Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Fire And Rain
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can't remember who to send it to
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
Won't you look down upon me, Jesus
You've got to help me make a stand
You've just got to see me through another day
My body's aching and my time is at hand
I won't make it any other way
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you again
Been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun
Lord knows when the cold wind blows, it'll turn your head around
Well there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you baby, one more time again, now
Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around now
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain now
Na na na. Na na na na na na na na na na. Na na na na na na na na
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
But I always thought that I'd see you baby, one more time again, now
Thought I'd see you one more time again
There's just a few things coming my way this time around now
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain now
Gladys Knight & The Pips's "Fire And Rain" is a poignant and evocative song that touches on themes of loss, grief, and hope. The lyrics describe the singer's profound sense of loss upon discovering that someone close to them has passed away. They express a deep sadness and yearning for the person, as well as a sense of confusion and isolation, as the singer struggles to come to terms with the reality of the loss.
Throughout the song, there is a juxtaposition of different emotions and experiences, from the joyful memories of past experiences to the despair of the present moment. The chorus, "I've seen fire and I've seen rain," serves as a reminder of the tumultuous nature of life, with its highs and lows, its moments of joy and sorrow. At the same time, however, there is an underlying belief that things will get better, that there is hope even in the darkest of times.
The closing lines of the song, which repeat the phrase "thought I'd see you one more time again," emphasize the enduring nature of love and connection, even in the face of death. Ultimately, "Fire And Rain" is a moving tribute to the power of human connection, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope and love can carry us through.
Line by Line Meaning
Just yesterday mornin', they let me know you were gone
Recently, I was informed of your death early in the morning.
Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you
Your untimely demise was caused by events associated with a woman named Suzanne.
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I created this song earlier today upon exiting my residence.
I just can't remember who to send it to
I don't remember who to share this song with.
I've seen fire and I've seen rain
I've experienced intense difficulties and hardships in my life.
I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end
At times, I've had extremely positive experiences that I believed would never cease.
I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend
At other times, I have felt extremely isolated and unable to find companionship.
But I always thought that I'd see you again
Despite this, I always believed I would see you once more.
Won't you look down upon me, Jesus
Jesus, please have mercy upon me.
You've got to help me make a stand
I need your assistance to take a firm stance or decision in my life.
You've just got to see me through another day
Please accompany me and help me survive for one more day.
My body's aching and my time is at hand
I am experiencing physical pain and discomfort, and believe my life may be nearing its end.
I won't make it any other way
I cannot continue living in the current state without assistance.
Been walking my mind to an easy time, my back turned towards the sun
I've been reminiscing about simpler times, when life seemed carefree and positive.
Lord knows when the cold wind blows, it'll turn your head around
When confronted with harsh reality or adversity, it can be difficult to remain steadfast and courageous.
Well there's hours of time on the telephone line to talk about things to come
There is a great deal of time to discuss future plans over the phone.
Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground
Once-cherished aspirations and vehicles for positive change have been destroyed or rendered useless over time.
Thought I'd see you one more time again
I believed that I would be able to reunite with you at least once again.
There's just a few things coming my way this time around now
In this moment of my life, there are not many positive things happening to me.
Thought I'd see you, thought I'd see you, fire and rain now
I hoped to encounter you, regardless of the harsh storms and difficulties of life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind