Most of her career has been as lead singer for The Staple Singers. She first recorded solo for the Stax subsidiary Volt in 1969. Subsequent efforts included a Curtis Mayfield-produced soundtrack on Curtom, a nod to disco for Warner Bros. Records in 1979, a stab at electro-pop with Holland-Dozier-Holland in 1984, and a collaboration with Prince in the late 1980s and early 90s (producing the two solo albums Time Waits for No One in 1989 and The Voice in 1993, and various other collaborations). Staples has a rich contralto voice that has neither the range of Aretha Franklin nor the power of Patti LaBelle. Her otherworldly power comes instead from a masterful command of phrasing and a deep-seated sensuality expressed through timbre manipulation. Both the Staple Singers and Mavis found fresh audiences stemming from their participation on the CD Rhythm, Country and Blues, and in 1996 she issued Spirituals and Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson. Her next recording project didn't land for another eight years, although Have a Little Faith on Alligator Records became her highest profile release in years.
Staples released a new album for Anti- Records titled We'll Never Turn Back on April 24, 2007. The Ry Cooder-produced concept album focuses on songs of the civil rights movement and includes two new original songs.
See also:
Wikipedia
Official Site
Downward Road
Mavis Staples Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It draws the life out of the good and feeds their blood to the rest
You'll be a memory soon baby, and so will I
So kiss me open-mouthed, 'cause we're too young to die
[Chorus]
We're on the downroad road
We're on the downroad road
Crawling towareds the bitter end
Things are going fine now, but your luck could change
You could find yourself the victim of someone's unholy rage
So put your pretty lips where they can do some good
You might think that you shouldn't
But I really wish you would
[Chorus]
Yeah we're so close now, I'm in as deep as I'll get
Your hair is soaked, your skin is slippery wet
The world outside our window is about to explode
Well, so am I sugar, so baby save my soul
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Mavis Staples's song Downward Road reflect on the precarious nature of life and the inevitability of death. The world is a dangerous place, full of selfish individuals who will take advantage of the good-hearted. The idea that we are all headed towards the same fate is a recurring theme throughout the song. The phrase "we're too young to die" is a reminder that life is short and should be lived to the fullest.
The chorus, "We're on the downward road", is a reference to the journey of life, which ultimately leads to death. The singer acknowledges that things may seem to be going well now, but one misstep could lead to disaster. The lyrics are both cautionary and celebratory, urging the listener to make the most of their time on earth while also being aware of the darker aspects of life.
The final verse intensifies the urgency of the message, with the singer describing a sense of impending doom. The world is about to explode, and the only salvation is to be found in the physical connection between the singer and the person they are addressing. There is a sense of desperation in the lyrics, as if the singer is trying to hold on to the moment as it slips away.
Overall, the lyrics to Downward Road are a powerful meditation on the fragility of life and the need to embrace every moment. The combination of cautionary warnings and celebratory expressions creates a complex and moving message that is sure to resonate with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
The world out there is like a hornets' nest
The world outside is a dangerous place full of chaos and harm
It draws the life out of the good and feeds their blood to the rest
It takes away the happiness and goodness from kind-hearted people and gives it to the cruel ones
You'll be a memory soon baby, and so will I
We will all eventually be forgotten and fade away into history
So kiss me open-mouthed, 'cause we're too young to die
Let's enjoy life and live in the moment without fear of death
We're on the downroad road
We are moving towards an unwanted and undesirable end
Crawling toward the bitter end
Slowly and painfully moving towards an unhappy conclusion
Things are going fine now, but your luck could change
Even though everything is good now, it could all turn bad in an instant
You could find yourself the victim of someone's unholy rage
You could become the target of someone's intense anger and harm
So put your pretty lips where they can do some good
Use your words and actions to make a positive impact
You might think that you shouldn't
You may believe that you should remain silent, but you should speak up
But I really wish you would
I strongly encourage you to speak up and make a difference
Yeah we're so close now, I'm in as deep as I'll get
We are very intimate and invested in this relationship, and we won't go any further
Your hair is soaked, your skin is slippery wet
You are physically and emotionally vulnerable in this moment
The world outside our window is about to explode
The world is chaotic and could crumble at any moment
Well, so am I sugar, so baby save my soul
I am also struggling and in need of help, so please save me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROEBUCK STAPLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind