The group notion started in 1976, when the four brothers of the Neville family, Art (1937-2019), Charles (1938–2018), Aaron (b. 1941), and Cyril (b. 1948) got together to take part in the recording session of The Wild Tchoupitoulas, a Mardi Gras Indian group led by the Nevilles' uncle, George Landry ("Big Chief Jolly").
Art Neville reached out to Paul Howrilla (personal manager for Dr. John) and told him that he always wanted to do something with his brothers. Paul Howrilla created Neville Productions, Inc., serving as president and CEO with all four Neville brothers as members of the board of directors. The newly formed business covered the entire Neville family, designed to protect them from the music business abuse they had previously endured in their individual careers.
This experience led them to form the group the following year. Their debut album was released from Capitol Records in 1978.
In 1988, the group released Uptown from EMI featuring guests including Branford Marsalis, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. The following year saw the release of Yellow Moon from A&M Records produced by Daniel Lanois. The track "Healing Chant" from that album won best pop instrumental performance of the Grammy Awards.
In 1990, the Neville Brothers contributed "In the Still of the Night" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Blue produced by the Red Hot Organization. Also in 1990, they appeared on the bill at that year's Glastonbury Festival. This also was the year they recorded "Sons and Daughters" on their Brother's Keeper album.
Their version of "Bird on the Wire" was played over the closing credits of the 1990 film, Bird on a Wire.
Due to the health problems of Art Neville, the band kept a low profile in the late 1990s onto the early 2000s. They made a comeback in 2004, however, with the album, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life, from Back Porch Records, their first newly recorded effort in five years.
All brothers except Charles, a Massachusetts resident, had been living in New Orleans, but following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Cyril and Aaron moved out of the city. They had not been performing in New Orleans since Katrina hit the city, however, they finally returned to perform there at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2008, being given the closing spot which had been reserved for them for years.
Infrequently, Ivan Neville, Aaron's son (keyboards) and Ian Neville, Art's son (electric guitar), both of the band Dumpstaphunk, have played with the band in recent years.
The group formally disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2015 for a farewell concert in New Orleans.
Charles Neville died of pancreatic cancer on April 26, 2018, at the age of 79.
Art Neville died at age 81 on July 22, 2019, after years of declining health.
Performance
The Neville Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you're through I will take you home
To a place where the water's always fresh and cool
I will lay you down, take off your shoes
Yes, it can, guess it's bound to take your place
Has that sad, almost crying look on your face
'Cause you knew you've done your best
As I watch you fall down to your knees
They don't know that you're praying to please
They don't see the little angel that you've backed with a star
The only one who knows exactly who you are
? they don't understand
And they cheer as you carry on your endless plan
You are weary but you must, it's the only thing you trust
As you live, you got to give
Your performance is almost over
When you're through I will take you home
Where it goes to I can see that, help your needs
I'll take care of you
'Cause you've done your best
Now, honey leave the rest to me
And I'll take care of you
The Neville Brothers' song "Performance" is a ballad that speaks to the exhaustion felt by performers in the midst of their craft. The singer reminds the performer that their performance is almost over and that after it ends, they will be taken home to a place where they can rest and rejuvenate. The performer's face is sad and almost crying, as the singer acknowledges that they gave it their best shot, and it is time to leave the rest up to him.
As the performer falls to his knees, the listeners see him as someone who is begging to please them. But the singer sees him as a little angel who backs his work with a star, and as the only one who knows exactly who he is. Nobody else seems to understand the performer, and they cheer as he continues to carry on with his endless plan. Even though he is weary, the performer must continue to give his all because that is the only thing he knows how to do.
In the end, the singer promises to take care of the performer after his exhaustion and hard work. He acknowledges that the performer has done his best and that it is now time to leave the rest to him. Together they will go to a place where he will have his needs met, and where he will be taken care of.
Line by Line Meaning
Your performance is almost over
The time for you to perform is coming to an end.
When you're through I will take you home
When you've finished, I will be there to guide you to a comforting place where you feel safe and secure.
To a place where the water's always fresh and cool
To a peaceful environment where everything is serene and calming.
I will lay you down, take off your shoes
I will help you relax and unwind, providing you with comfort and relief from any burdens you may be carrying.
Yes, it can, guess it's bound to take your place
Your success may draw jealousy or envious attention from others who may try to undermine you.
Has that sad, almost crying look on your face
You may feel emotional and overwhelmed as you give your all during your performance.
'Cause you knew you've done your best
You've put in all of your effort and have nothing more to give.
Now, honey leave the rest to me and I'll take care of you
I am here to support you and make sure all your needs are met so that you can recuperate and recharge.
As I watch you fall down to your knees
As I witness you being brought to your lowest point by the weight of your performance.
They don't know that you're praying to please
No one else can understand the immense pressure and anxiety that is driving you to keep performing to satisfy others.
They don't see the little angel that you've backed with a star
The people watching do not fully see or appreciate the talent that you possess and the hard work you have put in to achieve it.
The only one who knows exactly who you are
Only you know the true extent of your ability and how hard you have worked to reach this point.
? they don't understand
The people watching cannot comprehend the depth of your fatigue and exhaustion.
And they cheer as you carry on your endless plan
The audience continue to applaud and encourage you to keep going, despite not knowing what that truly entails for you.
You are weary but you must, it's the only thing you trust
You may be tired but you know that your performance is the only thing you can rely on to fulfill your goals.
As you live, you got to give
You must keep giving your all in order to make your dreams a reality.
Where it goes to I can see that, help your needs
I can provide the care and support that you require, both physically and emotionally, to help you recover.
'Cause you've done your best
You have done all that you could and I respect you for that.
Now, honey leave the rest to me
Let me take over and help you now that your performance is complete.
And I'll take care of you
I am here to ensure that you feel well-cared for and safe.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALLEN TOUSSAINT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Luke Fl
Down here the river meets the sea
And in the sticky heat I feel ya open up to me
Love comes out of nowhere, baby
Just like a hurricane
And it feels like rain
And it feels like rain
Lyin' underneath the stars right next to you
I'm wonderin' who you are and how do you do?
How do you do, baby?
The clouds roll in across the moon
The wind howls out your name
And it feels like rain
And it feels like rain
(Baby, can you feel it?)
We ain't never
Gonna make that bridge tonight, baby
Across the Ponchartrain
And it feels like rain
And it feels like rain
So batten down the hatches, baby
Leave your heart out on your sleeve
It looks like we're in for stormy weather
That ain't no cause for us to leave
Just lie here in my arms
And let it wash away the pain
Feels like rain
And it feels like rain
Baby, can you feel it?
Feel it, feel it
Feel it, feel it
Baby, can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
I'm gonna let your love
I'm gonna let your love
Gonna let your love rain all over me (Can you feel it?)
Feel it?
Feels like rain
Judith Campbell
My heart pounds with happiness listening to the greatest of all the almighty Neville Brothers. ❤
Mags Breault
Incredible dudes with an incredible LIVING legacy still growing and thriving down here in New Orleans. The Neville Nation runs deep. RIP Papa Funk and Charles, who was quite possibly one of the kindest gentlest, Zen-nest souls I ever had the pleasure of meeting. One Love.
John Yacks
I was born in 1964 in Michigan. I have lived my life listening to the greatest music ever made. The Neville Brothers are a very important ingredient of this experience.
Thankyou for entertaining me.
TheMongo1357
1961 here from Florida and I totally agree!! The Neville Brothers have always been on every playlist I've ever made!!! 😎👍
David Shirk
U got me crying😙
Mark Wyatt
One the greatest joys of this life is listening to the music of the Neville Brothers.
Keetha Moore
I think that there the Best ever🎙️🎤🎷🎸🎹
Molezay Molbacheh
top
Suzy Stokes
🙌🏽 yes💜
LUANN R MATTES
Agreed Mark 👍