He then went on to join The Cannonball Adderley Quintet recording at least six albums with Adderley. Further collaborations with Frank Zappa and Billy Cobham came his first venture into the charts with "Reach for It" and "Dukey Stick". Reverting to his jazz roots his "Brazilian Love Affair" album even impressed his jazz critics after many accused him of selling out to pop.
Fame
George Duke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
it's george duke
I...I've been a really big fan of yours for a long time
fame
fame
oh yeah
hey hey
Got me a fancy car
brand new game
got a lawyer on your side
Hoping that wind won't change the tide oh
fame
fame
a wonderful thang
If you don't let it get you in the rain
fame
make you feel like a king
and life you will never be the same
fame
for some it's the degree
something they feel but never ever see
some are living on borrowed time, yeah
An most can't say the reasons ????
fame
A treasure to unfold
Hoping it will last, yeah
Until you're old
fame
It will last a little while
'Cuz there's always some young thang waiting to try
fame
yeah
In it's own sweet way
It's the price you'll pay
For the love you give
Busted!
fame
fame
do you have top?
yes you do
come on baby
fame
fame
think about that
yeah
uhh
yeah
fame
same old thing
everything's alright
what we mean is all
fame
The George Duke song "Fame" is a tribute to the highs and lows of being famous. The lyrics describe how fame can give you everything you have ever wanted, such as a fancy car and a lawyer to protect you, but it can also be a curse that brings rain down on your parade. Duke acknowledges that fame can make you feel invincible and like a king, but warns that it can also disappear as quickly as it came. He says that fame is a treasure, but only if you can hold onto it for a while. Ultimately, Duke recognizes that fame is a double-edged sword, a price you pay for the love you give.
The song is interesting for several reasons. First, it was released on Duke's 1978 album "Reach for It," which was a commercial success and helped to establish Duke as a solo artist. Second, "Fame" was later covered by David Bowie for the soundtrack of his 1980 film "Fame," which was about the ups and downs of being a student at a performing arts school. Third, Duke was an accomplished jazz musician and producer who worked with many famous artists over the course of his career, including Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson. Fourth, Duke's music is known for blending jazz, funk, and R&B styles, which creates a unique sound that has influenced many contemporary musicians. Fifth, "Fame" features a catchy melody and funky groove, which make it a favorite among Duke's fans.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for "Fame" are not readily available online.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh man
Expression of excitement or admiration
it's george duke
Introduction of the artist George Duke
I...I've been a really big fan of yours for a long time
Expressing admiration for George Duke's music and legacy
fame
Introduction of the theme of the song
fame
Repetition of the theme
oh yeah
Expression of enthusiasm
hey hey
Attention-grabbing interjection
everybody knows your name
Comment on the widespread recognition that comes with fame
Got me a fancy car
Acknowledgement of material wealth that can come with fame
brand new game
Further comment on material possessions
got a lawyer on your side
Recognition of the need for legal protection that can come with fame
Hoping that wind won't change the tide oh
Acknowledgement of the fleeting nature of fame and the desire for it to last
fame
Repetition of the theme
fame
Reiteration of the theme
a wonderful thang
Comment on the positive aspects of fame
If you don't let it get you in the rain
Warning against the negative effects of fame
fame
Repetition of the theme
make you feel like a king
Comment on the ego-boosting effects of fame
and life you will never be the same
Acknowledgement of the transformative effects of fame
fame
Repetition of the theme
for some it's the degree
Comment on the idea that some people pursue fame as a measure of success
something they feel but never ever see
Acknowledgement of the intangible aspects of fame
some are living on borrowed time, yeah
Recognition of the potential negative consequences of fame
An most can't say the reasons ????
Unclear phrase with no apparent meaning or context
fame
Repetition of the theme
A treasure to unfold
Comment on the potential rewards of fame
Hoping it will last, yeah
Desire for fame to endure
Until you're old
Comment on the desire for lifelong fame
fame
Repetition of the theme
It will last a little while
Comment on the temporary nature of fame
'Cuz there's always some young thang waiting to try
Comment on the cyclical nature of fame and the constant influx of new talent
fame
Repetition of the theme
yeah
Expression of agreement or acknowledgement
In it's own sweet way
Comment on the multifaceted nature of fame
It's the price you'll pay
Comment on the personal sacrifices that come with fame
For the love you give
Recognition of the reciprocal relationship between fame and fans
Busted!
Interjection with no apparent context or meaning
fame
Repetition of the theme
fame
Reiteration of the theme
do you have top?
Unclear phrase with no apparent meaning or context
yes you do
Affirmation of a previous statement (even though it is unclear what that statement was)
come on baby
Expression of encouragement or motivation
fame
Repetition of the theme
fame
Reiteration of the theme
think about that
Expression of suggestion or contemplation
yeah
Expression of agreement or acknowledgement
uhh
Interjection with no apparent meaning or context
yeah
Expression of agreement or acknowledgement
fame
Repetition of the theme
same old thing
Comment on the repetitive nature of the theme of fame
everything's alright
Expression of contentment or reassurance
what we mean is all
Unclear phrase with no apparent meaning or context
fame
Reiteration of the theme
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: GEORGE DUKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
virtual stranger
He had it all - inspiration, chops, great voice, great compositions and he knew how to bring the funk. God bless him wherever he is. A truly supreme musician that never ever once failed to raise my spirits.
Robert Lee
Amen.
IpoDaDog
@Benjamin Keenan Absolutely!
Benjamin Keenan
+virtual stranger Well said.
LaChele
OMG! WHAT IS THIS? All of these amazing singers on one record. I don't think I've heard this before. Real singers, real instruments??? Man, I must be in the wrong era.
LivingRoomJazz_with_William
Even for someone of George Duke's, it's amazing that he could pull all of that talent into the same room. And they're all seasoned, mature musicians.
virtueeg
And I can't forget the very ppl here that he wrote and produced longevity who stood the test of time in the music industry. I find myself now being fifty one when I reflect back on being just a young lad playing at the age of 9 years old I learned so much growing up throughout my gospel roots I never strayed away or forgotten where I come from. Now I'm saying that I thank God for my my musical journey my ups and downs trials and tribulations that I went through to get to where I am today said that same thing that George Duke told his mother at the age of 4 years old mom that's what I want to do what Duke Ellington did. I said I wanted to do what George Duke is doing somgwrite,perform live and produce others and be eclectic as far as hearing that negative nonsense about the devil's music or God's music I believe that God made all music good it's only what you do with it. And I've been following various artists over the years learning about the different genres of music I'm following in the footsteps of George duke I can't fill his shoes but he had a positive impact on my life throughout my life through music. I have no certain audience that I perform reach out; In George Duke word's I'm gonna give my all no matter what genre of music I play. And in my words to encourage myself I don't worry about what others think of me because I know that God blessed me with this musical gift and I don't stay in one place I'm eclectic meaning I play other styles of music to reach everyone and to touch everyone's hearts ♥️.
virtueeg
This here music video "Fame " George Duke Brother Will I couldn't have said better myself, to pull all that talent in one room and to go even further these are the recording artists who are still with us some we haven't seen in awhile Lori Perry he produced and wrote for them. This here song is a true testament of what where George Duke came from and he never forgot from whence he came from his foundation from upbringing in the church of the Word of God and his music foundation.
A. Taylor
True dat!
Frank Hannigan
Having my first music energized vibed weekend in months, got me jamming while I'm bopping around my crib doing my chores for the week. Love me some George Duke, and the talent in this video is STELLAR! I'm doing fine lately and getting my funk on more often so I am out of the dark place I think for awhile. Love you all, Paco
But, forget about me, give George and gang your ears, Please.
God Bless.