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.
Open Up Your Eyes
Gladys Knight Lyrics
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Never caring 'bout the other guy
Still we hope things will change
But if you look inside their eyes
You'll find the kids have grown as cold as ice
Now we must make a change
Oh, Lord, help me to see
What in the world can change
If we open our eyes
Maybe we can find a change in tomorrow
Maybe it's already written in the sky
If we open our eyes
Maybe we can finally change the world's sorrows
Maybe it's already been here all the time
Open up your eyes
So much to do and there's no time
So much to say and nothing's on their minds
We need to make a change
We need to open up our hearts
And help a brother make a new start
We really need to make a change
Oh, Lord, help us to see
I know that You can give the world
Peace and harmony
Gladys Knight's "Open Up Your Eyes" is a song with a powerful message calling upon humanity to shift their focus outward and engage with the world around them. The song opens up by lamenting that we often go through life ignorant of the suffering of others, but at the same time, we hope that things will change. It then points out that children are growing up cold and distant from the world, which calls for change. The artist asks the Lord for guidance, to be able to see what is happening to society and what we can do to remedy the situation. The chorus urges us to open our eyes and be more aware of our environment. The song calls for a collective effort to make the world a better place, emphasizing the need to help one another and make a new beginning. The song reminds us that peace and harmony are within reach if we only take the time to make a change.
There is a sense of urgency in the song, which underscores the need for change. The artist points out that there is much to do, and little time to accomplish it. The song calls for action rather than passive hope, and emphasizes that the burden of changing the world rests on all of us. The song lyrics call to mind many of the social challenges that plague our world today, such as poverty, inequality, and injustice. The message is that we are not powerless to effect change, and that we can start by opening our eyes to see what is happening around us.
Line by Line Meaning
So many times we walk through life
We often go through our lives without paying attention to others around us.
Never caring 'bout the other guy
We don't take the time to care about other people and their struggles.
Still we hope things will change
Despite our lack of action, we still have a glimmer of hope for a better future.
But if you look inside their eyes
If you take the time to truly see someone, you may discover their pain and suffering.
You'll find the kids have grown as cold as ice
There are many young people who have become hardened and indifferent to the world around them.
Now we must make a change
We can no longer continue to ignore the problems around us - action must be taken.
Oh, Lord, help me to see
The singer asks for guidance and clarity, recognizing their own blindness to certain issues.
What in the world can change
The artist questions what can be done to create a positive change in our world.
What's happening to you and me
The artist muses about the current state of humanity and how it affects us all.
If we open our eyes
The solution to our problems lies in becoming aware of them and taking action.
Maybe we can find a change in tomorrow
By taking action today, we can create a better future for ourselves and others.
Maybe it's already written in the sky
Perhaps the answer to our problems has been there all along but we just haven't noticed it yet.
If we open our eyes
We must continue to stay vigilant and aware of our surroundings.
Maybe we can finally change the world's sorrows
Together, we can work towards creating a world that is free from suffering and pain.
Maybe it's already been here all the time
Perhaps the solution to our problems has been within us all along.
Open up your eyes
The artist urges listeners to become more aware of their surroundings and the needs of others.
So much to do and there's no time
There are many problems in the world that need to be addressed, but time is running out.
So much to say and nothing's on their minds
There are many people who are silent about important issues because they are not on their radar.
We need to make a change
It is imperative that we take action to create positive change in the world.
We need to open up our hearts
We must become more empathetic and compassionate towards others if we want to make a difference.
And help a brother make a new start
We must work together to lift each other up and give everyone a second chance to succeed.
We really need to make a change
The artist emphasizes the importance of taking action to create a better world.
Oh, Lord, help us to see
The singer prays for guidance and strength as we work towards creating a better future.
I know that You can give the world
The artist has faith that there is a higher power that can help us create a better world.
Peace and harmony
The singer envisions a world that is free from conflict and strife.
Writer(s): Curtis Williams, Jerry Vines, Cliff Jones
Contributed by Benjamin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ginger Williams
on Mr. Love
I'm 84 years old and I've never heard this beautiful message. My daughter introduced it to me and I'm gonna keep listening. I love it