After the success of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", the intended follow-up, "East Side West Side", was released only in Australia due to an argument with Motown head Berry Gordy. The song was written by Ron Welser and Flamingos' member Terry Johnson.
With his brother David Ruffin, Jimmy Ruffin released a popular cover version of "Stand By Me" (by Ben E. King), taken from The Ruffin Brothers' album, I Am My Brother's Keeper.
Jimmy Ruffin's other hits include "I've Passed This Way Before", "Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got", "Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby", "I'll Say Forever My Love", "It's Wonderful To Be Loved By You" and "Tell Me What You Want".
In 1980 he collaborated with the Bee Gees' musician Robin Gibb, who produced his album Sunrise. From it came the single which would be his last Top 10 UK and U.S. hit: "Hold On To My Love". In 1986 Jimmy Ruffin collaborated with the British pop group Heaven 17, singing "A Foolish Thing To Do" and "My Sensitivity" on a 12" EP record.
In the 1980s, Ruffin moved to live in Britain, where he continued to perform successfully. In December 1984 he collaborated with Paul Weller of The Style Council for his benefit single "Soul Deep." This went under the name of The Council Collective.
Following the 2010 release of his album I Am My Brother's Keeper, Ruffin began writing and recording songs for a new album that was never issued.
In 2012, a compilation album entitled, "There Will Never Be Another You", including his hit songs "What Becomes of The Broken Hearted", and "Hold On To My Love" had been released.
In addition to his brother David Ruffin (deceased), Jimmy Ruffin had three other siblings: Quincy, Rita Mae (deceased) and Rosa (deceased).
Gonna Keep On Tryin Till I Win Your Love
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
WRITERS NORMAN WHITFIELD, BARRETT STRONG
(Duh-da-da-da, Duh-da-da-da, Duh-da-da-da-da-da-da)
Like the birds in the trees, my heart sings a rhapsody of love for you.
Girl, you won my heart the very first time I layed eyes on you.
I know your love belongs to someone else.
But girl, I got to have you for myself.
So, I'm gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love, woo.
A fallen star that's what you are, from the heavens above.
There's no treasure on earth, that can match your worth.
You're a picture of love.
I know to you I'm just a love sick guy.
But you're wrong.
I love ya and I need you, by my side.
So, I'm gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love, woo.
I'm gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love, woo.
Aw, yeah.
Baby.
Keep on.
I can't help but thinkin' 'bout that guy.
He jus' got you by his side.
He's got everything.
There's is no inch of his happiness to be in his place.
I'll be glad to give you anything.
I know your love belongs to him.
But girl, I can't be satisfied jus' being your friend.
So, I'm gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love, woo.
Gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
Everyday, baby.
Gonna keep on trying, got to just keep on trying till I win your love.
No matter what it takes.
I'm gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
The lyrics of Jimmy Ruffin's song, "Gonna Keep On Trying Till I Win Your Love," speak to the unrequited love of a man who has fallen for a woman already in a committed relationship with someone else. The song offers a glimpse into the deep emotions of someone hopelessly in love, who cannot let go of the possibility of being with the one they desire, no matter the cost.
The poetic metaphor of "my heart sings a rhapsody of love for you" is indicative of the powerful nature of the singer's feelings. He believes that the woman is worth more than any treasure on earth and sees her as a "picture of love." However, despite his best efforts, the woman's love remains out of his reach, and he admits he is just a "love sick guy."
The chorus of the song, "gonna keep on trying," is repeated numerous times throughout the song, emphasizing the singer's commitment to his cause. He is determined to win the woman over, no matter the obstacles, and refuses to give up, vowing to continue his pursuit.
Overall, the song's lyrics are an honest portrayal of the pain and desperation that often comes with unrequited love. Despite knowing that the object of his desire is unattainable, Jimmy Ruffin's character continues to hope and dream, believing that love is worth fighting for.
Line by Line Meaning
Like the birds in the trees, my heart sings a rhapsody of love for you.
My heart is filled with love for you and it feels like a beautiful melody, just like the birds singing in the trees.
Girl, you won my heart the very first time I layed eyes on you.
From the moment I saw you, I fell in love with you.
I know your love belongs to someone else.
I am aware that you are in love with another person.
But girl, I got to have you for myself.
Despite knowing that you love someone else, I can't help but want to be with you.
So, I'm gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love, woo.
I am determined to keep trying until I make you fall in love with me, no matter how long it takes.
A fallen star that's what you are, from the heavens above.
You are as precious and rare as a star that has fallen from the sky, sent from above.
There's no treasure on earth, that can match your worth.
You are so valuable and priceless that no earthly treasure can compare to your worth.
You're a picture of love.
Your very presence embodies love and all its beauty.
I know to you I'm just a love sick guy.
I understand that to you, I may seem like just another guy who is infatuated with you.
But you're wrong.
But I know that my feelings for you are true and genuine, and not just a passing phase.
I love ya and I need you, by my side.
I am deeply in love with you and I can't imagine my life without you by my side.
Aw, yeah.
Expressing enthusiasm and excitement about the prospect of winning your love.
Baby.
Term of endearment for the person he loves.
Keep on.
Encouraging himself to keep trying and not give up on winning her love.
I can't help but thinkin' 'bout that guy.
I can't help but constantly think about the person you are currently in love with.
He jus' got you by his side.
He is lucky enough to be with you and have you by his side.
He's got everything.
He seems to have everything that I don't, and it makes me feel inadequate.
There's is no inch of his happiness to be in his place.
I can't see any reason why I would want to be in his position, as he already has the one thing I want the most - your love.
I'll be glad to give you anything.
I am willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy and win your love.
I know your love belongs to him.
I accept that your heart is currently invested in someone else.
But girl, I can't be satisfied jus' being your friend.
Even if we are just friends now, it will never be enough for me because I am in love with you.
Everyday, baby.
Every single day, I am going to continue trying to win your love.
No matter what it takes.
I am willing to put in whatever effort and sacrifice it takes to win your love.
I'm gonna keep on trying, just keep on trying till I win your love.
I am dedicated and persistent in my pursuit of winning your heart and will not give up until I succeed.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD, NORMAN J. WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind