1) Paul Hamilton Wil… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists named Paul Williams;
1) Paul Hamilton Williams Jr. (born September 19, 1940) is an American composer, singer, songwriter and actor. He is known for writing popular songs performed by a number of acts in the 1970s, including Three Dog Night's "An Old Fashioned Love Song" and "Out in the Country," Helen Reddy's "You and Me Against the World," David Bowie's "Fill Your Heart" and the Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays."
Williams is also known for his musical contributions to films, including the Academy Award-nominated song "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie, and penning the lyrics to the #1 chart-topping song "Evergreen," the love theme from the Barbra Streisand vehicle A Star Is Born, for which he won a Grammy for Song of the Year and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He wrote the lyrics to the opening theme for the television show The Love Boat, with music previously composed by Charles Fox, which was originally sung by Jack Jones and, later, by Dionne Warwick.
Williams had a variety of high-profile acting roles, such as "Little Enos Burdette" in the action-comedy Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and the villainous Swan in Brian De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise (1974), which Williams also co-scored, receiving an Oscar nomination in the process.
Williams was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Paul Hamilton Williams, an architectural engineer, and his wife, Bertha Mae (née Burnside), a homemaker.
His father died in a car accident in 1953, when Williams was 13 years old, after which Williams grew up living with his aunt. As a result, Williams moved to Long Beach, California with his family and attended Woodrow Wilson Classical High School.
One of his brothers was John J. Williams, a NASA rocket scientist, who participated in the Mercury and Apollo programs and was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, their highest honor, in 1969. His other brother was Mentor Williams, a songwriter as well who penned Dobie Gray's 1973 hit "Drift Away".
2) Paul Williams (born August 7, 1992 in Nelson, New Zealand) is a musician, singer, rapper and comedian. He has released three albums - Songs About Girls, Jungle River Adventures, and Surf Music. His music videos often feature other members of the New Zealand comedy scene, include Chris Parker, Rose Matafeo and Brynley Stent. Outside of his music, Paul is best known for being the Taskmaster's Assistant in Taskmaster NZ. His musical influences include Kanye West, The Strokes, Drake, Animal Collective, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi, and MGMT.
3) Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams (July 13, 1915 – September 14, 2002) was an American rhythm and blues bandleader, songwriter and saxophonist. He composed "The Hucklebuck", a twelve-bar blues that also spawned the dance craze of the same name.
4) Paul Williams is a British guitarist and Gospel artist.
5) Paul Williams is a Canadian electronic artist.
Number One
Paul Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And in every film I cry
And I might not be the sharpest crayon
But that's cause I′m your favourite
And my jokes are pretty dry
And sometimes I'm a mess
But if you wash then I can dry
But I promise that I'll try
I promise that I′ll try
I could be your number one
I could be your Anthony Bennett
I′ll be your Anthony Bennett
I ain't no one and done
I could be your Anthony Bennett
I′ll be your Anthony Bennett
And if you call my number
I can run in like them Rebels up in UNLV
I know my roof is higher than an old cathedral spire
I say cutting through the trees, yeah
And I know this Rudy Gobert is be wanting to know ya
You can pick the older D
You'll do fine girl, you′ll do fine girl, yeah
I ain't perfect but I′m worth it and I'm willing to show ya
Throw the dice and roll with me
And in time you might find yourself glad that you're mine
Girl, sometimes that I have to pretend that I′m floored a bit
I might make a mistake if I′m bored of it
Now I know, all I need is that floor I see
And Florida Keys
I could be your number one
I could be your Anthony Bennett
I'll be your Anthony Bennett
I ain′t no one and done
I could be your Anthony Bennett
I'll be your Anthony Bennett
And if you call my number
I can run in like them Rebels up in UNLV
I know my roof is higher than an old cathedral spire
I say cutting through the trees, yeah
I wrote this song straight after the draft
I wrote this song straight after the draft
In 2013, it was after the draft
I wrote this song straight after the draft
I wrote this song straight after the draft
I wrote this song straight after the draft
In 2013, it was after the draft
I wrote this song straight after the draft
And please don′t do me like they did Nerlens Noel
With a close up on my frown
With a close up on my frown
Cause in your inbox girl
My name keeps sliding down
And I don't know why cause there ain′t no guy
That can match me pound for pound
I could be your number one
I could be your Anthony Bennett
I'll be your Anthony Bennett
I ain't no one and done
I could be your Anthony Bennett
I′ll be your Anthony Bennett
And if you call my number
I can run in like them Rebels up in UNLV
I know my roof is higher than an old cathedral spire
I say cutting through the trees, yeah
The lyrics to Paul Williams's song "Number One" convey a sense of self-awareness and insecurity, with the singer acknowledging their flaws and imperfections. The opening lines emphasize a lack of punctuality and emotional vulnerability, as the singer admits to crying in every film. They also mention not being the smartest crayon, indicating a perceived intellectual limitation. However, the singer believes they are the favorite of someone, as evidenced by the line, "But that's cause I'm your favorite." They acknowledge that their jokes may not be the funniest but still expressive of their dry sense of humor.
The following lines continue to explore the singer's self-perception, admitting to being a mess but expressing a desire for someone to support and rely on them. The line "And if you wash then I can dry" suggests a sense of partnership, indicating that the singer has their own role to play in the relationship. The singer acknowledges not being the best but assures their willingness to try and improve.
The song then takes a sports analogy, comparing themselves to basketball player Anthony Bennett. By identifying with Bennett, who faced criticism and never lived up to expectations, the singer shows a willingness to embrace their own imperfections. Additionally, the mention of UNLV Rebels suggests a sense of determination and potential for growth. They then compare themselves to Rudy Gobert, another basketball player, implying that they have qualities that make them appealing to others.
The lyrics also allude to a specific time period, namely the year 2013 and the NBA draft. This context may suggest a personal connection or significance for the songwriter. The mention of Nerlens Noel, another basketball player, serves as a warning against being treated negatively or underestimated. The line "Cause in your inbox, girl, my name keeps sliding down" suggests a desire for attention and recognition from someone specific.
Overall, the song portrays a self-aware individual who acknowledges their flaws while expressing a desire to be valuable and cherished by someone. Despite their imperfections, they believe they can be someone's number one and are willing to put in effort and improve. The sports references and allusions to personal experiences give the lyrics a specific context and emphasize the singer's determination and potential for growth.
Line by Line Meaning
And I'll never be on time
I am often late and struggle with punctuality
And in every film I cry
I am emotional and often find myself shedding tears while watching movies
And I might not be the sharpest crayon
I may not be the most intelligent or quick-witted person
But that's 'cause I'm your favourite
But you love me regardless of my flaws because I hold a special place in your heart
And my jokes are pretty dry
I have a tendency to tell jokes that lack humor or wit
And sometimes I'm a mess
There are moments when I am disorganized or chaotic
But if you wash then I can dry
However, if you take care of certain tasks, I can assist and contribute in my own way
And I might not be the best
I may not excel or be the most skilled in certain areas
But I promise that I'll try
Nevertheless, I assure you that I will put in effort and strive to improve
I could be your number one
I have the potential to be your most important or cherished person
I could be your Anthony Bennett
Just like Anthony Bennett, a basketball player who faced challenges, I can overcome difficulties and be valuable to you
I ain't no one and done
I am not someone who quits or gives up easily
And if you call my number
If you reach out to me or seek my assistance
I can run in like them Rebels up in UNLV
I will come to your aid swiftly and enthusiastically, similar to the basketball team Rebels from UNLV
I know my roof is higher than an old cathedral spire
I am aware that I have great potential and aspirations
I say cutting through the trees, yeah
I am determined and focused on achieving my goals, no matter the obstacles
And I know this Rudy Gobert is be wanting to know ya
I am aware that there are others who desire to be acquainted with you, just like basketball player Rudy Gobert
You can pick the older D
You have the choice to choose someone older or more experienced
You'll do fine girl, you'll do fine girl, yeah
Regardless of who you choose, I believe you will be successful and happy
I ain't perfect but I'm worth it and I'm willing to show ya
I acknowledge my imperfections, but I believe I have value and I am willing to prove it to you
Throw the dice and roll with me
Take a chance and embark on a journey with me
And in time you might find yourself glad that you're mine
Over time, you may come to realize the joy and contentment of being with me
Girl, sometimes that I have to pretend that I'm floored a bit
Sometimes I have to pretend to be astonished or amazed
I might make a mistake if I'm bored of it
I might unintentionally make an error if I'm no longer interested or engaged
Now I know, all I need is that floor I see
Now I understand that all I require is the stability and foundation that I perceive
And Florida Keys
And the captivating beauty of the Florida Keys
I wrote this song straight after the draft
I composed this song immediately after a significant event or life change
In 2013, it was after the draft
Specifically in 2013, right after a particular selection process or event
And please don't do me like they did Nerlens Noel
I hope you won't treat me in the same negative manner as Nerlens Noel, a basketball player who faced disappointments
With a close up on my frown
By emphasizing or zooming in on my expression of unhappiness or displeasure
Cause in your inbox girl, my name keeps sliding down
Because in your messages or attention, I seem to become less important or easily overlooked
And I don't know why cause there ain't no guy
And I'm unsure of the reason because there is no other person
That can match me pound for pound
Who can equal or rival me in terms of qualities or capabilities
Writer(s): Pharrell Williams, Kanye West
Contributed by Christopher T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.