Neville charted again, in 1989, when he collaborated with Linda Ronstadt on three consecutive duets: Don't Know Much, All My Life, and When Something Is Wrong with My Baby, the first two reached Number One on the Adult Contemporary charts. Neville has released more than 20 singles, including three Number Ones on the Adult Contemporary format, and a fourth on the R&B format.
His other hits have included Everybody Plays the Fool, his successful 1991 cover of the 1972 Main Ingredient song, that reached #8 on the Hot 100; Don't Take Away My Heaven, Hercules and Can't Stop My Heart From Loving You (The Rain Song). Neville's biggest solo successes have been on the Adult Contemporary chart, where "Don't Know Much," "All My Life," and "Everybody Plays the Fool" all reached Number One.
Aaron signed to SonyBMG's new Burgundy Records label in late 2005 and recorded an album of songs by Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cooke and others for Bring It On Home...The Soul Classics, released on September 19, 2006. The album, produced by Stewart Levine, features collaborations between Neville and Chaka Khan, Mavis Staples, Chris Botti, David Sanborn, Art Neville, and others. The album's first single was a remake of The Impressions' 1963 classic It's All Right.
On October 27, 2006, Neville made a guest appearance on an episode of the soap opera The Young and the Restless. He sang Stand By Me" and Ain't No Sunshine, from his album, Bring It on Home … The Soul Classics. In 2008 he released Gold, which includes a double album of his hits.
http://www.aaronneville.com
The Greatest Love
Aaron Neville Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the fine things heaven only knows that I wish I could
You have a love that dances and sings
Swings, says all the pretty little things that a playboy should
Well, he's got money, he's got charms
And when you're walkin' on and on
It hurts me so, but I just want you to know
That it's not easy, oh, heaven knows I tried
And wish the best to you, push myself aside
And that's the greatest love, oh, that you'll ever find
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
You have a love, he's got the power
To entertain each and every hour of the day and night
You have a love, he's got the ways and means
To show you all the wild scenes when the lights are bright
Well, love should never be possessed
And this my darlin', don't forget
You're free to go, oh, but I just want you to know
That it's not easy, oh, heaven knows I tried
And I wish the best to you and I push myself aside
That's the greatest love, oh, that you'll ever find
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Well, love should never be possessed
And this my darlin', don't forget
You're free to go, oh, but I just want you to know
That it's not easy, oh, heaven knows I tried
And I wish the best to you, push myself aside
That's the greatest love, oh, that you'll ever find
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
The lyrics to Aaron Neville's song "The Greatest Love" speak of unrequited love and sacrifice. The singer acknowledges that the person he loves has found someone else who can provide her with material things, entertainment, and excitement in life. He admits that he has tried to win her love, but he cannot compete with the other man's wealth, charm, and power. Despite his pain, he wishes only the best for her and encourages her to pursue her happiness, even if it means leaving him behind. The greatest love, he says, is selfless and allows the one you love to be free.
The song's message is touching and bittersweet. It highlights the notion that true love requires sacrifice and the ability to let go when necessary. The singer understands that his love cannot be forced and that he must accept the reality of the situation. His willingness to let her go and wish her the best is the greatest manifestation of love. This song is a perfect representation of Neville's soulful voice and his ability to convey deep emotions through music.
Line by Line Meaning
You have a love that buys you pretty clothes
Your lover provides material possessions like clothes for you
All the fine things heaven only knows that I wish I could
Your lover gives you things I can only dream of having
You have a love that dances and sings
Your lover is entertaining and lively
Swings, says all the pretty little things that a playboy should
Your lover sweet talks you and is a stereotypical playboy
Well, he's got money, he's got charms
Your lover is wealthy and charismatic
And when you're walkin' on and on
When you're out and about with him
It hurts me so, but I just want you to know
It pains me to see you with him, but I want to express myself
That it's not easy, oh, heaven knows I tried
It's difficult for me to accept that you're with him despite my efforts
And wish the best to you, push myself aside
I want what's best for you even if it means putting my own feelings aside
And that's the greatest love, oh, that you'll ever find
Putting someone else's happiness before your own is the ultimate act of love
You have a love, he's got the power
Your lover has a sense of control over situations in your relationship
To entertain each and every hour of the day and night
Your lover is always able to keep you amused and engaged
You have a love, he's got the ways and means
Your lover has access to places and experiences that are outside the norm
To show you all the wild scenes when the lights are bright
Your lover takes you to all the exciting things that life has to offer
Well, love should never be possessed
Real love doesn't involve dominating or controlling your partner
And this my darlin', don't forget
My beloved, please remember
You're free to go, oh, but I just want you to know
You don't have to stay with me, but I have something to say
That's the greatest love, oh, that you'll ever find
Loving someone freely and unconditionally and respecting their freedom is the ultimate act of love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALLEN TOUSSAINT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind