Rufus gained a fan in Stevie Wonder thanks to their cover of his "Maybe Your Baby." Wonder gave them a new composition, the slowly grinding "Tell Me Something Good," that he'd written specifically with Khan's vocal style in mind. Pulled as a single from their second album, 1974's Rags to Rufus, "Tell Me Something Good" was a Top Five smash that turned Rufus and Khan into stars....
Hollywood
Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan Lyrics
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He's goin' to Hollywood
He's bussin' it to Hollywood
Show him the way
He's movin' to Hollywood
He's hoppin' it to Hollywood
(Where you goin' child?)
He's waited at bus stops all his life
He's been in and out of those spaces
Seein' eyes that spoke to him
From sad and gifted places
Sad and gifted places
He's on his way
He's goin' to Hollywood
He's bussin' it to Hollywood
Show him the way
He's movin' to Hollywood
He's hoppin' it to Hollywood
(Where you goin' now)
(What'cha doin' child?)
(where you goin' now?)
You know he's gonna be dressed to kill
He's gonna find some brand new thrills
Whatever he's been looking for
Tell him that there's so much more
In Hollywood, Hollywood
He's on his way
He's goin' to Hollywood
He's bussin' it to Hollywood
Show him the way
He's movin' to Hollywood
He's hoppin' it to Hollywood
(Where you goin' now)
(what'cha doin' child?)
(where you goin' yeah)
Painted faces, sunburnt skin
Fixed expressions, smiles worn thin
Caught in the blink of neon of Hollywood
Bending battles, maneuvering schemes
False expressions, washed up dreams
Everybody makes believe
In Hollywood, Hollywood
(Oh child what'cha doin'?)
(What'cha doin' now?)
(What'cha been' doin'?)
I say, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Uh huh, I say, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Hollywood, uh huh, uh, in Hollywood
Uh huh, Hollywood, Hollywood, Hollywood yeah yeah
Uh huh, Hollywood, Hollywood, yeah yeah yeah yeah
Oh oh, that boy say
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yea, yeah
The song "Hollywood" by Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan is about a young man who is leaving his current life and everything he's ever known behind to chase his dreams in Hollywood. He's taking a bus to Hollywood and is excited about the endless opportunities and thrills he’s going to experience in this new place. He's been waiting for this moment his entire life and his eagerness is palpable.
The lyrics also hint at how the man has been longing for something more than what he has, maybe a sense of purpose or passion. He's seen so many people in his life who wish they were somewhere else or doing something more fulfilling. The people he's met and interacted with seem to be from sad and gifted places, perhaps creative individuals, artists or musicians. The song is a critique of the artificiality and disillusionment of Hollywood, symbolized by the painted faces, sunburnt skin, false smiles, and washed-up dreams.
Overall, the song is about the allure of Hollywood and the cost of chasing one's dreams there. The lyrics emphasize the man's desire for escape and the challenge to find and chase what one truly wants in life.
Line by Line Meaning
He's on his way
He is about to embark on a journey.
He's goin' to Hollywood
He is traveling to the place where movies are made.
He's bussin' it to Hollywood
He is using a bus to reach Hollywood.
Show him the way
Assist him in his journey.
He's movin' to Hollywood
He is relocating to Hollywood.
He's hoppin' it to Hollywood
He is jumping his way into Hollywood.
He's waited at bus stops all his life
He has spent a long time waiting for the right opportunity.
He's been in and out of those spaces
He has been in different places during the course of his journey.
Seein' eyes that spoke to him
He has encountered different people and has been moved by their experiences.
From sad and gifted places
He has encountered people from different walks of life.
You know he's gonna be dressed to kill
He will dress well and present himself well.
He's gonna find some brand new thrills
He is going to experience new things.
Whatever he's been looking for
Whatever his motivation may be.
Tell him that there's so much more
There is more to Hollywood than what he is expecting.
In Hollywood, Hollywood
Hollywood has many surprises and can offer more than you expect.
Painted faces, sunburnt skin
People in Hollywood may have altered appearances, while others may be visibly exhausted by the sun's rays.
Fixed expressions, smiles worn thin
The people in Hollywood may appear happy but are probably exhausted by the heavy price of pursuing their dreams.
Caught in the blink of neon of Hollywood
The lights of Hollywood may distract tourists from the reality of the place for people working in the industry.
Bending battles, maneuvering schemes
The industry can be ruthless; people in Hollywood fight for their place and are always trying to outsmart their competitors.
False expressions, washed up dreams
Many people in Hollywood keep up a fake persona, and some may have given up on their original dreams due to the rigours of the industry.
Everybody makes believe
People in Hollywood live in a world of make-believe.
I say, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
An exclamation of agreement or understanding.
Hollywood, uh huh, uh, in Hollywood
The place where movies are made.
Oh oh, that boy say
An exclamation of surprise or realization.
Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah
An exclamation of agreement or acknowledgement.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL NESMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeffreyhall2385
Damn , I pity the people who didn't grow up in the 70's , they missed some great music.
@ryanmaggiolo7475
God bless your soul
@blqck1158
I grew up in the 90s, but my parents were 70s kids and they taught me all the songs they knew😀
@smoothnubian
I feel ya. I was born in 1971. I grew up on good music. Check out my book titled DO YOU REMEMBER? CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EARTH, WIND & FIRE
@kellyholmes9581
Shid I was born in the 90’s and I love this song
@DennisDragon78
True
@EarthWindandFirepower0990
I'M IN THAT 70'S MOOD TODAY PEOPLE.
@ethelstevenslove2957
Another great classic! Thanks "Marcus" for adding me to your circle.......
@TheJanieLynn
Yelp, me 2...
@cynthiaalzora5940
I’m always in a 70’s mood and I’m a 90’s baby. Lol