Mtume also teamed with another ex-jazz musician, Reggie Lucas, who had also been in Davis' 70s band. They produced and/or wrote for such artists as Stephanie Mills, Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway, Phyllis Hyman, Gary Bartz, Sadane, Lou Rawls, Rena Scott, and Eddie Henderson in the late 70s. The duo worked on the LP In Search of the Rainbow Seekers for Epic in 1980. Mtume worked on his own as a producer with several artists, among them Levert, Tyrone Brunson, Roy Ayers, Henderson, Tease, and Sue Ann. Mtume was also a music producer for the hit TV series New York Undercover.
The Mtume band included the sassy, sultry vocalist Tawatha Agee, keyboardist Phil Field, and bassist Ray Jackson. They had a number one R&B hit with Juicy Fruit for Epic in 1983 and a number two single in 1984 with You, Me and He They recorded for Epic until the late 80s. Their final Top Ten hit was "Breathless" in 1986.
Tawatha Agee went solo in 1987. Phil Field continued to produce and write for many artists including Gwen Guthrie, Tawatha Agee, Tyrone Brunson, the Bar-Kays, Charles Earland and many others. He co-wrote and co-produced on Roy Ayers' album You Might Be Surprised. He co-wrote How Many Ways from Toni Braxton's debut album and co-wrote on Dee Jackson Field's debut EP.
Jucy Fruit
Mtume Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
your my sugar thang my chocolate star
I've had a few but not that many
but you're the only one that gives me good and plenty
Juicy Fruit---juicy
Candy rain coming down
and spread you all around
here I am oh this loves for you
hey baby swee as morning dew
close my eyes oh what fantasy
and yur right here with me
Juicy
Cherry blossom kiss
is what you givin'
makes my body rock
keeps me sizzlin'
do what you will
I don't care
I'll be your lollipop
you can lick me everywhere
Juicy Fruit---your so (juicy) Juicy
juicy fruit---juicy
Here I am this loves for you
hey baby your sweet as honey dew
close my eyes oh what fantasy
and your right here with me
Juicy---Juicy Fruit (repeat until end)
The lyrics to Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" are essentially an ode to a lover; a woman who the singer finds irresistible and satisfying, like candy. The first verse establishes that the singer knows their lover very well and considers them to be special, calling them their "sugar thang" and "chocolate star." The second verse uses food imagery to further emphasize the sensual nature of the relationship, with "candy rain coming down" and the lover's kiss described as a "cherry blossom kiss" that "makes my body rock." The final verse repeats the lover's sweetness and the singer's fantasies of being with them.
The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, simply uses the metaphor of "juicy fruit" to describe the lover: "juicy fruit--juicy," expressing the idea that the lover is irresistible and delicious. Overall, the lyrics are straightforward in their affection and desire, using sweet and candy-like language to emphasize the satisfying nature of the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
you know very well what you are
You are aware of your own worth and value.
your my sugar thang my chocolate star
You are the sweetest and most valuable thing in my life.
I've had a few but not that many
I've had experiences with others, but not a lot of them.
but you're the only one that gives me good and plenty
But you are the only one who satisfies me completely.
Candy rain coming down
Love and affection raining down.
taste in my mind
The pleasure of your company is always in my thoughts.
and spread you all around
And share this happiness with those around us.
here I am oh this loves for you
I am here for you, my love.
hey baby swee as morning dew
Hey baby, you are as sweet and refreshing as the morning dew.
close my eyes oh what fantasy
Just closing my eyes, imagining a wonderful dream.
and yur right here with me
And you are right here, with me.
Cherry blossom kiss is what you givin
Your kiss is like the gentle touch of cherry blossoms.
makes my body rock keeps me sizzlin'
It excites me and makes me feel alive.
do what you will I don't care
I don't mind what you do, as long as I am with you.
I'll be your lollipop you can lick me everywhere
I will be your sweet candy, you can savor me anywhere.
Here I am this loves for you
I am here, and I love you.
hey baby your sweet as honey dew
Hey baby, you are as sweet as honey dew.
close my eyes oh what fantasy
Just closing my eyes, imagining a wonderful dream.
and your right here with me
And you are right here, with me.
Juicy---Juicy Fruit (repeat until end)
The song repeats to emphasize the joy and pleasure of being with the person they love.
Contributed by Ryan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@cj-s90
I used to listen to this when I was 63, and now I'm 17. This will forever be a classic 💚💜💜
@blossom1664
😂😂😂 to funny ikr
@D33Lux
All these musician's from the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's don't realize what contribution to human history they were involved in. All of this golden era of music will be remembered for millennia.
@petervenswayne3441
Indeed they didn't know that they creating immortality.
@sandalkid2351
💯
@marvknowsbest1427
I'm 33 and I cant see this music being remembered for millennia, kids these days are to stubborn and backwards, its up 2 us to show our kids whats up👍🏿💙
@scenarioblaq9681
D33Lux yes always
@richardfruge3275
I agree fully.
@lar1128
RIP JAMES MTUME Your music will never be forgotten.
@keithdavis9633
Philly will miss u