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.
I Really Didn't Mean It
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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And I really didn't mean it
Said I met somebody new so fine (fine)
And I really didn't mean it
Out of my head to say the things I said
I didn't mean a word
Think jealousy just took a hold of me
(No doubt about it) My heart is in her hands
(With every moment) I'm waiting for a second chance
(Maybe an angel) Will come and help her see
I can't face the world if she don't love me
I told my girl bye-bye (bye)
And I really didn't mean it
Said I met somebody new so fine (fine)
And I really didn't mean it
When I walked away I cried (cried)
And I really didn't mean it
So she took me back cause she knew I (I)
Really didn't mean it
Dear one from me take my apology
I need you back
I promise I know o never let you go
Is there a chance to see you baby
(They talk about all) the love that we still share
(From her emotion) I barely miss your happiness
(You're missing and mourning) the way it used to be
I know it's true but I don't believe
I told my girl bye-bye (bye)
And I really didn't mean it
Said I met somebody new so fine (fine)
And I really didn't mean it
When I walked away I cried (cried)
And I really didn't mean it
So she took me back cause she knew I (I)
Really didn't mean it
I want you back it can't be any other way
I want you back and I've waited for the day
I want you back I'm gonna be a little smarter
I want you back I'm gonna try a little harder
She's good She's fine and always on my mind
I know our love will stand the test of time
She's my girl and my best friend
And I really didn't mean it
Her love is love so fine and so for real
I want the world to know the way I feel
She's my girl and my best friend
And I really didn't mean it
Yeah... yeah.. ooh...
I told my girl bye-bye (bye)
And I really didn't mean it
Said I met somebody new so fine (fine)
And I really didn't mean it
When I walked away I cried (cried)
And I really didn't mean it
So she took me back cause she knew I (I)
Really didn't mean it
The lyrics to Gladys Knight & The Pips’ song “I Really Didn’t Mean It” tell a story of regret and the overwhelming feeling of jealousy. The song lyrics describe the singer’s confession to his girlfriend that he has met someone else and must end their relationship. However, he later realizes that his jealousy had taken over and caused him to say things he did not mean. He apologizes and promises to never let her go again. The song is a plea for a second chance to prove his love and devotion, as he cannot face the world without her.
The lyrics also showcase the emotional impact when someone takes the person they love for granted. In this case, the singer realizes how much he loves and needs his girlfriend after believing he could find someone else. The description of the singer crying as he walks away depicts his realization of the magnitude of his mistakes.
“I Really Didn’t Mean It” is a testament to the power of love and forgiveness. The song conveys the message that no matter how badly someone messes up in a relationship, there is always a chance at redemption if true love is involved.
Line by Line Meaning
I told my girl bye-bye (bye)
I broke up with my girlfriend
And I really didn't mean it
I regret breaking up with her
Said I met somebody new so fine (fine)
I lied and told her I found someone better
Out of my head to say the things I said
I said things I didn't really mean because I was acting impulsively
I didn't mean a word
I wasn't truthful when I said I met someone new
Think jealousy just took a hold of me
I got jealous and it caused me to act irrationally
I hope she'll ignore the things she heard
I regret saying hurtful things and I hope she can forgive me
(No doubt about it) My heart is in her hands
I am deeply in love with her
(With every moment) I'm waiting for a second chance
I am hoping she will give me another chance
(Maybe an angel) Will come and help her see
I am hoping someone else will help her forgive me
I can't face the world if she don't love me
My happiness depends on her love for me
When I walked away I cried (cried)
I was emotional and upset when I left her
Dear one from me take my apology
I am apologizing to her
I need you back
I want to be with her again
I promise I know o never let you go
I promise I won't break up with her again
Is there a chance to see you baby
I am hoping for a chance to talk to her
(They talk about all) the love that we still share
I am reminding her of the love we had together
(From her emotion) I barely miss your happiness
I feel guilty for causing her pain
(You're missing and mourning) the way it used to be
We are both feeling sad about how our relationship ended
I know it's true but I don't believe
I understand what happened but it's hard for me to accept it
I want you back it can't be any other way
I am determined to win her back
I want you back and I've waited for the day
I have been patiently waiting for her to forgive me
I want you back I'm gonna be a little smarter
I am going to be more careful and make better decisions in our relationship
I want you back I'm gonna try a little harder
I am going to put in more effort to make our relationship work
She's good She's fine and always on my mind
I am thinking about her all the time and how great she is
I know our love will stand the test of time
I am confident that our love will last forever
She's my girl and my best friend
She means everything to me
Her love is love so fine and so for real
Her love is genuine and true
I want the world to know the way I feel
I am proud of how I feel about her and want everyone to know
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARCUS MILLER, LUTHER R. VANDROSS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind