The band formed in Benton Harbor, Michigan as the Four Sounds. The original line-up consisted of Gene Harris (September 1, 1933 – January 16, 2000) on piano, Andrew Simpkins (April 29, 1932 – June 2, 1999) on double bass and Bill Dowdy (August 15, 1932 - May 12, 2017) on drums, along with saxophonist Lonnie `The Sound' Walker, who dropped out the following year. The group moved to Washington and then New York, where as the Three Sounds, they cut a record for Riverside Records, before signing an exclusive contract with Blue Note.
Between 1958 and 1962, the group released nine LPs for Blue Note. They toured nationally during this period, building a large following in jazz clubs across the country. Later Three Sounds recordings were also released by Limelight and Verve Records.
The Three Sounds song "Put On Train", from the 1971 Gene Harris album The 3 Sounds was featured as the prominent background sample in the hip-hop group Beastie Boys song "What Comes Around" on their 1989 album Paul's Boutique. It previously stated here that this sample came from the Three Sounds album Live at the It Club, recorded in 1970, however this was not released (on Live at the It Club Vol. 2) until 2000.
The Best Things in Life Are Free
The Three Sounds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Free, free, baby,
Boy, when you look at me,
Do you judge me by my cover?
Got to be kiddin' me, to think that I'm that kind of lover
I don't mean to disagree, sorry, you can't buy my kisses
Open your eyes and see,
True love comes for free
{Luther}
I'm keepin' my heart open, and hopin' you won't stab me in it
'Cause I've been in love before, and when I had to pay I didn't
I'll lose my sanity, tryin' to measure your intentions
What do you want from me?
How much will it be?
{Janet}
No more than you're willing to give
'Cause you won't pay nothin' for this good lovin', it's for free
{Luther}
And I won't make you promises,
I'll just do all I can to be your lover 'cause I understand
{Both on chorus}
The best things in life are free,
Now that I've discovered what you mean to me
The best things in life are free,
Now that we've got each other
The best things in life are free
{Janet}
Come on now,
Ooh, yeah
{Luther}
Alright, I like that,
Now, Janet
{Janet}
Ooh, Luther
{Both}
I know you are my baby, my one and only baby
You said it twice, I'll say it thrice my baby baby baby
{Janet}
I've got so much for you,
And it's easy to give it when I know you feel the same way too
{Luther}
That's all I expect from you,
Just do all that you can to be my lover 'cause I understand,
I do, (Janet: hoo) I do (Janet: hoo, hoo)
They say,
{Both on chorus}
The best things in life are free,
Now that I've discovered what you mean to me
The best things in life are free,
Now that we've got each other
The best things in life are free
{Repeat chorus}
{Janet}
BBD tell 'em 'bout free
{Luther}
Uhh huh
{Janet}
Free, baby
{Luther}
Yeah
{Janet}
No more than you're willing to give
'Cause you won't pay me nothin' for this good lovin', it's for free
{Luther}
And I won't make you promises
You see,
{Both}
I'm gonna be, I'm gonna be, we're gonna be, I'm gonna
{Janet:} be do, The very best I can, to be your lover 'cause I understand
{Janet}
It feels good, it feels good, it feels good, it feels so good
{Luther}
Ha, ho, oh, wait a minute, I still don't think they've got it
Let's tell them one more time
Check it out!
Everybody needs to know that,
{Both on chorus}
The best things in life are free,
Now that I've discovered what you mean to me
The best things in life are free,
Now that we've got each other
The best things in life are free
{Repeat chorus}
{Luther}
Don't ya know, don't ya know,
The very best love in life is free,
And I'm free, yeah
The song "The Best Things in Life Are Free" is a duet by Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross, originally recorded for the soundtrack of the film "Mo' Money" in 1992. The song celebrates the idea that true love cannot be bought, and that the best things in life are priceless. Both singers take turns delivering verses that assure their love interest that they don't need to pay any price to be with them, while the chorus repeatedly emphasizes the central message of the song.
Janet's verses offer a strong response to anyone who might think they can buy her affection, insisting that true love is something that cannot be purchased. Luther's verses express his fear of being hurt again after having paid for love in the past, but he still remains hopeful that true love exists and can be found for free. Together, the two singers make a compelling case for the idea that the best kind of love is the kind that is freely given.
The song's upbeat melody and catchy chorus made it a popular hit when it was released, and it continues to be a favorite of fans of both Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross. Its message of the importance of genuine love and connection resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy, when you look at me, Do you judge me by my cover?
Do you make assumptions about me based on my outward appearance?
Got to be kiddin' me, to think that I'm that kind of lover
You must be joking if you think I am the type of person that can be bought with money.
I don't mean to disagree, sorry, you can't buy my kisses
I am not trying to be argumentative, but no amount of money can earn you my affection.
Open your eyes and see, True love comes for free
Real love is priceless and cannot be bought or sold.
I'm keepin' my heart open, and hopin' you won't stab me in it
I am remaining open to love, but afraid of being hurt or betrayed.
'Cause I've been in love before, and when I had to pay I didn't
I have been in relationships where I was expected to pay for love, and it did not end well.
I'll lose my sanity, tryin' to measure your intentions
I will go mad trying to figure out your true motives and intentions.
What do you want from me? How much will it be?
What are you expecting from me, and how much are you willing to pay for it?
No more than you're willing to give
I am not asking for anything more than what you are willing to give freely.
And I won't make you promises
I will not make empty promises I cannot keep.
The best things in life are free, Now that I've discovered what you mean to me
You are the best thing in my life, and I have realized that love is something that cannot be bought.
I've got so much for you, And it's easy to give it when I know you feel the same way too
I have a lot of love to give you, and it's easy to do so when I know you are reciprocating those feelings.
That's all I expect from you, Just do all that you can to be my lover 'cause I understand
All I want from you is for you to make an effort to be my partner because I understand that love is not about money.
The best things in life are free
Love and happiness cannot be bought or sold.
Don't ya know, don't ya know, The very best love in life is free
It is important to understand that the most valuable kind of love is one that is given freely.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: B.G. DESYLVA, LEW BROWN, RAY HENDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind