White recorded 20 studio albums during the course of his career, but multiple versions and compilations were released worldwide that were certified gold, 41 of which also attained platinum status. White had 20 gold and 10 platinum singles, with worldwide record sales in excess of 100 million records, and is one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His influences included James Cleveland, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, the Supremes, the Four Tops and Marvin Gaye.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_White
Studio albums
I've Got So Much to Give (1973)
Stone Gon' (1973)
Can't Get Enough (1974)
Just Another Way to Say I Love You (1975)
Let the Music Play (1976)
Is This Whatcha Wont? (1976)
Barry White Sings for Someone You Love (1977)
The Man (1978)
I Love to Sing the Songs I Sing (1979)
The Message Is Love (1979)
Sheet Music (1980)
Barry & Glodean (With Glodean White) (1981)
Beware! (1981)
Change (1982)
Dedicated (1983)
The Right Night & Barry White (1987)
The Man Is Back! (1989)
Put Me in Your Mix (1991)
The Icon Is Love (1994)
Staying Power (1999)
Which Way Is Up
Barry White Lyrics
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I just don't know, no
I don't know, I don't know
C'mon turn around
Which way is up, what's goin' down?
The world is moving much too fast
Enjoy the good things and make them last
Everyday is a new way for what you learn
I've gotta make money, I've got to live
I'm not complainin', that's just the way it is
A ball and chain around my neck
The more I dig out, the deeper I get
Which way is up, what's goin' down?
I just don't know, no
C'mon turn around, people
Which way is up, what's goin' down?
I just don't know, no
C'mon turn around
Got a whole new outlook on life itself
I'm gonna make it, won't settle for nothin' else
It's up to me to achieve it
And I know I will 'cause I believe it
The more I know, the more I'll grow
Knowledge is key and I wanna flow
This ball and chain is comin' off my neck
I'm gonna pick this ball and chain
I'm gonna put it in check
Which way is up, what's goin' down?
I just don't know, no
C'mon turn around, help me
Which way is up, which way is up?
Which way is up? That way
Which way is up?
Which way?
Which way?
Which way? That way
Which way? That way
Which way? That way
The lyrics of the song "Which Way Is Up" by Barry White speaks to the struggles and uncertainties of life. The singer tries to make sense of the changes and challenges that life brings, wondering which direction he should take. He speaks of the fast pace of modern life and the need to make the most of the good things that come his way. The lines, "The world is moving much too fast, Enjoy the good things and make them last" illustrate his need to slow down and appreciate life.
The singer then acknowledges the necessity of making money and providing for himself. He likens this to a ball and chain around his neck, a burden he cannot shake off no matter how much he tries. He also alludes to the endless cycle of digging himself out of financial troubles, only to find himself deeper in debt. Despite these struggles, the singer holds a positive outlook on life. He believes that knowledge is the key to personal growth and that he will achieve his goals if he keeps pushing forward. The lines "The more I know, the more I'll grow, Knowledge is key and I wanna flow" show his determination to succeed.
Overall, the song "Which Way Is Up" speaks to the universal struggles one faces in life, including financial challenges and the need to find direction and purpose. The song encourages listeners to keep pushing forward, even when the way forward is unclear.
Line by Line Meaning
Which way is up, what's goin' down?
I am not sure about the direction of progress or decline.
I just don't know, no
I don't have the answers right now.
I don't know, I don't know
I am uncertain and confused.
C'mon turn around
Please help me figure out the right path.
The world is moving much too fast
Life can be overwhelming and chaotic.
Enjoy the good things and make them last
Appreciate the positive aspects of life and hold onto them.
Each day there's something new to learn
Every day provides opportunities for personal growth and education.
I've gotta make money, I've got to live
I have to work hard just to get by in life.
I'm not complainin', that's just the way it is
I'm not trying to sound negative, it's just the truth.
A ball and chain around my neck
I feel trapped and restricted by my circumstances.
The more I dig out, the deeper I get
The more I try to fix things, the worse they seem to become.
Got a whole new outlook on life itself
I have a fresh perspective on my existence.
I'm gonna make it, won't settle for nothin' else
I am determined to succeed and won't accept failure.
It's up to me to achieve it
My success is my responsibility.
And I know I will 'cause I believe it
I have faith in my ability to overcome challenges and succeed.
The more I know, the more I'll grow
Learning and growing as a person are essential for success.
Knowledge is key and I wanna flow
Acquiring knowledge can help me achieve my goals.
This ball and chain is comin' off my neck
I am breaking free from the things that have held me back.
I'm gonna pick this ball and chain
I have the power to change my circumstances.
I'm gonna put it in check
I will control my own destiny.
C'mon turn around, help me
I need your guidance and support.
Which way is up, which way is up?
Which direction should I take to reach my goals?
Which way is up? That way
I have found the right path to achieve my success.
Which way? That way
The path to success is clear and I will follow it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BARRY WHITE, JACK W. PERRY, DOUG RASHEED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind