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.
the way we were
Gladys Knight Lyrics
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Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Or has time rewritten every line
If we had the chance to do it all again
Could we?
Memories may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember
The way we were
The way we were
In Gladys Knight's The Way We Were, the singer sings of memories that have stayed with her through time, the misty water-colored memories that illuminate the corners of her mind. The memories she speaks of are the happy ones, the ones that she shared with someone special, the pictures of smiles they left behind. She questions if life was really so simple then or if perhaps time has rewritten every line of that story. If given a chance, would they do it all over again? Could they?
While memories may be beautiful, she admits that some are too painful to remember, so instead, they choose to forget them. It is the laughter, the smiles, and the good times that should be remembered whenever they reminisce about the past. Despite the fact that things may not be the same, nor can they ever be, she remembers the way they were and cherishes them as a beautiful moment in time.
The song is an emotional depiction of reminiscing about the past and holds a deep meaning for many people. The lyrics remind us of the beauty of memories and how they become an essential part of our lives. The song has earned its place in history amongst one of the most soulful renditions of the song, and Gladys Knight's voice has given it a life of its own.
Line by Line Meaning
Memories light the corners of my mind
Recollections from the past come flooding in when I least expect it and I hold on to them tightly.
Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
The memories are not always crystal clear and I can't help but wonder if it was really the way I remember it.
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
The pictures are all I have left to remind me of the good times we had together.
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
We were happy and content with the way things were and we showed it through the smiles we shared.
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Looking back, it seems like life was much simpler and uncomplicated in the past.
Or has time rewritten every line
As time passes and we experience new things, our memories may change and become slightly altered.
If we had the chance to do it all again
Given the opportunity to relive the past, would we choose to make the same decisions?
Tell me, would we?
I wonder if we would make the same choices if we had the chance to go back in time.
Could we?
Is it possible for us to recreate the same experiences and memories, or have things changed too much?
Memories may be beautiful and yet
Although the memories are precious and cherished, they can also be bittersweet and bring up difficult emotions.
What's too painful to remember
Some memories may be too difficult to dwell on and cause pain when remembered.
We simply choose to forget
In order to avoid the painful memories, we sometimes choose to push them aside and forget them.
So it's the laughter we will remember
When we think back on the past, it's the joyful moments and laughter that we hold on to and cherish the most.
Whenever we remember
Regardless of the emotions that come up, we can't help but remember and reflect on the past.
The way we were
This phrase represents the nostalgia and longing for the past and the desire to relive those happy memories again.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@KevTJones
I have just had a conversation with my daughter on the phone, she turns eighteen in Feb 2024. We were talking about memories of her childhood, that she has. I suggested after this call listen to this track, she said she would. I found this version, here on Y.T . So here I am in tears. God bless you all who read this and understand the power of our Lord.
@natashachange6770
@KevTJo Simply Beautiful...God Bless you❤❤🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾Happy Birthday to yr.Daughter!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@ijazmohammed588
DMX singing this at the end of his documentary was beautiful and heartbreaking.
@bucknastyunzueta1349
When i heard dmx sing this at the end of the doc. I teared no lie
@nativesonya1865
Me too
@ceedub1732
🥲😪
@krw7684
Long live the Dog
@anthonyj5166
Thats why im here...
@LA3.0
DMX documentary brought me to this masterpiece
@kevinfelder6729
That is how I learned it as well