1) Jerry Butler, Jr… Read Full Bio ↴There are multiple artists called Jerry Butler:
1) Jerry Butler, Jr. (born December 8, 1939 in Sunflower, Mississippi) is an American soul singer also known as "The Ice Man" because of his cool demeanour while singing often intensely emotional lyrics.
Butler was dubbed the "Iceman" by a Philadelphia disc jockey while performing in a Philadelphia theater. However, Butler achieved what eluded many earlier Doo Wop groups during the 1950s and 1960s — longevity. Butler’s solo career had a string of hits, including "He Will Break Your Heart," "Moon River," "Make It Easy On Yourself," "Let It Be Me" (the Everly Brothers classic re-done as a duet with Betty Everett), "Brand New Me," "Ain’t Understanding Mellow," (duet with Brenda Lee Eager), and "Never Gonna Give You Up," followed by two hugely successful albums The Iceman Cometh in 1968 and Ice On Ice in 1970. The Iceman Cometh garnered Butler three Grammy nominations. Jerry Butler further made recordings for Philadelphia International Records in the 80's. His most noted song for the label was "Cooling Out"
Where Are You Going
Jerry Butler Lyrics
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Tell me what you want to be
You're coming of age
But you're lost on
A page no one can see
Is wisdom wasted on the young
Or will the peaceful songs you've song
It's all up to you
Child, all you gotta do
Is grow up, little girl
You love now, you learn now
It's your turn now to live
And to give and oh, I wonder
Where in the world are you going
Will you find a Heaven or Hell
Will you be wise when
There's love in your eyes
Or too blind too tell
Oh, someday you'll learn the bitter truth
And when you look back on your youth
The one things you'll know is true
That's wherever you're going
My love goes with you
My love goes with you
Oh, baby, wether you're
Right or wrong
Jerry Butler's song Where Are You Going is a ballad that touches on the coming of age of a young girl who seems lost on a page that no one can see. The lyrics ask the girl where she is going and what she wants to be as she comes of age. There is also a question posed whether wisdom is wasted on the young or if the peaceful songs the girl has sung will help change the world.
The chorus repeats the question of where the girl is going and poses the possibility of finding heaven or hell. The lyrics reflect on the girl being in a position to either be wise when there is love in her eyes or too blind to tell. The song conveys the message that someday the girl will learn the bitter truth and when she looks back on her youth, she will know that wherever she goes, Jerry Butler's love will go with her.
The song is filled with wisdom and advice for someone who is embarking on their journey of life. The message encourages the young girl to grow up and live while being open to learning new things. The lyrics of this song relay that everyone needs to find their way in life, and they will make mistakes but that love will always be there to guide and support them.
Line by Line Meaning
Where are you going
Asking where the person intends to go in life
Tell me what you want to be
Asking the person about what their aspirations are
You're coming of age
Pointing out that the person is getting older
But you're lost on
Suggesting that the person is confused or uncertain
A page no one can see
Refering to the fact that the person's future is unclear
Is wisdom wasted on the young
Questioning if the young appreciate knowledge
Or will the peaceful songs you've song
Wondering whether the person's optimistic nature will have an impact
Help to change the world
Positing that the person can be a positive force for change
It's all up to you
Stressing the importance of the person's own choices
Child, all you gotta do
Addressing the person in a supportive and avuncular way
Is grow up, little girl
Encouraging the person to mature
You love now, you learn now
Implying that love can be a learning experience
It's your turn now to live
Acknowledging that the person is now responsible for their own life
And to give and oh, I wonder
Expressing a sense of curiosity and expectation
Where in the world are you going
Repeating the initial question
Will you find a Heaven or Hell
Asking whether the person's life will be good or bad
Will you be wise when
Asking whether the person will make smart choices
There's love in your eyes
Noting the presence of affection
Or too blind too tell
Asking whether the person is unable to discern the nature of their own feelings
Oh, someday you'll learn the bitter truth
Predicting that the person will eventually face hardship
And when you look back on your youth
Imagining a future perspective
The one things you'll know is true
Suggesting a universal truth
That's wherever you're going
Emphasizing that the person will be on a journey
My love goes with you
Asserting the singer's affection for the person
Oh, baby, wether you're
Continuing the address to the person in a warm and supportive tone
Right or wrong
Affirming the singer's willingness to stand by the person regardless of their choices
Contributed by Alaina C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dwayne & Teen
on Ain't Understanding Mellow
This song is so meaningful and the Lyrics are always on point.!