Born in New York, New York, Gooding was a son of Dudley MacDonald Gooding and his wife Addie Alston. The elder Gooding was a native of Barbados who fled the island in 1936 to Cuba, and met and married a woman there. When she was murdered because of their affiliation with Pan Africanist leader Marcus Garvey, Dudley Gooding promised his wife on her deathbed that he would name his first son Cuba. His father died when Cuba was eleven years old.
Gooding and his wife, singer Shirley Gooding (née Sullivan) had four children: actors Cuba Gooding Jr., Omar Gooding, April Gooding and musician Tommy Gooding. Gooding Sr. later became a minor actor himself. Gooding Sr. separated from his wife in 1974. In 1995, the Goodings remarried, some 21 years after they separated.
In one of Cuba Gooding Jr.'s movies (Radio), there is a scene where "Radio" is listening to The Main Ingredient.
Gooding released a single called "Politics" in September 2007. He was also developing a film project called Everybody Plays the Fool: The Cuba Gooding Story. The film highlights three generations of the Gooding Family: Dudley "Cuba" Gooding, Cuba Gooding Sr., Cuba Gooding Jr. and Omar Gooding.
On the Boat Trip DVD trivia track, it was stated that he was going to appear in the 2003 romantic-comedy The Fighting Temptations, which stars his son Cuba Gooding Jr., but he is not in the movie.
Cuba was added by popular demand to the Beach Music Super Collaboration CD, performing the Charles Wallert composition, "Meant To Be In Love". This has led to the duo’s current project, “Never Give Up”, which debuted at the 2009 presidential inauguration. Gooding records for Bluewater Recordings.
On April 20, 2017, Gooding was found dead in his vehicle while parked on a street in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. CPR was performed by the fire department but they were unable to revive him.
Happiness Is Just Around The Bend
Cuba Gooding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well you ought to come with me 'cause I'm going where the fun is.
Don't get lazy now, just a little bit up the road, just around the bend.
There's something going round inside my head.
I think it's something I need, Something ureal.
And so I see my world is upside down
But there is nothing to fear,
All my roads lead nowhere,
What lies at the end,
Reach your destination
'Cause what you find is your love bird.
It's your birth started again.
So get up
Get it on
Try it again
Try it again girl
Get up
Happiness is just round the bend yeah
The lyrics to Cuba Gooding's song "Happiness Is Just Around The Bend" suggests that the person he is addressing may be feeling restless, and that he wants to take her somewhere fun. He encourages her not to be lazy, and consults her to go with him just up the road, around the bend where happiness is waiting for them. The song talks about how there is something going on inside his head, something that he needs, and it is not tangible but can be described as being surreal. He says his world is upside down, but there is nothing to fear since his vision is clear. In this context, Gooding encourages his listener to take a chance on life, and to follow the road that leads to their unknown destination.
In essence, "Happiness Is Just Around The Bend" is a song that talks about taking a leap of faith, trusting that good things are waiting for us around the corner if we push on a little bit further. It encourages hope and positivity, and also suggests that we should not give up on life or our dreams because the destination is likely to be something beautiful. It urges us all to keep going, no matter how difficult things may seem, and to always believe that happiness is just within our reach.
Line by Line Meaning
Say girl, you look a little restless.
You seem uncomfortable and unsettled.
Well you ought to come with me 'cause I'm going where the fun is.
Join me where there's excitement and enjoyment.
Don't get lazy now, just a little bit up the road, just around the bend.
Don't become complacent, the destination for our delight is within reach.
There's something going round inside my head.
I have an idea or notion in my mind.
I think it's something I need, Something ureal.
I believe it's something necessary and not yet tangible.
And so I see my world is upside down
My perspective is distorted.
But there is nothing to fear, My vision is clear.
Despite the confusion, my perception is precise and unwavering.
All my roads lead nowhere, What lies at the end,
I am lost and unsure of what the future holds.
Reach your destination 'Cause what you find is your love bird.
Continue on the journey and the outcome will be love and happiness.
It's your birth started again.
A new beginning, similar to being reborn.
So get up Get it on Try it again Try it again girl Get up
Don't give up, keep trying and moving forward.
Happiness is just round the bend yeah
Joy and contentment are close at hand.
Writer(s): Brian Auger
Contributed by Isaac H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@theevn7
Gooding music 🎵🎶
@douglasworley8422
I,m at The Bend in my Life….Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@klr802
Discovered this vocal in 92 on a remix version with UK's rave legends Altern 8. This original version is still sooo fresh. This vocal is timeless and magic. One of the best vocal in funk/soul and dance music ever.
@chris45rpm
Original is actually The Main Ingredient
@dozerla2705
RIP Cuba Gooding - this will be his soundtrack in heaven: Happiness is just around the bend... (A Streetwise 80s Arthur Baker-produced classic)
@SuperJimmielee
They played this in the hotmixes 102.7 wbmx 1984. Farley, mickey oliver etc.
@jerryj920
April 27th: Happy birthday R&B-Soul Singer Cuba Gooding Sr. of The Main Ingredient. Thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the upload, Shelf PUP. Blessings
@Janburns
Bmx hotmix5
@ScotsPipe
🎵Bizzare Inc - Playing With Knives ( Got to Get up Got To Feel Good ) 🎵 1991
@dominicturner77
Naz aka naz 'started again' also renegade 'something i feel'