In 1962 she began a string of successful Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hits: "Slow Twistin'" (with Chubby Checker) (#3), "Mashed Potato Time" (#2), "Gravy (For My Mashed Potatoes)" (#9), "Ride" (#5) and "Do the Bird" (#10). Both "Mashed Potato Time" and "Ride" each sold over one million copies, and were awarded gold discs. "Do the Bird" provided her only entry in the UK Singles Chart, where it peaked at #46 in April 1963. In 1967, she married record producer Kenny Gamble and has since recorded under the name Dee Dee Sharp-Gamble.
She had a brief career resurgence during the disco era and hit the charts again with her version of 10 CC's "I'm Not In Love." She also joined Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays and Archie Bell) as a member of the Philadelphia International All Stars, who had a minor hit with "Let's Clean Up the Ghetto." During this time she was married to Philadelphia International co-founder Kenny Gamble, and was known professionally as Dee Dee Sharp Gamble. The couple later divorced.
In 1981 she spent four weeks at number one on the Hot Dance Club Play chart with "Breaking and Entering" / "Easy Money," from her album Dee Dee.
More recent appearances included a performance at Pontins in the UK for the Northern Soul Show, and at the 2008 Detroit Jazz Festival. In May 2009, she appeared in Belgium at the Salle De L'Hotel de Ville.
Sharp and her husband Bill Witherspoon have been residents of Medford, New Jersey.
Gravy
Dee Dee Sharp Lyrics
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Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme
Gravy tonight!
I know you danced to Mashed Potato Time
But that don't show me that you're really mine
What's that dancin', without romancin'?
So put that somethin' extra on the line
Gimme (gravy)
On my mash potatoes
Gimme (gravy)
C'mon and treat me right
Gimme (gravy)
You're the greatest
So gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gravy tonight!
I dig this twistin' but I want some more
There's somethin' missin' while we're on the floor
C'mon baby, I want some gravy
A little kissin's what I'm waiting for
Gimme (gravy)
On my mash potatoes
Gimme (gravy)
C'mon and kiss me right
Gimme (gravy)
Baby, you're the greatest
So gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gravy tonight!
Work out
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Now when my mash potatoes finally through
There's lots of groovy, gravy things to do
Lot's of lovin', kiss and huggin'
I wanna ride that gravy train with you
Gimme (gravy)
On my mash potatoes
Gimme (gravy)
C'mon and hold me tight
Gimme (gravy)
Baby, you're the greatest
So gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gravy tonight!
Gimme (gravy)
On my mash potatoes
Gimme (gravy)
C'mon and treat me right
Gimme (gravy)
Baby, you're the greatest
So gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gravy tonight!
Dee Dee Sharp's "Gravy" is a playful and flirtatious song about the singer's desire for more than just dancing with her partner. She requests "gravy" on her mashed potatoes -- a metaphor for more intimacy and affection from her partner. While she enjoys dancing and twisting with him, she wants more than just physical movement on the dance floor. The song suggests that it takes more than just a shared interest in a popular dance like the Mashed Potato to establish a meaningful connection.
The lyrics make a subtle commentary about the importance of emotional connection in romantic relationships, suggesting that without romance, dancing and movement are just empty actions. The repeated plea of "gimme, gimme, gimme" emphasizes the singer's desire for more, while the upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation give the song a playful and lighthearted mood. Overall, the lyrics to "Gravy" celebrate the joy and excitement of falling in love and seeking a deeper connection with a partner.
Line by Line Meaning
C'mon baby, I need gravy
Please give me the love and attention I need
Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme
Gravy tonight!
I want and need gravy (love) tonight!
I know you danced to Mashed Potato Time
But that don't show me that you're really mine
What's that dancin', without romancin'?
So put that somethin' extra on the line
I know we've danced before, but dancing alone isn't enough to show me you care. Put in the effort to make me feel special.
Gimme (gravy)
On my mash potatoes
Gimme (gravy)
C'mon and treat me right
Gimme (gravy)
You're the greatest
So gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gravy tonight!
I want your love and affection to complete me. Show me that I matter to you.
I dig this twistin' but I want some more
There's somethin' missin' while we're on the floor
C'mon baby, I want some gravy
A little kissin's what I'm waiting for
I enjoy dancing with you, but I crave more intimacy. Kiss me and show me you want me.
Baby, you're the greatest
So gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gravy tonight!
Work out
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
I think you're amazing, so please love me tonight. Let's work things out and make this happen.
Now when my mash potatoes finally through
There's lots of groovy, gravy things to do
Lot's of lovin', kiss and huggin'
I wanna ride that gravy train with you
Once we're done dancing, we can do more romantic activities together. Let's enjoy each other's company and affection.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Kal Mann, David Appell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind