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
I Can't Tell You Why
Howard Hewett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tearing our love apart
Aren't we the same two people
Who lived through years in the dark?
Ah-ah
Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
When we get crazy, it just ain't right (Try to keep you head, little girl)
Girl, I get lonely, too
You don't have to worry, just hold on tight (Don't get caught in your little world)
'Cause I love you
Nothing's wrong as far as I can see
We make it harder than it has to be
And I can't tell you why
No, baby, I can't tell you why
I can't tell you why
Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can't tell you why
No, no, baby, I can't tell you why
I can't tell you why
I can't tell you why
The song “I Can't Tell You Why” by Howard Hewett is about the struggles of love and how we tend to make things harder than they actually are. The opening lines of the song, “Look at us, baby, up all night tearing our love apart, Aren't we the same two people who lived through years in the dark?” vividly describe a couple in distress, with both parties trying to stay awake in order to make their relationship work, even though they are slowly tearing apart. The next few lines express how the couple is still the same people who had to go through difficult periods in their lives but despite it all, they still need each other.
The chorus of the song, “Every time I try to walk away, something makes me turn around and stay, and I can't tell you why” reflects the struggle of the singer in the song - how he tries to leave the relationship behind but eventually realizes that he can't, no matter how hard he tries. The following verse switches perspectives from the singer to his significant other, who feels just as trapped in the relationship as the singer. However, she finds solace knowing that the singer loves her and asks him to hold on tight whenever things get tough.
Overall, “I Can't Tell You Why” is a soulful and honest reflection on the complicated nature of love and relationships, and how difficult it can be to walk away from someone we love, even when things are hard.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at us, baby, up all night
We're staying up all night staring at each other wondering why our love is falling apart.
Tearing our love apart
Our love is being destroyed, possibly due to the way we are acting towards each other.
Aren't we the same two people
We are the same people as we were before, but our relationship is different.
Who lived through years in the dark?
We have been through tough times together in the past, so why is it so hard now?
Every time I try to walk away
Even though I know our relationship is falling apart, I can't seem to leave.
Something makes me turn around and stay
There's a force that pulls me back, even though I know I shouldn't stay.
And I can't tell you why
I don't know why I keep coming back, I just do.
When we get crazy, it just ain't right
When we fight and argue, it doesn't feel good or healthy for our relationship.
Girl, I get lonely, too
Even though I might not show it, I also feel lonely at times.
You don't have to worry, just hold on tight
Even though our relationship is rocky, I still love you and want to hold on tight to you.
Cause I love you
I want to express my love for you, even though things may not be going well.
Nothing's wrong as far as I can see
As far as I can tell, there's nothing that is causing the issues in our relationship.
We make it harder than it has to be
We're adding more challenges to our relationship than there need to be.
No, baby, I can't tell you why
I still don't fully understand why I can't seem to let go and move on.
I can't tell you why
I wish I could explain it to you, but I can't seem to find the right words.
Contributed by Lucas B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lloydcarter5216
The man can flat out sing. Outstanding cover.
@sevinatenine4444
HOWARD PUT SOME SOUL IN THIS CLASSIC EAGLES TRACK.🖤🖤🖤
@griggskeith
Always
@michaelgallemore7577
Howard proves there is no color in music it's all in the heart. Great song!
@debsworld9530
OMG! First time hearing this!💜💜💜
@juneharris1750
iam sold this he song this song in my good days and i just heard it by him damm
@Teebee44
Me too! Wow just wow
@rebeccaeaddy9094
I can listened to Howard Hewitt all day, he has the sexiest voice,this man can sing.
@Teenasboy50
This guy can sing the phone book I would still love his voice! Great cover from an awesome voice!!!
@nicolechambliss5494
I first loved the Eagles version now in 2021 I also love Ho
Ward's version