Record". This long-awaited recording heralds the return of this internationally acclaimed singer/
songwriter and masterful pianist. In the words of one music journalist: "Grayson Hugh has been there and back again. His story - our story - has to be heard".
This Connecticut-born artist released his 1988 RCA Debut “Blind To Reason”, that spawned several radio hits in the States, U.K. and in Europe. The record went gold in the United States and Australia, and his music videos were in heavy rotation on VH1. Riding the success of this album, Hugh wowed audiences around the world with his passionate, high energy live performances.
Hugh's follow-up record “Road To Freedom” (MCA 1992) was produced by the late Bernard
Edwards of Chic fame. This album, arranged by Hugh and featuring a more rootsy rock and soul
band, garnered much critical success. Billboard Magazine called it one of 1992’s top-ten albums.
Upon hearing an advance pressing of "Road To Freedom", director Ridley Scott personally
requested two of Hugh's songs from the record to be featured in his film "Thelma and Louise".
Yet another song from the record became the end-title song for hit 1991 film "Fried Green
Tomatoes".
The music industry was impressed and his legion of fans was devoted but, in a classic tale of
record company mismanagement, by 1994 Hugh, through no fault of his own, found himself
without a label and on his own.
Discouraged with the mercenary music business, Hugh moved to rural North Carolina for a few years, eventually winding his way back to the Northeast and landing a job teaching songwriting at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He continued to write prolifically and perform occasionally,
amassing a library of over two hundred new songs.
Hugh's life took a dramatic turn in 2000, when the old demon of alcohol reared its head. He began a rapid descent that led him, after a near fatal seizure, to a hospital and then a sober house on Cape Cod. After several years rebuilding his life, assistance came in the form of a counselor at a rehabilitation agency, who knew his work and offered to find some seed money for Hugh to begin work on a new record.
Dipping into his huge library of never-released songs, and writing some new ones, Hugh began work on a deeply personal record, unencumbered by major record label restraints. The release featured the diverse musical styles he had always loved: soul, country, rock, gospel,
jazz and bluegrass. The result was "An American Record".
In the process of making the record, Hugh reconnected with his former backup singer and
friend Polly Messer. One harmony led to another and they ended up producing the new record
together and getting married in August of 2008.
Leonard Pitts, Jr. (2004 Pulitzer Prize winner for Commentary) wrote in his glowing review of
the release: "In a world where music is often a brittle artificiality, the music he makes is hard
and strong, convicted and convincing. And true. Most of all, true... Because his music is soul
in the sense that it looks you in the eye and speaks to you from the gut, that it is real, honest
and - we keep coming back to that word - true... This is 'An American Record' Some of us are
glad the wait is over at last."
Grayson Hugh's newest album "Back To The Soul", a return to his Soul roots, is slated for a release in August 2015.
How 'bout Us
Grayson Hugh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, short and sweet
No sense in draggin' on past our needs
Let's don't keep it hangin' on
If the fire's out, we should both be gone
Some people are made for each other
Some people can hold it together
Last through all kinds of weather, tell me can we
Now don't get me wrong
'Cause I'm not tryin' now to end it all
It's just that I have seen
Too many lover's hearts lose their dreams
Some people are made for each other
Some people are made for another for life, how 'bout us
Some people can hold it together
Last through all kinds of weather, tell me, can we
How 'bout us
How 'bout us, baby
How 'bout us
How 'bout us, baby
Some people are made for each other
Some people are made for another for life, how 'bout us
Some people can hold it together
Last through all kinds of weather, tell me, can we
The lyrics of Grayson Hugh's song "How 'Bout Us" featuring Betty Wright are about a couple who are questioning the status of their relationship. They question whether they are really meant to be together or if it is time to move on. The opening line, "Ooh, short and sweet, no sense in draggin' on past our needs," implies that the relationship may have already run its course, and it is time to end things amicably.
The chorus of the song repeatedly asks the question, "How 'bout us?" suggesting that the couple is not sure if they have what it takes to last through life's challenges. The verse "Some people are made for each other, some people are made for another for life," expresses the idea that some people are destined to be together, but the singer is not sure if they are one of those people. Meanwhile, the lyrics' general tone is sorrowful, as they reflect on the pain of ending a relationship.
Overall, the lyrics of "How 'Bout Us" are straightforward, stating the situation directly and without metaphor. They are easy to understand and relate to, making the song a universal plea for clarity in love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh, short and sweet
This relationship is brief, and we should not prolong it unnecessarily.
No sense in draggin' on past our needs
We should not stay in a relationship that no longer meets our requirements.
Let's don't keep it hangin' on
We should not continue a relationship that no longer bears fruit.
If the fire's out, we should both be gone
If the passion in our relationship has waned, we should end it and move on.
Some people are made for each other
Certain people are perfect matches for one another.
Some people are made for another for life, how 'bout us
Are we meant to be together for a lifetime as some people are?
Some people can hold it together
Some individuals can maintain their relationship through difficult times.
Last through all kinds of weather, tell me can we
Can we weather any kind of hardship in our relationship like some other people can?
Now don't get me wrong
Do not misunderstand me.
'Cause I'm not tryin' now to end it all
I'm not trying to end our relationship entirely.
It's just that I have seen
I have observed in my previous experience.
Too many lover's hearts lose their dreams
Too many hopeful lovers abandon their aspirations.
How 'bout us
What about us together?
How 'bout us, baby
What about us, my love?
How 'bout us
What about us together?
How 'bout us, baby
What about us, my love?
Some people are made for each other
Certain people are perfect matches for one another.
Some people are made for another for life, how 'bout us
Are we meant to be together for a lifetime as some people are?
Some people can hold it together
Some individuals can maintain their relationship through difficult times.
Last through all kinds of weather, tell me, can we
Can we weather any kind of hardship in our relationship like some other people can?
Writer(s): Dana G. Walden
Contributed by Abigail B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Grayson Hugh
Betty Wright and I had a great time filming this video with New Orleans filmmaker Jim Gabour. This video was nominated for Best R & B Music Video at The 1990 New York International Film Festival, where Jim Gabour was also a Gold Medal/Grand Award Finalist.
Earl of the Carolinas
I want to sing with you man!!!
Paul Hue
The original was also magnificent. What a glorious remake! The original is an overlooked masterpiece, with a fine video.
Michelle Leigh Official
Love this. This is my favorite version and now I want it in MY set list! 😉
Alicia Mack
Love this
Uncle Elmer
How many songs do you immediately know when you hear a title and yet remember different interpretations? Not many. Good version and well done. Thanks!
songman17
Grayson is truly one of the most under-rated blue eyed soul singer of all time and a brilliant poet on top of it!
barrylee55
Mr Grayson Hugh.. Your music has been a soundtrack to my life. Summer nights on our deck in the country while my love battled cancer bravely. Married 9 years.. then an unwanted divorce from her. The songs that brought comfort and stability in years past now brought tears to my eyes, but I could never walk away from them. 8 years later.. we were back together and these songs were as fresh to us as the first time we heard them, 8 more years and continued health battles. We remarried one week before she passed away November 5, 2017. I love you so much and miss you Jo... Thank you Grayson. Your music still warms my heart and nurtures the memory of a precious soul
Grayson Hugh
God bless you barrylee55. I am glad indeed that my music has helped in your healing, both in body and in your marriage. With the Creator, all is possible! And I thank you for your words.
rose marie rajkowski
Grayson reaches inside your soul and touches the core of your spirit with his music.
Love his music .