After dropping out of high school and joining the US Naval Reserve, he eventually went AWOL to concentrate on music. He fled to Canada in 1964 and started using the name Ricky Matthews. In Toronto, he led various incarnations of The Mynah Birds, some of which included Neil Young and Bruce Palmer (who would go on to form Buffalo Springfield) and Nick St. Nicholas (later of Steppenwolf). After scoring a deal with Motown, the band was swindled by their manager and the label discovered James was on the lam, and the band split up.
After serving time for desertion, James tried to rekindle the Mynah Birds, but eventually found a role as a writer and producer at Motown, using the name Terry Johnson on tunes for Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers and The Spinners. He moved to California in 1969 and formed Salt 'n' Pepper (not to be confused with Salt-N-Pepa) and worked with a number of bands (Heaven and Earth, Great White Cane, and Stone City Band) before returning to Motown, where he developed the gritty funk sound that would bring him hits and notoriety. "Super Freak" in 1981, from the Street Songs album, was his biggest hit. During this period, he also helped launch the careers of R&B singer Teena Marie and the Mary Jane Girls as well as producing Eddie Murphy's hit, Party All the Time.
After remaining moderately successful through the 80s, his popularity waned in the 90s and he succumbed to drugs, having frequent run-ins with the law, one of which resulted in a prison term. After an unsuccessful comeback attempt in 1997 and suffering a stroke, James retired. He died in 2004 from heart failure with multiple contributing factors.
Taste
Rick James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My life's an open secret
It's in the songs I write
It's in the way I sing
It's how I feel
Let me break this down for you
See if you can really understand me
Born a beast, set out for feast at early age when I was young
Mary Jane - my claim to fame was all about me having fun
And smoking in the sun
Money in my pockets while the woman came, and they'd go
Seven cars in my backyard 'cause that's the way I loved to roll
Curse the day I started to play on something that would break my fall
Just getting high, that's all...
Looking for a taste of love
Just a sweet taste of love
Just a taste of love
That could be so nice, be so nice
On the street I happened to meet a dame I thought was really fine
Took her home up to my crib and that's the time she blew my mind
Everything was cool until the day Five-O knocked on the door
They made me hit the floor
Tried me for abuse and all these other lies were in the press
All they wanted was for me to cop a plea and just confess
Years when I was down, I proved that I not only passed the test
But God was on my side... looking for a taste of love
Just a taste of love, just a sweet taste of love
Just a taste of love, looking for a taste of love
Just a taste of love
That would be so nice, be so nice
Just a taste of love, just a sweet taste of love
Just a taste of love, just a sweet taste of love
Just a taste of love, looking for a taste of love
That would be so nice, be so nice
Had it all, baby, done it all, seen it all, I still see
It's all about love
And God is love, baby
Have him in your life
The lyrics of Rick James's song Taste are autobiographical in nature, as the musician addresses the audience directly and reveals glimpses of his personal history. He starts by warning against probing into his life since it's an "open secret" that's evident in his songwriting and singing style. James then goes on to give a brief account of his upbringing and early years, which were characterized by a love of pleasure-seeking, especially through drug use. He had "money in [his] pockets" and "seven cars in [his] backyard," but this extravagant lifestyle would ultimately lead him into trouble.
James recounts being "tried for abuse" after the police accused him of a crime, which he maintains he didn't commit. The media sensationalized the case, but James refused to confess and eventually proved his innocence. Despite this trying time, James indicates that he was sustained by the power of love, which he equates with his belief in God. The chorus of the song expresses James's desire for "a taste of love," which would be "so nice."
In the song Taste, Rick James provides a snapshot of his life while also expressing his longing for genuine connection and affection. The lyrics are forthright and unapologetic, giving the listener a glimpse into the mind of a musician who was as rebellious as he was talented.
Line by Line Meaning
Didn't I say 'please, don't ask me questions about my life'?
I want to keep my life private, but it's actually quite public in the songs I sing
My life's an open secret
Though I try to keep it to myself, everyone seems to know everything already
It's in the songs I write
I use my music to express what's happening in my life
It's in the way I sing
You can hear my personal story in my voice
It's how I feel
The emotions I experience are reflected in my music
Let me break this down for you
Allow me to explain myself and my perspective
See if you can really understand me
I want to see if you can truly comprehend where I'm coming from
Everybody wants to know about my style and where I'm from
People are always curious about my background and artistic choices
Born a beast, set out for feast at early age when I was young
I was born with a wild, ambitious drive for success
Mary Jane - my claim to fame was all about me having fun
Marijuana was a big part of my life and image, but for me it was purely for enjoyment
And smoking in the sun
Part of my ideal lifestyle was getting high and enjoying the freedom of being outside in nature
Money in my pockets while the woman came, and they'd go
I had a lot of money and many women came in and out of my life
Seven cars in my backyard 'cause that's the way I loved to roll
I collected many cars to fulfill my love for luxurious style
Curse the day I started to play on something that would break my fall
I regret ever leaning on drugs to cope with my problems
Just getting high, that's all...
At the time, I didn't realize or acknowledge the full extent of my drug use
Looking for a taste of love
I'm searching for a small piece of love and positivity in my tumultuous life
Just a sweet taste of love
I don't need much, just a small sample of affection
On the street I happened to meet a dame I thought was really fine
I met a woman who caught my attention while out in public
Took her home up to my crib and that's the time she blew my mind
Things got intimate and she amazed me with her sexual abilities
Everything was cool until the day Five-O knocked on the door
Things were nice until the police showed up
They made me hit the floor
I had to comply with their orders and get on the ground
Tried me for abuse and all these other lies were in the press
I was accused of bad behavior and the public believed all sorts of untrue things about me
All they wanted was for me to cop a plea and just confess
The authorities wanted me to admit guilt
Years when I was down, I proved that I not only passed the test
Despite setbacks, I've shown that I can persevere
But God was on my side... looking for a taste of love
I'm still looking for that small piece of love in my life
Just a taste of love, just a sweet taste of love
I don't need much, just a little bit of affection
That would be so nice, be so nice
It would be refreshing to have some love in my life
Had it all, baby, done it all, seen it all, I still see
I've had many experiences in my life, but I'm still going strong
It's all about love
Love is the most important thing in life
And God is love, baby
God embodies the essence of love
Have him in your life
It's important to have God's presence in your life to keep focused on love
Lyrics ยฉ Wixen Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BRYAN LOREN, DAVID STARK, DOUG GRISBY, JAMES A JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Imran M
He was the man! Will always be remembered.We are lucky to have had the chance to feel your presence through your music! RIP Rick
Stanley Taylor Jr.
This song is so dope!!!! RIP RICK
FATHER DIVINE NATURE ALLAH
R.I.P. RICK JAMES real shit never dies you are infinity rick
Dave Gee
Rest in peace my brother your music lives on forever
Rob Anthony Gray
Love it. I missed out on this one. Thanks for posting. Rick and Prince were the two biggest influences on my musical development as a song writer back when I was still in high school circa 1980.
Hilton Tobin
Me also. Rick and Prince were my inspirations.
Paul Hutchison
Just heard this for the first time on Solar Radio - what a great song, with Rick's distinctive voice. I would love to have seen him in concert (with Teena Marie)... Both sadly missed.
rockybudgeboa
What an awesome song. RIP Rick, the undisputed King of Funk.
miesheljazze
Love Rick...king of funk!
kbgatling
Yes he could funk it up