Maze are a soul / quiet storm band, also known alternately as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and Frankie Beverly and Maze, was established in San Francisco, California in the early 1970s.
The band can be considered as the project formerly known as The Butlers, and later Raw Soul, with member Frankie Beverly being songwriter, record producer, arranger, singer, keyboardist and guitarist.
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. 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 following. They also had success with the 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 US 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 and 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.
The group released their next album, 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 also featured on this album. The latter single also became the band's biggest hit in the UK, where it peaked at number 36 on the charts.
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. 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 .
In 2009, a tribute to the hits of Maze was released. Called Silky Soul Music: An All Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, it included modern stars performing Maze's biggest hits with Maze acting as the backing band.
On September 2, 2011, their percussionist and background singer, McKinley "Bug" Williams, died of an apparent heart attack at a hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Maze continues to tour around the United States as well as Europe to this day. Every year they are the closing act for the Essence Music Festival.
Back In Stride
Maze feat. Frankie Beverly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll tell you something I'm not gonna let it get me down
I been going through some funky changes changes are the same
We like the joy but we can't really stand the pain
I'm just happy to see you and me
Back in stride again
I'm just happy to see you and me
I'm gonna try to keep it coming things ain't always smooth
But I'll be alright as long as I can feel the groove
Some how I know that I can make it you seem to like my style
Well don't you worry I'm gonna be around awhile
I'm just happy to see you and me
Back in stride again
I'm just happy to see you and me
Back in stride again
Tell you what I'm gonna do
I just want to be with you
Gonna give it all I can
Yes I'm back in stride again
There's so much going on it's crazy trouble all around
I tell you something I'm not gonna let it get me down
I been going through some funky changes changes are the same
We like the joy but we can't really stand the pain
I'm just happy to see you and me
Back in stride again
I'm just happy to see you and me
Back in stride again
Tell you what I'm gonna do
I just want to be with you
Gonna give it all I can
Yes I'm back in stride again
Back in stride again
Back in stride again
Back in stride again
Back in stride again
The lyrics in Maze feat. Frankie Beverly's song Back In Stride address the challenges and difficulties that individuals face in their lives. The lyrics highlight that problems and challenges are all around and that these challenges can throw people off their stride. Though difficult times may arise, the song encourages listeners to keep going and try to remain positive. The lyrics suggest that though things may not always be easy, a positive outlook and focus on the joy can help people get through difficult periods. The song also talks about the importance of having someone by your side during difficult times, and the happiness one feels when they have that person supporting them, and how that relationship can help them regain their stride.
In the lyrics, there is a sense of optimism and hope. The lyrics encourage individuals to keep pushing forward and picking themselves back up, even after falling short. The song is about resilience, and the power of determination and perseverance. The lyrics remind us that while things may not always go our way, we can get back on our feet, and find joy and happiness, even in the midst of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
There's so much going on it's crazy trouble all around
There are a lot of difficult things happening which can be overwhelming.
I'll tell you something I'm not gonna let it get me down
Despite the chaos around me, I refuse to become depressed.
I been going through some funky changes changes are the same
I've been experiencing some unexpected changes in my life, but it's nothing new.
We like the joy but we can't really stand the pain
Although we enjoy feeling happy, we find it difficult to cope with difficult times.
I'm just happy to see you and me Back in stride again
I feel joy seeing us overcoming our difficulties and moving forward together.
I'm gonna try to keep it coming things ain't always smooth
I am going to make an effort to keep things moving forward even if they are not always easy.
But I'll be alright as long as I can feel the groove
As long as I can stay positive and in a good rhythm, everything will be okay.
Some how I know that I can make it you seem to like my style
I have a feeling that I can get through this, and I hope that you will support me along the way.
Well don't you worry I'm gonna be around awhile
I will be here for a while and won't disappear, so you don't have to worry.
Tell you what I'm gonna do I just want to be with you
I am committed to being with you and will do what it takes to make our relationship work.
Gonna give it all I can Yes I'm back in stride again
I am going to put in a lot of effort into rebuilding our relationship, and I am feeling good about it.
Back in stride again Back in stride again Back in stride again Back in stride again
We are back on track and moving forward again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FRANKIE BEVERLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mikebrown1052
Lawd, Lawd, Lawdy !!!!!! Real Deal Music. I'm so very happy that I'm a product of this era when people genuinely loved one another and had REAL FUN 🎼👏🏿🎼👏🏿🎼👌🏿👍🏿!!!!!
@oldskoolmusicforever0724
COME ON ROCK AND ROLL VOTERS,PUT THESE MEN IN THE HALL OF FAME ALREADY.THEY DESERVE THAT SO MUCH.
@autolife2785
Makes me think of my family reunions every summer. They've played this and other Maze hits over the years at our picnics!
@KarimBenhamouda-ww1qe
Superbe album 1985 du groupe maze, back in stride, too many games 2 superbes titres
@SeanRankin2
I remember this coming out in the spring of 1985 🥂💯
@kwakuboatenggyapon1842
Gone at the days when we were in high schools,with carrie lucas summer in the street the whispers emergency,dazz band and many more.l play them every weekend on my yamaha 1020 amp.superb come on this generation does't know funk and jazz.
@TheLyounger66
Back in stride again. Who still jamming this in 2019/2020
@mitchsalawine5420
2/27/2020
@desmondmorrison7317
3-25-2020 still listing to this
@nerdsfortheculture
Got to see them live not to long ago!!! Man they still got it!!!!!!! This song sounds so good live!!!!!! Everyone needs to do themselves a favor and see them As soon as outside open back up