from YOU/SHARE YOUR LOVE (single edit)
written by Maurice White, David Foster & Brenda Russell
The autumn of 1980 saw the release of “You” the second single from Earth, Wind & Fire’s extraordinary double album, “Faces.” “You” is an amazing soul/pop ballad co-written by Maurice White with David Foster and lyrics written by singer/songwriter Brenda Russell. This elegant song was evidently conceived as a follow-up to EWF’s milestone hit, “After The Love Is Gone” from their previous album, “I Am.”
Once again the meeting of Foster’s pop sensibility and jazzy touch with White’s unique soul atmospheres brought to life a masterpiece. From the intimate opening with Foster’s acoustic piano leading the dance to the rich musical explosion of the refrain, this musically complex yet absolutely catchy song is nothing short of brilliant also thanks to the perfectly crafted arrangements and the fantastic vocal and instrumental performances. Russell’s sweet lyrics are also on target and beautifully sung by White’s legendary tenor voice. It seems like Russell was suggested to EWF by Foster who collaborated with her on several occasions in the past, therefore the gifted singer/songwriter ended up co-writing three tracks on “Faces.” Another plus on “You” is the show stopping sax solo by the late, Don Myrick who embellished the track just like he did on “After The Love Is Gone.”
This song, though quite edited for the single release, was another Billboard hit for EWF reaching #10 on the black singles chart and #48 on the pop singles chart. Those were the days when sophisticated music like this was played on radios and sold like hotcakes in music stores. Take a listen and enjoy the magic!
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/you.mp3|titles=You|artists=Maurice White]
Lead Vocals: Maurice White
Keyboards: David Foster & Larry Dunn
Guitar: Al McKay & Johnny Graham
Drums: Fred White
Bass: Verdine White
Saxophone solo: Don Myrick
Percussion: Ralph Johnson & Philip Bailey
Background Vocals: Philip Bailey & Maurice White
Horn Arrangements by Jerry Hey
Strings Arrangements by David Foster
Produced by Maurice White
Lyrics
She was naive, and never knew
Back against the world–her dreams came true
There is a mirror in her eyes,
All the world with cherry painted skies
I would be a fool, not to notice who,
Can make me want to give it all
Oh, and now, I’m a happy soul
That love has got a hold
And I know that love won’t let me fall
You–light the way, you brighten up my day
You make me want to stay,
I guess you know that I’m in love with you
It’s true, you changed my point of view,
And now I look at life, the way you do,
With a beauty shining thru
When I am true with my dreams
Life is so sincere, in what it means
I am truly hypnotized–with a love
That took me by surprise
I would be a fool, not to notice who,
Can make me want to give it all
Oh and now, love is so profound.
I need your love around to open yp,
This lonely heart
You–light the way, you brighten up my day
You make me want to stay,
I guess you know that I’m in love with you
It’s true, you changed my point of view,
And now I look at life, the way you do,
With a beauty shining thru
You-light the way, you brighten up my day
You make me want to stay,
I guess you know that I’m in love with you
It’s true, you changed my point of view,
You make it all seem right,
I’d love to share my life, with you