George Duke (b. 12 Jan 1946 in San Rafael, CA, USA - d. 5 Aug 2013 in Los A… Read Full Bio ↴George Duke (b. 12 Jan 1946 in San Rafael, CA, USA - d. 5 Aug 2013 in Los Angeles, CA), was a pianist and synthesizer pioneer, who also majored in the trombone. Early influences: Les McCann and cousin Charles Burrell. First gig was with the house band at the Half Note club and with vocal band Third Wave in 1968, from there he backed such musicians as Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny Dorham and Don Ellis, playing session musician on Jean-Luc Pontys Pacific Jazz Albums.1970 was a milestone for Duke playing on The Mothers of Invention album 200 Motels.

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.

SnapShot
George Duke Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(hear camera clicking)
real sexy
right into the camera
I like that
hold it right there
uh-huh
nice
(etc...)

scatting

ok, stand up
right there
go up and towards the light
pretty smile
there

oooo ahh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to George Duke's Snapshot describe a photographer taking photos of a subject and instructing them on how to pose. The clicking sound of the camera can be heard in the background, indicating the capturing of the moment. The photographer expresses their admiration for the subject's beauty and gives them directions on how to position themselves to get the perfect shot. As the photographer continues to capture the subject's image, they begin to scat, adding an improvisational element to the track. They then instruct the subject to stand up and move towards the light, emphasizing the importance of good lighting in photography.

Line by Line Meaning

(hear camera clicking)
The sound of the camera snapping pictures is audible.

real sexy
The subject of the photograph appears sultry and seductive.

right into the camera
The focus of the photograph is directly facing the camera lens.

I like that
The photographer approves of what they see in the picture.

hold it right there
The subject is asked to stay still and maintain their current pose.

uh-huh
A sound of agreement or satisfaction with the current shot.

nice
A positive comment on the appearance or pose of the subject.

(etc...)
The photographer continues taking pictures.

scatting
The photographer may be vocalizing or making sounds to keep the subject engaged.

ok, stand up
The photographer is directing the subject to adjust their posture.

right there
The subject is asked to remain in a specific spot for the photo.