In late 1970 Jim Messina, formerly of Poco and Buffalo Springfield, was working as an independent contract record producer for Columbia Records. It was then that he met a little-known studio artist who had written a few songs of his own, Kenny Loggins. Loggins was working as contract songwriter for The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
Messina decided to produce Loggins' debut album. By the time all was said and done, Messina had contributed so much to the album, both instrumentally and vocally, that the effort was more of a Kenny Loggins album with Jim Messina sitting in. Thus an accidental duo was born. Their harmonies meshed so well that what was begun as a one-off album became an entity unto itself. So rather than simply producing Kenny Loggins as a solo act, in 1971 they both decided to form a duo, Loggins and Messina.
Over the course of the next four to five years they produced five original material albums, one album of covers of other artists' material and two live albums. One compilation album, a "best of", would be released after the duo had separated.
As is natural in most mentor type relationships, Loggins outgrew the duo over time. Within a few years he would feel the need to spread his wings and fly by his own right, and by 1976 the pair separated and pursued successful solo careers, with Loggins soon achieving the super-star status that he sought.
They reunited in 2005 for a compilation album of their greatest hits, which proved so successful that they decided to tour as a group again. The "Sittin' In Again" tour was launched in mid-2005 and played out the remainder of the year, proving that they hadn't lost the magic that made them famous in the first place.
Their backing band changed from album to album. Many albums featured backing members who were well know in their own right, such as Stephen Stills who contributed to their self-titled second album. Bryan Adams played guitar on the album Full Sail. John Townsend and Ed Sanford, later of the Sanford Townsend Band (Smoke from a Distant Fire) contributed vocals and songwriting to the Native Sons album.
two of us
Loggins & Messina Lyrics
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Spending someone's hard earned pay
You and me Sunday driving
Not arriving on our way back home
We're on our way home
We're on our way home
We're going home
Two of us sending postcards
Writing letters on my wall
You and me burning matches
Lifting latches on our way back home
We're on our way home
We're on our way home
We're going home
You and I have memories
Longer than the road
That stretches out ahead
Two of us wearing raincoats
Standing solo in the sun
You and me chasing paper
Getting nowhere on our way back home
We're on our way home
We're on our way home
We're going home
You and I have memories
Longer than the road
That stretches out ahead
Two of us wearing raincoats
Standing solo in the sun
You and me chasing paper
Getting nowhere on our way back home
We're on our way home
We're on our way home
We're going home
We're going home
You better believe it, goodbye
The lyrics to "Two of Us" by Loggins & Messina describe two friends aimlessly driving, spending money and time together without any particular destination. They reminisce about past memories and seem to have a close bond that has lasted longer than the road in front of them. Despite their aimlessness, they are content in each other's company and have a sense of purpose in their togetherness.
The repetition of the phrase "We're on our way home" seems to indicate a desire for a place of belonging and comfort, but also suggests that home is where they are with each other. The lyrics may reflect the idea that the journey is more important than the destination, and that true happiness can be found in the company of those we love.
The line "Two of us wearing raincoats, standing solo in the sun" may represent the idea that even when we are physically alone, we can still feel connected to those we love. The imagery of wearing raincoats in the sun suggests that they are protecting themselves from the elements, and perhaps even from the outside world, by being together.
Overall, the song seems to be a celebration of friendship and the idea that true happiness can be found in the company of those we love, regardless of where we are going or what we are doing.
Line by Line Meaning
Two of us riding nowhere
We are aimlessly traveling together
Spending someone's hard earned pay
We are using someone else's money to fund our travels
You and me Sunday driving
We spend leisurely time together on Sundays
Not arriving on our way back home
We are not in a hurry to get back home
We're on our way home
We are finally heading back home
We're going home
We are returning home after our journey
Two of us sending postcards
We send messages to loved ones while traveling
Writing letters on my wall
We express our thoughts and feelings through writing
You and me burning matches
We light up our way in the dark with matches
Lifting latches on our way back home
We are unlocking doors to return home
You and I have memories
We cherish moments from the past
Longer than the road
These memories will last longer than the physical journey
That stretches out ahead
The road ahead represents the uncertainty of the future
Two of us wearing raincoats
We are standing in the rain, but together and with protection
Standing solo in the sun
Sometimes we are alone, even in good times
You and me chasing paper
We are pursuing temporary and superficial goals
Getting nowhere on our way back home
We realize that these goals do not bring true fulfillment
We're going home
Our ultimate goal is to return to where we belong
You better believe it, goodbye
We are excited to finally be going home!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anthony Miglore
on Wasting Our Time
You are the life (?) and I love you
And I'll never, ever, love by myself i think should be
You are my life and I love you
And I'll never, ever, walk by myself
Anthony Miglore
on Wasting Our Time
Chocolate (?), don't you be afraid of wasting our time s/b Try tryin', don't you be afraid of wasting our time
Anthony Miglore
on Wasting Our Time
Wanna turn around and listen to me? s/b Woman turn around and listen to me
Anthony Miglore
on Wasting Our Time
devil or ranger? (?) s/b devil or angel
Anthony Miglore
on Wasting Our Time
Or begin trying to change it? s/b Or begin trying to change ya'