Clarence Washington — Clap Dem Cheeks (1977)

[Intro — Strings / Slow Bass / Rhodes] [Clarence, spoken] Baby... Some folks show appreciation with flowers. Some folks... They send a card. But when Clarence Washington appreciates something... Mmm. He likes to hear... a little applause. [Soft female backing vocals] (Clap... clap...) [Clarence] That's right. [Verse 1] You walked through the doorway, stole the whole room Sweet little smile and expensive perfume Everybody watching, but you looked at me And suddenly, baby, we're all I could see I pulled out your chair, poured you some wine Put on a record and we took our time You said, "Clarence, tell me what's on your mind" I leaned in close and said... Baby, tonight... [Chorus] Clap dem cheeks Let me hear that sweet applause Clap dem cheeks Don't need no reason, don't need no cause Clap dem cheeks Keep that rhythm nice and slow Clap dem cheeks Baby, let that good love show [Background Singers] (Clap... dem... cheeks...) [Clarence] Mmmm. That's music. [Verse 2] Now love ain't something you oughta rush Sometimes a whisper says twice as much Dim those lights, let the record spin Don't worry 'bout where the night might end There's a rhythm in you, there's a rhythm in me Put 'em together, that's harmony You don't need a drummer to stay on beat When the whole room knows how to— [Soft horn hit] [Clarence, spoken] ...appreciate the music. [Bridge — Spoken] Baby... Have you ever heard a room... so quiet... that every little sound... becomes part of the song? The ticking of the clock... The record turning... Your heartbeat... And somewhere in the distance... [Background Singers] (Clap... clap...) [Clarence] Mmm-hmm. There it is. That's the rhythm I've been looking for. [Final Chorus] Clap dem cheeks Let the whole room feel that beat Clap dem cheeks Make that rhythm sound so sweet Clap dem cheeks Till the morning starts to peek Clap dem cheeks Mmm... every day of the week [Outro] (Clap... clap... clap...) [Clarence, spoken] Now that's what I call... a standing ovation.