Staton sang with the Jewell Gospel Trio and as teenagers, they toured the traditional gospel circuit in the 1950s with The Soul Stirrers, C. L. Franklin, and Mahalia Jackson. They recorded several sides for Nashbro, Apollo[disambiguation needed ], and Savoy Records between 1953 and 1963, before launching a solo career in 1968.
She had 16 R&B hits for Fame Studios and received Grammy nominations for cover versions of country standards. In 1975 she started working with disco producer Dave Crawford and had hits "Young Hearts Run Free" and "Victim". Also, The Mighty Majors ("You Can Never Go Back") was her backup band once on the road.
In 1982 she returned to gospel forming Beracah Ministries with her husband John Sussewell. In 1991 she had a top 10 UK hit as The Source featuring Candi Staton with dance track "You Got The Love".
In 2004 when Sex and the City ended its successful six-year run, the last song played on that show was "You Got the Love" with Sarah Jessica Parker walking down New York City streets and talking about the endless relationship with herself.
Heart On A String
CANDI STATON Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was searching for a friend
You saw my need and you came along
With your charm you took me in
Overnight, you capture my heart
Turn the smoke into a flame
I can't free my heart from you baby
No I can't free my heart from you baby
'Cause you keep it hanging on your string
Your way old loving is my weakness
You made me yours body and soul
My mind tells me I to leave you
But my heart won't let me go
'Cause you tie me down to you in every way
Turn my pleasure into pain
No I can't free my heart from you baby
Cause you keep it hanging on your string
No I can't free my heart from you baby
'Cause you keep it hanging on your string
Every time I try to break loose
That's when you tighten up on your string
I can't hold up to what I'm going through
My heart is weakening from the strain
No I know if you untied me
I'd be bound to you just the same
I can't free my heart from you baby
Cause you keep it hanging on your string
I can't free my heart from you baby
'Cause you keep it hanging on your string
I can't free my heart from you baby
'Cause you keep it hanging on your string
Heart on a String by Candi Staton is a love song that describes a person’s emotional entanglement with a romantic partner. The opening verses illustrate how the singer was once alone and searching for companionship, a situation that changed when someone came into her life and swept her off her feet. At first, her attraction to this person was intense and sudden, taking her by surprise. Despite recognizing the hold that this new love has over her, she feels helpless to resist because of the deep connection and passion they share.
The chorus of the song is where the title comes from, as she describes feeling like a puppet whose heart is hanging by a string controlled by her lover. Her partner’s influence on her is all-encompassing, leaving her powerless and yearning for more. The second verse suggests that although she may have moments of wanting to escape the weight of her lover’s hold, she can’t shake the feeling that they are meant to be together even if it causes her pain. The final chorus emphasizes the singer’s desperate love for her partner, acknowledging that she is unable to break free from their spell no matter how hard she tries.
Overall, Heart on a String portrays the intense emotional dependence someone can have on a romantic partner, even when they recognize that it might not be the healthiest situation for them. The power dynamics in the relationship are clearly lopsided, with the singer feeling like she has little control over her own heart.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was out there, and all alone
I was feeling lonely and isolated
I was searching for a friend
I wanted someone to be there for me
You saw my need and you came along
You recognized my need for companionship and approached me
With your charm you took me in
You used your charisma to win me over
Overnight, you capture my heart
You quickly won my heart
Turn the smoke into a flame
You ignited a spark within me
I can't free my heart from you baby
I am unable to detach myself from you emotionally
'Cause you keep it hanging on your string
You have control over my emotions and actions
Your way old loving is my weakness
Your style of love is what draws me to you
You made me yours body and soul
I am completely devoted to you
My mind tells me I to leave you
I know logically that I should walk away
But my heart won't let me go
My feelings for you are too strong
'Cause you tie me down to you in every way
You have control over every aspect of my life
Turn my pleasure into pain
You have the power to turn something enjoyable into something painful
Every time I try to break loose
Whenever I attempt to leave you
That's when you tighten up on your string
You become more controlling and manipulative
I can't hold up to what I'm going through
I am struggling with the stress of our relationship
My heart is weakening from the strain
My emotional well-being is suffering
No I know if you untied me
I realize that if you let me go
I'd be bound to you just the same
I would still be emotionally connected to you
I can't free my heart from you baby
I am unable to separate my emotions from you
'Cause you keep it hanging on your string
You have complete control over my heart and actions
Contributed by Sebastian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Terinia reid
on It's the Anointing
I love this song