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.
Save the Overtime
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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Pretty baby, I know you're working hard for me
Darling, don't stay away too long
Pretty baby, save the overtime for me
I walk around, tryin' to find something to do
Baby, until your return
Turn on TV or play some solitaire
But nothing takes the place of you
Just ain't no substitute
'Cause you're all that I want in me
Only you can set me free
Darling, don't stay too long
Pretty baby, I know you're working hard for me
Darling, don't stay away too long
Pretty baby, save the overtime for me
My love starts to come down hard on me
And I just can't find no relief, no
Only until I see your face again
I'm gonna be in such misery
Runnin' to the door, peepin' out the window
Hopin' to see only you
Listen for the phone, checkin' out the tick tock
Countin' if it's a certain time
Hear me now, five, four, three, two, one
Darling, don't stay away too long
Pretty baby, I know you're working hard for me
Darling, baby, don't stay away too long
Pretty baby, save the overtime for me, for me
Baby, baby, save the overtime
Save the overtime
I know you have your eight hours to do
But it just don't feel good without ya
Oh, how I'm missing you, oh, feelin' blue
I know it's crazy, but I, I walk around
Tryin' to find something else to do
Pretty baby, until your return
Turnin' on the TV, or play some solitaire
Does the job for a while
Find yourself runnin' to the door
Peepin' out the window, hopin' to see only you
Listen for the phone, checkin' out the clock
Countin' if it's a certain time
Hear me now, five, four, three, two, one
Darling, don't stay away too long
Pretty baby, I know you're working hard for me
Darling, don't stay away too long
Pretty baby, save the overtime for me
Darling, don't stay too long
Pretty baby, I know you're working hard for me
Darling, don't stay away too long
The song "Save the Overtime" by Gladys Knight & The Pips is a plea for a loved one who is working too hard to remember to prioritize their relationship. The song is a ballad that speaks to the feelings of loneliness and missing someone deeply. The lyrics communicate the singer's yearning and pain while their lover is away, while also encouraging them to prioritize their relationship even in the midst of their busy work schedule.
The lyrics highlight the singer's efforts to find ways to occupy their time and distract themselves while eagerly waiting for the return of their lover. The TV and solitaire are just temporary distractions that cannot truly replace the presence of their partner. The chorus is a clear message to their loved one, reminding them of the importance of their relationship and begging them not to stay away too long. The use of the phrase "save the overtime for me" serves as a reminder that work may be important, but their love and relationship should be a priority as well.
Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the importance of love and relationships in our lives, and that no amount of work or distractions can truly replace the presence of a loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling, don't stay too long
My love, I don't want you to be gone for too long
Pretty baby, I know you're working hard for me
My dear, I recognize that you're putting in a lot of effort for us
Darling, don't stay away too long
My love, please come back soon
Pretty baby, save the overtime for me
My dear, I hope you can save the extra time you work for me
I walk around, tryin' to find something to do
I wander aimlessly, searching for ways to pass the time
Baby, until your return
My love, until you come back to me
Turn on TV or play some solitaire
I try to occupy myself with television or a game of cards
It does the job for a while
It helps to distract me temporarily
But nothing takes the place of you
However, nothing can substitute for your presence
Just ain't no substitute
Absolutely nothing can take your place in my heart
'Cause you're all that I want in me
Because you're everything I desire
Only you can set me free
Only your love can truly fulfill me
My love starts to come down hard on me
My affection for you becomes overwhelming
And I just can't find no relief, no
I can't find any comfort or solace
Only until I see your face again
Only when I'm reunited with you
I'm gonna be in such misery
Will I be able to find happiness without you?
Runnin' to the door, peepin' out the window
I rush to the door and scan outside for any sign of you
Hopin' to see only you
Hoping that it's only you who returns to me
Listen for the phone, checkin' out the tick tock
I listen for the phone or watch the clock
Countin' if it's a certain time
Counting down the moments until you come back
Hear me now, five, four, three, two, one
I'm reaching the end of my patience and longing for your presence
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BUBBA KNIGHT, GLADYS KNIGHT, JOEY GALLO, RICKY SMITH, SAM DEES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@yankeeladee02
2024… Who’s still jammin’ to Miss Gladys & The Pips?🛼🪩🛼
@AnthonyWilliams-kv3zr
Just saw her last night in concert
@user-mz7sz1mb9t
same people did back then
@Kosmodeedee75
Back when you and your parents could enjoy the same music. Sang, Gladys!
@dykegreene3416
And your children too
@robertholt7172
Still luv the boomboxes!!!
@barryjohnson409
Yes 💯👌🎵
@Tony-bf3tf
Righhhhhhhhhhhhhhhht 😃
@Chutney1luv
Exactly!! 💯 🤣
@dannyavery2952
That Lady has a voice that just won't quit!❤ ☺️