Just the Two of Us: Original Singer, Covers, and Meaning

Few songs from the early 1980s still fill a room the way this one does, with its unhurried saxophone riff and warm vocal — yet most people would be hard-pressed to name the actual artist behind the recording. Released in 1981, “Just the Two of Us” pairs saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. with singer-songwriter Bill Withers, and the collaboration produced a track that would win a Grammy and become one of the most-covered songs of its era.

Year of original release: 1981 · Original album: Winelight · Grammy Award: Best R&B Song (1982) · Billboard Hot 100 peak: #2 · Songwriters: Bill Withers, William Salter, Ralph MacDonald

Here are the key facts about the song’s release and recognition.

Who originally sang the song “Just the Two of Us”?

Original recording details

• The track was recorded by Grover Washington Jr. for his 1980 album Winelight (NPR).
• Bill Withers provided the lead vocal — a collaboration that many listeners assume means Withers is the primary artist (Songfacts).
• Early pressings credited the song to Grover Washington Jr. alone; later releases added Withers’ name to the title (Wikipedia).

Who is the vocalist?

The unmistakable voice on the recording belongs to Bill Withers, known for “Lean on Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” However, Withers did not initially plan to sing it. According to an interview, producer Ralph MacDonald sent him the instrumental and Withers agreed to record only after rewriting the lyrics (YouTube – Reelin’ In the Years Archive).

Who wrote the song?

Three men share the writing credit: Bill Withers, William Salter, and Ralph MacDonald. The instrumental foundation came from MacDonald and Salter; Withers then shaped the vocal melody and lyrics (NPR).

The pattern: the song’s credit is often misunderstood, but the original recording remains a collaborative effort.

Who has covered “Just the Two of Us”?

Notable cover versions

• The song has been covered by artists across jazz, pop, R&B, and hip-hop. A partial list includes The Drifters, Lalah Hathaway, and even a rap interpolation by Will Smith (on “Just the Two of Us” from 1998) — though that version samples the melody rather than a direct cover.
• Jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright recorded an instrumental tribute, and Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan performed it live.
• YouTube comments and fan forums frequently debate which cover best captures the original’s warmth.

What song did Billy Joel refuse to sing? What song does Stevie Nicks refuse to sing anymore?

Despite recurring internet chatter, no credible source has confirmed that either Billy Joel or Stevie Nicks refused to record or perform this song. The rumors likely stem from confusion with other tracks; both artists have declined various songs over their careers, but “Just the Two of Us” does not appear in any verified interview or biography.

The catch: without verified sources, the rumors about Joel and Nicks should be considered unconfirmed.

Who had an 80’s hit with the song “Just the Two of Us”?

The original hit in the 1980s

The definitive 1980s hit was the version by Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers. It climbed to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1981 (Official lyric video).

Chart performance and Grammy recognition

The song’s chart performance and award highlights show its broad appeal.

The implication: Washington’s crossover appeal — a jazz instrumentalist reaching #2 on the pop chart — was rare in 1981 and signaled the song’s broad, timeless draw.

What is the meaning of “Just the Two of Us”?

Lyrics analysis

On the surface, the lyrics paint a picture of romantic exclusivity: “I see the crystal raindrops fall / And all the beauty of them all / Is when you come to me.” The repeated chorus “Just the two of us / We can make it if we try” reinforces partnership and mutual support.

Romantic interpretation

Many listeners treat it as a wedding song or a first-dance anthem. The gentle saxophone melody, played by Washington, adds a sensual but unhurried intimacy that matches the vow-like promises in the words.

Songwriting inspiration

Bill Withers once said he was “a little snobbish about words” and insisted on changing the original demo’s lyrics before recording (Songfacts). The result is a lyric that feels personal rather than generic.

What this means: the song’s personal quality allows for multiple interpretations, making it timeless.

What are the chords for “Just the Two of Us”?

Basic chord progression

The song is in the key of E minor. The main verse progression uses Em9, A13, Dmaj7, Gmaj7, C#m7b5, and F#7 — a sequence that combines jazz harmony with pop simplicity. Guitar and piano players frequently learn it as an intermediate-level piece.

• Em9 – (0 2 0 0 0 2 on guitar)
• A13 – (x 0 2 0 2 0)
• Dmaj7 – (x x 0 2 2 2)
• Gmaj7 – (3 2 0 0 0 2)

Countless tutorials on YouTube break down the exact voicings, making it one of the most taught pop songs for jazz beginners.

The implication: the chord progression is a blend of jazz and pop that makes it accessible to intermediate players.

What is the best version of “Just the Two of Us”?

Original vs. covers

No definitive ranking exists, but the original 1981 recording is universally regarded as the benchmark. Critics praise Washington’s saxophone solo and Withers’ warm vocal delivery as inseparable from the song’s identity.

Fan opinions

Online polls and Reddit threads show strong loyalty to the original, though some fans favor the 1998 Will Smith rap version for nostalgia, and others prefer the Drifters’ doo-wop cover for its vocal harmonies.

The pattern: while many covers exist, the original remains the benchmark for most listeners.

The pattern: the song’s enduring popularity is reflected in its continuous coverage over decades.

The catch: despite clear facts, some details remain unverified and should be treated with caution.

Quotes from the people who made it

“I’m a little snobbish about words.”

Bill Withers, speaking about why he rewrote the original lyrics (Songfacts)

“The song began as an instrumental idea that Ralph and I wrote, and then Bill brought the words and made it something else entirely.”

William Salter, co-writer, as told to NPR

The implication: the collaborative process behind the song is key to its lasting appeal.

For a comprehensive breakdown of the song’s history and covers in Japanese, see the Just the Two of Usの詳細解説 article.

Frequently asked questions