Going In Circles
♪ Luther Vandross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Without a destination real
And I'm an ever spinning top
Whirling around 'till I drop
[1] - Oh, but what am I to do
My mind is in a whirlpool
Give me a little hope
[2] - You got me going in circles
Oh, around and around I go
Going in circles
Oh, around and around I go
I'm strung out over you
I'm a faceless clock
With timeless hopes that never stop
When I feel that way
You know my soul's at stake
[Repeat 1]
[Repeat 2]
I'm strung out over you( I need you baby)
Uuh, I need (I need you baby)
Call me (I need you baby)
I need baby, my baby, my baby
My baby, my baby girl
[Ad lib until fade]
The lyrics of Luther Vandross's "Going In Circles" can be interpreted in a number of different ways, depending on the listener's perspective. At its core, the song appears to be about a person who is lost, confused and desperate for guidance - someone who is searching for meaning and purpose in their life but can't seem to find it. The imagery of the "ever rolling wheel" and the "ever spinning top" suggests that this person feels trapped in a cycle of repetition, constantly moving but without any real direction or goal to aim for.
The chorus of the song, with the repetition of the lines "You got me going in circles, oh around and around I go," reinforces the feeling of being caught in an endless loop of confusion and uncertainty. The use of the phrase "strung out over you" suggests that the person's confusion may be rooted in a romantic relationship where they are feeling lost and unsure of where things are going.
Ultimately, the song seems to be about the need for even a small glimmer of hope to help break the cycle of confusion and despair. The line "Give me a little hope, one small thing to cling to" sums up the underlying theme of the song - the search for something, anything, that can provide a sense of purpose and direction in a world that feels endlessly complicated and overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm an ever rolling wheel
I am constantly moving forward without a clear destination in sight
Without a destination real
I do not have a concrete goal or purpose in my life
And I'm an ever spinning top
I am continuously spinning, unable to slow down or stop
Whirling around 'till I drop
Going in circles until I am exhausted and unable to continue
Oh, but what am I to do
I am feeling lost and unsure of how to find direction
My mind is in a whirlpool
I am overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions, unable to find peace of mind
Give me a little hope
I am seeking a glimmer of positivity to hold onto
One small thing to cling to
I am looking for something to provide stability and comfort
You got me going in circles
You have me caught in a cycle of confusion and uncertainty
Oh, around and around I go
I am constantly repeating the same patterns without making progress
Going in circles
I am stuck in a repetitive cycle that is difficult to break
I'm strung out over you
I am emotionally attached and dependent on you
I'm a faceless clock
I am a machine constantly working, without identity or individuality
With timeless hopes that never stop
I have dreams and aspirations that persist despite the passage of time
When I feel that way
In moments of uncertainty and anxiety
You know my soul's at stake
My emotional well-being is at risk and heavily influenced by external factors
I need you baby
I am expressing my dependence and desire for your presence
Call me
Asking for communication and reassurance
My baby, my baby girl
Expressing affection and emotional attachment
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Smartass_Jedi
Both died way way too young, but they left us with several masterpieces. This is one of em. Rest easy, Marvin and Tammi ❤
@jessicaeverett218
Well Said!
@garyrobinson1568
One of the most perfectly written and performed songs in the history of modern music. My heart bleeds for such a simple and pure time we as black folks never fully appreciated. 😭😭😭
@stevenowens9031
It's a beautiful, perfect song. My wife and I shared this for our first dance at our wedding. I come back to it often.
@ripline6668
R.I.P. Marvin Gaye (1939–1984) and Tammi Terrell (1945–1970). You could have been a great duo that would have lasted through the decades…
@TalkWithDarkkSunn
I felt very sad a lot growing up. But whenever my parents would put this song on it's like I would be in a whole other world of Joy, Sunshine & Love
@mazinman3
Not only is this song a classic, showing the great talents of Tammy T. & Marvin G., but whomever put this simple video together with the lyrics & graphics, did an awesome job that lends itself to such an incredible & indelible song.
@lawrencezeinner7080
This song is a piece of timeless art. It holds more currency then most current music.
@Nikkij333-lf8qs
Early Motown was the best! One of a kind ❤
@soulfulman1971
I won't lie. This song has a grown man crying.