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.
You're Number One
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't you say what's on your mind?
I may not have the answer
But I can make it easier to find
Too many times
You gave more than you took
Now, I can show you
You're number one
(You're number one)
In my book
(You're number one)
Another chapter
Of a love that's yours and mine
This time we've got to capture
Things that should never be denied
My heart reads like a novel
And you'll find that I'm hooked
Just turn the page
And take a closer look
You're number one
(You're number one)
In my book
(You're number one)
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
My number one
I know you're thinkin'
What do I want in return?
Well, you can rest easy
Your happiness is my only concern
It's rewarding now
If I can make you feel good
There is just one thing
I want clearly understood
You're number one
(You're number one)
In my book
(You're number one)
Too many times
You gave more than you took
Now, it's my turn to show
Things are better than they look
You're number one
(You're number one)
You're number one
(You're number one)
In my, in my, in my book
(You're number one)
You're number one in my book
(You're number one)
I've got to tell you, you've got to know
You're number one
(You're number one)
Never number two, I wouldn't do that to you
You're number one
(You're number one)
In my book
In Gladys Knight's song "Trust In You," she expresses the importance of communication and honesty in a relationship. The lyrics urge her partner to share what they are really thinking, even if she does not have all the answers. She promises that together they can seek out solutions and find a way to make things better. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the theme of her partner being number one in her book, and how she wants to make their love a priority.
The second verse reveals more about the depth of her feelings. She compares her heart to a novel, and implies that her partner is at the center of this story. This time, she is determined to "capture things that should never be denied." By focusing on their happiness, which she believes is her "only concern," she solidifies her commitment to the relationship, and makes it clear that she is not seeking anything in return.
Overall, the song is an ode to love as a priority and the importance of mutual respect and communication in a partnership.
Line by Line Meaning
Do me a favor
Please tell me what you're thinking
Won't you say what's on your mind?
I want you to share your thoughts with me
I may not have the answer
I might not know what to say
But I can make it easier to find
I'll try to help you figure it out
Too many times
You have been hurt before
You gave more than you took
You were the one who put in more effort
Now, I can show you
But now I can demonstrate
Things are better than they look
Everything is not as bad as it seems
You're number one
You are my top priority
(You're number one)
repeating the previous line
In my book
According to me
Another chapter
This is another stage of our relationship
Of a love that's yours and mine
Our love story is about us
This time we've got to capture
We have to preserve it this time
Things that should never be denied
We must not neglect our love
My heart reads like a novel
My feelings for you are intense and fascinating
And you'll find that I'm hooked
I am completely committed
Just turn the page
Let us keep moving forward
And take a closer look
Examine our love more deeply
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
instrumental
My number one
You are the most important person to me
I know you're thinkin'
I understand that you have doubts
What do I want in return?
What am I expecting from you?
Well, you can rest easy
Don't worry, you can relax
Your happiness is my only concern
I am focused on making you happy
It's rewarding now
It is satisfying
If I can make you feel good
When I can bring you joy
There is just one thing
I have only one request
I want clearly understood
I need you to know
Now, it's my turn to show
I am going to make an effort now
You're number one
You are always my priority
(You're number one)
repeating the previous line
You're number one in my, in my, in my book
You are of utmost importance to me
I've got to tell you, you've got to know
I want you to understand
Never number two, I wouldn't do that to you
I would never rank you lower than anyone else
You're number one
You are my top priority
(You're number one)
repeating the previous line
In my book
According to me
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sylvers, Meyers, Raglin, Zimmerman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@buttafli5881
I have listened to this song four times in a row. This song brought back memories of me as a child dancing with my mother after a night of drinking. LOL I would give anything in this world to have her back. She is number 1 in my book and will always will be.
@Ms.Tee65
So sweet, sounds like my household.
@yhack55
Mine too ❤ Love you forever Mama❤
@susangilmartin5907
Gladys knight is the opitomy of class, style and grace. I have loved her since I was eight years old, I am now 51. She will always be my number 1. Just saw her in Atlanta and she sounded like she was 20 years old. I miss the pips, they were awesome. May God continue to bless her and her family. Thank you Gladys for all the years of great music that continues on. I LOVE you!! and so does my entire family, and I have a big family...
@rq9496
This song gives me chills
@georgegranberry8822
To this day
@BmoreLioness
To my mom on the 21st anniversary of her passing. You would sing this to me as a child. As an adult, I realized I should have been singing this to you all along. I miss you every day!!
@tanfel4
Glady's voice is a national treasure, even in 2022. This lady right here!
@evelyn7881
She received her Kennedy Center Honor. Well deserved
@mchilds319
I love all of their songs but this is absolutely my favorite ❤️💯 Where would the Pips be without Gladys?🌟