Born in Pensacola, Florida, McCrae grew up singing in her pentecostal church and later discovered secular singers like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. She began performing in local clubs as a teenager, and singing with local groups like the Lafayettes and the Independents. In 1963, she met a young sailor named George McCrae, whom she married within a week.
From 1963 onward, she recorded as a duo with her husband George, and was first to receive a solo contract, with Henry Stone's TK Records. She found success on the R&B charts with "Lead Me On" in 1970, followed by "For Your Love".
George & Gwen were discovered in 1967 by singer Betty Wright, who helped get them signed to Henry Stone's Alston label. Their debut single, "Three Hearts in a Tangle," was released in 1969; the follow-up, "Like Yesterday Our Love Is Gone," marked the first time they worked with the writing team of Clarence Reid (who would later morph into the bawdy comic Blowfly) and Willie Clarke. Both were regional hits, as was third single, "No One Left to Come Home," although none of those records broke nationally; meanwhile, the McCraes and Wright were collectively earning a reputation as stellar session vocalists.
Following husband Georgeβs unexpected solo success with "Rock Your Baby", Gwen went on to have a major hit of her own in 1975 with "Rockin' Chair", a #1 R&B hit which also reached the US Top 10. The follow-up album, Love Insurance, also made the R&B charts. By this time, the separate successes were taking their toll on the McCraes' marriage. Gwen has since alleged that her husband beat her frequently.
After Gwen and George divorced and TK Records collapsed, Gwen moved to New Jersey, and signed with Atlantic Records, having another hit with "Funky Sensation" in 1981. She continued to record, and the success of some of her earlier recordings on the UKβs Northern Soul scene maintained her popularity as a live act in Europe. In 2004, she released her first gospel album.
90% of Me Is You
Gwen McCrae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When 90% of me is you?
My heart no longer does what I want it to
Because 90% of me is you!
Wanna be that kind of woman
That no man can lose
I wanna have that kind of mind
Wanna look you in the eyes
Without getting weak in my knees
Wanna be able to do without you
Despite all my needs
What can I do?
How can I do the things I wanna do
When 90% of me is you?
My heart no longer does what I want it to
Because 90% of me is you!
You control my eyes -
I can see none but you baby
You control my mind β
I can think of none but you
You control my lips
Which long for your tender kiss
I never thought it's possible
That I can be controlled like this!
The lyrics to Gwen McCrae's "90% Of Me Is You" describe a woman who feels trapped in a relationship. She wants to be independent and self-sufficient, but she can't shake the overwhelming influence her partner has over her. The opening lines set the tone for the song - the singer laments that she can't do the things she wants to do because her partner has such a significant hold on her. She can't control her heart, and she feels powerless to change the situation.
The second verse speaks to the singer's desire to be a strong, confident woman who doesn't rely on a man for her sense of self-worth. She wants to be able to look her partner in the eyes without feeling weak or vulnerable, but she can't escape the hold he has over her. The chorus repeats the sentiment that 90% of her is her partner, leaving her feeling trapped and powerless. The final verse reinforces this idea - her partner controls her sight, her thoughts, and her physical actions. Even though the singer never thought it was possible to be controlled like this, she finds herself unable to break free.
Overall, the lyrics illustrate the struggle of being in a relationship where one person has an overwhelming amount of power and control. The singer wants to be her own person but feels consumed by her partner's influence. It's a relatable and emotive message that resonates with many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I do the things I wanna do
I am struggling to achieve my goals
When 90% of me is you?
Because you have such a hold on me
My heart no longer does what I want it to
My emotions are taking over
Because 90% of me is you!
You have become the center of my world
Wanna be that kind of woman
I aspire to be independent and strong
That no man can lose
A woman who is valued and respected by all
I wanna have that kind of mind
A sharp and intelligent mind
That no man can fool
One who is not easily manipulated or deceived
Wanna look you in the eyes
Desire to confront you directly
Without getting weak in my knees
To stand strong and confident
Wanna be able to do without you
To not be so dependent
Despite all my needs
Even though I cannot deny my desire for you
You control my eyes -
I am fixated on you
I can see none but you baby
You are all I see
You control my mind β
You have a hold on my thoughts
I can think of none but you
You consume my every thought
You control my lips
You have power over my actions
Which long for your tender kiss
I long for your affection
I never thought it's possible
I am surprised at my level of vulnerability
That I can be controlled like this!
You have taken over my entire being
Writer(s): C. Reid
Contributed by Grace T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MsDollychops
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How can I do the things I wanna do
When 90% of me is you?
My heart no longer does what I want it to
Because 90% of me is you!
Gonna be that kind of woman
That no man can lose
I wanna have that kind of mind
That no man can fool
Wanna look you in the eyes
Without getting weak in my knees
Wanna be able to do without you
Despite all my needs
What can I do?
How can I do the things I wanna do
When 90% of me is you?
My heart no longer does what I want it to
Because 90% of me is you!
You control my eyes -
I can see no one but you baby
You control my mind β
I can think of no one but you
You control my lips
Which long for your tender kiss
I never thought it`s possible
That I can be controlled like this!
@maundamartin59
Boss Deeper and DEEPER. GWEN IS SPECIAL, LIKE ANTHONY HAMILTON, OR MARCIA AMBROSIA.
@RufusPuffinstein
I sware, 70βs R&B/Soul/Funk is SOMETHINβ ELSE!!! Str8 TIMELESS!!! πΊπ½β¨
@jayskicksnfits9372
Swear π
@C0wboyzfan4life
Just heard BO$$ unfortunately passing rip BO$$
@JeffTheGent
βDeeperβ by Boss (1993) sampled this as did a lot of other rap songs. This track and McCraeβs vocals are AMAZING!
@raisingthebar5766
Also Mobb Deep - What Can I Do? got the sample from this ππ½πΈπ₯π₯
@lward528
Main Source was the first group I heard use this sample, on their song "Just Hanging Out".
@jonsjooh3424
Compton most wanted - Hood took me under
@lward528
@JonsjoohΒ That sample was "Walk On By", by Isaac Hayes.
@sourpatchkid7968
β@@lward528 the remix sampled this as well