From SARA/ONE WAY TICKET (single)
Written by Bill Champlin & Alan Thicke
Bill Champlin’s solo works have always been packed with great music. His 1982 single, “Sara,” off his “Runaway” album is a sweet ballad that was perfectly suited for Pop/Adult Contemporary radios. “Sara” was co-written by Champlin with actor/TV host/singer Alan Thicke and perfectly produced by David Foster.
This nostalgic song became a minor hit on both Billboard’s Hot 100 and A.C. charts reaching #61 and #19 respectively. Here the gorgeous vocal harmonies, enhanced by Foster’s emotional musical arrangement, are clear evidence of Champlin’s supreme artistry as a singer and vocal arranger. His unique voice is accompanied by a top notch band that includes Foster on fender Rhodes and Steve Lukather on guitar. The ear candy atmospheres of “Sara,” the first single “Tonight, Tonight” and the whole “Runaway” album are very similar to “Chicago 16” and clearly had “hit” written all over them. Despite its evident musical quality, this project wasn’t supported by the record label and thus led Champlin to join Chicago for “Chicago 16.” Had “Runaway” been a hit, we’d have probably witnessed a completely different story in Champlin’s career. In 1997, Champlin released an acoustic, stripped down cover of “Sara” for a various artist compilation entitled “Thoughtscape Sounds ’97 Sampler CD.”
Let’s not forget the single’s b-side, the rocker “One Way Ticket” that wisely mixes a powerful sound with an elegant arrangement and performance. We strongly suggest you to check out his new release “No Place Left To Fall.” Again, this legendary performer gives us quality stuff that’s “music with a capital M.”
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/sara.mp3|titles=Sara|artists=Bill Champlin]
Lead & Background Vocals: Bill Champlin
Drums: John Robinson
Bass: Jon Pierce
All Guitars: Steve Lukather
Keyboards & Synthesizers: David Foster
Percussion: Paul Lani
String Arrangement by David Foster
Arranged by David Foster & Bill Champlin
Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
How could you let me go
The way we’ve been getting on
I didn’t see no sign of trouble
All of a sudden, you’re gone
How was I meant to know
I left you alone too long
I never thought you needed
All of that talking
But I could be wrong
And Sara, I’ll never forget your name
The woman is gone
But the feeling is here to stay
Sara, the melody will remain
Though you’ll be gone
Before the sun goes down
Sara tearing apart
The heart you turned around
How could you let me go
And whittle your dreams away
I didn’t see you leaving me
Give me a moment to say
How can I let you know
I’m willing to give it all
I’ll gather your tears
From all of the years
And catch ’em whenever they fall
I’ll catch you whenever you fall
Sara, I’ll never forget your name
The woman is gone
But the feeling is here to stay
Sara, stay
The melody will remain
Though you’ll be gone
Before the sun goes down
Sara, I’ll never forget your name
The woman is gone
But the feeling is here to stay
Sara, stay
Though you’ll be gone
Before the sun goes down
Sara, tear apart
The heart you turned around
How could you let me go