Recorded with a full orchestral accompaniment, "Theme from Mahogany" became one of the most recognizable elements of the film, receiving praise from many critics. Later released as a single, "Theme from Mahogany" became a number-one hit on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and the Easy Listening chart. The song was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song. Ross performed the song live at the Academy Awards ceremony via satellite from the Netherlands.
Mariah Carey covered this song in 1998, and released it on international pressings of her #1's album. Jennifer Lopez also covered the song, and released it on international editions of her 1999 album, On the 6. Another cover version of this song can be found on the Lara Fabian 2009 album Every Woman in Me.
Theme From Mahogany
Diana Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?
Do you get what you're hoping for?
When you look behind you, there's no open doors
What are you hoping for? Do you know?
Once we were standing still in time
Chasing the fantasies that filled our minds
You knew how I loved you, but my spirit was free
Laughing at the questions that you once asked of me
Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?
Now looking back at all we planned
We let so many dreams just slip through our hands
Why must we wait so long before we see
How sad the answers to those questions can be?
Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know?
Do you get what you're hoping for?
When you look behind you, there's no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know?
The lyrics to Diana Ross's song "Theme From Mahogany" are a poignant reflection on the universal human experience of searching for meaning and direction in life. The first verse asks the listener a series of questions about their own life and purpose: Do you know where you're going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know? These questions invite introspection and self-reflection, urging the listener to consider their goals and aspirations and whether they are truly living in accordance with them.
The second verse delves deeper into the theme of missed opportunities and regret. The lyrics describe a time when the singer and their loved one were "standing still in time" and "chasing the fantasies that filled our minds." At that moment, they were happy and in love, but the singer's spirit was also free, unencumbered by the kinds of questions or doubts that come with the passage of time. Looking back on this moment now, the singer realizes that they let many of their dreams slip away and wonders why they waited so long before seeing how sad the answers to life's questions can be.
Ultimately, the song urges listeners to take stock of their lives and make sure they are living with purpose and intention. Through its reflective lyrics and moving melody, "Theme From Mahogany" encourages us to ask ourselves the tough questions and make sure we are living the best possible life.
* The song was originally called "Do You Know Where You're Going To"
* The song was written by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin.
* Diana Ross starred in the film, "Mahogany" (1975), for which this song was the theme song.
* The song was a worldwide hit, reaching #1 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart in 1976.
* Mariah Carey covered the song for her 1997 album, Butterfly.
* Ross performed the song at the 2005 Live 8 concert in Philadelphia.
* The song has been used in various films and TV shows, including the 1990s TV series "Ally McBeal".
* The lyrics are often used in motivational speeches and self-help seminars.
* The melody was sampled in the song "Mo Money Mo Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G and has been covered by various artists.
* Diana Ross performed the song at the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame Induction Concert in 2003.
Chords (originally in Ab):
Verse: Ab - Db - Gb - Ebm
Chorus: Ab - Db - Gb - Ebm
Bridge: Ab7 - Db - Gb - Ebm
Line by Line Meaning
Do you know where you're going to?
Do you have a clear sense of direction and purpose in life?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Are you content with the experiences and opportunities that life has presented to you?
Where are you going to?
What are your plans and goals for the future?
Do you know?
Have you thought deeply and consciously about the answers to these questions?
Do you get what you're hoping for?
Are you achieving the things you desire and strive for in life?
When you look behind you, there's no open doors
Have you been met with obstacles or setbacks that prevent you from moving forward?
What are you hoping for?
What are your deepest aspirations and desires?
Do you know?
Have you reflected on and identified the answers to these questions?
Once we were standing still in time
There was a period in the past where things felt stagnant and unchanging
Chasing the fantasies that filled our minds
We were in pursuit of idealized dreams that we may not have fully understood or been able to achieve
You knew how I loved you, but my spirit was free
You understood my affection for you, but I also valued my independence and freedom
Laughing at the questions that you once asked of me
I found amusement in the questions you posed about my plans and future, perhaps because I did not have clear answers
Now looking back at all we planned
With hindsight, we can reflect on the things we hoped to achieve or accomplish
We let so many dreams just slip through our hands
Despite our intentions and efforts, we were unable to grasp or realize many of the things we hoped for
Why must we wait so long before we see
It may be difficult to recognize or understand the full extent of our choices and actions until much later in life
How sad the answers to those questions can be?
It can be disheartening or regretful to reflect on lost opportunities or unfulfilled dreams.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gerry Goffin, Michael Masser
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lisagranchelli-danz5286
Simply beautiful, they don't make music like this anymore.
@ArnaudSiemons
Dumb
@Jimmy-ik2kc
@@lisagranchelli-danz5286 Not even close.....the 60's and the 70's music is the best eras of music.
@miltonhart499
@Jimmy-ik2kc , I totally agree!
@francismurphy7248
@@Jimmy-ik2kc, Absolutely agree , with you , the sixties , and seventies ,..were all about melody , and harmony., great songwriters, and great singers .
@CharlesManning-m4r
You said something rite there.. Btw, Al Green - Simply Beautiful..For some reason its not on NONE of his Greatest hits.. To me, one of his BEST songs .
@neilchristopher7520
I remember I was a little boy on my own climbing over the fence at the drive in movies to sit and watch this film. How a song can stay with a boy all his life and bring back such powerful memories. Music helps those suffering from Alzheimers.
@SunDogDeb
I was a teenager and went to the drive-in with my best friend and this song really stuck with me too!
@laudiceiacoelhodasilva7274
Linda musica,depois de 40 anos reencontro meu amor da adolescência e ele me msndou essaa música,wue lindo
@lindamatthews4038
Music helps people suffering from depression too.