Kenny G has long been the musician many jazz listeners love to hate. A phenomenally successful instrumentalist whose recordings make the pop charts, Kenny G's sound has been a staple on adult contemporary jazz and smooth jazz radio stations since the mid-'80s, making him a household name. Kenny G is a fine player with an attractive sound (influenced a bit by Grover Washington, Jr.) who often caresses melodies, putting a lot of emotion into his solos. Because he does not improvise much (sticking mostly to predictable melody statements), his music largely falls outside of jazz. However, because he is listed at the top of "contemporary jazz" charts and is identified with jazz in the minds of the mass public, he is classified as a jazz artist.
the way we were
Kenny G Lyrics
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Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Or has time rewritten every line
If we had the chance to do it all again
Could we?
Memories may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember
The way we were
The way we were
Kenny G's "The Way We Were" is a poignant ballad that speaks to the power of memories. The singer describes these memories as "light[ing] the corners of [his] mind," revealing that they are always present, even if they are not at the forefront of his thoughts. These memories are "misty water-colored," suggesting that they are not entirely clear, perhaps because they are seen through the lens of nostalgia.
The second verse poses a philosophical question: "Can it be that it was all so simple then / Or has time rewritten every line?" This is a common theme in literature and music: the idea that memories are not always truthful, and that they can be influenced by time and distance. Nevertheless, the singer ponders the possibility of reliving these memories, asking "Tell me, would we? / Could we?"
The final verse suggests that, while some memories may be too painful to remember, it is the happy memories that we choose to hold onto. In particular, the singer values the moments of laughter that he shared with the person he is remembering. And so, the song ends with a wistful reflection on "the way we were."
Overall, "The Way We Were" is a powerful evocation of the enduring nature of memories, and the way they shape our understanding of the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Memories light the corners of my mind
Fading recollections surge through my mind with their vivid past moments.
Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
Reminiscing bittersweet memories of the way how things were through dewy-eyed remembrances.
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Several photographs of the grins we left behind are disorganized and spread out.
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
Completely content with our lives back then, we exchanged smiles constantly and gratefully.
Can it be that it was all so simple then
The simplicity of our past lives makes it hard to believe it ever happened.
Or has time rewritten every line
The course of time has perhaps altered every aspect of our former lives in some ways or other.
If we had the chance to do it all again
If we think about going back in time-- would we willingly relieve our lives?
Tell me, would we?
I am curious if the thought of going back in time resonates with you?
Could we?
Do you think that we can precisely relive our lives the same way they once were?
Memories may be beautiful and yet
Our memories are precious although they remind us of the hurtful past.
What's too painful to remember
The pain of certain memories is unbearable and hard to bring back.
We simply choose to forget
Therefore, we choose not to meddle with those painful memories and try to forget about them.
So it's the laughter we will remember
We will mainly remember the hilarious moments that we shared together.
Whenever we remember
Whenever we think of our past, our immense love and jovial memories will always come to our minds.
The way we were
The memories of the way our lives were and how we all were, will always stay with us.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind