Lynne was born in Harlem in 1929 to John and Mary Wilson. As a young girl, Lynne sang with the local African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Choir. At the age of 15, she won first prize at the "Amateur Night" at the Apollo Theater. She shared the stage with contemporary night club vocal ensembles as well as with Ella Fitzgerald, recording as part of such groups as the Enchanters and the Dell-Tones in the 1950s. She recorded as a soloist under her birth name, though most of her work was released under her stage name on the Everest and Fontana labels. She was signed to Everest in 1958.
Although showing much promise early on, especially after TV appearances, including the Harry Belafonte Spectacular, her development suffered through poor management: some unscrupulous recording "executives" profited while she was left virtually penniless, saved by the fact that she was able to work steadily and earn her money from performances—a victim of unpaid royalties.
In the 1960s she had several hits including "June Night", "Love I Found You", "I'm Glad There Is You", "I Wish You Love" (1964)—which became her signature song—and her answer to Gene McDaniels's "Tower Of Strength", "(You Don't Have to Be a) Tower Of Strength", a pop hit that proved how versatile she could be in the studio. After her time with Everest Records she moved to Fontana and recorded such albums as Soul Serenade, Love And A Woman, Where It's At, and Here, There And Everywhere, all of which showcased her versatility in jazz, RnB, soul and melodic "pop".
During her earlier years on the road Gloria Lynne shared bills with some of the giants of RnB, jazz, pop and standards including Ray Charles, Billy Eckstine, Johnny Mathis and Ella Fitzgerald. Notable TV specials include two with Harry Belafonte and duets with Billy Eckstine. As Lynne moved into jazz in her later career she worked with top flight musicians and arrangers and performed with many of the jazz greats, including Quincy Jones, Bobby Timmons, Philly Joe Jones, Harry "Sweets" Edison.
She famously wrote lyrics for “Watermelon Man” with Herbie Hancock, and “All Day Long” with Kenny Burrell. New York City proclaimed July 25, 1995 as Gloria Lynne Day. In 1996 Lynne received the International Women of Jazz Award and she was honored with a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1997. Other awards and recognitions include the National Treasure Award from the Seasoned Citizens Theatre Company (2003); induction into the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame; Living Legend Award from the State of Pennsylvania (2007).
She and her husband, Harry Alleyne, had a son, Richard. Gloria and Richard Alleyne ran a production company, Family Bread Music Inc. Gloria and Harry Alleyne divorced in 1968.
She died of a heart attack on October 15, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey.
Don't Take Your Love from Me
Gloria Lynne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tear a petal from the rose and the rose weeps too
Take your heart away from mine and mine will surely break
My life is yours to take, so please keep the spark awake
Would you take the wings from birds so that they can't fly?
Would you take the ocean's roar and leave just a sigh?
All this, your heart won't let you do
Don't take your love from me
All this, your heart won't let you do
This is what I beg of you
Don't take your love from me
Don't take your love from me
The lyrics to Gloria Lynne's song, "Don't Take Your Love From Me," speak to the deep fear of loss in a romantic relationship. The first stanza draws on the natural world to express the profound sadness that would come from losing a partner's love. The image of tearing a star from the sky and making the sky feel blue underscores the depth of emotion that one could experience if their partner were to withdraw their affections. Likewise, the metaphor of a rose weeping after losing a petal is a poignant reminder of the emotional pain that can come from losing someone you love. The second stanza speaks more directly to the plea of the singer. Would you take away the ability for birds to fly or the power of the ocean's roar? The answer, of course, is no. And so too, the plea goes, let the love stay intact.
Overall, the lyrics are a powerful expression of the desire to keep a romantic relationship alive, even in the face of potential loss. The use of natural imagery underscores the depth of emotion involved, while the plea for love not to be taken away is universal and timeless.
Line by Line Meaning
Tear a star from out the sky and the sky feels blue
If you take away something beautiful and essential from its surroundings, the environment becomes weaker and less vibrant.
Tear a petal from the rose and the rose weeps too
If you disrupt or damage something that is delicate and precious, it may suffer or express its pain outwardly.
Take your heart away from mine and mine will surely break
If you remove your love and emotional connection from my life, everything that was once stable and joyful will crumble, leaving me deeply hurt.
My life is yours to take, so please keep the spark awake
I have given my life and my love to you completely, and I implore you to continue to nurture our relationship and keep it alive and growing.
Would you take the wings from birds so that they can't fly?
Just like birds require their wings to soar, people need their passions, love, and freedom to excel and find fulfillment.
Would you take the ocean's roar and leave just a sigh?
If you silence something that is vast and powerful, you can't replace or substitute it with something smaller or weaker, as it would not bring the same intensity and meaning.
All this, your heart won't let you do
You know deep down that it is wrong to take away something that means so much to someone, as it would cause immense pain and sadness.
This is what I beg of you
I plead and implore you to consider how much your love means to me and how much it would hurt if it was taken away.
Don't take your love from me
Please keep your love and commitment to me, as it is essential to my happiness and wellbeing.
Lyrics © INDANO MUSIC COMPANY, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Henry Nemo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind