Born in Providence, RI, Jeffrey Osborne was the youngest of 12 children and was constantly bombarded with music as he was growing up. He had five brothers and six sisters, some of whom went on to have music careers. His father, Clarence "Legs" Osborne, was a popular trumpeter who played with Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington, and died when Jeffrey was only 13. His mother, Wanita, is ancestored by a Pequot Indian sachem. His oldest brother, Clay Osborne, is a singer and pianist, and Billy, another brother, is a songwriter and producer in Los Angeles. But Osborne's father had the greatest influence on his musical career; Clarence "Legs" Osborne turned down many top band offers during his career to be with his family. It was only after receiving his mother's encouragement that Jeffrey left for Los Angeles to play with L.T.D. At the age of 15, he sat in with the O'Jays when the drummer was too tired to play, and went on to play with them for two weeks. It was at a Providence nightclub that fate brought him together with the band Love Men Ltd. in 1969.
Osborne's solo career has brought him five gold and platinum albums, including Stay With Me Tonight, Aymuk, and Only Human. He also recorded an album of duets with popular singer James Ingram, and scored an international hit with "On the Wings of Love" in 1982. Osborne's touring and recording continue to keep him busy much of the time, but he also devotes some of his time to charity work.
"All The Way"
Jeffrey Osborne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's no good unless he loves you, all the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you, all the way
Taller than the tallest tree is
That's how it's got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue see is
When somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs you, all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in between years, come what may
Who know where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you'll let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you, all the way
All the way
The lyrics of Jeffrey Osborne's song "All The Way" speaks of the different aspects of love and the importance of being fully committed to a relationship. The opening lines "When somebody loves you, it's no good unless he loves you, all the way" highlights the need for complete love and commitment from a partner. A half-hearted love is not sufficient and will ultimately leave the recipient feeling empty and unfulfilled.
The following lines, "Happy to be near you, when you need someone to cheer you, all the way" speaks of being present in a partner's life and providing support during difficult times. The love described in this song is not just romantic but also encompasses being a friend and being there for someone in a non-judgemental way. The comparison to the tallest tree and deep blue sea demonstrate the depth and magnitude of love that the singer is willing to give in order to make the relationship work.
The chorus speaks of the importance of being needed in a relationship, even during the tough times. This is an important aspect of building and maintaining a healthy relationship. The lines "Through the good or lean years and for all the in-between years, come what may" further highlights this point. The lyrics signify a willingness to stick with a partner through thick and thin, no matter what the journey might bring.
The lyrics touch on the unpredictability of life and the uncertainty that comes with it. The line "who knows where the road will lead us, only a fool would say" speaks to this idea. However, the singer is willing to take the risk and love their partner completely. The closing line of the song "But if you'll let me love you, it's for sure I'm gonna love you, all the way" brings the song full circle, further emphasizing that if both partners are willing to give and receive love fully, the relationship can be successful.
Line by Line Meaning
When somebody loves you
If somebody loves you
It's no good unless he loves you, all the way
It isn't good enough unless they love you completely
Happy to be near you
I am happy to be close to you
When you need someone to cheer you, all the way
If you need someone to cheer you up completely, I am here
Taller than the tallest tree is
My love for you is taller than the tallest tree
That's how it's got to feel
That's how intense love should feel
Deeper than the deep blue sea is
My love is deeper than the deep blue sea
That's how deep it goes, if its real
That's how intense love can be when it is genuine
When somebody needs you
If somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs you, all the way
It doesn't mean anything unless they need you completely
Through the good or lean years
During the good and bad times
And for all the in between years, come what may
And during all the other years in between, no matter what happens
Who know where the road will lead us
We don't know where life will take us
Only a fool would say
Only a foolish person would make a prediction
But if you'll let me love you
But if you allow me to love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you, all the way
I will definitely love you completely
All the way
Completely, with everything I have
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GIL MOORE, MIKE LEVINE, RIK EMMETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Manulannes
We're just beginning
And I know we've each been down this road a time or two
And never could make it through
But I've got this feelin'
That we've stumbled in to what we've both been waiting for
And maybe even more
It doesn't matter where we've been 'cause this time I know for sure
We're goin' all the way (All the way)
Headed for forever and that's where we're gonna stay
The more you're near me, the more I know it
We got it all here if we just don't blow it
We're goin' all the way (All the way)
If the two of us both want it I'd lay my money on it
Startin' today (Starting today)
We're goin' all the way
I know for certain
That there's more than magic in these feelings that we found
We're standin' on solid ground
But now we're both ready
Ready for the real thing 'cause our dues have all been paid
We've finally got it made
Believe me when I tell you there's no need to be afraid
We're goin' all the way (All the way)
We're headed for forever and that's where we're gonna stay
The more you're near me, the more I know it
We got it all here if we just don't blow it
We're goin' all the way (All the way)
If the two of us both want it I'd lay my money on it
Startin' today (Starting today)
We're goin' all the way
We're gonna weather all the showers
And hold together through whatever comes
I know we got the staying power
We're gonna make tomorrow ours
If we just stick with it
And give it all we've got to give it
We're goin' all the way (All the way)
If the two of us both want it I'd lay my money on it
Startin' today (Starting today)
We're goin' all the way, mmm... hmm...
Oh... oh... baby, we're goin' all the way (All the way)
If the two of us both want it I'd lay my money on it
Startin' today (Starting today)
We're goin' all the way, mmm... mmm... hmm... hmm... ooh... hoo...
@merlinemcallister3756
Jeffrey Osborne is the most talented singer of all time,yet so underrated.His music still stands the test of time.
@jdsheleg8332
The "underrated" Mafia strikes again. Well known and recognized singer and yet, they can only come up with this stupid comment, as if some sort of injustice has been committed.
@techbeck4719
Agreed, he is so underrated. He needs to get his flowers
@gregwalker7214
And he wrote PYT for Michael Jackson🏆🏆🏆
@kellinyit
@@gregwalker7214 I Actually think that was James Ingram who co-wrote PYT. Similar artist. Both are very talented.
@TJT45808
🤦
@rik4369
Why this man isn't in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a crime. I know his music isn't Rock but neither is Prince, Earth, Wind & Fire and many others that are in there.
His music moved and inspired an entire generation of REAL MUSIC LOVERS. Add his time with LTD and you have an American treasure!
@madgestye1325
If I could give this a million likes I would. Jeffrey Osborne is the man with the golden voice. Bar none!
@randykrank8404
Almost 60 years old and this was my " pump up" song before playing basketball in the Corps. Such an inspiring song with lyrics that can move you.
Jeffery does it like NO ONE ELSE. My favorite male artist of all time.
Simply the Best!
@davidgreen7478
Randy great post! Whenever I hear this song it reminds me of my college days playing basketball, traveling, having amazing teammates and also the growing pains of losing games until we were committed to go all the way. Our team made the playoffs, Even though we lost in the first round the relationships with my teammates was absolutely priceless as we gotten better and better. Our dues of trusting each others were paid and we began to win. In our schools 50 yr history those two years were amazing and still have not been duplicated. Listening to, "We're going all the way" reminds me of my beautiful college journey...….Thank you