SHOULDA BEEN THERE

from Not Too Busy To Hate by Hakim Jamal

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about

Produced by Adrian Hardy. Remastering by Hakim Jamal. This is the oldest song on the album, originally recorded in 1997, then re-recorded with a full studio band in 2003.

I played it to Hakim and he felt it was perfect for the album. He just added a little light and shade to the mastering and I changed the title and we were there. The track was conceived to be the same kind of Chi-Lites influenced soul as on Ev'rything UR but in a purer and more faithful form. I also loved the Nina Simone track 'Plain Gold Ring' and there's a reference to that. It's the only song on the album not directly related to the Civil Rights struggle though freedom is a theme.

lyrics

Saw your face in the sunlight
You didn't notice me
Well I said something I later regretted
When I set you free
(But I didn't mean it, baby)

Shoulda been there at the right time

Takin' the space of someone
Who used to fill your life
I've got so much more to tell you about me
And I'm not gonna deny it -
I used to be a liar, baby

Shoulda been there at the right time

Now I see you in a new light
You still don't notice me
Well, you got a plain gold ring on your finger
Is this what freedom means?
I don't understand it baby

Shoulda been there at the right time

credits

from Not Too Busy To Hate, released July 9, 2020

license

about

Hakim Jamal Manchester, UK

The music created by Paul Ashley Wheatcroft is inspired by 70s artists such as Gil Scott-Heron, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. English musician Paul signed for Big Life/Polygram and is published by Universal Music.His new incarnation is a collective called The Mint 400. ... more