It's Time, Hewett's debut release for Caliber Records, is, according to the singer, "the first project molded out of my own mind. I'm in charge of the sound and comfortable with the feelings. Those feelings are all about romance. This is the first record that's completely me."
Hewett first burst on the scene as lead singer of Shalamar, the successful post - disco group which topped the charts in both the U.S. and U. K. "Second Time Around," featuring Howard, was a near two - million seller. "For the Lover in You," co-written by Hewett and reinterpreted in It's Time, was another major hit. "Dancing in the Sheets," "A Night to Remember" are just a few more of the Hewett - led smash hits that Shalamar enjoyed as a group.
In the mid-eighties, Howard's solo career rocketed. The first single released on his own, I'm For Real," zoomed to number one. A series of hits followed, such as "Stay," "I Commit to Love," "Strange Relationship," "Once, Twice, Three Times," and "Show Me."
What's more, his original "Say Amen" earned the status of a modern gospel classic, enjoying across the board airplay. And his recorded duets with Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Brenda Russell and Stacy Lattisaw won critical accolades.
"Of all the fine singers working today," artist/songwriter Babyface has said, "Howard Hewett is among the finest."
Born in Akron, Ohio, he led his older sisters in the Hewett Singers, a group who played the big-time gospel circuit while Howard was still a pre-teen.
"Spirituality," he says, "is at the heart of my music. Real romance is always spiritual."
The majority of songs on It's Time are Hewett originals. "How Do I Know I Love You?" co-written with long-time collaborator/producer Monty Seward, has the feeling of a time proven standard. And in the one instance when he interprets a motif made famous by another, Marvin Gaye's "Just To Keep You Satisfied," Howard proves himself more than capable of meeting the challenge.
"Just as I believe that I can't compromise romance," says Hewett "I can't compromise my music. I want songs like 'This Love's Forever,' 'On and On' and 'Your Body Needs Healing' to disclose secrets about myself and expose my heart.
"I want to be clear -- 'Crystal Clear' is the name of the song -- about how I need love. Ballads seem to express that need best. That's why I'm thrilled that It's Time is about ballads, ballads and more ballads."
Given the resurgence of romantic pop, It's Time is right on time, certain to gain Howard Hewett new affection and appreciation from an ever-widening audience hungry for great songs from a great singer.
-COURTESY OF HOWARDHEWETT.COM
How Do I Know I Love You
Howard Hewett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I love you, girl.
Is it th eway you wear your hair, mmm.
Is it you smile,
That tells me I adore you,
Or the scent of your perfume.
How do I know
My stomach does flips when you′re
Near, yea.
Call me a fool,
Call me sentimental,
But call me please call me dear.
I'll take you on a magic carpet ride,
Flip around Venus
And through mars
And down the other side.
If you′re not with me baby,
It don't mean much to me.
How do I know,
How do know I love you.
I guess it's something in the air, baby.
Hey, hey, hey, hey yea, ooh.
Yes, yes, yes, walk up New Orleans,
Down Bourbon Street,
Hand in hand,
Something in the air baby.
I′ll take you on a magic carpet ride,
Flip around venus through mars
And down the other side.
Oh, but if you′re not with me baby,
The trip just don't mean much to me.
No, no, no,
And I know now how it must be
And oh, how do I know i love you,
Hey, yea,
Don′t you know girl,
You mean the world to me,
Oh, ohh, it's such ecstacy,
How do I know, hey, hey, hey,
Hey, I love you yea,
Oh, baby,
Could it be when you do what you do,
You touch my body,
It thills me through an through, yea,
I guess it′s something in the air baby.
Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea.
The lyrics of Howard Hewett's song "How Do I Know I Love You" express the singer's contemplation and deep affection for someone. He begins by questioning how he knows that he loves the girl, whether it's the way she styles her hair or her captivating smile that makes him adoringly drawn to her. He also mentions the allure of her perfume, indicating that her scent adds to his attraction.
Throughout the song, Hewett expresses the physical and emotional sensations he experiences in the presence of this person. He mentions that his stomach flips when she is near, emphasizing the effect she has on him. Despite the possibility of being called foolish or sentimental, he requests to be called "dear" by her, suggesting his desire for a closer connection and recognition of their affection.
In the second verse, Hewett metaphorically describes his willingness to create an enchanting journey for her, symbolized by a magic carpet ride. He mentions planets like Venus and Mars, implying that he would take her anywhere and explore far-reaching destinations as long as she is by his side. However, he acknowledges that without her presence, the trip loses its significance and meaning.
The chorus reinforces the uncertainty of how he knows he loves her, suggesting that it could be something in the air or a feeling that permeates their connection. The song concludes with Hewett affirming that she means the world to him, bringing him ecstasy and overwhelming joy. He highlights the physical intimacy they share, acknowledging that her touch thrills him entirely, further deepening his love for her.
Overall, "How Do I Know I Love You" portrays the singer's introspective musings, describing both the tangible and intangible aspects of his love for the girl. It expresses his desire for a stronger bond and the significance she holds in his life.
Line by Line Meaning
How do I know
I am uncertain and seeking confirmation
I love you, girl.
I have strong feelings of affection towards you, a female
Is it th eway you wear your hair, mmm.
Perhaps it is the manner in which you style your hair that captivates me
Is it you smile,
Could it be your smile
That tells me I adore you,
which conveys to me that I deeply admire and cherish you
Or the scent of your perfume.
Or it could be the fragrance of your perfume
How do I know
I am unsure and seeking confirmation
I love you, baby.
I have intense feelings of affection towards you, a loved one
My stomach does flips when you′re
Near, yea.
I experience a surge of excitement and anticipation when you are in close proximity
Call me a fool,
Mock me as foolish
Call me sentimental,
Label me as emotional and nostalgic
But call me please call me dear.
However, please still address me affectionately, my beloved
I'll take you on a magic carpet ride,
I am willing to embark on a whimsical journey with you
Flip around Venus
And through mars
And down the other side.
We will traverse the planets and explore the unknown
If you′re not with me baby,
However, if you are not by my side, my dear
It don't mean much to me.
These adventures hold little significance
How do I know,
I am uncertain and seeking confirmation
How do know I love you.
How can I be sure of my deep affection for you
I guess it's something in the air, baby.
I suppose there is an intangible quality in the atmosphere that contributes to my love
Yes, yes, yes, walk up New Orleans,
Indeed, let us stroll through the streets of New Orleans
Down Bourbon Street,
Along the vibrant Bourbon Street
Hand in hand,
With our hands gracefully entwined
Something in the air baby.
There is a certain essence surrounding us, my love
I′ll take you on a magic carpet ride,
I am willing to transport you on a fantastical adventure
Flip around venus through mars
And down the other side.
We will venture through the planets, circling Venus, Mars, and beyond
Oh, but if you′re not with me baby,
However, if you are absent from my side, my dear
The trip just don't mean much to me.
This journey loses its significance and value
No, no, no,
Certainly not, no
And I know now how it must be
And now I understand what must be
And oh, how do I know i love you,
And how can I determine my profound love for you
Hey, yea,
Oh, yes
Don′t you know girl,
Do you not realize, my dear
You mean the world to me,
You hold immense significance and importance in my life
Oh, ohh, it's such ecstacy,
Oh, it is an overwhelming feeling of joy and pleasure
How do I know, hey, hey, hey,
How can I be certain, oh
Hey, I love you yea,
Oh, I am deeply in love with you
Oh, baby,
Oh, my beloved
Could it be when you do what you do,
Possibly, when you engage in your actions
You touch my body,
You physically reach me
It thills me through an through, yea,
It gives me a sensation of excitement and pleasure throughout my being
I guess it′s something in the air baby.
I suppose there is an intangible quality in the atmosphere, my love
Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea.
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes
Writer(s): Howard Hewett, Monty Seward
Contributed by Madelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@magnificentmuttley154
For anyone who doesnt already know: Howard is lead singer on Shalamar's Second Time Around, in 1980. When I hear Howard sing, everything just stops. Even today 🎼💜
And for anyone who wants to hear more music with this high level of class, please allow me to suggest:
Kim Weston
Fontella Bass
The Staples Singers
The Three Degrees
Patrice Rushen
Phyllis Hyman
Anita Baker
Nat King Cole
Marvin Gaye
Al Green
George Benson
Ray Parker Jr/ Raydio
Peabo Bryson
Jeffrey Osborne
James Ingram
Teddy Pendergrass
Luther Vandross
@ronhaywood171
How do I know I love you girl
Is it the way you wear your hair
Is it your smile that tells me I adore you
Or the scent of your perfume
How do I know I love you baby
My stomach does flips when you're near yeah
Call me a fool, call me sentimental
But call me, please call me dear
I'll take you on a magic carpet ride
Flip around Venus, and through Mars
And down the other side
If you're not with me baby
It don't mean much to me
How do I know, how do I know I love you
I guess it's something in the air baby
Hey, hey, hey, hey yeah
Yes, yes, yes
Walking in New Orleans
Down Bourbon Street
Hand in hand
Something in the air baby
I'll take you on a magic carpet ride
Flip around Venus, through Mars
And down the other side
Oh, but If you're not with me baby
The trip just don't mean much to me
No, no, no
And I know now how it must be
And oh how do I know I love you
Hey, hey, hey yeah
Don't you know girl you mean the world to me oh
Oh, It's such ecstasy
How do I know
Hey, hey, hey, hey I love you yeah
Oh baby, could it be when you do what you do
It does my body, it thrills me through and through yeah
I guess it's something in the air baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
@janee0561
I still remember this song 24 years ago at my wedding. Timeless!!!
@cynthiagomes2979
I dedicated this to my baby. Nothing means a thing without you.
@seanj11421
I sang this to my wife coming down the aisle… Needless to say, Thank God I knew the words and yes I hit the high notes…
@steviesly7908
You are one smooth brother to do that for your wife🎉
@user-ng3bp2yb8r
This dude always turns up on
VALENTINES DAY ! Riddimmm !!!
@yungspenc313nation3
🔥🔥🔥🔥pop's told me when I marry my lady. He wants this to be the song. Thanks oldman ❤❤❤💯
@karenglawrence8123
A Special someone sent this song to me tonight. It was a nice gift. Certainly a feel good. It is a rewarding feeling to see that there are some real gentlemen out there who care , value ,appreciation and can Love women in that old fashion way.
@magnificentmuttley154
🎯 Right on. Sometimes I think Howard & his elders are the last of a culture of men who really KNOW how to romance, & how to keep love alive. The rest of us are just imitators... God bless you, Howard. Your warmth, depth, & soothing mellowness is genuine
💜❤️💜❤️
@nlrobran
Howard starts calm and when he reaches his unbelievable peak...man, this brother can "SANG"..
@BullesSombre
Damn! How am I just learning about this joint? Goodness! I love Howard's voice, particularly when he gets in that pocket.