Band formation
L.T.D. (which stood for Love, Togetherness and Devotion) was formed in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1968 by keyboardist Jimmie "J.D." Davis and saxophonist Abraham "Onion" Miller. Both were former backing musicians for soul duo Sam and Dave. The band was originally named Love Men, Ltd.
The other members of the band were recruited following the relocation of Jimmie and Abraham to New York City:
Henry Davis, bassist
Johnny McGhee, guitarist
Carle Vickers, trumpeter
Arthur "Lorenzo" Carnegie, saxophonist
Toby Wynn, saxophonist
Jake Riley, Jr., trombonist
Jeffrey Osborne, singer and drummer
The group then settled in Los Angeles, where Osborne's brother, Billy Osborne joined the lineup as the keyboardist.
Discography
L.T.D. signed with the A&M label to issue their 1974 debut Love, Togetherness and Devotion. On their third LP, 1976's Love to the World, the group scored their first Top 20 pop hit, Love Ballad. The follow-up, 1977's Something to Love, included the top five track (Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again. Four years later L.T.D. returned to the Top 40 once again with Shine On.
It's Time To Be Real
L.T.D. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why are so many people on ego trips?
Do you know what I’m talkin’ ’bout?
It’s so hard sometimes to relate
C’mon down to earth and let’s communicate
Cause now it's time to be real
Can’t you feel that now it’s time to be real?
There’s no reason why we can’t be real
It’s time to be real
It’s time to be real
It’s a shame and still it’s very true
There are some who think they're superior to you
If all men are created equally
Do away right now with ego and conceit
Now it’s time to be real
Can’t you feel that now it’s time to be real?
There’s no reason why we can’t be real
L.T.D.'s "It's Time to Be Real" is a soulful track with a powerful message about the importance of being authentic and genuine in our interactions with others. The lyrics call out the prevalence of ego trips and self-centered behavior in society, and encourage listeners to come down to earth and communicate honestly and openly with one another.
The song speaks to a deep human need for connection and meaningful relationships, and highlights the ways in which our egos and sense of superiority can get in the way of these connections. By emphasizing the need to do away with ego and conceit, the song suggests that we can create a more compassionate and empathetic world where all people are valued equally.
The use of repetition throughout the song reinforces its central message and makes it easy to sing along to, while the soulful instrumentation gives the song a timeless feel. Ultimately, "It's Time to Be Real" is a powerful reminder that our relationships with others are what truly matter in life, and that the path to authentic connection lies in being our true selves and celebrating the humanity in those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
It’s time to be real
Let's be honest and genuine
Why are so many people on ego trips?
Why do so many people act superior and self-centered?
Do you know what I’m talkin’ ’bout?
Do you understand my point?
It’s so hard sometimes to relate
It's difficult to connect with people who are not being genuine
C’mon down to earth and let’s communicate
Let's be humble and open to truly connect with each other
Cause now it's time to be real
It's important to be genuine now
Can’t you feel that now it’s time to be real?
Can't you sense the importance of being honest and genuine now?
There’s no reason why we can’t be real
There is no justification for not being honest and genuine
It’s a shame and still it’s very true
It's unfortunate but still a reality
There are some who think they're superior to you
Some people believe they are better than you
If all men are created equally
If everyone is created with the same value
Do away right now with ego and conceit
Eliminate self-centeredness and arrogance immediately
Contributed by Cameron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sigma Music
Hands down one of my favorite L.T.D joints. J.O is one of best adlibers in music. The way he sings between the lines at the end is magical. Check him out at 2:41
Tiberius 1701
I was 17 years old when I purchased this album, huge fan of L.T.D. and when my favorite singer Jeffrey Osborne became a solo artist as well, love his voice.
BassByTheBay
Love this track! I was so excited to get this album back in the day, and I remember thinking this song was so different. L.T.D. was a great band, and the message of this song makes me long for the days when artists weren't afraid to put out positive messages. Now, positivity is too uncool, I guess. :-(
James Walker
This message goes along with what's going on today.
Allen Tyson
I met Jeffrey Osborne on the inaugural Soul Train Cruise Feb. 2013. He is one helluva nice brother. This album is the soundtrack of my life when they dropped it in 1978. I'd just graduated from college, and getting ready to start living.
Macy Primm
Wow what a great memory 😍
Larry Roberts
this album catapulted them to major funk band status, and it was their best effort no doubt
steveland76
I have a greater appreciation for this music. I go back to when my dad used to play this record on the stereo back then when I was a little boy. I think soul music with substance is slowly making a comeback. Thank God!
James St. Patrick
this that shit right here
nunile18
I wonder why did it ever leave, I think because at one time coming out of the 60's into the 70's music was so great and so many great real artists there was no place for music to go but down and I don't think it will ever reach that level again the tank ran dry every now and then somebody finds the magic for a moment