15 Engaging W-I-T-H With Songs features songs by JORDY, Kate Bush, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Mitty Collier, Omar Apollo, and Whitney Houston.
Question: Are you W-I-T-H, with it, or aren’t you? Decide! For 15 Engaging W-I-T-H With Songs, I highly recommend that you get with it, N-O-W, now! The concept and theme are simple, folks. Every song must feature the preposition ‘with’. In other words, these 15 songs can’t be without it! It isn’t the first time The Musical Hype has explored with-it-ness either: this musical compendium arrives after 13 With or Without Songs: Vol. 2 (2021) and 12 Half ‘With’ & Half ‘Without’ Songs (2018). This marks the first time we exclude the without-ness, though. With exclusivity! 15 Engaging W-I-T-H With Songs features songs by JORDY, Kate Bush, Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, Mitty Collier, Omar Apollo, and Whitney Houston. So, if you’re with it, won’t you join us in celebrating the with-it-ness of 15 Engaging W-I-T-H With Songs?! And if not, you kick rocks, you un-with-it 🤬🤬🤬 🤣🤣🤣!

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1. Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile”
MAYHEM » Interscope » 2025
In 2024 music lovers worldwide were bestowed a big-time gift: a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. These award-winning, gifted individuals duetted on “Die With A Smile”. “Die,” which appears on Gaga’s 2025 album, MAYHEM, earned her and Mars a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Lady Gaga, Mars, Andrew Watt, Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II, and James Fauntleroy penned this number-one hit. Gaga, Mars, Emile, and Watt produced it. The results are sublime. “Die With A Smile” commences with a rhythm guitar which propels the groove. Mars sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. “I, I just woke up from a dream / Where you and I had to say goodbye,” he sings, continuing, “And I don’t know what it all means / But since I survived, I realized / Wherever you go, that’s where I’ll follow.” As always, his tone is beautiful; he delivers a commanding and smooth performance.
The chorus is big and soulful, in a pop sort of way, welcoming punchy drums:
“If the world was ending
I’d wanna be next to you
If the party was over
And our time on Earth was through
I’d wanna hold you just for a while
And die with a smile
If the world was ending
I’d wanna be next to you.”
Lady Gaga arrives in the second verse. Mars harmonizes with her (“‘Cause you already know what you mean to me / And our love’s the only one worth fighting for”). Their vocal chemistry is undeniable – two dynamic singing voices meshing celestially. Following the dynamic second chorus, there is a change of pace during the brief bridge, where the piano is more prominent in the accompaniment (“Right next to you / Next to you / Right next to you”). With the return of the chorus, this dynamic duo is just that – dynamic! Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars make a formidable team in their first-ever collaboration. “Die With A Smile” is pop gold.

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2. Omar Apollo, “Done With You”
God Said No » Omar Apollo / Warner » 2024
“I’m so done with you, done with you, done with you, done with you, done.” I’d venture to say that Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Omar Apollo (Omar Velasco) is D-O-N-E ✅ with him. “Done With You” is the fourth track from his 2024 sophomore album, God Said No. “Sometimes, love don’t make it right,” he sings in the pre-chorus. True. During the first verse, Omar reminisces. He recollects moments such as talking and missing him when he’s gone. In the second verse, there is clinging to the past: “Won’t you please just let me go? / I’d be better off alone / I’m still wearing all your clothes / Let me go, let me go.” Of course, in the chorus, he swears off him ✅, whether that is true or not. Throughout “Done,” Omar blesses us with his soulful, expressive, and nuanced vocals. His runs are fabulous. He sings over a groovy, R&B backdrop – think neo-soul/contemporary soul. The melodies are beautiful. Velasco wrote and produced “Done With You” with Blake Slatkin, Carter Lang, Teo Halm, Dylan Wiggins, and Scott Bridgeway. One of the best moments adds to the lighthearted nature of the track. In the second pre-chorus, we get the fun lyric, “Bro, you got better bitches, like.” Word.
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3. Whitney Houston, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”
Whitney » Arista » 1987
“Oh, I wanna dance with somebody / I wanna feel the heat with somebody / Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody / With somebody who loves me.” Woo, that’s #ICONIC!!! She just wants to dance and be in love with someone, sigh (understandable and relatable). Despite living just 48 years 😭, the musical legacy of Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) endures, given a catalog filled with hits, including the beloved “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)”. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” written by Shannon Rubicam and George Merrill, graces Houston’s sophomore album, Whitney, released in 1987. Spending two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is one of 11 number-one hits and 23 top-10 hits by Houston.
It goes without saying that “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” is an incredibly fun and infectious listen. It is up-tempo, and the minute the song begins playing, it is instantly recognizable. One of the quintessential numbers of the 1980s, it never loses its luster beyond the decade, which is a testament to its legendary, classic status. As excerpted, the chorus is the centerpiece – the crème de la crème. Houston shows off her immense musicianship, singing with ample energy, showing off an incredible personality, and most of all, wowing with THE VOICE. Beyond the elite singing and the chorus, the verses and the pre-choruses are memorable too, setting up that magnificent chorus. In the second verse, she asserts, “I’ve been in love and lost to my senses / Spinnin’ through the town / Sooner or later, the fever ends / And I wind up feelin’ down.” Again, relatable – who doesn’t want to find love to rid themselves of loneliness? The sound is also marvelous, featuring arranging and production by the great Narada Michael Walden. All told, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” speaks for itself – a true pop classic. Honestly, “Don’t you wanna dance? Say you wanna dance…” C’mon, baby!

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4. JORDY, “SEX WITH MYSELF”
SEX WITH MYSELF » JORDY » 2024
“It’s better alone ‘cause I know / Just what to do more than you.” The sex, I mean, that line ‘hits different,’ JORDY (Jordy Shulman)! Rather than rely on the stimulation of a boy who isn’t coming to the party, Shulman has decided to have sex with himself on “SEX WITH MYSELF”. The boldly titled “SEX WITH MYSELF” is the seventh track of his sophomore album, fittingly titled Sex with Myself. Yes, the song is quite, um, masturbatory, but it goes beyond the physical stimulation of solo touch. “Put on a show of my own / And I’ll follow through,” the sexy, talented artist continues singing in the pre-chorus. “I’ll just have sex with myself / I’m obsessed with myself / I’ll keep my hands to myself…” This ode to self-pleasure and acknowledging, ‘I don’t have to have a man to fulfill me’ was written by JORDY and Perry Xthona alongside producers Alex Borel and Colin Foote.
The sound is danceable, flirty, and, of course, sexy. Upping the ante are the playful vocals by JORDY. He seems unbothered that it’s just him and his body. “Think I’m catching feels / Fall in love, think I might be the one,” he sings in the second verse, concluding, “Me myself and I’m getting closer.” Hmm, getting closer to what, handsome 🥵 😮💨? Anyways, if the audio titillates, watch the music video. Not only does JORDY have a blast, all alone, the way he simulates the sex with himself, tastefully, mind you, is hawt… On the sleek, sexy “SEX WITH MYSELF”, Jordy makes ‘self-sex’ sexy… or sexier… You catch my drift.

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5. Taylor Swift, “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”
THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT » Taylor Swift » 2024
“There in her glittering prime / The lights refract sequin stars off her silhouette every night / I can show you lies.” Those sharp lyrics hail from the one-and-only Taylor Swift. Specifically, they appear in “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” the 13th track on THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” was written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff. As always, the Grammy winner delivers her fair share of ear-catching lyrics. “‘Cause I’m a real tough kid / I can handle my shit,” she sings in the pre-chorus, adding, “They said, ‘Babe, you gotta fake it ‘til you make it’ / Lights, camera, bitch, smile.” The chorus also marks another stellar moment:
“I’m so depressed, I act like it’s my birthday every day
I’m so obsessed with him, but he avoids me like the plague
I cry a lot, but I am so productive, it’s an art
You know you’re good when you can even do it with a broken heart.”
Word! “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” features tuneful melodies, something Swift excels at. She sings respectably. No, it’s not an otherworldly or powerhouse performance, but well-rounded. The production is solid, too: a driving, rhythmic instrumental accompaniment, set in an optimistic major key. Swift proves she can do a lot with a broken heart!
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6. Lynks, “(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER”
ABOMINATION » Heavenly Recordings / [PIAS] » 2024
“I’m on the DLR, on my way to fuck a stranger / Know his age, know his height, don’t know his name,” Lynks asserts in the first verse of the colorful “(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER”. They acknowledge the risks in the highlight from their 2024 album, ABOMINATION: “Should be ashamed, all the danger I put myself in in the name of a shag, and a bad one at that / It’s a matter of fact, to fuck a stranger is rarely a positive act for me / But I still go back ‘cause who’s keeping track.” Lynks penned and produced the unique electro-tinged alternative joint. It is nothing short of an exhilarating ride.
“(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER” features intense, noisy-sounding musical accompaniment. This establishes a high-energy, intense vibe. Lynks’ vocals are unapologetic, often rapped and talked, using a distortion effect at times. He narrativizes an imminent hookup bringing ample personality to the table.“Oh, the wonders of technology when you’re horny / Ordering a man like you’d order a curry,” they sing in the second verse, continuing, “Call me up, babe, I’ll be there in a hurry / I’m free delivery and all I really need is you to fuck my brains out.” Holy cannoli! Lynks, being young and horny, isn’t picky regarding his sexual rendezvous. Grindr overdrive! Even though Lynks is receiving pleasure, the satisfaction or deeper connection is missing, which they highlight in the talk-sung chorus:
“Romance isn’t dead, it’s in a coma
Me? I’m just a dog out, tryna get a boner
I don’t wanna spend my night alone (No)
So, I don’t think about how I’ll feel when it’s over
‘Cause honestly, I’ll probably feel the same
No miracle, no epiphanies
And disappointment always is the danger
But what did you expect from sex with a stranger?”
“(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER” is a sex-positive song but simultaneously acknowledges the unfulfillment of empty sex.
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7. Juno Lev, “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”
when they find your body » Milkboy » 2021
“I spent all of last night in god’s bed / Mom, please don’t get upset / ‘Cause now I’ll be immortalized / I’ll be immortalized.” Ooh-wee, Juno Lev (Jack Braun, who formerly performed as Jackfruit), I’m speechless 😶! Anytime spirituality is woven into music, it creates a compelling, thought-provoking listen. “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)” is a prime example of a song with spiritual elements that easily catches the ears. The open-minded and progressive souls will eat this up, while those who are the most god-fearing will cry foul. “I saw god in a Trader Joe’s / Buying organic blueberries / Prettiest man I’d ever seen.” Noted, Juno Lev. “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)” is the fourth track from their 2021 EP, when they find your body. Juno Lev produced this LGBTQ gem with the talented Zach Benson.
After god kissed Juno Lev, with dried apricots in one hand, they assert, “I think my teeth are gonna rot.” The other experiences with god (Lev uses ‘god’ lowercased throughout) are questionable too, including “Lips sliding open in a prayer” (a blowjob), and stating that sex with him was “As close to heaven as I’ll get”. Arguably the best line: “Second coming in a bathroom stall / But now god won’t return my calls, wrote him a love letter.” Holy shit! Beyond mixing queer sex and god, the music is heavenly on “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better).” The electronic sound palette (keys and pads) shine. The drum programming and snaps that arrive during the second verse are sweet. The snare drumming is a superb touch. Of course, Lev is the star, singing expressively and gorgeously. They are authentic to the nth degree, even as the lyrics are playful… and blasphemous 🤭. Adding to the allure are tuneful melodies from the get-go. Oh, and how about one final lyrical shout-out? At the end, can I get an “Amen, ah men?” Perhaps the sex could’ve gone better on “I had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)”, but the song remains a surefire, queer-to-the-nth-degree bop! We Stan!
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8. Landon Barker, “Friends With Your EX”
“Friends With Your EX” » DTA / Elektra » 2023
In 2023, Gen-Z influencer Landon Barker, the son of Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler, dipped his toes into the music biz with his brief, two-minute debut single, “Friends With Your EX”. His father, Travis, contributed as a writer and producer. In addition to Landon and Travis, Jaden Pullaro, Dark Waves, and noahmadethiss penned “Friends With Your EX.” Travis, Dark Waves, and noahmadethiss produce. “Friends” features pop-punk vibes. Landon offers up respectable singing. The record gets off to an abrupt start with the intro previewing the chorus, which arrives later in full. The chorus is gargantuan – predictable! It’s filled with guitars and pummeling drumming. Notably, “Friends” is tuneful throughout, with the chorus earning top honors in the melodic department:
“I was friends with your ex
You were with him when we met
Guess he hasn’t found out yet
But I know he’s gonna kill me when he sees me with you
You’re a dream in my head
Now I’m sleeping in your bed
He’ll be wishing I was dead
But I know he’s gonna kill me when he sees me with you.”
Ultimately, “Friends With Your EX” is an enjoyable and pleasant introduction of Landon Barker to the world.
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9. Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”
Hounds of Love » Noble & Brite Ltd » 1985
“Do you wanna know, know that it doesn’t hurt me? / Do you wanna hear about the deal I’m making?” “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” marks the biggest hit from Kate Bush. It experienced moderate success in the mid-1980s but received greater success in 2022 thanks to being featured in the fourth season of the Netflix series, Stranger Things. In the U.S., “Running Up That Hill” eventually reached the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. The opener from her 1985 LP, Hounds of Love, is idiomatic of the ‘80s to the core. Nostalgic synths and pads stand out, as does the drum groove. Those drums pummel consistently, creating an intense soundtrack that matches the lyrics and overall aesthetic. Bush serves up a compelling vocal, exhibiting poise at times, but also digging in when things grow more intense. As the record progresses, we get additional rhythm (via rhythmic guitar 🎸), additional boxy drums, and additional bite from Bush. And what about this deal she references in the first verse? The chorus shed some light:
“And if I only could
I’d make a deal with God
And I’d get him to swap our places
Be runnin’ up that road
Be runnin’ up that hill
Be runnin’ up that buildin’
Say, If I only could, oh.”
Woo! I don’t think such deals go down, but give Bush credit for trying. The lyrics are incredibly captivating, including the likes of “Unaware, I’m tearin’ you asunder / Oh, there is thunder in our hearts.” Like, BOOM 💥! “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” is a prime example of a record being “old but still lit 🔥!”
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10. JC Chasez, “Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love)”
Schizophrenic » Zomba Recording LLC » 2004
Post-NSYNC, the ‘best singer’ from the group, the handsome and talented JC Chasez, was unable to craft a lucrative solo career. Schizophrenic, his sole studio album, debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200, charting for only four weeks. Ouch! Chasez only charted two singles on the pop charts, with “Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love)” landing in the top 40 (number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100). Mr. Chasez, hence, is a one-hit wonder. He penned “Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love)” alongside producer Dallas Austin.
“Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love)” is a fun pop/contemporary R&B song. JC Chasez brings plenty of energy and personality to the track. His ad-libs are fierce – soulful. The single arrived long before Schizophrenic as part of the Drumline soundtrack. “Girl, it’s just the sexy way / You back yourself into me,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “You’ve got me all bent out of shape / Thinking ‘bout you all day.” Oh, snap! In the pre-chorus, Mr. Chasez states, “I-I-I / I can’t lose you, babe.” The best part of “Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love)” is – drumroll, please – the chorus:
“She was disco lights on a Friday night
She moves across the floor (sugar)
She was, oh so tight, like dynamite
Blowin’ me up with her love.”
The quicker breakdown section marks another bright spot. JC brings the heat as he asserts, “Look at shorty / She was leaning on me / Getting horny / Maybe we’ll get naughty.” Ooh-wee! Beyond the electrifying lyrics, the musical accompaniment is lit. The beat, the keys, and the synths are scintillating. It’s a shame that “Blowin’ Me Up (With Her Love)” wasn’t a bigger hit for Chasez.

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11. Pat Benatar, “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”
Crimes of Passion » Capitol » 1980
“Hit me with your best shot / Why don’t you hit me with your best shot,” Grammy-winning singer Pat Benatar implores on “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”. She adds, fitting, “Fire away.” Of course, even if he takes his best shot at her, he won’t win – she has more fortitude, power, resilience, and toughness than he does 💯! The fourth track is a highlight from the pop/rock singer’s 1980, multiplatinum album, Crimes of Passion. The top 10 hit (peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100), was written by Eddie Schwartz. Keith Olsen and Neil Giraldo produced this gold-certified earworm.
Early on, Pat Benatar is not going to let this man continue his “Long history / Of breaking little hearts like the one in me.” Woo! In the second verse, citing the fact that he “don’t fight fair,” she fires back, “Knock me down, it’s all in vain / I get right back on my feet again.” You go girl! In the third verse, she plays the stereotypical male role, stating, “Before I put another notch in my lipstick case / You better make sure you put me in my place.” Besides superb songwriting by Schwartz, and Benatar bringing those words alive powerfully with her voice, the sound of the record flat-out rocks. The instrumental moments are as much of a blast as the vocals – you can’t beat a marvelous guitar solo! Sigh, there’s nothing like an independent woman unafraid of standing up to a man! “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” will forever be a BOP!
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12. Teddy Pendergrass, “Come Go with Me”
Teddy » Sony Music Entertainment » 1979
“Come on and go with me / Come on over to my place.” Ooh-la-la 🤭! “Come Go With Me” commences Teddy, the third studio album by the late, great Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010). Teddy earned the gifted Philly soul singer (and sex symbol) his third consecutive platinum album. While “Come Go With Me” failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at number 14 on the R&B charts in October 1979. It is the second-biggest song from Teddy; “Turn off the Lights” takes top honors. Even as a ‘bridesmaid’ and not the bride on Teddy, “Come Go With Me” is thrilling. The opener was written and produced by the dynamic, iconic tandem of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Pendergrass excelled with their songs, PERIOD.
As always, Teddy Pendergrass sounds epic singing “Come Go with Me.” His baritone was one of a kind – among the greatest and most soulful voices ever. The musical accompaniment is equally alluring. The lush, sophisticated sounds of 70s soul, specifically Philly soul, are perfectly captured here. As always, Gamble and Huff ‘put their foot’ into it. Besides sensational vocals, tuneful melodies, and an elite backdrop, it is the theme and lyrics that make “Come Go with Me” a classic. “I don’t feel like bein’ lonely tonight / You see, I want, I want some company,” Pendergrass sings in the first verse, adding “And you won’t be under any kind of pressure / You see, we’ll just let, we’ll just let the evenin’ flow.” Call it what it is – NSA, no strings attached! In the second verse, it’s suggestive without screaming ‘it’s going down’ per se (“Let’s sit by a cozy fire / And we can be in each other’s company”). No worries, though, the third verse encourages the rendezvous:
“My car’s right outside
We can leave right now
That’s if you’re ready to go
I know you’re just meeting me
You see, I’d understand it
I’d understand it if you said no
But don’t you do it, baby.”
We all know what Gamble, Huff, and Teddy had in mind. A one-night stand is never explicitly mentioned, but, going over to a stranger’s house where ‘romance’ is on the mind… We’ll leave it there. “Come Go With Me” deserves as much praise as any other Teddy Pendergrass song. It’s marvelous!

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13. Tanya Tucker, “Would You Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone)”
Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone) » Sony Music Entertainment » 1974
“Would you lay with me in a field of stone / If my needs were strong, would you lay with me,” Grammy-winning country musician Tanya Tucker sings in “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)”. She continues, asking him, “Should my lips grow dry, would you wet them, dear / In the midnight hour, if my lips were dry.” “Would You Lay With Me” is the opening track from her 1974 album, also named Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone). David Allan Coe penned this love song, and would later record it himself, and Billy Sherrill produced it. “Would” impacted the pop charts modestly, reaching number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100. It topped the country music charts, unsurprisingly. Tucker earned her second career Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.
“Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)” is controversial. Why? The song felt ‘mature’ for a teenage country singer. Tucker was 15 years old when the song was released as a single in 1973. While the lyrics are not explicit by today’s standards at all, a sexual relationship is implied. The innuendo is loud and clear, particularly the lyrics excerpted above. Arguably, the relationship aspects of the song feel premature for someone as young as Tucker. “Will you bathe with me in the stream of life / When the moon is full, will you bathe with me?” she asks, continuing, “Will you still love me when I’m down and out / In my time of trial will you stand by me.” Those lyrics confirm what Tucker states Coe’s song was intended to be about: wedding vows. Controversy, or minor controversy aside, Tucker sounds marvelous on “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)”. Her voice is beautiful, distinct, and – wait for it – more mature than most 15-year-olds. Backed by a stunning musical backdrop with country cues and sweet orchestrations, Tucker ‘ate this one up.’
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14. Tiny Tim, “Tip Toe Thru’ the Tulips with Me”
God Bless Tiny Tom » Warner » 1968
“Tiptoe through the window / By the window, that is where I’ll be / Come tiptoe through the tulips with me.” Sometimes, a novelty song can translate into a hit. That was the case for Herbert Khaury, best known as Tiny Tim (1932 – 1996). Khaury transformed a 1929 song, “Tip Toe Thru’ the Tulips with Me”, into a novel hit. Al Dubin and Joe Burke composed the gem first recorded by Nick Lucas. Tim’s version peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, his sole hit on the pop charts.
“Knee-deep in flowers, we’ll stray / We’ll keep the showers away.” “Tip Toe Thru’ the Tulips with Me” is a brief record that clocks in under two minutes. In the hands of Tiny Tim, it has a haunting quality. It wouldn’t be far-fetched to describe the second track from the 1968 album, God Bless Tiny Tom, as odd. Notably, Khaury accompanies himself on the ukulele. Beyond the ukulele, the musical accompaniment includes a rhythm section and strings. His voice is distinct… that is an understatement. His pipes are quite an acquired taste, with an incredibly ripe falsetto. Beyond tiptoeing in the verses, and being “knee-deep in flowers” in the pre-chorus, the chorus is memorable:
“And if I kiss you in the garden, in the moonlight
Will you pardon me
And tiptoe through the tulips with me?”
What more is there to be said? “Tip Toe Thru’ the Tulips with Me” is… something.
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15. Mitty Collier, “I Had A Talk With My Man”
Talking With Her Man: The Chess Singles 1961 – 1968 » Geffen » 2008
“I had a talk / With my man last night / He reassured me everything / Was still alright.” Sometimes, Mitty Collier (1941 – ), we need reassurance, particularly from a significant other. The doubts of the former soul singer, who became a pastor and gospel singer, are alleviated with this reassurance on “I Had A Talk With My Man”: “My blues got bright / He made me know / I was the star of the show.” Aww, the feels! The love! The romance! “I Had A Talk With My Man” appeared on her 1965 album, Shades of Genius, most accessible via the compilation, Talking With Her Man: The Chess Singles 1961 – 1968. Billy Davis and Leonard Caston wrote it in its secular form. According to Secondhand Songs, it was adapted from “I Had a Talk with God”, written by the late, great gospel music legend, James Cleveland (1931 – 1991). Classy and refined, “Talk” exhibits some gospel sensibilities, evident in its meter, harmonic progression, and the robustness of Collier’s voice. “Talk” peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest charting song of her career.
“I said I sat down, and had / A talk with my man last night,” Collier continues enthusiastically, “He filled my heart with pure delight.” Sweet! Also sweet is the gorgeous instrumental backdrop that accompanies her. There is a sublime blend of orchestral touches (French Horn, strings, etc.) and the traditional rhythm section. Beyond the orchestration, the musical underpinnings, the harmonic progression shines. There are some colorful chord choices, including an epic B-flat minor 7 flat 5 (an altered ii chord with a dramatic effect). Still, Mitty Collier is the star, bringing the tuneful melodies and her loving relationship with ‘her man’ to life. “He told me that he needed me / More than words could ever say,” she asserts. What a heart-melting moment! “I Had A Talk With My Man” also closes sensationally:
“I began to cry
He kissed my tears
From my weeping eyes
Oh, yes, he did, yes, he did
Yes, he did, oh, yes
I had a talk with my man last night.”
Simply put, they don’t make songs like this anymore. Classic, classic, classic!
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~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~
15 Engaging W-I-T-H With Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Capitol, DTA, Elektra, Geffen, Heavenly Recordings, Interscope, JORDY, Milkboy, Noble & Brite Ltd, Omar Apollo, [PIAS], Sony Music Entertainment, Taylor Swift, Warner, Zomba Recording LLC; Ulkar Batista from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay] |
