It became Summer's biggest hit in the UK since the 1970s (during which time she had been the most popular female disco artist), reaching number three] and spending a total of 14 weeks in the Top 75, longer than any of her other singles there. It also reached #7 in both the U.S. (where it was certified Gold) and Canada, making it Summer's first transatlantic hit since 1979. It was her 14th and final US Top 10 hit. It was also the last Top 40 hit of Summer's career.
This was Summer's first U.S. single to be released on Atlantic Records, a division of Warner Bros. Records. Since 1980 she had been signed to Geffen (also a division of Warner Bros.) but her work across Europe had always been distributed by Warner Bros.' main label. This would continue to be the case following her signing to Atlantic.
The video was directed by Dieter Trattmann.
This Time I Know It's for Real
Donna Summer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To get you to notice me too
Do I
Stand in line
One of a million
Admiring eyes
Walk a tightrope way up high
I'm going crazy just to let you know
You'd be amazed how much I love you so, baby
When I get my hands on you I won't let go
This time I know it's for real
Should I write or call your home
Shout it out with a megaphone
Radio, tv news
Got to find a way
To get the message to you
To say I love you with a neon sign
Anything to make you mine
I'm going crazy just to let you know
If I wait too long for you I might explode, oh baby
I've been around the block enough to know
This time I know it's for real
Ooo baby
This time, this time, this time, this time
Oh baby
This time, this time, oh baby
Walk a tightrope way up high
Write your name across the sky
I'm going crazy just to let you know
You'd be amazed how much I love you so, oh baby
When I get my hands on you I won't let go
This time I know it's for real
I'm going crazy just to let you know
If I wait too long for you I might explode, oh baby
I've been around the block enough to know
This time I know it's for real
The lyrics of Donna Summer's song "This Time I Know It's For Real" capture the longing of someone who is desperately trying to get the attention of someone they love. The opening lines of the song express the singer's frustration at not being noticed and their desire to stand out from the millions of other admirers. They are willing to do whatever it takes, even walk a tightrope or write the person's name in the sky, to get the person's attention.
The singer is "going crazy" with love and is trying to find every possible channel to get the message across to the person they love. Whether it is through writing, calling or shouting with a megaphone, the singer is determined to convey the message that they love this person with all their heart. They are even willing to put up a neon sign to make the message more visible. The song ends with the singer saying they know that this love is for real and they will not let go once they have the person in their arms.
Line by Line Meaning
What would I have to do
I am wondering what actions I should take
To get you to notice me too
To get your attention, and have you notice me as I also notice you
Do I Stand in line
Should I wait patiently like others, hoping for a chance?
One of a million
Just like a million others, admiring you from afar
Admiring eyes
I am watching with appreciation and admiration
Walk a tightrope way up high
Take a risk, even if it is dangerous and nerve-wracking
Write your name across the sky
Declare my love and devotion for you in a public and permanent way
I'm going crazy just to let you know
I feel like I am losing my mind trying to express how much I love you
You'd be amazed how much I love you so, baby
You might not realize how much I adore you
When I get my hands on you I won't let go
If I get the chance to be with you, I won't let anyone take you away from me
This time I know it's for real
I have a strong feeling that this time, my love is genuine and not just a temporary infatuation
Should I write or call your home
Should I attempt to contact you directly, through writing or calling?
Shout it out with a megaphone
Should I make a public declaration of my love for you, through a loudspeaker or similar device?
Radio, tv news
Perhaps I could even make my announcement on the news or the radio
Got to find a way
I need to come up with a plan to get my message across
To get the message to you
My ultimate goal is to make sure you receive and understand my declaration of love
To say I love you with a neon sign
I might consider a flashy and vibrant way to show you how much I care, such as with a neon sign
Anything to make you mine
I am willing to go to great lengths to win your heart and have you as my own
If I wait too long for you I might explode, oh baby
I feel like I cannot continue to hold my feelings inside, and if I don't act soon, I might burst
I've been around the block enough to know
I have enough life experience to recognize when something is genuine
Ooo baby
An expression of affection and endearment
This time, this time, this time, this time
I am emphasizing how confident I am that this time, my love is real
Oh baby
An expression of affection and endearment
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Donna Summer, Matt Aitken, Mike Stock, Peter Waterman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@blrich3316
We didn’t need internet or mobile phones in the 80’s. We had the great music instead. 😀
@user-id1kq2ip3l
Positively one of the best songs by the disco queen the late Donna Summer This Time I Know It's For Real in the year 1989
@strictlynorton
A brilliant pop record from Donna... who left us way too soon, but had 32 years of happy marriage to Bruce Sudano and more hits than a dozen artists combined. Her three children must be so proud of their Mother and her musical legacy. A real superstar who never needed auto-tune or overdubs. This sister had it all. Rest easy Donna... we'll always treasure you.
@billyrampersad1750
The Absolute Best !!!
@esthergutierrez1086
@@billyrampersad1750Plagio Rick Astley Never Gonna Give You Up Kylie Minogue I Should Be So Lucky Donna Summer This Time I Know It's For Real
@just_SteveO
Now-a-days, she deserves to have her name written across the sky instead. We miss you already...
@goldenorchidpeach
Her voice was undeniably sharp, clear and melodic🌺
@JT-ok6re
This is my favorite song of Donna Summer! I really thought she make a huge come back. I'm disappointed with her not being on the charts in the late 80s with more songs. She has always been amazing.
@lifeslessons9889
Tim Johnson .. ABSOLUTELY!!! Top stuff
@romeonarcizo
It was # 7 in the billboard hot 100 hits and # 1 in the dance hits in 1989!