A professional singer since she was fifteen, Brooks' début, a cover of Etta James's "Something's Got A Hold On Me", was released on Decca in 1964. Later she became the vocalist with a British 12-piece Stax-influenced, jazz-rock fusion band called Dada that released one, eponymous, album in 1970.
Brooks, along with guitarist Pete Gage, singer Robert Palmer and bassist Steve York formed Vinegar Joe in 1971, adding keyboard player Dave Thompson. The band was without a drummer; Conrad Isidore and Rob Tait drummed on the first album, released in 1972.
In 1974, after three albums Vinegar Joe split and Brooks went solo. After a time in the US as backing singer with the American southern boogie band Wet Willie, she returned to England. Her first solo album on A&M records was Rich Man's Woman (1975).
Where Do We Go From Here
Elkie Brooks Lyrics
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Where do we go from here
Where do we go? Nobody knows
Where do we go from here
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Try to survive on a poor man's pay
Well I try and I try
My, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
You say I act like a millionaire's daughter
Spending your money like water
The way that I act
When you're breaking your back
A ten dollar bill is a quarter
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Try to survive on a poor man's pay
Well I try and I try
To keep you satisfield
My, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Can't afford to pay my rent
Where do we go from here
Can't afford my fancy clothes
Where do we go? Nobody knows
Where do we go from here
Where do we go from here
Where do we go from here
Where do we go from here
Where do we go? Nobody knows
Where do we go from here
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Try to survive on a poor man's pay
Well I try and I try
To keep you satisfield
My, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Try to survive on a poor man's pay
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Try to survive on a poor man's pay
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Elkie Brooks's song "Where Do We Go From Here" is a poignant commentary on the struggles of a woman who is trapped in poverty while trying to maintain a lifestyle associated with the wealthy man she is involved with. The repeated question "Where do we go from here?" highlights the uncertainty and confusion she feels about her future and her relationship, tapping into the universal theme of existential uncertainty that many people can relate to.
The woman in the song is torn between two worlds: the life of luxury that her partner can provide, and the harsh reality of her own financial situation. Despite her efforts to "keep [him] satisfied," she is met with criticism and judgement for her spending habits, which she sees as a reflection of the lifestyle that he has introduced her to.
The lyrics also suggest a sense of powerlessness, as she laments that "nobody knows" where they can go from here. It is clear that the woman is grappling with questions of identity, status, and class, and the song leaves open the possibility that her relationship may be unsustainable.
Overall, Elkie Brooks's "Where Do We Go From Here" is a moving exploration of the complexities of love, money, and social class, highlighting the tensions and contradictions that can arise when people from different backgrounds come together.
Line by Line Meaning
Where do we go from here
Expressing uncertainty about the future and what direction to take
Where do we go? Nobody knows
Emphasizing the unknown and the lack of clear guidance
My, my, my, my, I'm a rich man's woman
Identifying the singer's social status and connection to wealth
Try to survive on a poor man's pay
Struggling to make ends meet despite the low income
Well I try and I try
Putting in effort and hard work to make things better
To keep you satisfied
Working to maintain a relationship despite financial difficulties
You say I act like a millionaire's daughter
Being accused of excessive spending and disregard for money
Spending your money like water
Being criticized for careless and frivolous spending
The way that I act
Referring to behavior and actions that are seen as problematic
When you're breaking your back
Acknowledging the partner's hard work and difficulty in providing
A ten dollar bill is a quarter
Conveying the desperation and struggle to make small amounts of money stretch further
Can't afford to pay my rent
Facing financial instability and hardship to basic needs
Can't afford my fancy clothes
Being unable to maintain a lavish and expensive lifestyle
Contributed by Leah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.