Strawberry Letter 23
The Brothers Johnson
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Hello my love, I heard a kiss from you Red magic satin playing near, too All through the morning rain I gaze, the sun doesn't shine Rainbows and waterfalls run through my mind In the garden, I see West purple shower bells and tea Orange birds and river cousins Dressed in green Pretty music, I hear So happy and loud Blue flowers echo From a cherry cloud Feel sunshine sparkle pink and blue Playgrounds will laugh If you try to ask "Is it cool?" If you arrive and don't see me I'm going to be with my baby I am free, flying in her arms Over the sea Stained window, yellow candy screen See speakers of kite With velvet roses diggin' Freedom flight A present from you Strawberry letter 22 The music plays I sit in for a few Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh A present from you Strawberry letter 22 The music plays I sit in for a few Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
2 fans
Written by: Shuggie Otis
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Authorship"Strawberry Letter 23" is originally written and composed by American musician Shuggie Otis.
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First ReleaseOtis first released it as a track on his 1971 album "Freedom Flight."
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Popular VersionThe song became widely known and popular when it was covered by the American funk band The Brothers Johnson and produced by Quincy Jones.
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Release Date of The Cover VersionBrothers Johnson's version of "Strawberry Letter 23" was released in 1977.
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Chart PerformanceThe Brothers Johnson's version reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and was their second single to reach number one on the Soul singles chart.
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Unique InstrumentationThe original version of "Strawberry Letter 23" by Shuggie Otis features a unique usage of sound effects including the ringing of wind chimes.
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Meaning of the SongThe "23" in the title of the song refers to the 23rd love letter the composer received from his girlfriend, the one that happens to be written on strawberry-scented paper.
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Critical AcclaimBoth the original and the cover have been highly-praised by critics over the years, for their melodic sophistication, unique sound, and lyrical creativity.
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Media UsageThe song is often used in various media platforms, including the film "Jackie Brown" and the video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas".
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Multiple CoversApart from Brother's Johnson, the song has been covered by numerous artists such as Tevin Campbell, Beyoncé, and Philippé Wynne.
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Earning RecognitionIn 1996, British music magazine NME named "Strawberry Letter 23" the 37th greatest psychedelic song of all time.
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LegacyAlthough Shuggie Otis didn't earn substantial commercial success during his career, he gained a cult following and substantial respect among his peers, with "Strawberry Letter 23" being a testament to his creativity.
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Citation
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"Strawberry Letter 23 Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 4 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/173467/The+Brothers+Johnson/Strawberry+Letter+23>.
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