Knight started to record solo material due to legal issues that forced her and The Pips to record separately. Her solo debut "Miss Gladys Knight" was released in 1978 followed by "Gladys Knight" on Colombia Records. Knight recorded the title track for the James Bond movie "Licence To Kill." It became a Top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at #6. Knight's third solo album, "Good Woman" was released in 1991 on MCA Records (now Geffen Records). The album quickly climbed the charts to #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album features the lead single, "Men" (#2 R&B). Her fourth album, "Just For You" followed in 1995. The album went Gold. Knight most recent album is her critically acclaimed ninth studio album, "Before Me", released in 2006.
Ain't Nobody's Business
Gladys Knight Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That folks don't criticise me,
But I'm going to do just as I want to anyway,
And don't care if you all despise me!
If I should take a notion
To jump into the ocean,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do!
If I go to church on Sunday,
Then just shimmy down on Monday,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
If my friend ain't got no money,
And I say, "Take all mine, honey",
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
If I give him my lasy nickel,
And it leaves me in a pickle,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
There, I'd rather my man was hittin' me,
Than to jump right up and quittin' me,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
I swear I won't call no copper
If I'm beat up by my papa,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
The lyrics to Gladys Knight's "Ain't Nobody's Business" are a defiant declaration of independence and self-determination against the weight of societal pressures and criticism. Knight refuses to capitulate to the expectations and demands of others, declaring that she will do as she pleases regardless of the opinions of others. The song's central message is that an individual's autonomy, and their right to make their own choices, must be respected and upheld.
The lyrics touch on a range of themes related to personal freedom and self-expression. They suggest that despite how others might perceive or judge the decisions that one makes, those decisions are ultimately one's own to make. Whether it's jumping into the ocean or giving away one's last nickel, Knight is telling her listeners that they have the right to live their lives as they see fit, without interference or criticism.
The song also touches on more serious issues like domestic violence, portraying a viewpoint in which it would be better to be hit by one's partner than to be abandoned by them. It's a dark and controversial message, but one that reinforces the song's overall theme of self-determination and independence.
Line by Line Meaning
There ain't nothin' I can do, or nothin' I can say
I can't do or say anything without someone criticizing me.
But I'm going to do just as I want to anyway,
However, I will still do what I want despite the criticism.
And don't care if you all despise me!
I don't care if everyone hates me for it.
If I should take a notion to jump into the ocean,
If I feel like jumping into the ocean for no reason,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do!
It's none of anyone's business if I do it.
If I go to church on Sunday, then just shimmy down on Monday,
If I go to church on Sunday but dance on Monday,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
No one can tell me what to do!
If my friend ain't got no money, and I say, 'Take all mine, honey',
If my friend has no money and I offer them mine,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
No one can disapprove of my generosity.
If I give him my lasy nickel, and it leaves me in a pickle,
If I give away my last bit of money and it puts me in a difficult situation,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
It's no one's business but my own.
There, I'd rather my man was hittin' me, than to jump right up and quittin' me,
I would rather have my man physically hurt me than leave me suddenly,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, do, do do!
Nobody has the right to judge my personal choices.
I swear I won't call no copper if I'm beat up by my papa,
I won't call the police if my father mistreats me,
'T'aint nobody's business if I do, if I do!
It's nobody's business but mine.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EVERETT ROBBINS, PORTER GRAINGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MsEdawg101
Chaka had left the building but KILLED it anyhow... Etta is simply a POWERHOUSE... and Gladys is simply one of the GREATEST. I’ve watched this like 10,000 times ALREADY. The BEST of the BEST!
@maryannprice8620
Yes...she had left...as a kite ;) lol ... and still slayed
@missmachete1
The best video I've seen on Youtube and best performance I've ever seen tbh!!! Gives me chills!! Chaka has true rock n roll vocals 😭😭😭
@simoneseiami5938
same here, one of the greatest female singers together, singing down from their beautiful loving souls. 4ever one of my most favorite, BB KIng on top luvitluvitluvitluvitluvit
@Bobbiegirl27
My first time watching the video - Gladys is so silky smooth; Chaka had definitely left the building and yes, killed it; but Etta - she just gets me so deep in the soul every time she sings!!
@JackycClark
Yes Ma'am . Have looked and listened . Haven't found anything to touch this .
@GodisLovetoo
The pipes on Etta James, may she Rest In Peace! They all are talented with their unique styles.....just amazing!
@judygedmistergaines7578
👑💯❤️🌹
@j0biwankan0bi
Chacka Khan and Gladys Knight stop and look in awe as Etta James sings. That tells you how good Etta James was.
@ronaldw548
Chaka stole the show, her vocals reigned supreme. She had the lows of both Etta and Gladys, but her vocal strength, riffs, runs and range stole the show.