Zapp is best known for its 1980 funk hit More Bounce to the Ounce (produced by Bootsy Collins). The group recorded five albums as 'Zapp' & Roger recorded five others under his own name.
Roger & Zapp are known for the distinctive synthesized sound produced by recording vocals through a Talk box fed by an electonic synthesizer. Roger's voice can be heard on the Dr. Dre-produced 1996 Tupac Shakur hit "California Love". Roger also appeared on songs by Johnny Gill, Keith Sweat, Eric Benet and H-Town amongst others.
On Sunday, April 25, 1999, Roger Troutman was found shot and critically wounded outside a recording studio in Dayton, Ohio; he died during surgery at a local hospital. Roger's brother Larry was found dead in a car a few blocks away with a single gunshot wound to the head. It is likely that a personal dispute had developed between the two brothers; as far as can be determined, Larry shot Roger, then shot himself.
Coming Home
Zapp Lyrics
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'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
When it's you that my arms are calling to
Dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
I'm trying to smile once in a while
But I found that it wouldn't do
Dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
Dancing with somebody new
When it's you that my arms are calling to
I'm trying to smile once in a while
But I found that it wouldn't do
Dancing with tears in my eyes
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
The lyrics of Zapp's song 'Coming Home' are a poignant representation of the pain and heartache of unrequited love. The singer finds himself dancing with tears in his eyes because he is with someone new, but it is not the person he longs for. The girl he desires is not there, and he can feel his arms yearning for her. He tries to force a smile, but it is clear that it is a mask for his real emotions. The chorus is repeated twice emphasizing his pain and hurt.
The lyrics effectively conveys the message that love is not easy; it can be painful and difficult to let go. The singer's attempts to move on and find someone new but his heart still belongs to someone else. The powerful imagery of "dancing with tears in my eyes" captures the sadness and despair of the situation. The song portrays the universal experience of heartbreak, and the poignant lyrics strike a chord with audiences worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
Dancing with tears in my eyes
I am dancing with tears in my eyes because I am reminded of you but cannot be with you.
'Cause the girl in my arms isn't you
I am holding someone else but it does not compare to holding you.
Dancing with somebody new
I am dancing with someone else, but it does not feel the same as it would with you.
When it's you that my arms are calling to
My arms are longing for you even as I am dancing with someone else.
I'm trying to smile once in a while
I am trying to be happy without you, but it is not working very well.
But I found that it wouldn't do
I have found that pretending to be happy without you is not enough to fill the void.
Contributed by Riley K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.