Watkins was born in Detroit, Michigan. He started playing French horn when he was nine years old, although he played the trumpet (a better-recognized jazz instrument) for the Ernie Fields Orchestra in the mid-1940s. By the late 1940s, however, he had some French horn solos on Kenny Clarke and Babs Gonzales' records. After moving to New York City, Watkins studied for three years at the Manhattan School of Music. He started appearing in small-group jazz sessions, including two led by Thelonious Monk.
Watkins recorded with numerous jazz greats, including John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, Charles Mingus, Miles Davis and Gil Evans, and the Jazz Composer's Orchestra. He and Charlie Rouse co-led a group called Les Jazz Modes from 1956 to 1959, and he toured with Quincy Jones and his band from 1959 to 1961.
He died in Short Hills, New Jersey at the age of 55. The 1990s saw a "Julius Watkins Jazz Horn Festival" be named for him[1], but the festival has since been discontinued for lack of interest.
temptation
Julius Watkins Lyrics
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I should have known you were temptation
You smiled, luring me on
My heart was gone, you were temptation
It would be thrilling
If you were willing
If it can never be
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
You were born to be kissed
I can't resist.
You are temptation and I am yours
Here is my heart, take it and say
We'll never part
I'm just a slave
Only a slave to you, temptation
The song "Temptation" by Julius Watkins is a ballad about succumbing to temptation in the form of a person. The singer describes how they were alone when the person arrived and how they should have known that they were temptation. The person's smile lured the singer in and their heart was gone. The singer acknowledges that it would be thrilling to be with the person, but also realizes that it may not be possible. The singer is trapped in their love for the person and acknowledges that they are a slave to the person's temptation.
The lyrics in this song use vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the singer's feelings about temptation. The person is personified as temptation and the singer describes themselves as a slave to it. The concept of temptation as a force pulling someone in despite their best judgement is a relatable theme. The lyrics convey the singer's vulnerability and the powerful hold the person has over them.
Overall, "Temptation" is a powerful love ballad that explores the themes of vulnerability, desire, and temptation. The song is a classic example of jazz ballads and is a testament to Julius Watkins' skill as a composer and arranger.
Line by Line Meaning
You came, I was alone
When you showed up, I was by myself
I should have known you were temptation
I should have recognized that you were a temptation
You smiled, luring me on
You smiled seductively, enticing me to come closer
My heart was gone, you were temptation
I was infatuated with you and you represented temptation
It would be thrilling
It would be exciting
If you were willing
If you were interested
If it can never be
If it is not possible
Pity me for you are temptation and I am yours
Have sympathy for me because I am under your spell and you represent temptation
Here is my heart, take it and say
Here is my heart, accept it and promise me
We'll never part
That we will never separate
I'm just a slave
I am completely under your control
Only a slave to you, temptation
I am only a slave to you because you represent temptation
You were born to be kissed
You were meant to be kissed
I can't resist.
I cannot resist you
You are temptation and I am yours
You are temptation, and I belong to you
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, ANTHEM ENTERTAINMENT LP, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LARRY JOHNSON, LARRY CURTIS JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind