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
Me And My Woman
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
but one day at a time
we don't get along
but one day at a time
One day we're fussing and fighting
and the next day we're doing fine
Monday-we're lovey dovey
Tuesday-we don't even sleep
Wednesday-she fixed me a steak now
Thursday night I don't even eat
Talking bout me and that woman
we don't get along
but one day at a time
one day we're fussing and fighting now
and the next day we're doing fine
Oh, mmmm
Friday-everything is beautiful
Saturday- we have no peace
Sunday we go to church
and Sunday night-that woman called the police
Talking bout me and that woman
we don't get along
but one day at a time
One day we're fussing now
and the next day we're doing fine
woah... yes fine
The lyrics of Shuggie Otis's song "Me and My Woman" depict the tumultuous nature of a romantic relationship. The first two lines of the song, "we don't get along but one day at a time," establish that although the relationship may be rocky, the couple is willing to take things day by day. The second verse, which shifts from day-to-day actions and attitudes, demonstrates how quickly the relationship can change. They can go from being "lovey dovey" one day to not speaking the next. The line "Thursday night I don't even eat" suggests that their fights may reach a point that they refuse to eat with each other, a significant sign of a breakdown in relationship.
The pre-chorus line "Talking bout me and that woman" could point to a third person's perspective, hearing about these mood swings from the outside. However, it could also mean the singer is addressing his relationship directly, acknowledging that they talk about each other. Finally, the phrase "one day at a time," repeated throughout the song, ends with the line, "and the next day we're doing fine." It suggests that no matter how bad things may seem at times, they eventually smooth over, and the couple moves forward.
Line by Line Meaning
we don't get along
One day we're fussing and fighting
but one day at a time
and the next day we're doing fine
Monday-we're lovey dovey
We start the week with affection
Tuesday-we don't even sleep
The next day, we may not even share a bed
Wednesday-she fixed me a steak now
On Wednesday, she made me a nice meal
Thursday night I don't even eat
But the next evening, I may not even be hungry
Talking bout me and that woman
I'm describing my relationship with my significant other
we don't get along
One day we're fussing and fighting
but one day at a time
and the next day we're doing fine
Friday-everything is beautiful
Friday may be a good day
Saturday- we have no peace
But Saturday may be challenging
Sunday we go to church
We attend church on Sundays
and Sunday night-that woman called the police
But our relationship may still have issues
Talking bout me and that woman
I'm still discussing my significant other
we don't get along
One day we're fussing and fighting
but one day at a time
and the next day we're doing fine
woah... yes fine
Despite our troubles, sometimes things are good between us
Contributed by Annabelle P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
crackedtfup
Me and my woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
Me and my woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
One day we're fussing and fighting
And the next day we're doing fine
Monday-we're lovey dovey
Tuesday-we don't even sleep
Wednesday-she fixed me a steak now
Thursday night I don't even eat
Talking bout me and that woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
One day we're fussing and fighting now
And the next day we're doing fine
(Guitar Solo) Oh, mmmm
Friday-everything is beautiful
Saturday- we have no peace
Sunday we go to church
And Sunday night-that woman called the police
Talking bout me and that woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
One day we're fussing now
And the next day we're doing fine
Woah..........yes fine
(Guitar Solo)
Larry N
Shoogie's touch and voice are phenomenal
Spice Lady
I Love the song. It's real life for some. In a relationship you have give/take. Got to let go of the ego, and communicate. Drop being selfish. Think of your mate as if you were caring for yourself. Treat yourself real good.
T
Only guys that have a full-time woman & truly ❤️ her can understand this song to the core cause he knows he speaking the damn truth smh
crackedtfup
Me and my woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
Me and my woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
One day we're fussing and fighting
And the next day we're doing fine
Monday-we're lovey dovey
Tuesday-we don't even sleep
Wednesday-she fixed me a steak now
Thursday night I don't even eat
Talking bout me and that woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
One day we're fussing and fighting now
And the next day we're doing fine
(Guitar Solo) Oh, mmmm
Friday-everything is beautiful
Saturday- we have no peace
Sunday we go to church
And Sunday night-that woman called the police
Talking bout me and that woman
We don't get along
But one day at a time
One day we're fussing now
And the next day we're doing fine
Woah..........yes fine
(Guitar Solo)
evan diorio
On repeat!!
Elvis Macpherson
My ex thinks it's funny to share this with me after some shared tension 🙄
Larry N
Perfect
Rick Smith
Classic
Reality4Peace
Covering this song is a damn challenge
Maldoror
the lead guitar+vocals?