Michael Franks (born 18 September 1944 in La Jolla, California, USA) is a s… Read Full Bio ↴Michael Franks (born 18 September 1944 in La Jolla, California, USA) is a smooth jazz singer and songwriter from the United States. He has recorded with a variety of well-known artists, such as Patti Austin, Brenda Russell, Art Garfunkel, and David Sanborn. His songs have been recorded by The Manhattan Transfer, Patti Labelle, Carmen McRae, Diana Krall, Shirley Bassey and the Carpenters.

Franks grew up in southern California with his father Gerald, his mother Betty and younger sister Christine who is the mother of Connor Sullivan (The lead singer of The Royal Nonesuch). Although no one in his family played music, his parents loved swing music and his early influences included Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Johnny Mercer. At age 14 Franks bought his first guitar, a Japanese Marco Polo for $29.95 with six private lessons included - the only music education that he received.

At University High in Irvine, Franks discovered the poetry of Theodore Roethke with his off-rhymes and hidden meter. In high school, he began singing folk-rock, accompanying himself on guitar. Studying English at UCLA Michael discovered Dave Brubeck, Patti Page, Stan Getz, João Gilberto, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Miles Davis. He never studied music in college or later, but earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA in comparative literature in 1966 and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1968. He had a teaching assistantship in a Ph.D. program in American literature at the University of Montreal before returning to teach part-time at UCLA.

During this time Franks started writing songs, starting with the antiwar musical Anthems in E-flat starring Mark Hamill. He also composed music for the films Count Your Bullets, Cockfighter, and Zandy's Bride, starring Liv Ullmann and Gene Hackman. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee recorded three of his songs, including "White Boy Lost in the Blues" on their album Sonny & Brownie. Franks played guitar, banjo and mandolin on the album and joined them in touring. In 1973, he recorded an eponymous album, later reissued as Previously Unavailable, which included the minor hit "Can't Seem to Shake This Rock 'n Roll".

In 1975 Franks released his second album The Art of Tea, beginning a long relationship with Warner Brothers Music. The Art of Tea featured Joe Sample, Larry Carlton and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders and included the hit song "Popsicle Toes". His third album, Sleeping Gypsy (1977), which includes the song "The Lady Wants to Know", was partially recorded in Brazil. Around this time, percussionist Ray Armando gave Franks a cabasa, which became a signature instrument for him to play on stage when he was not playing guitar. Burchfield Nines (1978), which includes the song "When the Cookie Jar Is Empty", reflects his move to New York City and features more of an East Coast sound. Since then, Franks has recorded more than 15 albums.

His best known works include "When I Give My Love to You", "Popsicle Toes", "Monkey See, Monkey Do", "Tiger in the Rain", "Rainy Night in Tokyo", and "Tell Me All About It". His biggest hit came in 1983 with "When Sly Calls (Don't Touch That Phone)" from the album Passionfruit. Radio hits include "Your Secret's Safe With Me" from 1985's Skin Dive, and "Island Life" from 1987s The Camera Never Lies.

Barefoot On The Beach
Michael Franks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Barefoot on the beach
Warmed by the subtropic sun
Easily seduced - I'm in
Safely out of reach
From faxes and the telephone
I get happy when
A dolphin joins me for a swim

My Captiva Island hideaway
Isn't complete
Not without you - what about you?
You could jump a DC-8 and
Probably be here by eight
My Captiva Island bungalow's
Perfect for two
No attire is required -
Just a toothbrush, dear,
'Cause here we don't wear much

Barefoot on the beach
The Gulf invites me to get wet
Is it green or blue? I'm in
Perfect as a peach
Please send yourself to me by jet

Make me happy when
Your flight arrives and we dive in

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael Franks's song Barefoot On The Beach describe a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The singer is enjoying the simple pleasures of being on a sunny beach, free from the distractions of modern technology. The soothing environment is made even better when a dolphin joins the singer for a swim. The lyrics suggest that the singer is content in this serene setting, but also acknowledges that something is missing. The singer invites a loved one to join them at their beachfront hideaway, suggesting that the experience would be even better with someone to share it with. The chorus repeats the phrase "barefoot on the beach" as if to emphasize the carefree and relaxed atmosphere the singer is enjoying.

The song's lyrics also touch on the sense of freedom that comes with being at the beach. With no required attire besides a toothbrush, the singer suggests that visitors can be completely uninhibited, free to enjoy the sand, sea and sun without any barriers. With an invitation to join the singer in this liberating atmosphere, the lyrics reflect the desire to share this experience with someone special.

In terms of musical style, Michael Franks's Barefoot On The Beach is a breezy, smooth jazz tune that is pleasing to the ear. Franks's soft and soothing voice is complemented by the gentle instrumentation, which evokes the swaying of palm trees and the sound of waves lapping at the shore.

Line by Line Meaning

Barefoot on the beach
I'm enjoying the sensation of the sand between my toes and the freedom it represents

Warmed by the subtropic sun
The sun is making me feel comfortable and relaxed

Easily seduced - I'm in
I'm easily drawn in by this atmosphere of relaxation and beauty

Safely out of reach
I'm far from the stresses of work and daily life

From faxes and the telephone
I'm disconnected from the obligations of business and modern communication

I get happy when
I feel a sense of joy and contentment when

A dolphin joins me for a swim
I have a magical and unique swimming partner

My Captiva Island hideaway
The place where I'm currently staying

Isn't complete
It feels like there's something missing

Not without you - what about you?
I need you to make everything perfect

You could jump a DC-8 and
It's possible for you to get here quickly