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Curtis Mayfield - The Makings of You (1970)

“The love of all mankind should reflect some sign of these words I've tried to recite. They're close but not quite.”


Curtis Lee Mayfield (June 3, 1942 – December 26, 1999) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, and one of the most influential musicians behind soul and politically conscious music.


Mr. Mayfield is one of my favorite artists and this is one of my favorite songs he created many years ago. I hope the generations coming up will know this man’s music.




Lyrics

Add a little sugar, honeysuckle

And a great big expression of happiness

Boy, you couldn't miss

With a dozen roses

Such would astound you

The joy of children laughing around you

These are the makings of you

It is true, the makings of you

The righteous way to go

Little one would know

Or believe if I told them so

You're second to none

The love of all mankind

Should reflect some sign of these words

I've tried to recite

They're close but not quite

Almost impossible to do

The righteous way to go

Little one would know

Or believe if I told them so

You're second to none

The love of all mankind

Should reflect some sign of these words

I've tried to recite

They're close but not quite

Almost impossible to do

Reciting the makings of you


About EMLab’s Artist Works

Artist Works is an EMLab brand that explores the labor, concepts, and inspiration behind the artists illuminating and shaping our world.


EMLab is produced by Evan Matthew Papp and we are a proud member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network. Support media, authors, artists, historians, and journalists, and laborers who are fighting for a brighter day for everyone, everywhere. Union solidarity forever.





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