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 You Gonna Leave
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics

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Take the ribbon from your hair
Shake it loose and let it fall
Layin' soft upon my skin
Like the shadows on the wall

Come and lay down by my side
Till the early mornin' light
All I'm takin' is your time

Help me make it through the night

I don't care who's right or wrong
I don't try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
Lord tonight I need a friend

Yesterday is dead and gone

And tomorrow's out of sight
And it's sad to be alone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Gladys Knight & The Pips's song If You Gonna Leave are about two people who are having a moment of intimacy and vulnerability. The singer is asking the other person to let their guard down, represented by taking the ribbon out of their hair and letting it fall, and to lay down with them until morning. They are seeking comfort in each other's company and asking the other to forget about tomorrow's troubles and just be present in the moment. The singer acknowledges that yesterday is over and tomorrow is uncertain, which can leave them feeling lonely, but in this moment, they have each other.

The lyrics show a deep emotional connection between two people who are in a state of vulnerability. The singer is expressing their need for someone to be present with them in the moment and to find solace in each other's company. They are not concerned with who is right or wrong nor do they want to understand the complexities of their situation. They just need someone to be there for them in their time of need.

Line by Line Meaning

Take the ribbon from your hair
Remove your adornments

Shake it loose and let it fall
Let go of your inhibitions

Layin' soft upon my skin
Physical touch

Like the shadows on the wall
Intimacy in the moment

Come and lay down by my side
Join me in bed

Till the early mornin' light
Stay until the morning

All I'm takin' is your time
All I want is your presence

Help me make it through the night
Assist me in dealing with current situation

I don't care who's right or wrong
No need to argue or assign blame

I don't try to understand
No need to analyze or comprehend

Let the devil take tomorrow
Don't worry about tomorrow's problems