Waiting On You
Gladys Knight Lyrics


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Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting
I'm waiting on you

I finished all my chores
Closed the windows, locked the doors
Trying to settle in for the night

Climbed the stairs and looked around
Slowly turned and came back down
I turned the TV on just for light

Something in my mind
Keeps telling me our love is strong
Give him just a little more time, you'll see
He's coming home
(He's coming home)

So I'm waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)
To get through doin' what you had to do
So we two can get back to me and you

I'm waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)
'Cause they have no idea how we got through
But you knew, that's why I'm waiting on you
(Sitting here, waiting on you)

I overheard your friends
(Your friends)
Making fun of all the things you did for me
To show how very much you care

I was proud to hear you say
(I love her)
"I love her in a special way
You just don't understand the love we share"

But they kept on talking till you went away
(Talking, talking, talking)
But I know your love will guide you back home someday
(Home someday)

I'm waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)
To get through doin' what you had to do
(What you had to do)
So we two can get back to me and you

I'm waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)
'Cause they have no idea what we've been through
But you knew, that's why I'm waiting on you, oh
(Sitting here, waiting on you)

I never got the chance to tell you in advance
About the life that's growing more inside of me
I'm glad you did not know, 'cause it left you free to go

And if you get back
(If you get back)
I know this is where you want to be
(I know this is where)

So I'm waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)
To get through doin' what you had to do
So we two can get back to me and you

I'm waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)
'Cause they have no idea what we've been through
But you knew, that's why I'm waiting on you

(I'm waiting on you)
To get through doin' what you had to do
So we two can get back to me and you

I'm waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)
They have no idea how we got through
But you knew, that's why I'm waiting on you, oh
(Sitting here, waiting on you)

I'm waiting on you
(Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting)
Patiently waiting on you
(I'm waiting on you)





Oh baby, come home to me, set me free
I'm waitin' on you, oh darling

Overall Meaning

The song "Waiting On You" by Gladys Knight talks about a woman who is waiting for her partner to come back home. She has finished her chores, locked the doors and settled in for the night, but the absence of her partner is making her restless. She turns on the TV for light and keeps waiting while something in her mind keeps telling her that their love is strong and he will be home soon. She overhears her partner's friends making fun of all the things he did for her, but she is proud of him and the special love they share, which nobody else can understand. She knows that his love will guide him back home someday, and she is patiently waiting for him to return.


The lyrics of the song are a poignant representation of a woman's love and devotion. The woman is portrayed as strong and independent, yet vulnerable and dependent on the love of her partner. The song highlights the power of love and how it can keep people waiting for hours, days, even years for the one they love. It speaks to the emotional anxiety and the anticipation one can feel when waiting for their loved one to come home.


Line by Line Meaning

Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting
The singer is waiting for someone or something eagerly and it is taking too long.


I'm waiting on you
The singer is waiting on someone specific and cannot proceed without them.


I finished all my chores Closed the windows, locked the doors Trying to settle in for the night
The singer has completed all their tasks, made their surroundings safe and is trying to relax for the night.


Climbed the stairs and looked around Slowly turned and came back down I turned the TV on just for light
The artist is trying to find something to do or occupy their mind for comfort as they wait for the person or thing they are waiting for.


Something in my mind Keeps telling me our love is strong Give him just a little more time, you'll see He's coming home (He's coming home)
The artist is hopeful and positive that the love they share with the person they are waiting for is strong and will bring them back home soon.


To get through doin' what you had to do So we two can get back to me and you
The singer is waiting for the person they are waiting for to complete their obligations so they can continue their life together.


'Cause they have no idea how we got through But you knew, that's why I'm waiting on you
The singer and the person they are waiting for have been through a lot together and only they know how strong their relationship is, which is why they are waiting for them.


I never got the chance to tell you in advance About the life that's growing more inside of me I'm glad you did not know, 'cause it left you free to go
The artist is pregnant and glad that the person they are waiting for is not aware, as they do not want to tie them down and force them to stay.


Patiently waiting on you
The artist is waiting with patience and understanding, hoping that the person they are waiting for will come back to them soon, but not pressuring them.


Oh baby, come home to me, set me free I'm waitin' on you, oh darling
The artist wants the person they are waiting for to come back to them and bring them back to a state of freedom and peace.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ATTALA ZANE GILES, GLADYS KNIGHT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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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

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