Born in Providence, RI, Jeffrey Osborne was the youngest of 12 children and was constantly bombarded with music as he was growing up. He had five brothers and six sisters, some of whom went on to have music careers. His father, Clarence "Legs" Osborne, was a popular trumpeter who played with Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington, and died when Jeffrey was only 13. His mother, Wanita, is ancestored by a Pequot Indian sachem. His oldest brother, Clay Osborne, is a singer and pianist, and Billy, another brother, is a songwriter and producer in Los Angeles. But Osborne's father had the greatest influence on his musical career; Clarence "Legs" Osborne turned down many top band offers during his career to be with his family. It was only after receiving his mother's encouragement that Jeffrey left for Los Angeles to play with L.T.D. At the age of 15, he sat in with the O'Jays when the drummer was too tired to play, and went on to play with them for two weeks. It was at a Providence nightclub that fate brought him together with the band Love Men Ltd. in 1969.
Osborne's solo career has brought him five gold and platinum albums, including Stay With Me Tonight, Aymuk, and Only Human. He also recorded an album of duets with popular singer James Ingram, and scored an international hit with "On the Wings of Love" in 1982. Osborne's touring and recording continue to keep him busy much of the time, but he also devotes some of his time to charity work.
Emotional
Jeffrey Osborne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I know that it's wrong but I'm safe when I'm strong
Keeping feelings locked in this sheltered heart of mine
Said, "I'll never give in", then I see you again
And with one touch I'm all caught up
In the midst of a dangerous dance
In your arms, I got nowhere to run
When I look in your eyes I get so emotional
And a flame starts to rise igniting what used to be
In the heat of the night I get so emotional
Happens every time you're near, emotional
I remember the last time I let you in
I was burned by the flame, I can still feel the pain
And it scares me, it scares me to know I can still feel the same
As I felt the last time, I chose hearts over mind
All those memories rushing back to me
And I'm trembling with every embrace
Trying to hide those old feelings
That I thought time had erased
When I look in your eyes I get so emotional
And a flame starts to rise igniting what used to be
In the heat of the night I get so emotional
It happens every time you're near, emotional
I know there's no escaping what I'm feeling inside
So just hold me tonight 'cause baby
This feeling's just too strong to fight
(When I look in your eyes)
I get so emotional
(Oh, I'm so emotional)
In the heat of the night I get so emotional
When I look in your eyes I get so emotional
(Get so, I get so)
(Happens every time you're near, emotional)
When I look in your eyes I get so emotional
(Oh, I'm so emotional)
In the heat of the night I get so emotional
(I get so emotional)
When I look in your eyes I get so emotional
(It seems to happen every time you're near, emotional)
When I look in your eyes I get so emotional
In the heat of the night I get so emotional
The lyrics to Jeffrey Osborne's song Emotional are about the struggle that the singer faces when it comes to love. While he knows that he needs to stay strong and keep his feelings locked away, he finds himself unable to resist the temptation of love when he sees the person he loves once again. The singer is caught up in a dangerous dance with the person he loves, unsure of whether he should give in and risk being emotionally hurt again. He is reminded of the last time he let this person in and how badly he was burned, but he finds himself unable to resist the pull of his emotions.
When the singer looks into the eyes of the person he loves, he gets so emotional that a flame starts to rise and ignite what used to be. He is brought back to memories of a past relationship and finds himself trembling with every embrace. He tries to hide his old feelings that he thought time had erased, but when it comes to love, he finds that the heart sometimes wins over the mind. The singer knows that he can't escape what he's feeling inside and has no choice but to give in to his emotions, even though it scares him. Ultimately, the singer is left with the understanding that this feeling is just too strong to fight.
Line by Line Meaning
I stand back when love tries to touch me
I avoid love and keep a distance from it.
And I know that it's wrong but I'm safe when I'm strong
I acknowledge that avoiding love is not ideal, but I feel secure when I'm in control.
Keeping feelings locked in this sheltered heart of mine
I'm suppressing my emotions and keeping them hidden away.
Said, "I'll never give in", then I see you again
I promised myself that I wouldn't fall in love, but I find myself drawn to you.
And with one touch I'm all caught up
Your touch overwhelms me and I lose my resolve.
In the midst of a dangerous dance
Our relationship feels risky and unpredictable.
In your arms, I got nowhere to run
I feel trapped and vulnerable when I'm with you.
I don't stand a chance
It's almost inevitable that I will fall for you.
When I look in your eyes I get so emotional
Your gaze stirs up strong feelings within me.
And a flame starts to rise igniting what used to be
My suppressed emotions are rekindled and brought to the surface.
In the heat of the night I get so emotional
Especially at night, my emotions become overwhelming.
Happens every time you're near, emotional
I always feel this way when I'm near you.
I remember the last time I let you in
I recall the last time I allowed myself to fall for you.
I was burned by the flame, I can still feel the pain
I got hurt and the pain still lingers.
And it scares me, it scares me to know I can still feel the same
I'm afraid because I still have those same feelings for you.
As I felt the last time, I chose hearts over mind
I let my emotions guide me instead of using reason.
All those memories rushing back to me
I remember all the past experiences I had with you.
And I'm trembling with every embrace
I feel overwhelmed and nervous every time we hug.
Trying to hide those old feelings
I'm attempting to conceal my emotions from you.
That I thought time had erased
I assumed that I had moved on from these feelings, but I haven't.
I know there's no escaping what I'm feeling inside
I can't avoid or ignore these intense emotions.
So just hold me tonight 'cause baby
I need to be comforted and reassured by your presence.
This feeling's just too strong to fight
My emotions are too intense to resist.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID PAUL BRYANT, DIANE EVE WARREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Yearwood
I'm ALWAYS blown away emotionally each and every time I hear this song,
ALWAYS.
Portia Saki
8
Dede D. Nyeplu, II
Who else here still love this song in 2019? Let me see ur hands up✌️
Boyzee thabo
Guess what; it just rock yesterday- i lovev it
Kay Kalu-Oyeoku
2021 ❣
Linny Johnson
I love this song. Emotions are what we live on. Just remember your first love and how you felt. Jeffrey has a great vocal range. Gifted artist. I'll try not to get to emotional. Thanks for memories.
Almir Silva Locutor Das Mensagens
1989 eu toquei de mais na rádio está música, um clássico
Andrew Flood
I LOVE THIS FREAKING SONG !!!
Betty Speek
love this song with whole heart
Linny Johnson
Emotionally yours. Beautiful song makes my soul at peace. Good old school doesn't get any better. Love that JO.