Billy first became known to fans in the early 1990s with his appearance on "Star Search." He later earned a recording contract with Liberty Records and rose to national stardom with a string of Top 10 hits on Billboard magazine's country singles chart. His debut song, 1991's "Only Here For a Little While," rose into the Top 5, while the follow up, "Somewhere in My Broken Heart," repeated the feat. "Somewhere in My Broken Heart" won the 1992 Academy of Country Music award for Song of the Year; he also took home the ACM's New Male Vocalist award..
Dean's string of hits continued in the early- and mid-1990s, with songs like "You Don't Count the Cost" (1991); "Only the Wind," "Billy the Kid" and "If There Hadn't Been You" (all 1992); "Tryin' to Hide a Fire in the Dark" (1993); "We Just Disagree" (a remake of the 1970s Dave Mason hit) (1993); "It's What I Do" and "That Girl's Been Spying on Me" (both 1996).
In 1991 Dean wrote and sang the theme song to the ABC animated television series Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa. It is titled "Up on the Mesa".
During the late 1990s, his career slowed down a bit, although he made several television appearances, including "One Life to Live" and "Wings." He and Alison Krauss sang backup on Kenny Rogers' 2000 single "Buy Me a Rose". At the time, the song made Kenny the oldest artist to score a country #1; it also marked the only time that Dean reached the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
In 2004, Dean was signed to Asylum Curb, where he began a comeback with the single "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" (a remake of John Denver's classic). In early 2005, he released the album Let Them Be Little, which featured both "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" and the title track. "Let Them Be Little" was co-written by Richie McDonald, who at the time was the lead singer of Lonestar; Lonestar also recorded the song on their 2005 album Let's Be Us Again. Dean's version of the song became his first Top Ten hit on the country charts in nearly nine years.
Only Here For A Little While
Billy Dean Lyrics
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Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
Cause we're only here for a little while
Saying goodbye to an old friend who seemed so young
He spent his life workin' hard to chase a dollar
Putting off until tomorrow the things he should have done
Made me start thinking "What's the hurry, why the runnin'?
I don't like what I'm becoming, gonna change my style
Take my time and I take it all for granted "
Cause we're only here for a little while
Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
Cause we're only here for a little while
Let me love like I'll never see tomorrow
Treat each day as though it's borrowed
Like it's precious as a child
Whoa, take my hand
Let us reach out to each other
Cause we're only here for a little while
Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
Cause we're only here for a little while
Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
Cause we're only here for a little while
The song "Only Here For A Little While" by Billy Dean is a thoughtful reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The chorus encourages listeners to hold, mend, walk, pray, and say what needs to be said, because time is limited.
The first verse discusses the importance of taking action and doing what needs to be done, even if it requires going an extra mile. The second verse is inspired by the death of a friend, causing Dean to question his own priorities and realize that rushing through life without truly living it is not worth it.
The song's message is universal and reminds us all to appreciate every moment, to live our lives to the fullest, and to treasure the people we love. Its gentle melody and poignant lyrics make it a beautiful tribute to the fragility of life and the value of human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna hold who needs holdin'
I will embrace and support those who require love and comfort in their lives.
Mend what needs mendin'
I will fix and repair the things that are broken in my life and the lives of those around me.
Walk what needs walkin'
I will take the path that needs to be taken, even if it means going the extra mile.
Though it means an extra mile
I will not shy away from putting in extra effort and hard work to do what needs to be done.
Pray what needs prayin'
I will offer my prayers and positive energy to the people and situations that need them the most.
Say what needs sayin'
I will communicate honestly and openly, sharing my thoughts and feelings without fear or hesitation.
Cause we're only here for a little while
Life is short and unpredictable, so it's important to make the most of it and live with purpose and intention.
Today I stood singin' songs and sayin' Amen
The artist recalls a moment where they were celebrating life through song and prayer.
Saying goodbye to an old friend who seemed so young
The artist was mourning the loss of someone they knew for a long time, who passed away too soon.
He spent his life workin' hard to chase a dollar
The departed person dedicated their entire life to making money and being successful.
Putting off until tomorrow the things he should have done
The deceased person was always procrastinating and delaying important matters, which left them with regrets in the end.
Made me start thinking 'What's the hurry, why the runnin'?
After losing his friend, the artist began questioning the value and significance of rushing and being busy all the time.
I don't like what I'm becoming, gonna change my style
The singer is determined to change their ways and live a more purposeful, fulfilling life.
Take my time and I take it all for granted
The singer realizes that they took their time on Earth for granted and wants to make amends by cherishing every moment from now on.
Let me love like I'll never see tomorrow
The singer wants to love and show affection to the people in their life as if they won't have the chance to do it again.
Treat each day as though it's borrowed
The artist wants to live each day like it's a gift to be treasured and maximized, rather than being careless and wasteful.
Like it's precious as a child
The artist wants to treat every day with the same care and dedication as we would treat a young child.
Whoa, take my hand
The singer invites and encourages others to join him on this journey of living life in a more meaningful way.
Let us reach out to each other
The singer wants to encourage people to support and help each other, rather than being competitive or selfish.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD C LEIGH, WAYLAND HOLYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joshuabrooks4907
This song turns 30 years old this year, and it's still as meaningful today as it was then.
@rhondaboncutter5812
I can hardly believe it has been 30 years! Love this!
@rhondaboncutter5812
Joshua, I can hardly believe how fast time passes, but when people are sad seems like it takes longer! I hope and pray you are happy! Cherish every day! Ya never know can happen in just a minute! God Bless!
@rhondaboncutter5812
I agree! Don't see him much any more!
@ripleymt
@@rhondaboncutter5812 Because he not only talked the talk, he walked the walk or put his money where his mouth is. He actually decided to stay home with his family and get off the road while his kids were younger.
@rhondaboncutter5812
Oh, I agree! I also love the Mullet!
@Iknowaboutroaches3350
Thank you JESUS for each breath, GOD is Worthy of PRAISE!!!
@ScoopNemeth
This country song has the sound and feel of a contemporary christian music song. I love it!
Because we are indeed, only here for a little while, and we've got to pray and make things right while we're here!
@thecross8850
Amen! We won’t be here much longer! Thank you Jesus Christ!!!!
@averagejoe456
Never been huge on country music but I've always found this to be a beautiful song 🎶😍