Jimmy Ruffin (born 7 May 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi; died 17 Novembe… Read Full Bio ↴Jimmy Ruffin (born 7 May 1936 in Collinsville, Mississippi; died 17 November 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada) was an American soul singer. His 1966 hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" was a major success and his most well-known song. He was offered a chance to sing with The Temptations, but he politely declined in favor of his younger brother, David Ruffin (born 1941; died 1991).

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).

I Got You
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics

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You don't drive a big fine car
You don't look like a movie star
And on your money we won't get far
But baby, you got what it takes

Satisfied, you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You got what it takes for me

You don't live in a beautiful place
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face,
But baby you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me
My head goes around and round
And when you kiss me
My love comes tumblin' down
You send me

You don't live in a beautiful place
You don't dress with the best of taste
And nature didn't give you such a beautiful face,
But baby you got what it takes to satisfy
You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You've got what it takes for me
Now when you're near me
My head goes around and round
And when you kiss me
My love comes tumblin' down
You send me

You got what it takes for me

You got what it takes for me
You got what it takes for me

Overall Meaning

In the song "You've Got What It Takes" by Jimmy Ruffin, the singer is expressing his love and admiration for his partner. The song highlights the fact that his partner is not wealthy or conventionally attractive, but the singer doesn't care about those things because his partner has something even more valuable: a unique and satisfying personality. The singer believes that his partner has all the qualities necessary to make him happy and fulfilled, and he doesn't need anything else to be content. The chorus emphasizes that his partner has the ability to satisfy him and set his soul on fire, making them a perfect match.

The lyrics suggest that the singer is placing a greater importance on inner beauty rather than outward appearances. He values his partner's personality, which he finds very satisfying and comforting. It is also implied that the singer is not someone who places a lot of value in material things, as he says that his partner's lack of money won't cause any problems in their relationship. The love that he has for his partner is unconditional, and he doesn't need anything else from them apart from their presence.

In conclusion, the song "You've Got What It Takes" is about true love that transcends superficial qualities. The singer finds everything he needs and wants in his partner, who may not have much material wealth or conventional good looks, but possesses a fulfilling personality that satisfies him deeply.

Line by Line Meaning

You don't drive a big fine car
You may not have an expensive car

You don't look like a movie star
You may not have the looks of a Hollywood celebrity

And on your money we won't get far
You may not be rich

But baby, you got what it takes
You possess an important quality

You got what it takes to satisfy
You have the ability to please me

You got what it takes to set my soul on fire
You have the power to ignite my passion

You got what it takes for me
I am attracted to you

Now when you're near me
In your presence

My head goes around and round
I feel dizzy and disoriented

And when you kiss me
When we exchange a kiss

My love comes tumblin' down
I fall deeply in love with you

You send me
You create an irresistible effect on me

You got what it takes for me
I am attracted to you

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Tyran Carlo, Gwen Fuqua, Berry Gordy Jr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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