Lewis began taking piano lessons at the age of four. As a young man, Lewis played with a number of local ensembles, such as Edward Virgil Abner's Knights of Music. Lewis would eventually join a jazz group called The Clefs.
He formed The Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1956 with Eldee Young and Isaac Holt. They started as primarily a jazz unit but after their hit, "The In Crowd", in 1965 (the single reached fifth place on the pop charts, and the album second place) the trio concentrated more and more on pop material. Young and Holt left in 1966 to form the Young-Holt Trio and were replaced by Cleveland Eaton and Maurice White. White was replaced by Maurice Jennings in 1970. In the late 1970s an additional keyboard player was frequently added to the lineup. A contemporary version of "The In Crowd" was recorded for Lewis' 2004 album, Time Flies.
His 2005 album "With One Voice" pays homage to his gospel roots with the help Smokie Norful, Darius Brooks, and Donald Lawrence and the J.W. James Memorial A.M.E. Church Combined Choir.
In addition to recording and performing, he was a radio host on Chicago's Smooth Jazz station, WNUA (95.5 FM). His syndicated show Legends of Jazz, featuring classic jazz recordings from artists such as Charlie Parker and Miles Davis), could be heard in 60 cities in the United States and other countries as well. His Legends of Jazz television series on PBS, was first aired in April 2006.
From December 2006, the Ramsey Lewis Morning Show became a part of Broadcast Architecture's Smooth Jazz Network, simulcasting on other Smooth Jazz stations across the country for the first time.
Lewis was artistic director of Jazz at Ravinia (an annual feature at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, Illinois) and helped organize Ravinia's Jazz Mentor Program.
two of us
Ramsey Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And never spend time finding where their heart belongs
Some prefer to love and leave not wanting to reveal
A feeling deep inside, a love that could be real
For some this is okay but I can't sleep one night
Without your precious love around me
And never letting go of what we're dreaming
Yes, the two of us together forever in love
Many say that love's a silly game
But when I'm playing love with you it never ends
And when I'm feeling all my days aren't going right
You shine your light of love and brighten all my nights
And that's why I love you 'cause I can't sleep one night
Without your precious love around me
Yes, the two of us keeping faith in love
And never letting go of what we're dreaming
Yes, the two of us together forever
Yes, the two of us keeping faith in love
And never letting go of what we're dreaming
Yes, the two of us together forever
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
Yes, the two of us keeping faith in love
And never letting go of what we're dreaming
Yes, the two of us together forever
I'm glad we have the right to choose
(Win or lose)
I'll take the blame for my mistakes
I'm never letting go of what we're dreaming
The time has come
(Time has come)
For us to share our love
Ooh, ooh, ooh
The song "Two of Us" by Ramsey Lewis explores the concept of love and the different ways people perceive and approach it. The opening lines reflect on how some individuals prefer independence and believe they do not need anyone to make them happy. However, the vocalist contradicts this by revealing that he cannot sleep without the love of his partner. He expresses an understanding that while some people may be able to function without love or prioritize their own needs, he needs companionship and his partner's love to thrive.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of keeping faith in love and never letting go of one's dreams. The vocalist seems to suggest that by sticking together, the couple can overcome any obstacles and remain in love forever. The second verse builds upon this idea and reflects on how many people doubt the existence and power of true love. However, the vocalist describes love with his partner as an endless game that is always ongoing and never ends.
In conclusion, "Two of Us" is a romantic song that celebrates the beauty and vitality of love. The lyrics reflect the belief that love is something special that must not be taken for granted but cherished and nurtured. The vocalist emphasizes the importance of sticking together, keeping faith, and never giving up on the love that they have built.
Line by Line Meaning
Some would rather go it all alone
There are people who prefer to be alone and not share their lives with anyone else.
And never spend time finding where their heart belongs
They don't care about discovering their true feelings and desires.
Some prefer to love and leave not wanting to reveal
There are people who prefer to have short-term relationships and not show their true emotions.
A feeling deep inside, a love that could be real
They might have strong feelings for someone but are unable to express them.
For some this is okay but I can't sleep one night
While this lifestyle might work for some, the singer cannot imagine living this way.
Without your precious love around me
He needs his lover's love to feel complete and secure.
Yes, the two of us keeping faith in love
The singer and his lover share a belief in love and the value of their relationship.
And never letting go of what we're dreaming
They are committed to their shared aspirations and won't give up on them.
Yes, the two of us together forever in love
Their love will endure and they will stay together.
Many say that love's a silly game
Some people believe that love is trivial and not worth pursuing.
But when I'm playing love with you it never ends
The singer's love for his partner is endless and will not fade away like some people think it will.
And when I'm feeling all my days aren't going right
During difficult times, the singer turns to his lover for support.
You shine your light of love and brighten all my nights
His lover's love gives him strength and happiness in the darkest of times.
And that's why I love you 'cause I can't sleep one night
The singer loves his partner so much that he cannot bear to be without them for even one night.
Yes, the two of us keeping faith in love
Their faith in love is what keeps their relationship strong.
And never letting go of what we're dreaming
Their shared dreams and aspirations are what keep them moving forward as a couple.
I'm glad we have the right to choose
The singer is grateful that they have the freedom to choose how to live and who to love.
(Win or lose)
No matter the outcome, they will remain committed to each other.
I'll take the blame for my mistakes
The singer is willing to take responsibility for his actions and the consequences that come with them.
I'm never letting go of what we're dreaming
Their shared dreams and aspirations are too important to let go, no matter what happens.
The time has come
It's time for them to take the next step in their relationship.
(Time has come)
The time is now and they can't wait any longer.
For us to share our love
It's time for them to express their love for each other openly and fully.
Ooh, ooh, ooh
The singer is overcome with emotion and excitement at the prospect of sharing his love with his partner.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICHARD DAVIES, ROGER HODGSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind