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.
Too Many Games
Maze feat. Frankie Beverly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On each others nerves
They can really really be so mean
Playing around with words
Wanna know why do we do it
Why we choose to break each others hearts
Why when it keeps us far apart
For the sake of pride
It don't matter who might get hurt
As long as your satisfied
We ought to be right to each other
Ooh you know the things I'm speakin' of
Why do we mess around with love
To many games that people play
To many games that people play
Far to many games that people play
To many games that people play
To many people they get hung up
On those he say she say games
We don't care who might get hurt
And you know that's just insane
We've got to stop look listen
At the way we treat each other so unkind
Why when it's just a waste of time
To many games that people play
To many games that people play
Far to many games that people play
To many games that people play
You know what I'm talkin' bout
There can really be no doubt
I hope that you and I can work it out
Stop these silly games that people play
To many games that people play
To many games that people play
The lyrics of Maze feat. Frankie Beverly's song "Too Many Games" is a reflection of the frustrations caused by games people play in relationships. The song talks about lovers who get on each other's nerves and play around with words, being unkind to each other. The lyricist ponders over why people break each other's hearts and choose to play games with love when it only keeps them far apart.
The song speaks about how people get hung up on he-say, she-say games and engage in acts that hurt others, which is just insane. The artists urge people to stop playing games and start treating each other with kindness, love, and respect. The lyrics underscore the importance of communication and understanding between lovers and how silly games can ruin even the strongest of relationships.
Overall, the lyrics of "Too Many Games" by Maze feat. Frankie Beverly is a heartfelt message to everyone to stop playing games and start treating each other with love and respect to build strong and meaningful relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Lover's they sometimes get
Lovebirds can get frustrated with one another
On each others nerves
To the point where they irritate one another
They can really really be so mean
Their interactions can be cruel
Playing around with words
Using language to toy with each other's emotions
Wanna know why do we do it
Wondering why they engage in such behavior
Why we choose to break each others hearts
Questioning the decision to hurt each other emotionally
Why when it keeps us far apart
Given the distance it creates between them
Ain't it funny the things we do
It's somewhat comical the way in which we act
For the sake of pride
To preserve one's ego
It don't matter who might get hurt
Regardless of who may be affected negatively
As long as your satisfied
As long as one person benefits
We ought to be right to each other
Both parties should treat each other well
Ooh you know the things I'm speakin' of
You understand the concept I'm addressing
Why do we mess around with love
The question of why they play games in relationships
To many games that people play
People engage in games too often
To many people they get hung up
Many are fixated on
On those he say she say games
Tattle-telling and spreading rumors
We don't care who might get hurt
The players in these games are indifferent to their consequences
And you know that's just insane
This behavior is ridiculous
We've got to stop look listen
One must reconsider their actions
At the way we treat each other so unkind
Reflecting on the mistreatment of each other
Why when it's just a waste of time
Questioning why these games are played when there's no benefit
You know what I'm talkin' bout
You understand the message I'm conveying
There can really be no doubt
This message is undoubtedly true
I hope that you and I can work it out
Hoping to resolve any issues
Stop these silly games that people play
Putting an end to these foolish games
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Cloud9
Written by: FRANKIE BEVERLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
amd77j
This is part of my driving music for long trips. Can never do wrong with Maze.....
Sonya Prescott
Truth so what do you think of the song
Norman Mason
Hellllloooo
L B
#ThatsTheTruth
Oretha Sudds
One of my favorite songs by Frankie I so enjoyed their concert my man took me to in the 80's🥰👐
MSZLEO87
I will always love Frankie Beverly's music . Maze music is so heart felt it brought me through some tough times. The eighties,growing up experiencing love's joy and pain.Frankie's music taught me how to love myself and how a real man feels about that word called LOVE.peace
Pat Caruthers Caruthers
Too many games....know what he's talking about. Go Frankie& Maze!!!!
Liz8 cr Travis
This is one of his best songs! The band rocks. These are the BEST MUSICIANS. There onstage performance is electrifying. Their energy is amazing; they sing, play and have fun...no, they truly love what they do.
Sonya Prescott
Sometimes i do I live to be a choice
Neckbones
In the backseat rollin for a trip down south wonderin why my parents keep listenin to this dude Frankie...now im goin through my maze in life I preciate those times