The group's most successful period was in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Lionel Richie was co-lead singer. The band's biggest hit singles are ballads such as "Easy", "Three Times a Lady", and "Nightshift"; and funky dance hits which include "Brick House", "Fancy Dancer", "Lady (You Bring Me Up)", and "Too Hot ta Trot". In 1986 the Commodores won their first Grammy for the song "Nightshift".
Band history
The Commodores originally came together from two former groups, the Mystics and the Jays. There was even a Jazz aspect to one of the groups. They wanted to change the name. Together, a six-man band was created from which the notable individuals were Lionel Richie, Thomas McClary, and William King from the Mystics; Andre Callahan, Michael Gilbert, and Milan Williams were from the Jays. To choose a new name, William "WAK" King opened a dictionary and randomly picked a word. "We lucked out", he remarked with a laugh when telling this story to People magazine. "We almost became 'The Commodes!
The band originated while its members attended Tuskegee University in Alabama. After winning the university's annual freshman talent contest, they played at fraternity parties as well as a weekend gig at the Black Forest Inn, one of a few clubs in Tuskegee that catered to college students. They performed mostly cover tunes and some original songs with their first singer, James Ingram (not the famous solo artist). Ingram, older than the rest of the band, left to serve active duty in Vietnam, and was later replaced by Walter "Clyde" Orange, who would write or co-write many of their hit tunes. Lionel Richie and Orange alternated as lead singers. (Orange was the lead singer on the Top 10 hits "Brick House" and "Nightshift".)
The Commodores made a brief appearance in the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday. They performed the song "Too Hot ta Trot" during the dance contest; the songs "Brick House" and "Easy" were also played during the movie.
"Machine Gun", the instrumental title track from the band's debut album, became a staple at American sporting events, and is similarly featured in many films, including Boogie Nights and Looking for Mr. Goodbar. It reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1975. Another instrumental, "Cebu" (named after an island in the Philippines), later became a staple in the Quiet storm format. Three albums released in 1975 and 1976 (Caught in the Act, Movin' On, and Hot on the Tracks) are considered the peak of their harder funk period. After those recordings the group started to move towards a softer sound. That move was hinted at in their 1976 Top Ten hits "Sweet Love" and "Just to Be Close to You". In 1977 the Commodores released "Easy", which became the group's biggest hit yet, reaching No. 4 in the U.S., followed by "Brick House", also top 5, both from their album The Commodores, as was "Zoom". The group reached No. 1 in 1978 with "Three Times a Lady". In 1979 the Commodores scored another top-five ballad, "Sail On", before reaching the top of the charts once again with another ballad, "Still". In 1981 they released two top-ten hits with "Oh No" (No. 4) and their first upbeat single in almost five years, "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" (No. 8).
In 1982, Lionel Richie left to pursue a solo career. A transition that was smooth but slow, Richie's departure was evident after it was mentioned to the band why his distinct sound would never be a part of The Commodores; Skyler Jett replaced Richie as co-lead singer. Also in 1982, their manager Benjamin Ashburn who also managed another band Platinum Hook died of a heart attack aged 54.
Over time, several founding members left - McClary left in 1983 (shortly after Richie) to pursue a solo career and to develop a gospel music company. McClary was replaced by guitarist-vocalist Sheldon Reynolds while LaPread left in 1986 and moved to Auckland, New Zealand and Reynolds departed for Earth, Wind & Fire in 1987, which prompted trumpeter William "WAK" King to take over primary guitar duties for live performances. Keyboardist Milan Williams exited the band in 1989 after allegedly refusing to tour South Africa.
The group also gradually abandoned its funk roots and moved into the more commercial pop arena. In 1984 former Heatwave singer James Dean "J.D." Nicholas assumed co-lead vocal duties with drummer Walter Orange. The band remained hitless until 1985 when their final Motown album, Nightshift, produced by Dennis Lambert—all prior albums were produced by James Anthony Carmichael)—delivered the Grammy Award-winning title track "Nightshift" (No. 3 in the U.S.). It was a tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson. In 2010 a new version was recorded, dedicated to Michael Jackson. The Commodores were on a European tour performing at Wembley Arena, London, on June 25, 2009, when they walked off the stage after they were told that Michael Jackson had died. Initially the band thought it was a hoax. However, back in their dressing rooms they received confirmation and broke down in tears. The next night at Birmingham's NIA Arena, J.D. Nicholas added Jackson's name into the lyrics of the song, and thenceforth the Commodores have mentioned Jackson and other deceased R&B singers. Thus came the inspiration upon the one-year anniversary of Jackson's death, to re-record, with new lyrics, the hit song "Nightshift" as a tribute. "Nightshift" won The Commodores their first Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals in 1985.
In 1990 the Commodores formed Commodores Records and re-recorded their 20 greatest hits as Commodores Hits Vol. I & II. They have recorded a live album Commodores Live! along with a DVD of the same name, and a Christmas album titled Commodores Christmas. In 2012, the band was working on new material, some contributions written by current and former members.
The Commodores now consist of Walter "Clyde" Orange, James Dean "J.D." Nicholas, and William "WAK" King, along with their five-piece band, known as the "Mean Machine". The group continues to perform, playing at arenas, theaters, and festivals around the world.
Studio albums
Machine Gun (1974)
Caught in the Act (1975)
Movin' On (1975)
Hot on the Tracks (1976)
Commodores (1977)
Natural High (1978)
Midnight Magic (1979)
Heroes (1980)
In the Pocket (1981)
Commodores 13 (1983)
Nightshift (1985)
United (1986)
Rock Solid (1988)
Commodores Christmas (1992)
No Tricks (1993)
This Is Your Life
Commodores Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So much in life to see you through
Be what you want to be
Be strong and tell the world you're free
I see the children of the world
Searching to find themselves
And who they are
So many ways for them to win or lose
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Round and round we go
People come and people go
Love makes the world go round
The game we play is lost and found
We close our minds to what we see
A world of pain and hate and poverty
Somehow we all must find a way
To make this world for all a better place
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Oh this is your life
Yeah, yeah
This is your life, yes it is
Yeah, yeah
This is your life, aw this is your life
Yes it is, yeah
Ohh this is your life
Yeah, yeah
I see you there
Dyin' in your wisdom
Where do you go
Tell me where do you go
Just see the light
Shinin' through your window
Why can't you see
Tell me now, why can't you see
Your walkin' down
Life's lonesome road
Yes you are, yes you are
Where do you turn
Where do you turn
I'm longin' to see
If your search will find
Aw peace of mind yeah, yeah, yeah
Peace of mind aw
Do what you want
Cause time is your captive
This is your life, babe
Aw this is your life
This is your life well, well
This is your life...
The lyrics of Commodores’s song “This Is Your Life” express empowering messages for the listeners. The song encourages individuals to pursue what they want to do and be whoever they want to be in life. It emphasizes the importance of being strong and confident in oneself, acknowledging that every individual has the capability to achieve success and overcome challenges. The lyrics focus on the theme of self-discovery, as the song narrates the struggles of children trying to find themselves and their place in the world.
The song also touches on topics of love, the transience of life as people come and go, and the struggles of the world. It highlights the need for everyone to come together and make the world a better place for all. Moreover, the song ends with poetic imagery and calls for peace of mind, urging people to make the most of their time in this life.
This song carries a positive and empowering message for everyone struggling to find their place in this world. It emphasizes the importance of being strong and confident in oneself and encourages individuals to pursue their dreams irrespective of any challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Do what you want to do
Follow your own path in life
So much in life to see you through
There are so many opportunities in life for you to succeed
Be what you want to be
Don't let others dictate your life choices or identity
Be strong and tell the world you're free
Stand up for yourself and express your freedom
I see the children of the world
The singer observes the struggles and potential of young people globally
Searching to find themselves
Young people seek to discover their purpose and identity
And who they are
Young people want to understand their place in the world
So many roads for them to choose, yeah
Young people have many options in life
So many ways for them to win or lose
Young people face both opportunities and challenges in life
Oh this is your life
Life belongs to the individual
Round and round we go
Life repeats itself in cycles
People come and people go
People enter and exit our lives
Love makes the world go round
Love is essential for the world to continue functioning
The game we play is lost and found
Life is a game of searching and discovering
We close our minds to what we see
We often ignore or deny the negative aspects of the world
A world of pain and hate and poverty
The world can be filled with negative emotions and difficult circumstances
Somehow we all must find a way
It is up to all of us to make the world a better place
To make this world for all a better place
We need to work together to create a better world for everyone
I see you there
The singer addresses an individual
Dyin' in your wisdom
The individual may be struggling with understanding life's purpose
Where do you go
The singer wonders where this individual will go in life
Just see the light
The singer encourages the individual to find hope and positivity
Shinin' through your window
The metaphorical light is near and accessible
Why can't you see
The singer is asking why the individual cannot see the opportunity for positivity
Your walkin' down
The individual is proceeding through life
Life's lonesome road
Life can be a difficult journey
Where do you turn
The singer wonders where the individual will seek guidance or direction
I'm longin' to see
The singer hopes to witness
If your search will find
If the individual's search will uncover
Aw peace of mind yeah, yeah, yeah
The singer hopes the individual will find a sense of calm and well-being
Do what you want
The singer reminds listeners to live life on their own terms
Cause time is your captive
Time is yours to control and use wisely
This is your life, babe
Life is yours to live and make the most of
This is your life well, well
The singer emphasizes that this is truly the listener's life
This is your life...
The track concludes by reiterating the message that life belongs to the individual
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
johnny zell
Do what you want to do
So much in life to see you through
Be what you want to be
Be strong and tell the world you're free
I see the children of the world
Searching to find themselves
And who they are
So many roads for them to choose, yeah
So many ways for them to win or lose
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Round and round we go
People come and people go
Love makes the world go round
The game we play is lost and found
We close our minds to what we see
A world of pain and hate and poverty
Somehow we all must find a way
To make this world for all a better place
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Oh this is your life
Yeah, yeah
This is your life, yes it is
Yeah, yeah
This is your life, aw this is your life
Yes it is, yeah
Ohh this is your life
Yeah, yeah
I see you there
Dyin' in your wisdom
Where do you go
Tell me where do you go
Just see the light
Shinin' through your window
Why can't you see
Tell me now, why can't you see
Your walkin' down
Life's lonesome road
Yes you are, yes you are
Where do you turn
Where do you turn
I'm longin' to see
If your search will find
Aw peace of mind yeah, yeah, yeah
Peace of mind aw
Do what you want
Cause time is your captive
This is your life, babe
Aw this is your life
This is your life well, well
This is your life...
Reggie Bryant
I was 15 when this song came out n I knew then the message was for real. This is a powerful song because we do die in our own wisdom. Deciding what we think is right n wrong. This song have helped me stay fairly grounded.
Kenny Irvington
Damn...you're OLD.....
GUESS WHAT !!!
CLASS OF 74 babeeee..
..runtelldat!!
...keep smiling.....PEACE
Tawanya Lynch
Truth Reggie!
Reggie Bryant
@Kenny Irvington fuss we'll all get there
paul pelt
This song is so slept on, my favorite by this band.
Tawanya Lynch
Mine too!😊
Carrie Nixon
Mine too.
ArsinGod
This is 1 of those songs that play on every emotion in your body all at once! I am thankful for music like this 💯%
Khalilnewyork116
Man, what a classic! And thank you Nas’ King’s Disease III for bringing me back here! 🔥🎧
johnny zell
Do what you want to do
So much in life to see you through
Be what you want to be
Be strong and tell the world you're free
I see the children of the world
Searching to find themselves
And who they are
So many roads for them to choose, yeah
So many ways for them to win or lose
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Round and round we go
People come and people go
Love makes the world go round
The game we play is lost and found
We close our minds to what we see
A world of pain and hate and poverty
Somehow we all must find a way
To make this world for all a better place
Oh this is your life
Ohh yeah, yeah
Oh this is your life
Yeah, yeah
This is your life, yes it is
Yeah, yeah
This is your life, aw this is your life
Yes it is, yeah
Ohh this is your life
Yeah, yeah
I see you there
Dyin' in your wisdom
Where do you go
Tell me where do you go
Just see the light
Shinin' through your window
Why can't you see
Tell me now, why can't you see
Your walkin' down
Life's lonesome road
Yes you are, yes you are
Where do you turn
Where do you turn
I'm longin' to see
If your search will find
Aw peace of mind yeah, yeah, yeah
Peace of mind aw
Do what you want
Cause time is your captive
This is your life, babe
Aw this is your life
This is your life well, well
This is your life...