For our spotlight song this week and to welcome the spring I dug up a golden oldie! “Love Tastes Like Strawberries” is performed by Miriam Makeba (“Mama Afrika”) and was released in 1960 on the album The Many Voices of Miriam Makeba. Not to take away from Miss Makeba’s spotlight because it is hers, but this is also a small nod to the late, great Harry Belafonte (Makeba considered Belafonte a “big brother” and she originally did this song with him). Makeba’s flirty, bluesy, and exuberant voice inspires a daydream feeling of romantic spring flings and flirty picnics in the sun. The tantalizing calling of Makeba’s voice is a perfect fit for the youthful innocence of the song’s lyrics.
Miriam Makeba is not just whirlwind love songs and vocal talents though. Her story is an inspiring one, full of struggle and constant regeneration. The spirit of her voice is a powerful reminder that love and fortitude can overcome many obstacles. Makeba’s life struggles span from prison at just six months old, to apartheid, to abusive relationships. Be sure to read up on her if you aren’t already familiar with her story, it will be an inspiring one.
In the meantime though, enjoy her soulful sound, and don’t forget to organize your playlists and strawberries for those upcoming flirty spring picnics.
Here are some lyrics to whet your palette:
“Love is soft like tears are crying
Wine and spices interlaced
Love’s got a fresh strawberry taste
And when the pedlar cries, strawberries
That’s when my heart replies, strawberries
Love tastes like strawberries
I met my love in the marketplace
My heart stopped when I saw his face
The berry man cried, won’t you try this
We looked, we stopped, we stole a kiss
The berries are gone and the spring has passed”