Born in Detroit in 1942, Sixto Diaz Rodriguez came from a working-class background and dropped out of high school at the age of 16. Dividing his time between hanging around the university campus and playing assorted unconventional clubs and bars, he was introduced to Impact's Harry Balk, which led to the recording of his first single, "I'll Slip Away," in 1967. When Balk took off for a career as a creative director at , session players and ardent Rodriguez supporters and Mike Theodore put him under the direction of Clarence Avant. About to set up his label, the latter was genuinely impressed with the artist's take on Detroit street life and supplied Theo-Coff Productions with sufficient means to cut an album's worth of material. Naturally, Theodore and took up keyboard and guitar duties, in addition to employing second-wave for a rhythm section. Recording Rodriguez separately, they matched his voice and acoustic guitar afterwards to a sonic palette of various orchestrations and psychedelic effects. Being 's first release, the resulting Cold Fact was a stone-cold folk-rock classic with an otherworldly feel to it.
Though industry-wise it was met with positive reviews, commercially the album gathered only dust. Theories as to why it didn't catch on in the climate of socially conscientious albums like Cloud Nine and What's Going On range from either not being played by underground radio and thus not meeting its intended public, or insufficient marketing by , with whom had a promotion and distribution deal. Though subsequently concentrating on , Avant offered Rodriguez the chance to record a follow-up in London with Steve Rowland (renowned for Family Dog's "Sympathy"). When 1971's Coming from Reality met a similar fate as its predecessor, the artist left the music business to enroll at university when he wasn't working construction to support his family and wasn't heard from again until 1979, when, much to his surprise,
he was requested to do some small theater shows Down Under, coinciding with the chart success of Australian re-releases of his albums. Fast forward to 1998, when Rodriguez was even more amazed to find vast amounts of mainstream acceptance. Apparently, some South African fans had invested quite a bit of effort in tracking down their long-lost hero. Their excitement at finding him alive and well convinced Rodriguez to play arena-sized venues.
At last, in the 21st century, his genius was acknowledged across America and mainland Europe, his popularity re-sparked by hip-hop-loving-crate diggers like , whose mix compilation Come Get It, I Got It used Cold Fact's opening shot "Sugar Man" for its own eclectic musical journey. In 2008, Cold Fact became more easily available through a lovingly annotated re-release, followed in 2009 by Coming from Reality. To celebrate his umpteenth rediscovery, Rodriguez embarked upon a world tour, meeting old fans and a whole new generation of admirers. This renaissance was spurred by the 2012 Oscar-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man and its compilation soundtrack. The success of the film earned Rodriguez a significant audience in the United States, and he began touring in North America, playing the songs he recorded in the '70s for a new and enthusiastic audience. Despite having a fan base in the United States, Rodriguez continued to live a quiet life in Detroit. He passed away on August 8, 2023, at the age of 81. ~ Quint Kik, Rovi
I Wonder
Rodríguez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I wonder how many plans have gone bad
I wonder how many times you had sex
I wonder do you know who'll be next
I wonder I wonder, wonder I do
I wonder about the love you can't find
And I wonder about the loneliness that's mine
And I wonder about your friends that are not
I wonder I wonder, wonder I do
I wonder about the tears in children's eyes
And I wonder about the soldier that dies
I wonder will this hatred ever end
I wonder and worry my friend
I wonder, I wonder, wonder don't you?
I wonder how many times you been had
And I wonder how many dreams have gone bad
I wonder how many times you've had sex
And I wonder do you care who'll be next
I wonder I wonder, wonder I do
In "I Wonder" by Rodriguez, the singer asks a series of thought-provoking questions addressing both his personal concerns and societal issues. The lyrics suggest that he is contemplating the nature of human relationships, including love and sex, as well as broader social issues such as war and hatred. At the heart of the song is a sense of uncertainty and concern for the world around him.
Rodriguez begins by questioning how often the person he is addressing has been deceived or failed in their plans. He then turns to more personal and intimate themes, asking how many sexual partners they have had and wondering whether they care about their next one. He also admits to uncertainty about their emotional state: do they feel the same loneliness as he? He ponders the depth of their friendship and the extent of their wealth.
The later part of the song moves toward more universal themes. Rodriguez queries the extent to which humanity has eliminated hatred and violence, and expresses compassion for the suffering of others. Through these questions, the singer seems to be grappling with the unpredictability and complexity of the world around him. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and a yearning for understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
I wonder how many times you've been had
I am curious about the number of times that you've been deceived or taken advantage of
And I wonder how many plans have gone bad
I am curious about the number of times things didn't go according to plan for you
I wonder how many times you had sex
I am curious about the number of times you've engaged in sexual activity
I wonder do you know who'll be next
I am curious if you care or are aware of who your next sexual partner may be
I wonder I wonder, wonder I do
I have many questions and am deeply curious
I wonder about the love you can't find
I am curious and concerned about the love that you have been unable to find
And I wonder about the loneliness that's mine
I am curious about the loneliness that I personally experience
I wonder how much going do you got
I am curious about the amount of money or resources that you currently possess
And I wonder about your friends that are not
I am curious about the friends that you don't have
I wonder I wonder, wonder I do
I have many questions and am deeply curious
I wonder about the tears in children's eyes
I am curious and saddened about the tears that children shed
And I wonder about the soldier that dies
I am curious and saddened about the fate of soldiers who lose their lives in war
I wonder will this hatred ever end
I am curious if there will ever be an end to the strong and negative emotions of hatred
I wonder and worry my friend
I am curious and feel distressed, my friend
I wonder, I wonder, wonder don't you?
I have many questions and want to know if you feel the same way
I wonder how many times you been had
I am curious about the number of times that you've been deceived or taken advantage of
And I wonder how many dreams have gone bad
I am curious about the number of times your dreams did not become a reality
I wonder how many times you've had sex
I am curious about the number of times you've engaged in sexual activity
And I wonder do you care who'll be next
I am curious if you care or are aware of who your next sexual partner may be
I wonder I wonder, wonder I do
I have many questions and am deeply curious
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Unison Rights S.L.
Written by: DENNIS RODRIGUEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@isaacnkama6885
In your material poverty, you were spiritually rich.
In your loneliness, you were loved.
Your wisdom, depth of philosophy and exceptional humility all make you one of the most remarkable human beings.
Of your many beautiful songs, this one - 'I Wonder' is my very favourite. I first heard it as a young man years ago, and it evokes a lot of nostagia in me.
You were truly phenominal, Rodriguez. Rest in peace, for your life's mission was remarkably achieved.
@thevibeguide
Rest in peace Sixto! ❤️
@lynnejackson7121
RIP Sugar Man
@9livesMtb
Rest easy man...😔
@thierrytu
Fly Free brother Sixto
@ronfreeman5857
Yep.. underrated, humble man...
@Mark70609
😢
@garymeadows5280
I have known Rodriguez for over thirty years. He is a kind and wonderful person. I am so happy for him that at long last he is being recognized for his talent which Americans have overlooked. Congratulations, friend.
@vipr1142
He is my dad. I love all his songs
@dennisgeary2740
@@vipr1142 👍
@Flex__365
South Africa 🙌