from BROTHERS (Japanese Edition)
written by David Foster, Linda Thompson & Cedric Dent
“I’m Only Here For A While” is a gorgeous tune that David Foster co-wrote with his former wife Linda Thompson and Cedric Dent, original member of the extraordinary jazz/gospel vocal combo, Take 6. The track was included on Foster’s 1994 album, “Love Lights The World.”
The haunting arrangement put the spotlight on Foster’s outstanding piano playing and the magic was gracefully enhanced by the smooth vocals of Dent and his fellow band member, Mark Kibble.
In 1996, Take 6 released their Grammy-winning album “Brothers.” The Japanese edition of that record includes two fantastic bonus tracks. One is a beautiful, mostly a-cappella rendition of “Almost Paradise,” the classic power ballad from the movie “Footloose” originally sung by Ann Wilson of Heart and Mike Reno of Loverboy. The second gem is a new version of “I’m Only Here For A While.” Foster’s original take was mostly instrumental with Kibble and Dent just singing the song’s refrain and bridge. The newly recorded cover presented all the meaningful lyrics, written by Thompson, including the verses. “I’m Only Here For A While” was produced by the great R&B singer/songwriter Brian McKnight who’s the younger brother of Take 6 member Claude McKnight. This time around, Kibble’s enchanting lead vocal is supported by the six harmonies of the group while Brian McKnight’s backing track has a stronger R&B feel to it compared to Foster’s jazzy arrangement. Both of these bonus tracks are really outstanding and make checking out the Japanese edition of “Brothers” a must to enjoy the unique and amazing talent of Take 6.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/i_m_only_here_for_a_while.mp3|titles=I’m only here for a while|artists=Mark Kibble]
Lead Vocals: Mark Kibble
Background Vocals: Take 6
All Instruments: Brian McKnight
Produced by Brian McKnight
Lyrics
I ask myself what’s lasting
What will go with time
Everything I touch while I’m here
It all seems to be mine
But life slips through our fingers
Just like grains of sand
But worry falls without any help
It’s a part of God’s plan
When this world and I must part
My legacy will be my heart
I’ll try to leave some love behind
To ease a troubled mind
I’m only here for a while
What will I leave behind me
I’m only here for a while
Shouldn’t I act kindly
With and love and tenderness
Over and over again
The same stars shine on every man
If I’m only here for a while
Might I help someone else’s heart
To Smile
It only takes a minute
To look up at the sky
Reaching out you might touch a soul
Or at least say you tried
When this world and I must part
My legacy will by my heart
I’ll try to leave some love behind
To ease, ease a troubled mind
I’m only here for a while
What will I leave behind me
I’m only here for a while
Shouldn’t I act kindly
With and love and tenderness
Over and over again
The same stars shine on every man
If I’m only here for a while
Might I help someone else’s heart
Searching for answers together
We make this world a little better
I know we’ll find all the answers
When you look inside your heart
Don’t you know
The same stars shine on every man
If I’m only here for a while
Help someone else’s heart
I’m only here for a while
What will I leave behind me
I’m only here for a while
Shouldn’t I act kindly
With and love and tenderness
Over and over again
The same stars shine on every man
If I’m only here for a while
Might I help someone else’s heart
To smile, smile, smile