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.
Welcome Home
Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you said you would never come back
You told me you were lookin for something good
And you had to find out where it was at
Well I've heard that you found your answer
And your as happy as you can be
All the things you've been looking around for baby
You have found them right here with me
Welcome home why'd you leave like that
Welcome home it's good to have you back
Yes it's true I've been thinking about
And it made me so doggone sad
Somebody told me that they saw you comin
And it's made me so doggone glad
Welcome home
Welcome home
The lyrics of Maze's song "Welcome Home" featuring Frankie Beverly describes the aftermath of a relationship that had ended abruptly with the departure of a loved one. The first few lines express the feelings of hurt and betrayal that the singer feels; the person who left them had promised never to come back. The second half of the verse reveals that the departed one went in search of something they felt was missing which they eventually found.
The chorus section of the song is a celebration of the reunion between the lovers. The singer is happy that their lost love has returned to them, and they want to express this by welcoming them back. The repeated phrase, "Welcome home," is a heartwarming sentiment that signifies the singer's relief and joy towards the reconciliation.
The song's lyrics and melody are powerful and emotional, which perfectly captures the essence of love, joy, and forgiveness. "Welcome Home" is a classic example of Maze's signature sound that blends soul, funk, and R&B.
Line by Line Meaning
When you left me you hurt me so badly
You caused me immense pain when you departed from my life
And you said you would never come back
You communicated that you were gone for good
You told me you were lookin for something good
You explained that you were in search of something positive
And you had to find out where it was at
You had to pinpoint and discover where that positive thing was
Well I've heard that you found your answer
I've heard that you found what you were looking for
And your as happy as you can be
You are as content as possible
All the things you've been looking around for baby
Every single thing that you were searching for, my love
You have found them right here with me
Have been located and found in me
Yes it's true I've been thinking about
It is true that I have been contemplating on this matter
And it made me so doggone sad
And it has caused me immense sadness
Somebody told me that they saw you comin
I heard from somebody that you were returning
And it's made me so doggone glad
And that news has brought me immense joy
Welcome home
I welcome you back with open arms
Why'd you leave like that
May I inquire about the reason for your unexpected departure?
It's good to have you back
Your presence is much appreciated and welcomed
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Glenda Ann Womack
on The Look In Your Eyes
I love Frankie Beverly has music i can relate to over and over again
Glenda Ann Womack
on The Morning After
Love this old school music