From I FEEL FOR YOU
Written by David Foster, Tom Keane & Cynthia Weil
This song started out as an instrumental entitled “Chaka” on David Foster’s first solo record, “The Best Of Me.” This album included many of his earlier hits like “Mornin” and “Love, Look What You’ve Done To Me.” Given the title of the song, it was evident that Foster wanted Chaka Khan to record his composition. The producer’s wish came true just a few years later, in 1984, when the Illinois-born singer released her album, “I Feel For You.” It included songs like “Eye To Eye” by Michael Sembello, the title track (and giant hit) written by Prince, and “Through The Fire,” a Foster instrumental with new lyrics. “Through The Fire” is a timeless ballad, one of Chaka Khan’s trademark songs, and, without doubt, one of Foster’s best productions ever. The song is the meeting of the singer’s power and unique style with the pop sensibility and amazing talent of the Canadian-born songwriter/producer.
This tune was a big hit on R&B radio but it also crossed over to pop and adult contemporary charts where it reached the Top 20, giving Khan her first and only hit on that chart.
“Through The Fire” has been covered over the years by talented singers like Peabo Bryson, ‘Nita Whitaker and also as an instrumental by jazz players like Eliane Elias and Kirk Whalum. Recently, one worldwide hit entitled “Through The Wire” by hip hop artist Kanye West was built around Foster and Khan’s song. Another lesser-known but interesting cover was made a few years ago by one of its co-writers, Tom Keane, on his cd “Smoove and Juicy Covers.” Chaka Khan has recently released her biography. The title? “Through The Fire.” There’s also some talk of a Rufus & Chaka reunion. We really hope it happens because they really made some great music together in the past.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/through_the_fire_c.mp3|titles=Through the fire|artists=Chaka Khan]
All Vocals: Chaka Khan
All Keyboards & Synths: David Foster
Programming: Marcus Ryle
Bass: Nathan East
Drums: John Robinson
Guitar: Mike Landau
Arranged by David Foster
Vocals Produced by Arif Mardin
Produced by David Foster & Humberto Gatica
Lyrics
I look in your eyes and I can see, we’ve loved so dangerously
You’re not trusting your heart to anyone…
You tell me you’re gonna play it smart
We’re through before we start
But I believe that we’ve only just begun
When it’s this good there’s no saying no
I want you so I’m ready to go
Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For just to be with you I’d gladly risk it all
Through the fire, through whatever come what may
For a chance at loving you, I’d take it all the way…
Right down to the wire, even through the fire
I know you’re afraid of what you feel
Your still need time to heal
And I could help if you’ll only let me try
You touched me and something in me knew
What I could have with you,
Now I’m not ready to say goodbye
When it’s this good there’s no saying no
I want you so I’m ready to go
Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For just to be with you I’d gladly risk it all
Through the fire, through whatever come what may
For a chance at loving you, I’d take it all the way…
Right down to the wire, even through the fire
Through the fire, to the limit
(Repeat)