing. They are desperately trying to find words to express their feelings, but are unable to find someone who can truly understand them. The couple is lost in a masquerade of feigned emotions and love that is not really there.
The second verse speaks of the couple being afraid to admit that they are simply too far apart to ever really come together. They have tried to work things out and have conversations, but every time the words get in the way and they are unable to truly communicate with each other. The chorus brings in the idea that the thought of leaving disappears when the two parties look into each other's eyes, giving the impression that they are still holding onto something that isn’t really there.
The overarching message of the song is that sometimes we hide behind a façade to avoid addressing difficult truths, and this can ultimately lead to misery and loneliness in relationships. The melody and lyrics of this song have made it a timeless classic, and its message has resonated with many over the years.
Line by Line Meaning
Are we really happy here
Do we truly feel content with the current situation we are in?
With this lonely game we play?
Are we satisfied with this unfulfilling, isolating routine we have created?
Looking for words to say
Attempting to find the right phrasing to express our emotions
Searching but not finding understanding anywhere
Desperately seeking comprehension, but it seems out of reach
We're lost in a masquerade
We feel as if we are disguising our true selves, and it is causing confusion and disorientation
Both afraid to say we're just too far away
Each of us are hesitant to admit that we are too distant from one another
From being close together from the start
We were never able to establish a deep connection from the beginning
We tried to talk it over but the words got in the way
We attempted to communicate, but our own phrasing and word choices hindered the conversation
We're lost inside this lonely game we play
We are entirely consumed by this isolated lifestyle we have created
Thoughts of leaving disappear
The idea of separating from one another fades away
Every time I see your eyes
Whenever I gaze into your eyes
No matter how hard I try
Despite my best efforts
To understand the reasons that we carry on this way
To comprehend why we continue down this same path
We're lost in a masquerade
We continue to feel lost and confused, as if we are putting on a facade
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Leon Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind