Brothers Johnson Strawberry Letter 23 Lyrics Meaning
If you're a fan of classic R&B, funk, and soul music, then you've probably heard of the Brothers Johnson. The duo of George and Louis Johnson rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "I'll Be Good to You" and "Stomp." But perhaps their most iconic song is "Strawberry Letter 23," which has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years.
The Origins of "Strawberry Letter 23"
The song was actually written by fellow musician Shuggie Otis, son of legendary R&B bandleader Johnny Otis. Shuggie wrote the song in the early 1970s and included it on his album "Freedom Flight." However, it wasn't until the Brothers Johnson covered the song in 1977 that it became a hit.
The Lyrics of "Strawberry Letter 23"
So what is "Strawberry Letter 23" about? The lyrics are famously cryptic and surreal, with references to "clouds of joy" and "silver magic ships." However, there are a few key themes and motifs that can be discerned.
First and foremost, the song is a love letter. The narrator is addressing a woman he loves, and he uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe his feelings. The "strawberry letter" itself is a metaphor for love and passion, as well as the sweetness and juiciness of ripe fruit.
Another key theme in the song is escape. The narrator talks about leaving behind the mundane and oppressive aspects of everyday life and entering a world of fantasy and possibility. The "silver magic ships" and "clouds of joy" represent this dreamlike world, where anything is possible and the rules of reality don't apply.
There are also hints of sexuality and sensuality in the lyrics, particularly in lines like "I've been waiting for you / Just to taste your strawberry letter." However, the song is never explicit or graphic, instead relying on suggestive language and innuendo.
The Legacy of "Strawberry Letter 23"
Despite its enigmatic lyrics, "Strawberry Letter 23" has remained a beloved and influential song in the decades since its release. It has been covered by artists ranging from Quincy Jones to Frank Zappa to Beyoncé. It has also been sampled in numerous hip-hop and R&B songs, including Outkast's "Ms. Jackson" and Janet Jackson's "That's the Way Love Goes."
Ultimately, the meaning of "Strawberry Letter 23" is open to interpretation. Some listeners might see it as a celebration of love and escape, while others might see it as a surreal and mysterious journey into the unknown. Whatever your interpretation, there's no denying the power and beauty of the song's lyrics and music.