Yvette Marie Stevens (born March 23, 1953), better known as Chaka Khan, and… Read Full Bio ↴Yvette Marie Stevens (born March 23, 1953), better known as Chaka Khan, and frequently referred to as the "Queen of Funk", is a 10-time Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois who gained fame in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus.

In 1964, at the age of 11, Khan formed her first musical group, the Crystalettes. While still in high school, she joined the Afro-Arts Theater, a group which toured with Motown great Mary Wells; a few years later, she adopted the African name Chaka Khan while working on the Black Panthers' breakfast program. After quitting high school in 1969, Khan joined the group Lyfe, soon exiting to join another dance band, the Babysitters — neither was on the fast track to success, but her fortunes changed when she teamed with ex-American Breed member Kevin Murphy and Andre Fisher to form Rufus.

Debuting in 1973 with a self-titled effort on the ABC label, Rufus was among the preeminent funk groups of the decade. Distinguished by Khan's dynamic vocals, the group earned half a dozen gold or platinum albums.

While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career. Her signature hits, both with Rufus and solo, include "Tell Me Something Good", "Sweet Thing", "Ain't Nobody", "I'm Every Woman", "I Feel for You" and "Through the Fire".

I'll Be Around
Chaka Khan Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'll be around no matter how you treat me now
I'll be around from now on
Your latest love can never last, and when it's past
I'll be around when she's gone

Goodbye again, and if you find a love like mine
Just now and then, drop me a line to say you're feeling fine

And when things go wrong, perhaps you'll see you're meant for me
So I'll be around when she's gone

Just now and then, drop me a line to say you're feeling fine

And when things go wrong, perhaps you'll see you're meant for me
So I'll be around when she's gone

Overall Meaning

The song "I'll be around" by Chaka Khan is a classic soulful tune that speaks to perseverance and dedication to love. The lyrics convey a message of unyielding support for a loved one regardless of how they may treat the singer. The words "I'll be around" are repeated throughout the song as a constant reminder that the singer will always be present despite not receiving the love and attention that they deserve. The lyrics suggest that while the person may be with someone else at the moment, the singer believes that their love will eventually fizzle out and that they will be there waiting for them when they realize their mistake.

The lyrics "Your latest love can never last, and when it's past, I'll be around when she's gone" encapsulate this idea, suggesting that the singer knows that the person's relationship will soon come to an end, and they will be there when it does. The lyrics "And when things go wrong, perhaps you'll see you're meant for me" reveal the singer's hope that the person will eventually recognize the value of their love and return to them.

Overall, the song speaks to the idea of unconditional love and dedication, even in the face of rejection or mistreatment. It carries a message of perseverance and the belief that true love will always find a way.

Line by Line Meaning

I'll be around no matter how you treat me now
I will still be present in your life, even if you mistreat me.

I'll be around from now on
I will always be there for you, no matter what.

Your latest love can never last, and when it's past
Your current relationship will inevitably come to an end.

I'll be around when she's gone
I will be there for you when your current relationship ends.

Goodbye again, and if you find a love like mine
Farewell for now, and if you come across a similar love as you had with me,

Just now and then, drop me a line to say you're feeling fine
Occasionally let me know that you are doing well.

And when things go wrong, perhaps you'll see you're meant for me
If your current relationship fails, you may realize that we are meant to be together.

So I'll be around when she's gone
I will still be available for you when your current relationship ends.

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHARLES JACKSON, MARVIN JEROME YANCY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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