It's a very old song, 16-years-old to be exact! It went through several incarnations from the very first demo recorded back in 2002 up to now. Today it’s grown up into a jazz quartet-fuelled track reminiscent of something Jamie Cullum would do. It’s completely reimagined and finally home. Lyrically it’s apt as it unpacks emotional obstructions and physical relationships, all of which are the golden thread that runs throughout the album. Sometimes people look at unconventional relationships, in my case with my now wife, which is a cross-racial, cross-religious marriage, and expect them to fail. We’re all expected to simply conform to the norm and that doesn’t necessarily bring with it happiness. It was that lyrical thread that wove its way into this album going on 20 years since I first penned it.
lyrics
Ever doubtful, I’m forever changing what I hoped for for you and I.
Forever faithful, I’m forever in your debt, you changed my life.
Forever lovers, forever together, ever apart and I…
I wanna thank you everyday, I wanna love you in every way.
Everybody, didn’t believe we’d make it through
but nobody’s gonna take me from you
and I was so nervous I, I just wanted to make it better, better.
Everybody, didn’t believe we’d ever make it
and nobody had the nerve to say it
and I was so nervous I, I just wanted to make it better, better…
So nervous I, I just wanted to make it better.
Neverending, all the memories of rejection,
I have learned that to be burned is ever doubtful,
never faithful in me and the beauty beside me.
Forever lovers, forever together, whether you’re near or far and I…
I wanna thank you everyday, I wanna love you in every way.
Everybody, didn’t believe we’d ever make it
and nobody had the nerve to say it
and I was so nervous I, I just wanted to make it better, better…
So nervous I, I just wanted to make it better.
I know in time we’ll be just fine.
I believe if we try we’ll cross the line.
I know in time we’ll be just fine.
I believe if we try we’ll cross the line.
Everybody, didn’t believe we’d ever make it
and nobody had the nerve to say it
and I was so nervous I, I just wanted to make it better, better…
So nervous I, I just wanted to make it better.
credits
from The 5th Story,
released July 24, 2017
Produced by R.J. Benjamin
Written by R.J. Benjamin
Published by Roy Ben Music
Piano – Llewelyn George
Double Bass – Benjamin Jephta
Drums – David Klassen
Trumpets – Neil Engel
This two-song project from the Maryland-born and UK-based soul singer features vintage, 1970s soul-influenced songs. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 21, 2022
