The song "One Note Samba" by Al Jarreau is a cover of a famous bossa nova song originally written by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Newton Mendonça. The lyrics describe the simplicity and beauty of a single musical note and compare it to the love and feelings the singer has for someone. The song starts with the repetition of the phrase "La, la la la..." which sets the joyful and carefree tone of the samba. It then goes on to explain that the whole song is built upon a single note, suggesting that even though there may be other notes added later, the essence and foundation remain the same. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that everything in life is connected and has consequences. Just as the new note in the song is a consequence of the previous one, the singer sees themselves as the inevitable consequence of the person they are singing to. This conveys a sense of inevitability and fate in their relationship. Al Jarreau highlights the contrast between people who talk endlessly without saying anything significant and the simplicity of the one note in the song. He confesses that he has exhausted all the musical scale he knows and has come to nothing or nearly nothing, implying that the one note is enough to express his love and emotions. The song then emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and playing the note you know, rather than trying to put on a grand show with different notes. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for being genuine and authentic in a relationship, rather than trying to be someone you are not. Throughout the song, Al Jarreau's smooth vocal delivery and the lively samba rhythm create an atmosphere of love, joy, and simplicity. "One Note Samba" is a celebration of the power of simplicity and the ability of one note to convey deep emotions and love.
