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.
Nature Boy
Jeffrey Osborne Lyrics
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A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return"
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return"
The lyrics of Jeffrey Osborne's song "Nature Boy" describe a mysterious, enchanted boy who wandered far and wide, but possessed great wisdom. Though he was shy and sad, he had a profound message for the person who encountered him one magic day. As they talked about various things, the boy imparted some sage advice that would stay with his listener forever: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."
The lyrics of "Nature Boy" are rich in symbolism and depth. The titular character can be interpreted in many ways - perhaps he represents the essence of nature itself, or the voice of our own intuition, or a magical being who appears in our lives to impart profound truths. The message he delivers about love is likewise multi-faceted. It can be seen as a commentary on the importance of healthy relationships, a reminder to appreciate the people in our lives, or a call to seek out love and connection wherever we can find it. Ultimately, the song leaves the listener with a sense of wonder and a desire to ponder the mysteries of life.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a boy
Once upon a time, there existed a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
He was an unusual and spellbinding boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Many have spoken of him traveling long distances
Over land and sea
Both on land and on waterways
A little shy and sad of eye
He was somewhat reticent and melancholic
But very wise was he
However, he possessed a lot of wisdom
And then one day
Then, on a particular day
A magic day he passed my way
He encountered me on a day filled with enchantment
And while we spoke of many things
During our conversation that covered numerous topics
Fools and Kings
Ideas from foolishness to royalty
This he said to me
He uttered these words to me
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn
"The most significant knowledge you'll ever gain
Is just to love and be loved in return"
Is to love someone and to receive that affection back
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Songtrust Ave
Written by: Eden Ahbez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind