The Brothers Johnson's version of his composition "Strawberry Letter 23" reached #1 in the Billboard rhythm and blues chart and #5 in the Billboard pop chart in 1977.
Shuggie's albums include: "Here Comes Shuggie Otis", "Freedom Flight" and "Inspiration Information".
In 2001 David Byrne rereleased the album "Inspiration Information" on Luaka Bop.
(2) Guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Shuggie Otis may not be a household name, but his "Strawberry Letter 23" is in the record collections of millions of households. The Brothers Johnson's cover of "Strawberry Letter 23" has sold over a million copies, peaking at number one R&B and number five pop on Billboard's charts in summer 1977. It was on their LP Right on Time, which went platinum, selling over a million copies, holding the number one R&B spot for three weeks and making it to number 13 pop in spring 1977. Otis wrote "Strawberry Letter 23" for his girlfriend, who used strawberry scented paper for her letters to him. Another Otis favorite, "Inspiration Information," received substantial airplay in Chicago and other markets, charting #56 R&B in early 1975.
Born Johnny Otis, Jr. on November 30, 1953, in Los Angeles, CA, Otis' formidable musical talents appeared at an early age. He began his professional career around 1965. He played a guitar solo on his bandleader, father Johnny Otis' 1969 number 29 R&B hit, "Country Girl," issued by Kent Records. His guitar skills were so adept that during his teen years, he would have to wear dark glasses and strategically apply black ink between his nose and mouth to appear old enough to perform in clubs with his father.
Signing with CBS Records, Otis began recording virtuoso guitar-laced R&B/West Coast blues sides. His first LP was Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis on CBS. Johnny Otis produced 1970's Here Comes Shuggie Otis, which was issued on the CBS imprint, Epic Records. Otis' Freedom Flight was issued September 1971 and included the original version of "Strawberry Letter 23," the heart-tugging "Someone's Always Singing," "Ice Cold Daydream," and the bluesy "Me and My Woman," co-written by Otis and Gene Barge (known best for his association with Chess Records, Chuck Willis, and Natalie Cole).
His LP Inspiration Information was issued in October 1974, with Otis playing all of the instruments on jazzy and Latin-tinged R&B numbers. The LP was one of the first releases to showcase the electronic rhythm box then found usually on organs. Besides "Inspiration Information," the LP included the sly "Sparkle City," the sweet ballad "Outtamihead," and the lush, strings-laden "Island Letter," which was the B-side of "Inspiration Information."
George Johnson of the Brothers Johnson was dating one of Otis' cousins who gave Johnson a copy of Freedom Flight. Immediately, he liked "Ice Cold Daydream" and "Strawberry Letter 23." The latter song was played at his brother Louis Johnson's wedding during the wedding march. Louis suggested the song to their producer Quincy Jones for an album track. The track's complex guitar solo was played by Lee Ritenour. The Brothers Johnson version is quite close to Otis' original version.
Later on in the '90s, Otis played with his own band around northern California and toured extensively. His son, Lucky Otis, played bass with Johnny Otis' band. Shuggie Otis is featured in the book Alligator Records Presents West Coast Blues, issued in August 1998 by Milwaukee, WI, publisher Hal Leonard. ~ Ed Hogan, Rovi
Bury My Body
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord, I don't care where they
Bury my body
Lord, I don't care where they
Bury my body
'Cause my soul is gonna live
With God, Oh
Bury my body
Bury my body
Lord, I don't care where they
Bury my body
'Cause my soul is gonna live
With God, Oh
Lead me Jesus, lead me
Why don't you lead me in the middle of the air
And if my wings should fail me
Won't you provide me with another pair
Please God I don't care where they
Bury my body
Lord, I don't care where they
Bury my body
'Cause my soul is gonna live
With God, Oh I said alright
You know it's alright
Alright
Bury my body
Lord, I don't care where they
Bury my body
Lord, I don't care where they
Bury my body
'Cause my soul is gonna live
With God, Oh
Lead me Jesus, lead me
Why don't you lead me in the middle of the air
And if my wings should fail me
Won't you provide me with another pair
Please God I don't care where they
Bury my body
Lord, I don't care where they
Bury my body
'Cause my soul is gonna live
With God, Oh I said alright
My soul, my soul, my soul
Is gonna live, with God
The song "Bury My Body" by Shuggie Otis is a gospel hymn in which the singer expresses his unshakable faith in God and his belief in the immortality of the soul. The repeated line "bury my body, Lord, I don't care where they bury my body" emphasizes the singer's detachment from earthly concerns such as the disposition of his physical remains after death, as he knows that his soul will be with God. The theme of the lyrics is one of faith and the certainty of the afterlife.
The lines "Lead me Jesus, lead me, Why don't you lead me in the middle of the air" can be interpreted as a plea for divine guidance or intervention. The image of being led "in the middle of the air" suggests a supernatural, almost dreamlike state, free of the constraints of the physical world. The lines "And if my wings should fail me, Won't you provide me with another pair" are a metaphor for the singer's readiness to face death, and his confidence in the ability of God to provide for him in the afterlife.
Overall, "Bury My Body" is a hymn of faith and belief in the afterlife. It expresses a sense of detachment from the physical world and a readiness to embrace the spiritual realm, with the lyrics reflecting a deep trust in God's guidance and provision.
Line by Line Meaning
Bury my body
I don't have a preference for where my physical body is laid to rest
Lord, I don't care where they
Whether it is in a cemetery, at sea, or anywhere else, it makes no difference to me
Bury my body
I am not attached to my physical form or earthly remains since my soul transcends physicality
'Cause my soul is gonna live
The state of my soul is not tied to my physical body
With God, Oh
I believe that my soul will unite with the divine after death
Lead me Jesus, lead me
I ask for divine guidance in my life
Why don't you lead me in the middle of the air
I am willing to follow divine guidance even if it leads me to unexpected places
And if my wings should fail me
Even if my strength or resources diminish, I trust that God will provide for me
Won't you provide me with another pair
I have faith that God will always provide me with the necessary means to fulfill my purpose
Please God I don't care where they
Again, my physical body is of little significance to me compared to my spiritual wellbeing
I said alright
I am at peace with my faith and beliefs
My soul, my soul, my soul
I emphasize the importance of my soul over my physical body or worldly possessions
Is gonna live, with God
I am certain that my soul will have an eternal existence with the divine.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: AL KOOPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tommcnally3646
This entire album is great, one of my favorites
@mitchgawlik1175
One of the best. I bought my first copy in 1970 and listened to the cd this very morning.
@AlBergstein
One of the great blues/gospel guitar solos of all time. Also a beautiful example of using dynamics in a tune.
@jamesorr9987
Thank you for posting and keeping this alive- Love this!
@nyekurity
one of the greatest sessions I ever heard
@mariocaffari5015
Great Song, great Video, this is a MILESTONE in Music - History !
Greetings from Switzerland
@joestraughan3944
Brilliant - can't believe it is 7 years since I last posted! Where does the time go? All the best to you all! Keep partying like it's 1999! Now, where's my drink?
@thebarbaryghostsf
What an incredible cover! Shuggie was amazing as always, too!
@nverma52
Been 52 years I used to love it. Still do❤️❤️❤️
@sohooded
Love, love, love, love this one!!!!!!