An actress, singer, talk show host, and author, the multi-talented Reese first started singing in church in her hometown of Detroit when she was six years old. By the age of 13, she was touring with gospel great Mahalia Jackson; then, at 18, she formed the Meditation Singers and became the first performer to bring gospel music to the casinos of Las Vegas. Reese expanded her musical repertoire as a vocalist with the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra and began recording albums, with such hits as "Don't You Know" and "And That Reminds Me" in the 1950s. She appeared extensively as a guest on the top television variety series, logging more than 20 appearances in one year on The Ed Sullivan Show on the CBS Television Network. Reese was nominated for a Grammy Award as Best Female Soloist in Gospel Music in 1987.
Tapping into her other skills, she was host of a television talk show in 1969-1970, then began guest-starring in such series as Sanford and Son, The A-Team, Crazy Like a Fox and Picket Fences. She starred in the CBS Network series Charlie & Co. and The Royal Family. Reese's current projects include a new album based on her 27-city tour with her revue, "Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues," as well as song on the Touched By An Angel Soundtrack. Her best-selling autobiography, "Angels Along the Way," is published by G.P. Putnam's Sons. Reese also starred in the telefilms Emma's Wish, with Joanna Kerns, and The Secret Path, with Ossie Davis.
You're Driving Me Crazy
Della Reese Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What did I do? What ever did I do?
My tears for you, they make everything hazy
Clouding the skies that used to be blue
How true were the friends who were near me
To cheer me, believe me, they knew
But you, you were the kind who would hurt me
Yes, you, you are driving me crazy
What did I do, did I do to you?
How true were the friends who were near me
To cheer me, believe me, they knew
But you were the kind who would hurt me
Desert me when I needed you
Della Reese's song "You're Driving Me Crazy" is a lament about a failed relationship. The opening lyrics "You, you're driving me crazy, what did I do? What ever did I do?" suggest that the singer is confused and hurt by her partner's actions. She is unable to fathom why her partner has turned cold and indifferent, causing her pain and distress. The next line "My tears for you, they make everything hazy" indicates that the singer is emotionally disturbed and unable to focus on anything other than her heartbreak. The clouds that covered the skies that were once blue imply a time when the relationship was happy and joyful.
The second verse suggests that the singer had friends around her, who were empathetic and supportive during her rough patch. But her partner was unlike those kind friends, because he hurt and deserted her in the time of need. The singer repeats the opening lines of the song again, with a more desperate tone, as she tries to understand why her partner has abandoned her. The song ends on a sorrowful note, with the singer still reeling from the aftermath of her failed relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You, you're driving me crazy
Your behavior is causing me to become extremely emotional and agitated.
What did I do? What ever did I do?
I am unsure of what I have done to deserve this treatment from you.
My tears for you, they make everything hazy
My sadness and disappointment regarding our relationship is clouding my perception of everything.
Clouding the skies that used to be blue
Even the things that once brought me joy and happiness seem dismal and bleak now due to our relationship.
How true were the friends who were near me
My friends have been supportive of me and have had my best interests in mind.
To cheer me, believe me, they knew
My friends understood the pain I was going through and actively tried to help me.
But you, you were the kind who would hurt me
You have proven to be someone who is not hesitant to hurt me, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Desert me when I needed you
You have abandoned me in times of need and distress.
Yes, you, you are driving me crazy
Your presence and behavior is causing me to become increasingly irrational and overwhelmed.
What did I do, did I do to you?
I am still searching for a reason as to why you are treating me so poorly.
Writer(s): WALTER DONALDSON
Contributed by Lily M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.