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BROWN BABY

From FOR OUR CHILDREN TOO
Written by Oscar Brown

Everybody knows about “Unbreak My Heart”, the Toni Braxton/David Foster collaboration that has been on top of the charts for several weeks in 1996, being one of the biggest hits of both their careers, but sure not so many are aware of “Brown Baby”, a song that they did, always in 1996, for a very special project entitled “For Our Children Too”. It was one of the countless times that Foster dedicated his talent for a good cause, this time around being Elizabeth Glaser’s Pediatric AIDS foundation. Foster produced one song for Meryl Streep, in 1991, for the first cd entitled “For Our Children” while for its follow up he got a lot more involved producing half of the record. He produced new recordings for people like Cher, Celine Dion, Babyface, Faith Hill, Natalie Cole that along other big names like Elton John, Luther Vandross, Richard Marx & Seal sang songs dedicated to children. We picked “Brown Baby”, an Oscar Brown tune, covered, among others, by Nina Simone, cause it’s a stunning piece of music with lyrics that every parent can rely to. Braxton sings her heart out on this one, reminding us a little bit of the late, great Billy Holiday and this tells you how moving her performance is. David Foster at the piano and keys and Dan Higgins with his warm sax help her setting the mood with their outstanding talent. It is interesting to note that the last song of the cd is “Love Lights The World”, a Foster/Thompson original, sung by Celine with Peabo Bryson and Color Me Badd, that can only be found here or on the Foster solo record that has the same title.


Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/brown_baby.mp3|titles=BROWN BABY|artists=Toni Braxton]


Lead Vocals: Toni Braxton
Piano & Keyboards: David Foster
Saxophone: Dan Higgins
Arranged & Produced by David Foster


Lyrics

Brown Baby Brown Baby
As you grow up I want you to drink from the plenty cup
I want you to stand up tall and proud
And I want you to speak up clear and loud
Brown Baby Brown Baby Brown Baby

As years go by I want you to go with your head up high
I want you to live by the justice code
And I want you to walk down freedom’s road
You little Brown Baby

So lie away lie away sleeping lie away singing
Lie away sleeping lie away safe in my arms
Till your daddy and you mama protect you
and keep you safe from harm
Brown Baby

It makes me glad you gonna have things that I never had
When out of men’s heart all hate is hurled
Sweetie you gonna live in a better world
Brown Baby Brown Baby Brown Baby