Essence
Hancock Herbie & Chaka Khan Lyrics


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This is history right here in the makin'
So call this timeless
And we're bound to keep your mind elevatin'
So this here is timeless

This is pure original innovation
So call this timeless
This is somethin' to give you inspiration
So this here is timeless

Timeless, priceless, survive any crisis
Born to carry on, now we on just like this
It's quite crisp, the way the tune hits your stereo
These two brothers right here gettin' props, everywhere we go

More potent than any herbal essence
[Unverified] grooves verbal lessons
Dominant, prominent, eternal blessings
Never underestimate the weight of the force

It's actual, classical, natural resource
Plus we manage to tear down and damage
Any walls they try to place around us on this planet
I never slack I never lack cause I'm your highness
And this type of thing right here kid is timely

This is history right here in the makin'
So call this timeless
And we're bound to keep your mind elevatin'
So this here is timeless

This is pure original innovation
So call this timeless
This is somethin' to give you inspiration
So this here is timeless

Just caught the fresh-cut baldie, my peoples call me
Guru, the man, yes the one with all the
J A Z Z, Y type essence
Deep type lessons, the sun moon crescent

Divine perspective, of the life we live
Our time is collective, of this music we give
Through the errors of our colorful struggle
Comes the strength of a people so powerful, so thorough

Enough to be diamond-like, despite dirty conditions
Check how we put it down, respect this worth rendition
Never before, have you felt such energy
The fliest combo, so feel our chemistry

This is history right here in the makin'
So call this timeless
And we're bound to keep your mind elevatin'
So this here is timeless

This is pure original innovation
So call this timeless
This is somethin' to give you inspiration
So this here is timeless

Feast your eyes as I uniquely surmise
Jazzmatazz represents real deep ties
Traditional, almost ritual is my lyrical
Soon your spirit will become more conscious

When you hear it you'll give it up for our Street Soul
We reach y'all, we're addin' on just like a sequel
Been down and up, so I'm roundin' up
Mad troops new recruits O G's and up

Me and my right hand man Mr. Hancock make landmarks
In foreign terrortories true warriors, stand tough
Two livin' legends with the gifts of seven
Grab your glass as we pour one more sip of heaven

This is history right here in the makin'
So call this timeless
And we're bound to keep your mind elevatin'
So this here is timeless

This is pure original innovation
So call this timeless




This is somethin' to give you inspiration
So this here is timeless

Overall Meaning

The song "Essence" by Hancock Herbie and Chaka Khan is a celebration of the timeless nature of their music. The lyrics emphasize that the music they create is not temporary, but will continue to inspire and elevate long after its creation. The lyrics also point out that their music is an original innovation, and that it offers inspiration to those who listen to it. The words "timeless, priceless, survive any crisis" underscore the idea that this music will transcend any obstacle, and "never underestimate the weight of the force" is a statement of confidence in the power of their art. The chorus repeats that this is "history in the makin'," capturing the sense that their work is a lasting contribution to musical history.


The second verse adds the voice of Guru, who describes the essence of their music with references to jazz, spirituality, and social justice. Guru's lyrics speak to the deep ties between music and the human experience, describing the collective aspect of music and its power to enlighten and empower. The verse also references the struggles of the African American community, describing the strength and power born from hardship.


Overall, the song "Essence" celebrates the power of music to transcend time, inspire, elevate, and connect people. It speaks to the unique qualities of their music, and the ways in which it speaks to the human experience more broadly.


Line by Line Meaning

This is history right here in the makin'
This is an important moment that will be remembered.


So call this timeless
This is so important, it will always be relevant.


And we're bound to keep your mind elevatin'
We will inspire and uplift your thoughts.


This is pure original innovation
This is completely new and creative.


This is somethin' to give you inspiration
This will motivate and stimulate you.


Timeless, priceless, survive any crisis
This will last forever, has immeasurable value, and endure through any difficulty.


Born to carry on, now we on just like this
Our purpose is to continue this work, and we are doing it successfully.


It's quite crisp, the way the tune hits your stereo
The sound quality is excellent and the music is enjoyable.


These two brothers right here gettin' props, everywhere we go
We are receiving recognition and positive feedback wherever we travel.


More potent than any herbal essence
Our music is stronger and more impactful than any natural substance.


[Unverified] grooves verbal lessons
The music teaches important lessons through its rhythms and lyrics.


Dominant, prominent, eternal blessings
The music is influential, significant, and has lasting positive effects.


Never underestimate the weight of the force
Do not underestimate the importance and power of this music.


It's actual, classical, natural resource
This is real, has classical elements, and is a valuable natural asset.


Plus we manage to tear down and damage
Despite adversity, we are able to overcome and disrupt negative structures and systems.


Any walls they try to place around us on this planet
We are not limited by any constraints placed upon us.


I never slack I never lack cause I'm your highness
I am always working hard and doing my best to lead and inspire others.


And this type of thing right here kid is timely
This is exactly what is needed and important right now.


Just caught the fresh-cut baldie, my peoples call me
I just got a new haircut and my friends call me...


Guru, the man, yes the one with all the
My name is Guru and I am known for having...


J A Z Z, Y type essence
A stylish quality that is reminiscent of jazz music.


Deep type lessons, the sun moon crescent
The music teaches profound lessons and references celestial objects.


Divine perspective, of the life we live
An understanding of life from a spiritual viewpoint.


Our time is collective, of this music we give
The music is a shared experience that we are all contributing to.


Through the errors of our colorful struggle
Despite the mistakes and difficulties we face as individuals, collectively we learn and grow from them.


Comes the strength of a people so powerful, so thorough
We are a strong and thorough people, who gain strength from our struggles.


Enough to be diamond-like, despite dirty conditions
Despite difficult circumstances, we are still able to shine like diamonds.


Check how we put it down, respect this worth rendition
Listen to how we perform and appreciate its value.


Never before, have you felt such energy
This is an experience unlike any other.


The fliest combo, so feel our chemistry
We work together well and create a great musical experience.


Feast your eyes as I uniquely surmise
Listen carefully as I share my unique perspective.


Jazzmatazz represents real deep ties
The music of Jazzmatazz is deeply connected to certain traditions and cultures.


Traditional, almost ritual is my lyrical
My lyrics have an almost ceremonial quality to them.


Soon your spirit will become more conscious
This music will help you become more aware and enlightened.


When you hear it you'll give it up for our Street Soul
Once you hear the music, you will appreciate our unique style and sound.


We reach y'all, we're addin' on just like a sequel
We are expanding our audience like a successful movie franchise.


Been down and up, so I'm roundin' up
We have experienced ups and downs, but we are still moving forward.


Mad troops new recruits O G's and up
We have new and old fans who are all excited about our music.


Me and my right hand man Mr. Hancock make landmarks
Me and my partner Herbie Hancock create legendary music.


In foreign territories true warriors, stand tough
Even in unfamiliar places, we are strong and fearless.


Two livin' legends with the gifts of seven
We are both highly acclaimed artists with exceptional talent.


Grab your glass as we pour one more sip of heaven
Raise your glass to enjoy one more taste of this divine music.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BILL O. LASWELL, CHAKA KHAN, HERBIE HANCOCK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

dariusdynamite

WOW!!!!! I've heard THREE versions of this and I like ALL of them!! Herbie and LTJ Bukem are phenomenal!

Smart.Robot

dariusdynamite: They are actually 4 versions: 1) Album (this one right here); 2) LTJ Bukem's; 3) Joe Claussell's and 4) DJ Krush's...

Cp Karkow

This is just so amazing! 2 legends who keep it going - and keep the innovations happening!

Dimitris Span

2001: THE MEETING OF THE LEGENDS!!!
THIS HAPPENS ONCE IN A LIFETIME.....
THE MASTER VOICE OF CHAKA KHAN AND THE GENIOUS MIND OF COMPOSER / PIANIST MISTER HERBIE HANCOCK CREATES A TRACK FROM THE LIKES OF FUNK, GROOVE, JAMMING AND PIANO JAZZ.
HERBIE PLAYS FREE AND CHAKA SINGS IN A LOW REGISTER KEY IN WHAT THE SONG NEEDS WITH FUTURISTIC ELEMENTS IN ARRANGEMENT.
GENIOUS PEOPLE - ETERNAL MOMENTS !!!!

Smart.Robot

DIMITRIS SPAN: The lyrics were actualy written by Chaka Khan herself...

Sam Noel

It even says 'Tranparent Music, 2001' under the artist details. Not 2011. DnB is derived from Jazz not the other way around. Read any of the earliest interviews with DnB artists including Roni Size to see what influenced them from the very beginning.

Paul Cooper

i'm still searching for the grand mixer dst ALBUM

Iceway

Herbie & Chaka. Chi-Town represents Drum & Bass.

Mone Brown

I love love ❤️

Greg D

What A track

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