Gregory Porter was born in Sacramento and was raised in Bakersfield, California, where his mother was a minister. A 1989 graduate of Highland High School, he received a "full-ride" (tuition, books, medical coverage, and living expenses) athletic scholarship as a football lineman to San Diego State University (SDSU Aztecs), but a shoulder injury during his junior year cut short his football career.[3] At the age of 21, Porter lost his mother to cancer, but only after she entreated him from her death bed: "Sing, baby, sing!"
Porter moved to the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in 2004, along with his brother Lloyd. He worked as a chef at Lloyd's restaurant Bread-Stuy (now defunct), where he also performed. Porter performed at other neighborhood venues including Sista's Place and Solomon's Porch, and moved on to Harlem club St. Nick's Pub, where he maintained a weekly residency. Out of this residency evolved what would become Porter's touring band.[4]
Porter released two albums on the Motéma label together with Membran Entertainment Group, 2010's Water and 2012's Be Good, before signing with Blue Note Records (under Universal Music Group) on May 17, 2013. His third album, Liquid Spirit, was released on September 2, 2013, in Europe and on September 17, 2013, in the US.[5] The album was produced by Brian Bacchus.[6] The album won the 2014 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album.[7]
Liquid Spirit enjoyed commercial success rarely achieved by albums in the jazz genre, reaching the top 10 on the UK album charts. It was certified gold by the BPI, selling over 100,000 units in the UK.[8]
In August 2014 Porter released "The 'In' Crowd" as a single.[9] On May 9, 2015 Porter participated in VE Day 70: A Party to Remember, a televised commemorative concert from Horse Guards Parade in London, singing "As Time Goes By".[10]
His fourth album, Take Me to the Alley, was released on May 6, 2016.[11] In UK's The Guardian it was Alexis Petridis's album of the week.[12]
On June 26, 2016, Porter performed on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2016. Writing for The Daily Telegraph, Neil McCormick said, "The portly middle-aged jazzer may be the oddest pop star on the planet but he is a refreshing testament to the notion that the most important organ for musical appreciation should always be our ears. And Porter has one of the most easy-on-the-ear voices in popular music, a creamy baritone that flows thick and smooth across a rich gateaux of juicy melody. It's a voice that makes you want to lick your lips and dive right in."[13]
In September 2016 Porter performed at Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park from Hyde Park, London. He would go on to perform in the annual BBC Children in Need show in November, a night dedicated to Sir Terry Wogan, who hosted it in previous years and was a fan of Porter.[14]
In January 2017 Porter performed the song "Holding On" on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show.[15] In September 2017 he performed as part of the Later... with Jools Holland: Later 25 concert at the Royal Albert Hall.[16]
In October 2017 he performed the song "Mona Lisa" on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show with Jeff Goldblum on piano.[17]
Don't Be A Fool
Gregory Porter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't give your nights to someone else
While giving days to those who really love you
Don't be a fool like me
And give your life to someone else
While faking love to those who really love you
Why couldn't I have realized
Whose weight now shows upon your faceless mound
I know your heart now and before
But I won't do it anymore
Trust in me and fall in love again
Listen to these charms
'Cause baby I'm not fooling
And fall into these open arms of love
Listen to these charms
'Cause baby I'm not fooling
And fall into these open arms of love
Listen to these charms
'Cause baby I'm not fooling around
And fall into these open arms of love
Why couldn't I have realized
The gravity of tears in eyes
Whose weight now shows upon your faceless smile
I broke your heart now and before
But I won't do it anymore
Trust in me and fall in love again
Listen to these charms
'Cause baby I'm not fooling
And fall into these open arms of love
Listen to these charms
'Cause baby I'm not fooling
And fall into these open arms of love
Listen to these charms
'Cause baby I'm not fooling around
And fall into these open arms of love
And fall into these open arms of love
And fall into these open arms of love
The lyrics of Gregory Porter's song "Don't Be A Fool" speak to the idea of not making the same mistakes when it comes to love and relationships. The song serves as a plea to the listener to learn from the singer's experience and avoid the folly of giving their time and energy to people who do not truly love them. The singer acknowledges his own past foolishness, mentioning that he gave his life to someone else while pretending to love those who actually cared for him. The regret and realization of the consequences of his actions are evident in his words.
The singer reflects on why he didn't realize the weight and consequences of his lies earlier. He mentions the heaviness of tears in another's eyes, understanding the pain he caused. Despite his past actions, he vows to change and not break someone's heart again. The plea to "trust in me and fall in love again" reflects the desire for a second chance, an opportunity to make things right.
The repeated line "Listen to these charms 'cause baby I'm not fooling" emphasizes the sincerity of the singer's words. He wants the listener to believe in his intentions and promises, assuring that he is not playing around with their emotions. The invitation to "fall into these open arms of love" conveys a sense of safety and security, offering a new beginning filled with genuine affection.
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Be A Fool" convey the singer's remorse for his past actions and serve as a warning against repeating the same mistakes. It is a heartfelt plea for trust and a sincere desire for a fresh start in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't be a fool
Don't make foolish decisions or choices
Don't give your nights to someone else
Don't waste your time and energy on someone unworthy
While giving days to those who really love you
While prioritizing and spending time with those who genuinely care for you
Don't be a fool like me
Don't repeat my mistakes and be deceived by false love
And give your life to someone else
And invest your whole being into someone unworthy
While faking love to those who really love you
While pretending to love those who truly care about you
Why couldn't I have realized
Why didn't I understand or comprehend earlier
The gravity of telling lies
The significant impact and weight of deceitful words
Whose weight now shows upon your faceless mound
Which is now evident on your expressionless face
I know your heart now and before
I understand your feelings and emotions now and in the past
But I won't do it anymore
But I won't repeat my previous actions
Trust in me and fall in love again
Have faith in me and allow yourself to experience love once more
Listen to these charms
Pay attention to these enchantments or persuasive words
'Cause baby I'm not fooling
Because I am sincere and genuine, not playing games
And fall into these open arms of love
And embrace the warm and welcoming love I offer
Listen to these charms
Pay attention to these enchantments or persuasive words
'Cause baby I'm not fooling
Because I am sincere and genuine, not playing games
And fall into these open arms of love
And embrace the warm and welcoming love I offer
Listen to these charms
Pay attention to these enchantments or persuasive words
'Cause baby I'm not fooling around
Because I am serious and committed, not being casual
And fall into these open arms of love
And embrace the warm and welcoming love I offer
And fall into these open arms of love
And embrace the warm and welcoming love I offer
And fall into these open arms of love
And embrace the warm and welcoming love I offer
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREGORY PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind