Innovative funkster Roger Troutman is considered by many the master of the Talk box -- an effects pedal usually used by guitarists, that Roger connected to keyboard to create robotic-sounding vocals. As a member of Zapp, a band that included his brothers Larry, Lester, and Terry, and recording under the solo moniker of Roger, he helped define and give life to a difficult-to-play instrument that previously was used for gimmicky effects and, as played by others, was basically devoid of personality. He'd often bring his Talk Box along on radio interviews, treating the listeners to his skills.
On Sunday, April 25, 1999, Roger Troutman was found shot and critically wounded outside a recording studio in Dayton, Ohio; he died during surgery at a local hospital. Roger's brother Larry was found dead in a car a few blocks away with a single gunshot wound to the head. It is likely that a personal dispute had developed between the two brothers; as far as can be determined, Larry shot Roger, then shot himself.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Roger Troutman Lyrics
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'Bout your plans to make me blue
With some other guy you knew before
Between the two of us guys
You know I loved you more
It took me by surprise I must say
When I found out yesterday
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah.
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine baby
I know a man ain't supposed to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
Losin' you would end my life you see
'Cause you mean that much to me
You could have told me yourself
That you loved some one else
Instead I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine
Oh, I heard it through the grapevine
And I'm just about to lose my mind
Honey, honey yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby
People say believe half of what you see
Son and none of what you hear
But I can't help but be confused
If it's true please tell me dear
Do you plan to let me go
For the other guy you loved before?
Don't you know I heard it through the grapevine
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
I heard it through the grapevine
I'm just about to love my mind
Honey, honey, yeah
I heard it through the grapevine,
Not much longer would you be mine, baby yeah
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" is a soulful and emotional song that speaks about a man's heartbreak after finding out about his lover's infidelity through rumors. The song suggests that it was not the news of infidelity but the way he found out, that caused him so much pain. He is hurt that his lover did not confide in him about her affair with someone she knew before him, and instead, he had to hear about it through other sources. The lyrics "I know a man ain't supposed to cry, But these tears I can't hold inside" reveal how the man is trying to hold back his tears but can't because of the pain he is feeling. The song showcases the raw emotion and despair one feels after getting cheated on.
The chorus "Not much longer would you be mine" hints at the bitter ending of the relationship, and the singer is struggling to come to terms with it. The song's last few lines "Do you plan to let me go? For the other guy you loved before?" show that he still has hope that his lover might stay with him, but he fears that he has lost her forever. The song's slow tempo and emotional delivery contribute to its poignant and melancholic feel, making it a powerful track.
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you're wonderin' how I knew
I know you're curious about how I found out
'Bout your plans to make me blue
About your intentions to make me sad
With some other guy you knew before
You're seeing someone you knew from before
Between the two of us guys
Between me and the other guy
You know I loved you more
You know I loved you more than the other guy
It took me by surprise I must say
I didn't expect to hear it, to be honest
When I found out yesterday
When I heard the gossip yesterday
Don't you know that I heard it through the grapevine
Don't you know that I heard it from other people's rumors
Not much longer would you be mine
We won't be together much longer
Oh I heard it through the grapevine
Yes, I heard it through other people's rumors
Oh I'm just about to lose my mind
Oh, it's driving me crazy
Honey, honey yeah.
A term of endearment to the person being addressed
I know a man ain't supposed to cry
I know it's not normal for a man to cry
But these tears I can't hold inside
But I can't help but cry
Losin' you would end my life you see
Losing you would devastate me
'Cause you mean that much to me
Because you mean so much to me
You could have told me yourself
You should have been the one to tell me
That you loved some one else
That you were in love with someone else
Instead I heard it through the grapevine
But instead I heard it from other people's rumors
And I'm just about to lose my mind
And it's driving me insane
People say believe half of what you see
People say to only believe half of what you see
Son and none of what you hear
And nothing of what you hear
But I can't help but be confused
But I can't help but feel confused
If it's true please tell me dear
If it's true, please tell me
Do you plan to let me go
Are you planning to break up with me
For the other guy you loved before?
For the other guy you used to love?
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@blacklotusmtg
If I hear 2 seconds of this, I know I'm doing nothing else for the next 11 mins. Too good!!!
@garymapal2941
Roger Troutman was a musical genius gone way too soon! Who else could turn a love song done by many legendary artists into such a funky version with the Pink Panther cartoon riff as a beat
@user-ju7ju3mx2f
IF YOU DON'T MOVE,
YOUR DEAD...
@joycewelcher9875
I love this music. No matter what! I might be getting old, but there isn't anything like this.
@sylviawilliams5913
There's nothing wrong with getting old. Music will always be young.🤣🤣🤣❣💞
@stevenwells7585
To notch
@cindymungia4268
I know that's so true amen thank God 🙏 he was around to get into others heart's and souls
@shakiraboo4751
Dance like nobody is watching 🎉
@daveschmidt7108
@@sylviawilliams5913
Music will always keep you young (at heart) 😀
@antonellobelmonte7153
RIP Roger Troutman: king of talkbox, master of funk, godfather of West Coast rap.