The Philadelphia born Beverly started the group as Raw Soul in 1970. They recorded a couple of singles on the small Gregar label, but without any major hits. But with a few personnel changes, a relocation from Philadelphia to the San Francisco Bay Area in California in 1971, and an introduction to Marvin Gaye, the group became an immediate success. Gaye took the group on the road with him as one of his opening acts, and in 1976 he suggested that they changed their name from Raw Soul to Maze.
Maze signed a recording contract with Capitol Records in 1976, and released their debut album, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, in 1977. From that album, the hit singles included "Happy Feelin's," "While I'm Alone," and "Lady of Magic"; ultimately giving them their first gold record and earning Maze a devoted fan base. They also had success with the following albums Golden Time of Day (1978), Inspiration (1979) and Joy and Pain (1980).
Their next recording was Live in New Orleans, three quarters of which was recorded at the Saenger Theatre, on November 14–15, 1980. Three of those songs got into the U.S. R&B chart, including "Running Away," "Before I Let Go," and "We Need Love To Live." By that time, the band had both a reputation in America also enjoyed a following in the United Kingdom with promotional support from the British DJ Robbie Vincent. In May 1985, Maze sold out eight nights at the Hammersmith Odeon.
In 1989, they signed with Warner Bros. and released the hit album Silky Soul, plus Back to Basics in 1993, and released the live DVD recording at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1994. The two albums also attained gold disc status.
The group released Can't Stop the Love in March 1985, which featured the group's first number one R&B hit "Back In Stride." The Top 5 follow-up, "Too Many Games," was part of that recording. They had another number one R&B success with "Can't Get Over You."
In October 2004, "Twilight" appeared in the video game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, playing on funk radio station, Bounce FM.
Maze continues to tour around the United States as well as Europe to this day. Every year they are the also the closing act for the Essence Music Festival.
I Wish You Well
Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In spite of all the good times you hurt me so
But I wish you well girl I hope you find your truth
I wish you well girl I want the same things too
I use to be your lover but now friends
That's the only way a true love begins
I wish you well girl I want the same things too
You say it's all over but you won't go
In spite of all the good times you hurt me so
But I wish you well girl I hope you find your truth
I wish you well girl I want the same things too
I wish you well girl I hope you find your truth
I wish you well girl I want the same things too
In Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly's song I Wish You Well, the singer is addressing a former lover who has hurt them. The lyrics suggest that the relationship is over, but the ex-lover is still present and causing pain. Despite this, the singer wishes their former partner well and hopes that they find their truth. The repetition of this line suggests that the singer genuinely wants their ex-partner to find happiness and move on from the relationship.
The second verse of the song suggests that the couple has transitioned from lovers to friends, which is "the only way a true love begins". This suggests that the singer has accepted the end of the romantic relationship and is now focused on healing and moving forward. Overall, the song expresses a desire for peace and happiness for both parties, despite the hurt that has been caused.
In conclusion, the message of the song I Wish You Well is one of forgiveness and acceptance. Despite the pain caused by a failed relationship, the singer wishes their ex-partner well and hopes that they find their own truth and happiness. The song suggests that moving on and finding peace is the only way to heal from the hurt caused by a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You say it's all over but you won't go
You claim that our relationship has ended, yet you still linger around and refuse to move on
In spite of all the good times you hurt me so
Even though we shared many happy moments together, you caused me pain and hurt me deeply
But I wish you well girl I hope you find your truth
Despite the pain you caused me, I genuinely hope that you find your purpose and fulfill your true potential
I wish you well girl I want the same things too
I also desire to find my own purpose and have a fulfilling life, just like you
I use to be your lover but now friends
Although we were once in a romantic relationship, we have transitioned into being platonic friends
That's the only way a true love begins
I believe that a true, long-lasting love can sometimes start from a genuine friendship
I wish you well girl I hope you find your truth
Once again, I sincerely wish for you to find your purpose and have a fulfilling life
I wish you well girl I want the same things too
Just like you, I also desire to find my own purpose and live a fulfilling life
I wish you well girl I hope you find your truth
For the third time, I express my genuine hope that you discover your true purpose in life and fulfill it
I wish you well girl I want the same things too
I repeat that I also desire to find my own purpose in life and ultimately lead a fulfilling existence
Contributed by John H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@serious7179
This song has such a peaceful, hopeful, yet mournful vibe....the sadness of it all ending, the respectful ending of true love, and the hope for an enlightened future...just beautiful
@patcarutherscaruthers585
It is so hard to say goodbye to someone you still really love. God knows, the heartache and tears. Well done Frankie & Maze.
@stephanie12nune
I'm 38now and I've been listing to his music that I can remember I was about 8yrs old! I've brought my children up, on it I'll never ever grow tired of his music, and I'm always putting someone on it that don't know any better! When it comes down to listening to great music, my daughters love it!!!! Wish you all well. Lol
@1mrwhipper
As far as I'm concern, this undoubtedly the best he's ever done!
@vernabond4124
It's Amazing!!!! Back in This Era, You Could Hear Every Instrument Being Played!! So Blessed To Have in The 70's Era of Music!! Love This Sound!!
@kriscrawley7627
Maze is a popular group and still performing. That says a lot!
@patcarutherscaruthers585
Truth
@amd77j
Man, I'm just lying back enjoying this real music from a truly golden era. Thanks for posting!!!
@SuperGOSHAY
I love this song .when I hear it it makes me feel so good
@Kdubya
a very well thought out and passionate song.....The pathos in Frankie's voice simply sells this killer track........