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Go All The Way
The Raspberries Lyrics


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I never knew how complete love could be
'Til she kissed me and said

Baby, please, go all the way
It feels so right (feels so right)
Being with you here tonight
Please, go all the way
Just hold me close (hold me close)
Don't ever let me go

I couldn't say what I wanted to say
'Til she whispered, I love you

So please, go all the way
It feels so right (feels so right)
Being with you here tonight
Please, go all the way
Just hold me close (hold me close)
Don't ever let me go

Before her love
I was cruel and mean
I had a hole in the place
Where my heart should have been

But now I've changed
And it feels so strange
I come alive when she does
All those things to me

And she says
(Come on) Come on
(Come on)
(Come on) Come on
(Come on)
I need ya (come on)
I love ya (come on)
I need ya (come on)

Please, go all the way
It feels so right (feels so right)
Being with you here tonight
Please, go all the way
Just hold me close (hold me close)
Don't ever let me go no (oh-oh)

Go on baby (oh-oh)

Overall Meaning

The Raspberries's song "Go All The Way" is a catchy, upbeat track about falling in love and the experience of wanting to go "all the way" with someone. The song's lyrics describe a man experiencing love for the first time and feeling complete after being kissed and told to "go all the way" by his beloved. He is unable to express his feelings verbally until his partner says "I love you," and then he can finally let his emotions out fully. The lyrics also suggest that being in love has the power to change someone and bring out their best qualities, as the singer describes how his newfound love has made him feel alive and caused him to shed his previous negative behavior.


The song's chorus is memorable and impactful, with the repeated phrases "Please go all the way" and "Just hold me close, don't ever let me go" creating a sense of urgency and desperation. The singer is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his love close and feels that only by being physically intimate can their love truly be complete. The song ends with a plea for the listener to also take the chance on love and "go on baby."


Line by Line Meaning

I never knew how complete love could be
I was unaware of the extent of love's fulfillment


'Til she kissed me and said
Until she kissed me and spoke


Baby, please, go all the way
Completely pursue this romantic relationship, darling


It feels so right (feels so right)
This feels entirely correct


Being with you here tonight
Spending tonight with you


Please, go all the way
I implore you to completely commit to us


Just hold me close (hold me close)
Embrace me tightly


Don't ever let me go
Promise me you will never leave me


I couldn't say what I wanted to say
I struggled to express my thoughts


'Til she whispered, I love you
Until she whispered the words "I love you"


So please, go all the way
Thus, I urge you to fully commit


Before her love
Prior to her affection


I was cruel and mean
I behaved malevolently


I had a hole in the place
My heart was empty


Where my heart should have been
Where my heart should have resided


But now I've changed
However, I have transformed


And it feels so strange
It feels peculiar yet wondrous


I come alive when she does
I feel invigorated by her actions


All those things to me
All the things she does for me


And she says
Then she speaks


(Come on) Come on
"Let's take action"


(Come on)
"Let's take action"


(Come on) Come on
"Let's take action"


(Come on)
"Let's take action"


I need ya (come on)
I require you, let's pursue this further


I love ya (come on)
I adore you, let's pursue this further


I need ya (come on)
I require you, let's pursue this further


Please, go all the way
Please fully commit to our relationship


It feels so right (feels so right)
This indeed feels correct


Being with you here tonight
Being in your company tonight


Please, go all the way
Please fully commit to our relationship


Just hold me close (hold me close)
Just embrace me tightly


Don't ever let me go no (oh-oh)
Never leave me


Go on baby (oh-oh)
Keep progressing our romantic relationship, darling




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC CARMEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@gregjackson-ks1gh

I saw the Raspberries at Ohio University in 72 or 73.
Hard to believe Eric was only 24 or 25.
I really just wanted to hear this song.
Hearing it live I knew I was privileged to be there.
Its not everyday that you get to experience a classic in person.
Such a wonderful, beautiful, song.
Words cannot express how I feel about this song.
The incredible harmonies.
I believe I left after the song was over.
RIP Eric.



@gregjackson-ks1gh

​@@kellycronin7580He had other top 10 hits but this I think is his best song.
His voice was decent in this video but at 24 it was so much better.
It's ironic that you have the same name as Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon.
Probably my favorite band ever next to the Beatles.
Kevin was heavily influenced by the Fab Four as was Eric.
I can hear the Beatles in this song.
I don't think that was by accident.
The REO ballad "Can't fight this feeling" and "Go all the way" are in my top ten of all time greatest song's.
I'm still freaking out that a K Cronin responded here
You can't make it up!



@alanstrom2221

It's 10.30pm Tuesday night 12/03/2024 and I've just flicked the T.V. over to Ch 9 in Sydney.
They were showing The Raspberries "Go all the Way"
I thought "Why are they playing that?" "Is Eric touring soon?"
Then I thought "Oh no he hasn't died" "Has he?"
My fears were confirmed by the news voice over person.
"Eric Carmen was 74"
Now I can't stop crying.

Not only did Eric help create one of the greatest, mind blowing Guitar riffs in Rock history, he then composed some of the most tasteful Ballads of all time.
Good quality Ballads are extremely hard to write.
Thanks for the great music and the brilliant singing voice Eric.

Eric lived a successful existence and died peacefully in his sleep.

"Come on Baby!!!"

RIP - Eric Carmen



All comments from YouTube:

@toniatchison3678

I just heard the news that Eric Carmen passed away today (Mar.11, 2024) at the age of 74. I'm so glad I got to fall in love with this band, and 40-some years later, I'm sharing The Raspberries and the voice and songwriting talents with my daughter. Thanks, Eric.💔

@Code.Name.V

Definitely a sad day

@drywizardinc

I am blown away by this recording and crushed by the news of Eric's passing. Unreal

@user-yp9py3eb8x

Godspeed to you, Eric!!

@lynnysumner4588

My first rock concert was Eric Carmen and The Raspberries back in 1972. "Go All The Way" was in the Top 10 on the radio! They were so cool! Thanks for the great music over the years! You will be sorely missed! 💔

@davidharris7805

Me too

12 More Replies...

@tomhennie93

I was with you from the very beginning when we rode the number nine bus down Mayfield Road and wrote songs on the way to Cleveland State University. Our years at Brush high were fantastic, and provided the seed that was planted ..that enabled you to prosper and grow into a musician that gave millions of people, pleasure and enjoyment . I will always cherish those years that we were together.. that sent you on your way. Now rest in peace and know that you will be remembered. Tom Hennie

@musicinme5741

There will never be another Eric Carmen. A truly gifted singer and songwriter.

@user-ml5mk7id9y

I was there! I scored a backstage (actually up the stairs) pass and was able to speak at some length with the fellas, and for a little bit with Eric. Without question, one of the best nights of my life. Thank you to the lads who gave me so much joy through the decades.

@bullittcharger68

Heard this for the first time on the radio in January 1973 when I was 9 and had just gotten home from school. Was stuck in my head the whole weekend and I've been cranking this one to 11 ever since. Thank you Eric God Bless🙏

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