Gladys Knight & The Pips were a soul and rnb family musical act from Atlant… Read Full Bio ↴Gladys Knight & The Pips were a soul and rnb family musical act from Atlanta, Georgia, United States, active from 1953 to 1989. The group is best known for their string of hit singles on Motown's 'Soul' record label and Buddah Records from 1967 to 1975, including the songs "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967) and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973). The longest-lived incarnation of the act featured Gladys Knight on lead vocals alongside backup singers 'The Pips', which included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight as well as their cousins Edward Patten and William Guest.

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.

IF THAT'LL MAKE YOU HAPPY
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If that′ll make you
If that'll make you happy, baby
Go on and take that step out of my life

If that′ll make you
If that'll make you happy, baby
Go on and take that step out of my life

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "If That'll Make You Happy" by Gladys Knight & The Pips express an attitude of acceptance and detachment towards someone who wants to leave. The singer, addressing a former lover, says that if that person's happiness depends on leaving, they should go ahead and take that step out of their life. The words suggest that the singer has come to terms with the situation and is willing to let go in order to grant the other person's wish. The tone of the song is somewhat sad, but also mature and resigned.

The repeated phrase "If that'll make you happy, baby" highlights the singer's willingness to prioritize the other person's happiness over their own. At the same time, the lyrics imply a sense of self-respect and dignity, as the singer doesn't beg or plead for the other person to stay. Instead, they acknowledge the other person's autonomy and agency in choosing what's best for them, even if it means ending the relationship.

Overall, "If That'll Make You Happy" is a poignant and empathetic song about the complexities of love and sacrifice. It acknowledges the pain of letting go, while also recognizing the importance of respecting others' needs and desires.

Line by Line Meaning

If that'll make you
If doing what you want will bring you joy

If that'll make you happy, baby
If fulfilling your wishes will bring you happiness, my love

Go on and take that step out of my life
Then please do what you need to and leave me

Writer(s): N Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Contributed by Maya I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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