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).
Lonely Lonely Man Am I
Jimmy Ruffin Lyrics
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Do you spend your life not trying anything?
It's turning you into what you don't want to be
A lonely man
You hide yourself away, you hide inside your head
Don't you know that life is never what you plan
I know what you've been through
But no one wants to see a lonely man, you'll be a lonely man
That can't be fixed right here, you only have to want to
Nothing anyone can say to make you less scared but you know the truth
That you gotta do what you gotta do to make it through
So open up your eyes, please don't close your heart
You can restart the fire, all you need is the spark
After all you've been through
You still don't need to be a lonely man
Don't be the lonely
(Lonely man)
Don't be a lonely
(Lonely man)
Don't be a lonely man
(Lonely man)
Yeah, you know the truth
That you gotta do what you gotta do
You'll make it through
The song "Lonely Lonely Man Am I" by Jimmy Ruffin is about a man who has gone through a difficult time and is starting to isolate himself from others. He has lost hope in living a fulfilling life and has become a "lonely man." The lyrics express that this man has gone through a tough experience before and it has left an impact on him, but he has the power to change his life and not become a victim to his circumstances. The singer encourages the man to look forward and start taking control of his life again. The message of the song is that although life can be challenging, one should not give up hope because they can always take steps to change their situation.
The lyrics emphasize that the man needs to open up and communicate with people instead of hiding himself away. The singer tells him that he has purpose and can regain a sense of self-worth by wanting to make a change. The song suggests that the man needs to have faith in himself and not let his fears take control. The repetition of "don't be a lonely man" throughout the song serves as a reminder to the listener that being alone is not the only option and that there is always someone who cares.
Overall, the song promotes the idea of hope and change, encouraging individuals to take control of their lives and not let their hardships define them. It's a message that continues to be relevant to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
It happened once before, it could happen again
Have you experienced loneliness before? You can slip into it again if you don't take action.
Do you spend your life not trying anything?
Are you not living your life to the fullest?
It's turning you into what you don't want to be
Loneliness is transforming you into someone you don't wish to be.
A lonely man
You are becoming a lonely man.
You hide yourself away, you hide inside your head
You're isolating yourself from others and getting lost in your thoughts.
Don't you know that life is never what you plan
You need to accept that life doesn't always go as per your expectations.
I know what you've been through
I understand the obstacles you have encountered.
But no one wants to see a lonely man, you'll be a lonely man
People don't like being around lonely individuals.
There's nothing wrong with you
You don't have any issues that can't be resolved.
That can't be fixed right here, you only have to want to
If you're willing, you can address your problems right now.
Nothing anyone can say to make you less scared but you know the truth
People may be unable to alleviate your fear, but deep within yourself, you have the courage to overcome it.
That you gotta do what you gotta do to make it through
You must do what it takes to overcome your obstacles.
So open up your eyes, please don't close your heart
Be receptive to the world, don't shut your emotions away.
You can restart the fire, all you need is the spark
You can rekindle your passion with just a tiny bit of motivation.
After all you've been through
Despite everything you've been through.
You still don't need to be a lonely man
You can still overcome loneliness.
Don't be the lonely
Avoid being lonely.
(Lonely man)
Don't be a lonely
Refuse to be lonely.
(Lonely man)
Don't be a lonely man
Don't let loneliness define your life.
(Lonely man)
Yeah, you know the truth
Deep down, you comprehend the reality.
That you gotta do what you gotta do
You need to do what it takes to overcome your loneliness.
You'll make it through
You are strong enough to overcome this.
Contributed by Makayla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@zaidshanan4882
The compelling voice of Jimmy Ruffin.
Such a powerful and emotional song.
The backing vocals are divine...!
@janetmartin5463
wow I love this song, it brings back so many good memories for me