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.
Lovin' On Next To Nothin'
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're holdin' back on me
That ain't the way it used to be
You wanted me so much
Now I feel lucky if I get a touch
I don't know what's gotten in to you
But I can't believe all that you're puttin' me through
I'm lovin' on next to nothin'
(Lovin' on next to nothin')
There is no way that I can survive
I'm lovin' on next to nothin'
(Lovin' on next to nothin')
How am I supposed to stay alive?
You're gonna have to give me somethin'
(You're gonna have to give me somethin')
'Cause I can't go on lovin', lovin'
(Lovin', lovin')
Lovin' on next to nothin'
Remember how it was
(How it was)
Our days and nights were filled with love
I'm missin' what we had
(What we had)
You know I wanna get it back so bad
Come closer to me, baby, don't resist
'Cause I can't go on, I can't go on like this
I'm lovin' on next to nothin'
(Lovin' on next to nothin')
Ooh, there is no way that I can survive
Lovin' on next to nothin'
(Lovin' on next to nothin')
How am I supposed to stay alive?
You're gonna have to give me somethin'
(You're gonna have to give me somethin')
'Cause I can't go on lovin', lovin'
(Lovin', lovin')
Lovin' on next to nothin'
Ooh, if I can't have you all to myself
Then I'm gonna have to find somebody else
'Cause I won't be leavin' my heart on the shelf
I can't go on
(I can't go on)
(Lovin', lovin')
Lovin', lovin'
(Lovin' on next to nothin')
Lovin' on next to nothin'
Ooh hoo, ooh hoo, yeah
Lovin', ooh
I don't know what's gotten in to you
But I can't believe all that you're puttin' me through
Lovin', lovin', lovin'
Ooh ho, ooh ho
Lovin' on next to nothin'
(Lovin', lovin', lovin')
Ooh yeah, lovin'
Ah ha, lovin' on next to nothin'
(Lovin' on next to nothin')
Ooh baby, ooh hoo
Ooh hoo
Ah ha, lovin' on next to nothin'
Uh, baby
Oh ho, oh ho, ho, ho
I'm lovin' on next to nothin'
The song "Lovin' On Next To Nothin'" by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a tale of a relationship that has lost its passion and emotional connection. The lyrics express the singer's disappointment and frustration with her partner, who used to want her so much but now holds back on their love. She reminisces about how their relationship used to be filled with love and longing but now struggles to survive, as she's barely getting any affection or attention from her lover. She pleads for her partner to give her "somethin'" to reignite the love they once shared and bring back the intimacy they lost.
The lyrics are relatable and heart-wrenching for anyone who has experienced a loss of passion in their relationship. The slow and sensual melody of the song complements the lyrics and leaves a lasting impact on the listeners. Through the powerful vocals of Gladys Knight, the message of the song comes to life and conveys an honest and raw portrayal of a failing relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You're holdin' back on me
You're not showing me the love you used to
That ain't the way it used to be
Our relationship doesn't feel the same as it did before
You wanted me so much
You were once very passionate about me
Now I feel lucky if I get a touch
Now I don't feel loved unless I get physical affection
I don't know what's gotten in to you
I'm not sure what's causing this change in your behavior
But I can't believe all that you're puttin' me through
I'm struggling to deal with the way you're treating me
Our days and nights were filled with love
Our relationship used to be filled with strong emotions
I'm missin' what we had
I'm longing for the relationship we once had
You know I wanna get it back so bad
I'm very eager to restore our past relationship
Come closer to me, baby, don't resist
I need you to show me affection so our relationship can continue
Ooh, if I can't have you all to myself
If I can't have your undivided love and attention
Then I'm gonna have to find somebody else
I may have to seek love elsewhere
Cause I won't be leavin' my heart on the shelf
I don't want to settle for a loveless relationship
I can't go on
I can't continue with this relationship as it is
How am I supposed to stay alive?
How can I emotionally survive in this relationship?
You're gonna have to give me somethin'
You need to show me more love and affection
'Cause I can't go on lovin', lovin'
I can't continue to love you the way I have been
I'm lovin' on next to nothin'
I'm barely receiving any love from you
Ooh, there is no way that I can survive
Without more love and attention, I won't be able to continue in this relationship
Lovin' on next to nothin'
My love is going unrequited
'Cause I can't go on lovin', lovin'
I can't keep loving someone who doesn't love me back
Ooh ho, ooh ho
Emphasis on the distress in the situation
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEFF PESCETTO, HOWIE RICE, ALLAN DENNIS RICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jay Singer
Written by
Jeff Pescetto
Howie Rice
Alan Rich
————————
Lead Vocals:
Gladys Knight
———————————
Background Vocals:
Merald “Bubba” Knight
Eddie Patten
(RIP)
William Guest
(RIP)
—————————-
Instrumentation:
Various Musicians
——————————-
Arrangers:
Gladys Knight
Merald “Bubba” Knight
Eddie Patten
William Guest
Howie Rice
————————
Conductor and
Producer:
Howie Rice
————————
Year:
1987
————————
Album:
All Our Love
—————————
This was the
last album and
music video they did
before they amicably
disbanded,
and Gladys started her solo career.
Robs
this song was one of them that open my eyes to a relationship I was in that was going nowhere fast thanks Gladys for the help
marknorthwest93
This was the high point of Gladys Knight & The Pips before they called it a day as a unit. What a way to go out. Gladys has the vocal chops to blow the roof off any club she sings in and this is proof positive. Loved it back in the day and lovin' it even more today, as we approach 2016 because this is the real juice!
Linus Donnell
I agree with you!. Unfortunately I dont think we will hear music like this again.
James Arciaga
Well said, Sir. I concur.
Kai Jud
Rip to the deceased Pips who have gone on to sing on that heavenly choir...Thanks for the music..I had forgotten about this later hit until I came across it on YouTube.
michael mcmillan
That's beautiful kai❤
Janee Irvin
Thank you for posting comment. William Guest was my uncle, and a real superstar. He is definitely missed.
c2spider
I LOVE this song & I LOVE the energy Gladys Knight put into her music!!!
Dog George
Still love this song 2020.loving on next to nothing . Thanks Gladys Knight and the Soulful Pips. 😃
Tom Ryan
Love this track. So many good memories.