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.
The Need to Be
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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in this world, is all I ask
I can't pretend to be something that I am not
and I won't wear a mask.
Ooh, you touched my face with love in your eyes
but will you touch my heart
with the understanding that it takes
to realize, I just can't play a part.
and make my own mistakes.
I don't want to lean too hard on someone else
no matter what it takes.
So if you are sure it's love
just be sure it's love for this thing called me
cause I am who I am and I have the need to be.
I'm not fool enough to ever thing
that I could be the master of my faith
but it's up to me to choose my road in life
rocky may well be the road I take the one I take
There's a need to be something more
then just a reflection of a man.
I can't survive in someone's shadow
I need my very own little spot to stand
If you sure it's love
just be sure it's love
for me and only me
cause I am what I am and I have the need to be.
Just be sure it's love
real real sure it's love
for me for little old me
cause I am what I am I am what I am and I have the need to be
In "The Need to Be," Gladys Knight & The Pips express their need to be true to themselves and their desire for acceptance and understanding. They refuse to pretend to be something they're not or wear a mask to please others. The song highlights the importance of being true to oneself and making one's own mistakes rather than leaning too hard on someone else. They recognize the need to be something more than just a reflection of a man or existing in someone's shadow; instead, they need their own little spot to stand.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of self-love and the acceptance of one's individuality, refusing to change for anyone else. The song holds a powerful message that being true to oneself is crucial for peace of mind and happiness. Additionally, it acknowledges the challenges and uncertainties of life and the importance of choosing one's own path in life, even if it may be a rocky road.
Line by Line Meaning
To fulfill the need to be who I am
I want to be true to myself and stay authentic
in this world, is all I ask
I just want to be myself in this world and nothing more
I can't pretend to be something that I am not
I cannot fake who I am or pretend to be someone I am not
and I won't wear a mask.
I refuse to hide my true self behind a façade or a mask
Ooh, you touched my face with love in your eyes
I felt your love in your gaze as you touched me affectionately
but will you touch my heart
Will you love me for who I am on the inside too?
with the understanding that it takes
Love requires empathy, patience, and comprehension
to realize, I just can't play a part.
I cannot pretend or act a part to please anyone
Ooh, it's a need to be true to myself
It's imperative that I remain true to myself without compromise
and make my own mistakes.
I must be allowed to make my own choices and learn from my errors
I don't want to lean too hard on someone else
I prefer not to depend on others excessively
no matter what it takes.
Regardless of the effort or sacrifice it requires, I will maintain my independence
So if you are sure it's love
If you are genuinely in love with me
just be sure it's love for this thing called me
Then your love must be for who I am as a person, with all my traits and flaws
cause I am who I am and I have the need to be.
I am my own unique self and I need to be accepted and loved for that
I'm not fool enough to ever think
I'm not naive to believe
that I could be the master of my faith
that I can control everything that happens to me
but it's up to me to choose my road in life
However, I am able to decide my own actions and decisions
rocky may well be the road I take the one I take
It's very likely that I'll face numerous obstacles and challenges on my path
There's a need to be something more
I aspire to be more than just a mere reflection of someone else
then just a reflection of a man.
I want to be recognized as an individual, not just as someone's shadow
I can't survive in someone's shadow
I cannot thrive or succeed by being under someone else's spotlight
I need my very own little spot to stand
I require my own space and identity to grow and flourish
Just be sure it's love
If it truly is love
real real sure it's love
Absolutely certain and unwavering love
for me for little old me
For me, as the unique and one-of-a-kind individual that I am
cause I am what I am I am what I am and I have the need to be
I am my own person and my identity and independence are essential to my well-being
Contributed by Bailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.