Bill Withers was an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean on Me,” and “Just the Two of Us.” Born in 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia, Withers grew up in poverty and served in the U.S. Navy before pursuing a career in music.
Withers’ music was characterized by its soulful, bluesy sound and his smooth, soulful voice. His lyrics often dealt with themes of love, heartache, and social justice, and he was known for his ability to connect with audiences through his emotional performances.
Despite his success, Withers remained humble and focused on creating music that was authentic and meaningful. He retired from the music industry in the 1980s, but his music continued to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Withers’ influence on music is immeasurable, and his songs have been covered by countless artists in a variety of genres. His legacy as a songwriter and performer continues to inspire new generations of musicians, and his impact on the music industry will be felt for many years to come.
1. “Make Love to Your Mind”
This soulful tune embraces sensuality and advocates loving oneself from within. With evocative lyrics, “Make Love to Your Mind” celebrates the power of self-love and encourages listeners to explore the depths of their minds. The track boasts a sophisticated soundscape, showcasing Withers’ versatility as a musician. The seductive rhythm showcases his masterful control over grooves, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that entices listeners to let loose and surrender themselves to the music. Don’t miss out on this sensational song that highlights Withers’ artistry in crafting tunes that compel audiences to connect with themselves deeply.
Even if you don't know who Liza is, you'll be tapping your toes to this infectious Bill Withers tune.
2. “Liza”
This song expresses the joy that Bill Withers found in spending time with his lover, who was named Liza. The soft and mellow melody of “Liza” along with Bill’s soulful voice brings out the tender emotions behind the lyrics.
The track is included in the album ‘Just As I Am’ (1971) which features other hit songs like “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
“Liza” is accompanied by a gentle acoustic guitar that accompanies Withers’ smooth vocals, creating an intimate and serene atmosphere for listeners. The lyrics describe how being with Liza makes him feel content and peaceful, despite his troubles.
This song may not be as well-known as some of Withers’ other hits, but it remains a heartfelt and timeless masterpiece.
Interestingly, Bill wrote this song about a dream he had of a woman named Liza that came to him while he was feeling particularly lonely. From that dream came one of his most tender and personal songs.
(Source: udiscovermusic.com)
Lefties rejoice, ‘I Can’t Write Left-Handed’ isn’t a song about your struggles with notebooks, it’s one of Bill Withers' most powerful and emotional tracks.
3. “I Can’t Write Left-Handed”
This timeless ballad recounts the pain and despair of cruel war, in which a young man loses his dominant arm. "I Can't Write Left-Handed" delves deeply into this emotional experience, using Withers' soulful voice to convey the tragedy. With powerful lyrics and moving backing vocals, this song is a must-listen for fans of Bill Withers.
The song's somber tone is juxtaposed with moments of desperation, as the narrator struggles to write with his non-dominant hand. Through his vivid descriptions, Withers paints a picture of the raw emotions experienced by those affected by war. This poignant commentary on war and its lasting effects will surely resonate with listeners.
Unique to this track is its moving backstory: Withers was inspired to write it after visiting wounded soldiers at the VA hospital. He witnessed firsthand the mental and physical anguish that accompanied these injuries, and wanted to give voice to their struggle through music.
Pro Tip: For an even deeper appreciation of this timeless classic, take some time to read about Withers' backstory and inspiration behind writing "I Can't Write Left-Handed." This will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for his artistry and humanity.
Bill Withers takes us on a soulful journey through Harlem, but sorry Cold Baloney, you're not invited to this musical feast.
4. “Harlem”/”Cold Baloney”
This section features a unique blend of songs from Bill Withers, which are "Harlem" and "Cold Baloney". Below are some key points about these two pieces that set them apart from other famous tracks of the artist.
- "Harlem" is a soulful track that takes listeners on a sonic journey through the vibrant neighborhood in New York City. With its catchy guitar riffs and engaging lyrics, the song encapsulates the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance.
- On the other hand, "Cold Baloney" is a poignant tune that speaks to those who have ever struggled financially. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who is barely getting by, living off meager resources like cold baloney sandwiches.
- Despite their differences in tone and subject matter, both songs exhibit Bill Withers' incredible range as an artist and masterful songwriting ability.
Although these songs may not be as well-known as some of his biggest hits, they still hold immense value and offer a powerful insight into Bill Withers' musical legacy.
One anecdote tells of how "Cold Baloney" was inspired by one of his childhood memories during time spent with his Grandma Galloway. According to him, whenever he would visit her tiny kitchen for lunch during summer breaks in Slab Fork, West Virginia she would always be singing a prayerful melody "Lord I don't know when or I don't know how 'but you will make a way outa no way somehow." This stuck with him and at just 7 years old used it in writing this classic ballad.
Listening to 'It's All Over Now' makes me feel like I just got dumped by a non-existent ex.
5. “It’s All Over Now”
This song, penned by Bobby Womack and Shirley Jean Womack, was covered by Bill Withers for his album “Menagerie” in 1977. It's a soulful tale of lost love that showcases Withers' signature smooth vocals. The instrumentation is mellow but effective, with guitar and organ riffs weaving in and out of the track. Withers' interpretation of this song truly captures the hurt and pain associated with a relationship ending.
Need a shoulder to cry on? Lean on Bill Withers' musical masterpiece, guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes and warmth to your heart.
6. “Lean on Me”
https://youtu.be/Jrlhn1H1EWw
This song, a timeless classic and one of Bill Withers’ biggest hits, captures the ethos of love and support for those in need. A warm, soulful rendition with powerful lyrics that speak to the heart. Its message is one of solidarity and comfort during difficult times, touching listeners worldwide with its universal appeal.
With its signature piano riff and gospel-inspired harmonies, “Lean on Me” stands out as an exceptional track that has endured over the years. The song's relatable themes make it a remarkable anthem of encouragement and a reminder that no one should be left alone when facing adversity.
What makes this song truly special is how it has been embraced by people from all walks of life. “Lean on Me” became an instant hit upon release in 1972, topping both the soul singles chart and Billboard Hot 100 in no time. It has since been covered by countless artists across various genres and featured prominently in movies, TV shows, commercials, and political campaigns.
Interestingly enough, Withers wrote “Lean on Me” not as an uplifting song but more as an observation of the power dynamics between him and his co-workers at a factory job he held before becoming famous. The constant backstabbing and competition inspired him to pen this tune about sticking together through thick and thin.
Overall, “Lean on Me” continues to inspire generations with its enduring message of strength through unity.
Who is he? Well, it's probably not the IRS coming to audit you, but this song will still have you feeling just as scrutinized.
7. “Who Is He (and What Is He to You?)”
This soulful classic from Bill Withers, one of his most popular hits, explores the complicated dynamics of a romantic relationship. The song asks the question "Who Is He (and What Is He to You?)” with subtle intimations of infidelity and mistrust seeping through the lyrics. Withers' emotive vocals and the song's tight instrumentation make it a must-listen for fans of soul music.
Diving deeper into the lyrics, "Who Is He (and What Is He to You?)" paints a vivid picture of a woman questioning her partner's true intentions. She suspects that he may be cheating on her but is hoping for reassurance that she is wrong. The backing vocals and horns add to the drama and intensity of the song, making it one of Withers' most emotional works.
Interestingly, this song has been sampled in several popular hip-hop tracks including Kendrick Lamar's "Sing About Me" and Jay-Z's "Blueprint 2". It just goes to show how timeless Withers' music truly is.
A true fact about this song: In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2015, Bill Withers revealed that his inspiration for “Who Is He (and What Is He to You?)” came from his own experiences growing up in a small mining town in West Virginia. The track was released as a single in 1972 and quickly became one of his biggest hits.
Grandma's hands may have smelled like mothballs and Ben Gay, but Bill Withers knew they carried the love and warmth of a lifetime in every squeeze.
8. “Grandma’s Hands”
This soulful piece of music, one of Bill Withers' best songs, touches on the memories and emotions associated with his grandmother's hands. The song evokes the sense of safety and warmth we feel when we hold someone's hand. The resonant guitar notes and meaningful lyrics make this song an emotional experience for the listener.
The song was notable for its inclusion in numerous movies, including Jackie Brown, Best Laid Plans, and Notorious among others. "Grandma's Hands" is a timeless piece that has inspired people worldwide to appreciate the simple yet profound aspects of life.
It's interesting to note that Withers wrote many songs about his family members, such as his mother ("Ain't No Sunshine") and grandfather ("I Don't Know"). This shows how much he valued his familial relationships and demonstrates how important those relationships were to him personally.
Pro Tip: When listening to "Grandma's Hands," pay attention to the use of repetitions in the chorus. It elevates the emotional intensity of Withers' message by creating a powerful spoken word effect.
Bill may have wanted to use you, but this song will use your ear drums for its irresistible groove.
9. “Use Me”
This track from Bill Withers, known as "9. “Use Me”" combines his soulful vocals with a funky rhythm and stands out with its catchy chorus and rock-inspired guitar riffs.
- Starts with a bassline that sets up the groove.
- A drum fill initiates the first verse, where the lyrics talk about how Withers is willing to be used by his lover for their pleasure.
- Next comes the chorus which is incredibly infectious and memorable.
- The song's energy peaks during the bridge where the electric guitar solo takes center stage.
- After that energetic segment, it swiftly shifts back into a gentle groove where Withers softly repeats the words of how he's fond of his partner, creating a sense of vulnerability and sincerity in conjunction with dynamic instrumentals.
- The song ends on an energetic note with choruses being repeated end-to-end.
An interesting tidbit is that this hit was co-written by James Gadson, who played drums on many classic Motown recordings.
Finally, a song that celebrates the beauty of monogamy and doesn't encourage cheating…unless you count dancing with someone else as cheating.
10. “Just the Two of Us”
This unforgettable song by Bill Withers truly captures the essence of a beautiful relationship. It expresses the intimacy and warmth that come with being in the company of someone you adore.
The track has been performed by numerous artists, but Withers' music and lyrics remain unmatched. "Just the Two of Us" is a perfect blend of R&B, soul, and jazz elements that make it a masterpiece. The song's instrumentation uses upbeat disco vibes to create an atmosphere of joyousness and contentment.
The tune's harmonic progression provides unceasing excitement as it moves through different musical keys. "Just The Two Of Us" has remained one of Bill Withers' most well-known songs, even years later. The captivating writing style combined with infectious rhythms has easily made it an all-time classic in music history.
This unique masterpiece showcases Withers' singing range beautifully, as he blends his distinctive bass voice with dynamic rap segments in complete synchronicity. Despite this song being entirely uniquely arranged at its initial release in 1981, it still continues to inspire performers today with its infectious beats and heartfelt messages.
Legend has it that Bill Withers wrote "Just the Two of Us" for his wife while on their honeymoon journey across Europe in 1977. He had just gotten married for a second time after divorce shattered his first marriage; he wanted to celebrate this new love by infusing aspects of his personal life into his artistry. Thus, "Just The Two Of Us" became a touching dedication from him to her, which also happened to resonate deeply across a massive audience base who consider the song difficult not to hear without getting up and swaying along.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
