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".
Shining Star
Chaka Khan Lyrics
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(Shinin')
Ooh, ooh, ooh
(Yeaww)
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
When you wish upon a star
But when you wish upon a dream
Life ain′t always what it seems, oh yeah
What you see on nights so clear, hey
In the sky so very near, yeah?
You are (a shining star)
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see (ooh)
What you could truly be
Truly be
Shining star come into view
Ooh, to shine its watchful light on you
Give you strength to carry on, oh
Make your body big and strong, yeah
Born a child of the sun, yeah
Yeah, see, my work has just begun
If I have got to stand alone, yeah
Bless it now, I′ve got my own
Oh yeah
If you find yourself in need
Why don't you listen to these words of heed?
Be a giant around a grain of sand
Words of wisdom, yes, I can
You′re a shining star
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see
What you could truly be
You're a shining star
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see (shinin′ bright to see)
What you could truly be (what you could truly be)
You're a shining star (shining star)
No matter who you are (coming through)
Shining bright to see
What you could truly be
You′re a shining star (shining star)
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see
What you could truly be, truly be
Shining, you are
Shining, yes, you are
When you're shining
You're a little shining, yeah, yeah, star (baby)
Shining, yes, you are
You′re a little shining, shinin′, shinin' star
Shine, yes, you can
Shining, shinin′
You're a shining star
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see (shinin′ bright for you to see)
What you could truly be (what you could truly, truly be)
You're a shining star
No matter who you are
Shining bright to see
(To see) what you could truly be, truly be
The song "Shining Star" by Chaka Khan is about embracing one's inner light and potential, regardless of who you are or what your circumstances may be. In the first verse, the lyrics describe the power of dreams and how they can take you far in life. However, the next line reminds the listener that life is not always what it seems, suggesting that there may be obstacles or challenges along the way. The chorus then declares that "you are a shining star" no matter who you are, and encourages the listener to embrace their potential and strive for greatness.
The second verse talks about the power of the sun, with the line "born a child of the sun, my work has just begun." This may symbolize the idea of being born with potential and purpose, but it's up to the individual to go out and make something of themselves. The lyrics then mention standing alone and having your own blessings, which could suggest the idea of self-reliance and finding strength within oneself. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the message that everyone has the potential to be a shining star and to make their dreams a reality.
Overall, "Shining Star" is an uplifting and empowering song about believing in oneself and embracing one's inner light. It encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and be the best they can be, regardless of any obstacles or challenges they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
When you′re a shinin', shinin′, shinin' star
When you are confident, successful and happy
When you wish upon a star
When you hope and dream for something good to happen
Dreams will take you very far, yeah
Dreams can help you achieve your goals and success
But when you wish upon a dream
But when you rely only on your dreams
Life ain′t always what it seems, oh yeah
Life doesn't always go as planned
What you see on nights so clear, hey
What you observe during a calm and optimistic time
In the sky so very near, yeah?
In the visible and attainable future
You are (a shining star)
You are special and significant
No matter who you are
Regardless of your background or current status
Shining bright to see (ooh)
Clearly visible and standing out
What you could truly be
What you are capable of achieving
Shining star come into view
Your success and potential becoming clear
Ooh, to shine its watchful light on you
Illuminating the path towards success and well-being
Give you strength to carry on, oh
Providing motivation and resilience
Make your body big and strong, yeah
Building physical and mental strength
Born a child of the sun, yeah
Having innate potential and positivity
Yeah, see, my work has just begun
There's a lot left to do and achieve
If I have got to stand alone, yeah
If I have to pursue my goals alone
Bless it now, I′ve got my own
Feeling blessed and secure with my own abilities
If you find yourself in need
If you are struggling or in need of guidance
Why don't you listen to these words of heed?
Why not consider this advice?
Be a giant around a grain of sand
Be powerful and influential in small actions
Words of wisdom, yes, I can
Encouraging others to impart wise advice
Shining bright to see (shinin′ bright to see)
Evident and easily noticeable
What you could truly be (what you could truly, truly be)
What you have the potential to become
Shining, you are
You are currently successful and shining
When you're shining
When you are doing well
You're a little shining, yeah, yeah, star (baby)
You are a small yet powerful source of light and positivity
Shine, yes, you can
Encouragement to keep shining and reaching for success
Shining, shinin′
Continuing to be successful and standing out
(To see) what you could truly be, truly be
Realizing and achieving your full potential
Writer(s): Philip Bailey, Maurice White, Lorenzo Dunn
Contributed by Samantha V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ben - Moderator
on I'll Never B Another Fool
Corrected - thanks Saulius
Saulius
on I'll Never B Another Fool
https://princevault.com/index.php?title=Eye%E2%80%99ll_Never_B_Another_Fool
Saulius
on I'll Never B Another Fool
"Come 2 My House" album 1998