The youngest of eleven children, Poncho Sanchez was born in Laredo, the seat of Webb County, Texas. He was reared in Norwalk, California. Growing up, Sanchez was exposed to and influenced by two very different styles of music: Afro-Cuban music (mambo, son, cha-cha, rumba, guaracha, salsa) by greats such as Tito Puente, and bebop jazz, including the works of Charlie Parker. Originally a guitarist, he discovered his talent for singing during an audition for an R&B band that rehearsed across the street from where he lived, becoming the lead vocalist of the group. Sanchez would later go on to teach himself the flute, drums, and timbales before finally deciding to pursue conga-playing in high school.
In 1975, at age 23, Sanchez's idol, vibraphonist Cal Tjader, invited him to perform one set with his band. Seeing the young man's talent, Tjader hired Sanchez for a week before officially making him a full member of the ensemble. Sanchez played a crucial role as conguero for several years until Tjader's death in 1982.
Before he died, Tjader suggested that Concord Records founder Carl Jefferson sign Sanchez and his soon-to-be-formed group under the Concord Picante label. Tjader's wishes were honored, and the first two records were composed and arranged by long-time Tjader collaborator Clare Fischer.
Poncho Sanchez went on to produce 19 albums for the label, eventually garnering a Grammy for his work. Currently, Sanchez is respected as one of the top American percussionists of our time. He performs frequently in venues varying in size from concert halls to local jazz festivals. His 2005 CD, Do It!, features funk icon Tower of Power on two tracks as well as South African funk master Hugh Masakela.
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Poncho Sanchez Lyrics
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James Brown
Ha!
I don't care ha about your past
I just want ho our love to last dee
I don't care darlin' about your faults huh
Oh
When you kiss me
When you mess me
Hold my hand
Make me understand
I break out - in a cold sweat
Ho! Uh! Ho!
I don't care about your wants
I just want to ha! tell ya about the does and don'ts
I don't care about the way you treat me darlin' ha!
I just want huh! to understand me honey
Oh
When you kiss me
And ya miss me
You hold me tight
Make everything all right
I break out - in a cold sweat heh!
Mercy on me
See'mon now
Brother
Put it, put it where it's at now
Aww
Let him have it
Uh!
Awww!
The lyrics of James Brown's "Cold Sweat" are a declaration of love and desire that transcends the past and the faults of the loved one. Brown's signature grunts, with their raw and unrestrained energy, vividly express the intensity of the feelings he's trying to convey. He doesn't care about the history of the relationship or the flaws of his partner; he just wants to be with them and make them happy. The phrase "I break out in a cold sweat" is a simile for the passion and heat he feels when he's with the person he loves.
The song is a plea to be understood and to understand, to connect on a deep emotional level. Brown's vocals are urgent and desperate, reflecting the urgency of his feelings. The horns and drums drive the beat forward, creating a sense of urgency and intensity. The lyrics are simple but effective, conveying a universal message of love and desire that anyone can relate to.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't care ha about your past
Your past is of no concern to me
I just want ho our love to last dee
All I want for our love is that it lasts
I don't care darlin' about your faults huh
Your faults don't matter to me
I just want to satisfy your pulse
My only desire is to make your heart beat with pleasure
When you kiss me
Your kiss has a powerful effect on me
When you mess me
When you touch me, I am left in a state of excitement
Hold my hand
Your touch comforts me
Make me understand
Help me comprehend your feelings
I break out - in a cold sweat
My emotions overwhelm me to the point of perspiration
I don't care about your wants
Your desires are not important to me
I just want to ha! tell ya about the does and don'ts
I just want to educate you on what is right and wrong
I don't care about the way you treat me darlin' ha!
Your treatment of me is unimportant
I just want huh! to understand me honey
I just want you to comprehend my feelings
You hold me tight
Your embrace brings me comfort
Make everything all right
Your presence has the power to make everything okay
Mercy on me
I ask for compassion and kindness from others
See'mon now
Let's go, let's get moving
Brother
A friendly way of addressing someone
Put it, put it where it's at now
Bring it, put it where it belongs
Let him have it
Give it to him, allow him to take control
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALFRED JAMES ELLIS, JAMES BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind