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.
Juicy Fruit
Mtume Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What you are
You're my sugar thing
My chocolate star
I've had a few
But not that many
But you're the only love
That gives me good and plenty
Juicy fruit (juicy)
Juicy (yeah)
Juicy fruit
Juicy
Candy rain
Comin' down
Taste you in my mind
And spread you all around
Here I am
oh, this love's for you
Hey, baby
Sweet as honey dew
Close my eyes
oh, what fantasy
And you're right here with me
Juicy
Cherry blossom kiss
What you're givin'
Makes my body rock
Keeps me sizzlin'
Do what you want
I don't care
I'll be your lollipop
You can lick me everywhere
Juicy fruit (you're so)
Juicy (juicy)
Juicy fruit (yeah)
Juicy
Here I am
This love's for you
Hey, baby
You're sweet as honey dew
Close my eyes
oh, what fantasy
And you're here, you're right here with me
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Juicy (Yes you are, baby)
Juicy fruit
Juicy
Woohooo
(In the morning)
Juicy fruit (oh baby)
Juicy (I like it, I like it)
Juicy fruit (in the morning, oh, babe)
Juicy (oh)
Juicy fruit (candy rain comin' down)
Juicy (turns me all around)
Juicy fruit (I like it, I like it)
Juicy
Juicy fruit
Juicy
Juicy fruit
In Mtume's "Juicy Fruit," the singer describes his significant other as his "sugar thing" and "chocolate star." Though he has had a few relationships, this one is the only one that "gives me good and plenty." The repetition of "juicy fruit" throughout the song is both a reference to the lover's allure and a play on words, as the singer is likely comparing their partner's sweet and juicy nature to actual fruit. The singer then goes on to describe how they can taste their lover and spread their essence around them like candy rain. The physical relationship between the singer and the lover is also discussed, with euphemisms including "cherry blossom kiss" and describing their partner's actions as making their body "rock" and "sizzle." The singer is ultimately willing to do what it takes to make their lover happy, even describing themselves as a lollipop ready to be licked.
One interpretation of the lyrics of "Juicy Fruit" is that they are a reflection of the carefree nature of the funk and R&B music of the 1980s. The song's lighthearted and playful tone evokes a sense of relaxed sensuality, with lyrics that lean heavily on suggestive imagery and wordplay. The lyrics also make reference to candy and sweets, hinting at the indulgence and pleasure-seeking characteristic of the time.
Another interpretation of "Juicy Fruit" is that it speaks to the idea of cherishing one's romantic relationships. The singer in the song is in love with their partner and willing to do anything to please them. The lyrics suggest that the couple is very sexually compatible and that their relationship is characterized by a strong physical connection, but there is also a clear affection and devotion evident.
Line by Line Meaning
You know very well
You are fully aware
What you are
Of your identity
You're my sugar thing
You are my favorite
My chocolate star
The one I admire
I've had a few
I've experienced some love
But not that many
But not too often
But you're the only love
But you are the one
That gives me good and plenty
That satisfies me completely
Juicy fruit (juicy)
You are tasty
Juicy (yeah)
Delicious
Juicy fruit
You're sweet and succulent
Juicy
Juicy
Candy rain
Pleasures of love
Comin' down
Descending upon me
Taste you in my mind
Thinking of you fondly
And spread you all around
And sharing my love for you
Here I am
I am present
oh, this love's for you
This affection is for you
Hey, baby
Hello, my love
Sweet as honey dew
As sweet as it gets
Close my eyes
I shut my eyes
oh, what fantasy
What a great dream
And you're right here with me
And you are here, by my side
Juicy
Juicy
Cherry blossom kiss
A gentle, sweet kiss
What you're givin'
What you are providing
Makes my body rock
Is thrilling me
Keeps me sizzlin'
Is keeping me excited
Do what you want
Do as you please
I don't care
I am indifferent
I'll be your lollipop
I'll be your treat
You can lick me everywhere
You may enjoy me completely
Juicy fruit (you're so)
You are incredibly delicious
Juicy (juicy)
Juicy and tasty
Juicy fruit (yeah)
Tasty and succulent
Juicy
Juicy
Here I am
I am present
This love's for you
This affection is for you
Hey, baby
Hello, my love
You're sweet as honey dew
As sweet as it gets
Close my eyes
I shut my eyes
oh, what fantasy
What a great dream
And you're here, you're right here with me
And you are here, by my side
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yes, yes, yes, yes
Juicy (Yes you are, baby)
Delicious, indeed
Juicy fruit
You're sweet and succulent
Juicy
Juicy
Woohooo
Yeah!
Juicy fruit (oh baby)
Tasty and delicious
Juicy (I like it, I like it)
I enjoy it
Juicy fruit (in the morning, oh, babe)
Sweet and succulent in the morning
Juicy (oh)
Juicy
Juicy fruit (candy rain comin' down)
Pleasures of love are upon me
Juicy (turns me all around)
Making me dizzy with pleasure
Juicy fruit (I like it, I like it)
Tasty and sweet
Juicy
Juicy
Juicy fruit
You're sweet and succulent
Juicy
Juicy
Lyrics © MTUME MUSIC PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Mtume
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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