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
Strawberry 23
Shuggie Otis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Red magic satin playing near, too
All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn't shine
Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind
In the garden, I see
West purple shower bells and tea
Orange birds and river cousins
Pretty music, I hear
So happy and loud
Blue flower echo
From a cherry cloud
Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue
Playgrounds will laugh
If you try to ask
"Is it cool?"
If you arrive and don't see me
I'm going to be with my baby
I am free, flying in her arms
Over the sea
Stained window, yellow candy screen
See speakers of kite
With velvet roses diggin'
Freedom flight
A present from you
Strawberry letter 22
The music plays
I sit in for a few
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
The lyrics of "Strawberry Letter 23" by Shuggie Otis are open to interpretation, but there are some recurring themes of love, freedom, and colorful imagery. The song starts with the singer mentioning that they heard a kiss from their loved one, and then goes on to describe the beautiful scenery and sounds that come to mind when they think of that person. The morning rain, rainbows, waterfalls, purple shower bells, orange birds, and green cousins all represent different facets of nature, but also suggest a vivid and fantastical world that the singer enters when they are with their beloved.
The music also plays an important role in the song, with the "red magic satin" and "pretty music" adding to the dreamlike atmosphere. There is a sense of joy and freedom in the lines "I am free, flying in her arms / Over the sea," which suggests that the singer's love gives them a sense of liberation and escape from the mundane world. The reference to "Strawberry Letter 22" and the yellow candy screen suggest that there is a past or a backstory to the relationship, but this is left unexplained.
Overall, the lyrics of "Strawberry Letter 23" evoke a sense of wonder, whimsy, and romance, creating a unique and memorable song that has stood the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello my love, I heard a kiss from you
Greeting my love, I feel the love you sent me.
Red magic satin playing near, too
I experience the enticing sensation of love when I wear my red satin clothes.
All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn't shine
My mind is consumed by melancholy as I constantly ruminate about my love's absence.
Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind
My imagination is filled with vivid, picturesque images of nature.
In the garden, I see
As I observe my surroundings,
West purple shower bells and tea
I encounter purple flowers and enjoy a nice cup of tea.
Orange birds and river cousins
I notice orange-feathered birds and see relatives enjoying the river.
Dressed in green
Their attire comprises of a pleasant shade of green.
Pretty music, I hear
I listen to melodious sounds,
So happy and loud
That evoke a sense of contentment and euphoria.
Blue flower echo
I hear the faint, lovely echo of a blue flower.
From a cherry cloud
The echo originates from a cherry cloud.
Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue
I perceive an effervescent mix of pink and blue hues that symbolize sunshine.
Playgrounds will laugh
Children will enjoy their time and find merriment,
If you try to ask
If you try to question their joyous revelry,
"Is it cool?"
They will reply in the affirmative.
If you arrive and don't see me
If I am absent when you arrive,
I'm going to be with my baby
I will be spending time with my lover.
I am free, flying in her arms
I feel liberated and overjoyed, being cradled in my love's arms.
Over the sea
We fly over the vast, open sea.
Stained window, yellow candy screen
I observe a window with candy-colored, yellow stains on it.
See speakers of kite
I notice the soaring kites,
With velvet roses diggin'
The kites have luxurious velvet roses attached to them.
Freedom flight
The kites represent unfettered, unencumbered freedom.
A present from you
I have received a gift from you,
Strawberry letter 22
It is a message imbued with love and affection.
The music plays
I listen to the music,
I sit in for a few
And enjoy the experience for a little while.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
I am filled with an indescribable wonder and happiness that only love can bring.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Unison Rights S.L., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Shuggie Otis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind