The Song
Incognito feat. Chaka Khan & Mario Biondi Lyrics
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The leaves were down
Long before the autumn winds arrived
The leaves were down
Long before the autumn winds arrived
Why didn't you hear me
No you never heard me
‘Cause I know there was too much on your mind
(refrain)
Runnin' around in a circle, (tryin' to catch up to myself)
Runnin' out of time
Losin' myself in the darkness, (every time I played my hand)
I was losin' every time
I knew I'd given all that I could give
That's why it had to end this way, (this way)
[repeat chorus]
I know that I hurt you
At a time you needed me there
Yes you did, yes I know (yes I know)
But my heart had been broken
And my mind was no longer there
I had to go, yes I did
[repeat refrain]
[The leaves were down
Long before the autumn winds arrived]
Long before the autumn winds arrived
[The leaves were down]
Before the summer sun had gone
[Long before the autumn winds arrived]
I’m sorry that it had to be this way...
Love was gone...
[repeat chorus]
The Song by Incognito featuring Chaka Khan and Mario Biondi talks about a failed relationship, where the singer had been trying to communicate to their partner that love was over. Despite numerous attempts, the partner didn't hear, possibly due to being distracted with too much on their mind. The singer had to end the relationship because they knew they had given everything they could, but it just couldn't work out. The chorus repeats that the leaves were down long before the autumn winds arrived, which could imply that the end of the relationship was inevitable and had been coming for a long time before it actually ended.
The refrain talks about the singer feeling lost and running in circles, trying to catch up to themselves, but ultimately losing every time. The repetition of "losing every time" emphasizes the hopelessness felt in the situation. The singer understands that they hurt their partner, but they were also hurting and unable to be present emotionally. The song ends with an apology and the acknowledgement that love was gone.
Line by Line Meaning
The leaves were down
Things were bad way before it became obvious
Long before the autumn winds arrived
Problems were already there long before they were noticed
Why didn't you hear me
Why didn't you listen when I tried to communicate my feelings?
All the times I told you that love was gone
I communicated many times that love was no longer there
No you never heard me
You were too consumed and didn't pay attention
'Cause I know there was too much on your mind
I understand that you had your own issues to deal with
Runnin' around in a circle, (tryin' to catch up to myself)
Feeling lost and going in circles trying to find myself
Runnin' out of time
Running out of time to fix things
Losin' myself in the darkness, (every time I played my hand)
Feeling lost and unsure of myself every time I tried to make a move
I was losin' every time
Things weren't working out and I was losing every time
I knew I'd given all that I could give
I gave my all but it wasn't enough
That's why it had to end this way, (this way)
That's why we had to break up
I know that I hurt you
I am aware that I caused you pain
At a time you needed me there
At a time when you needed my support
Yes you did, yes I know (yes I know)
I am aware that I let you down
But my heart had been broken
My heart was already broken and I couldn't be there for you
And my mind was no longer there
My mind was consumed by my own problems and I couldn't focus on you
I had to go, yes I did
I had to let go of the relationship
[The leaves were down
Things were bad
Long before the autumn winds arrived]
Long before it became obvious
[The leaves were down]
Things were bad
Before the summer sun had gone
Even before the good times were over
[Long before the autumn winds arrived]
Long before it became obvious
I'm sorry that it had to be this way...
I regret that things had to end this way
Love was gone...
The love was gone
[repeat chorus]
The refrain repeats
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: EDOUARD JEAN MAUNICK, GRAHAM DONALD HARVEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anselmocarlosspinelli9355
Chaka Khan is one of the best female singers of all time!!!
@TheErokk725
Chaka Khan can sing anything!!!Love this version as well as the original!!!🔊🎼🎶🎶♩🎤🎤🎤
@johnathanstroud6690
Hell yeah!!! ❤
@andrewsteele7663
I am a huge Boz Scaggs fan, and have heard some great versions of this song. But this is just brilliant,
@gabrielsimonetti2701
was thinking exactly the same
@ricardoserodio4311
I could repeat your sentence :)
@sdmackpictures
This is the best version of the song I've ever heard and Chaka Khan is everything she's cracked up to be. I photographed her concert in Poughkeepsie and met her back stage. She's the best there is and there's no one else like her.
@harrygio1
Nice arrangement of this classic. The video is unique with the scenery - even the landscapes in the background. Simply a down to earth recording with Chaka at her best!!!
@silverarrowse55
Smooth Jazz at its finest, the soulful mix of Mario, Chaka and Incogito is superb!.................More please!
@knockshinnoch1950
3 great acts come together to record a 70s classic and it sounds awesome.