Andrews formed the doo-wop group Lee Andrews & the Hearts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1953. Four years later, their hits started coming: Chess Records picked up their first hits, “Long Lonely Nights” and “Teardrops” in 1957. Another hit, “Try the Impossible,” came out in 1958, after the group had moved to United Artists.
Lee Andrews' son is Ahmir Khalib Thompson, a musician who uses the stage name ?uestlove as part of the well known Philadelphia based group The Roots and in his solo career.
You Gave to Me
Lee Andrews Lyrics
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We were burning on the edge of something beautiful
Something beautiful
Selling a dream
Smoke and mirrors keep us waiting on a miracle
On a miracle
Say, go through the darkest of days
Heaven's a heartbreak away
Oh, it's been a hell of a ride
Driving the edge of a knife
Never let you go, never let me down
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
(Oh, baby, baby)
Don't fall asleep
ct the wheel, we've got a million miles ahead of us
Miles ahead of us
cll that we need
Is a rude awakening to know we're good enough (yeah)
Know we're good enough
Say, go through the darkest of days
Heaven's a heartbreak away
Never let you go, never let me down
Oh, it's been a hell of a ride
Driving the edge of a knife
Never let you go, never let me down
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
(Oh, baby, baby)
Whoa
(Girl, never let you go) Wooh
Oh, nah-nah-nah-nah
(Never let you go)
Yeah, yeah (girl, never let you go)
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Let me love you
Let me love you
The lyrics of Lee Andrews's song "You Gave to Me" evoke a sense of hope and perseverance in the face of challenges. The singer starts by reflecting on a time when they believed they were on the brink of something beautiful, something worth fighting for. The imagery of burning on the edge symbolizes the intensity and passion in their relationship or their pursuit of a dream. However, they acknowledge that what seemed like a dream may have been built on illusions and false promises, keeping them waiting for a miracle that never came. Despite this realization, there is a determination to endure the darkest of days and not give up on each other.
As the song progresses, the singer emphasizes the importance of not losing faith and not giving up, no matter how tough the journey may be. They describe their experiences as a "hell of a ride," driving on the edge of a knife, which conveys the sense of danger and uncertainty they have faced. Yet, there is a commitment to never letting go, to never letting each other down. The repetition of "Don't you give up, I won't give up" underscores the mutual support and strength they find in each other.
The chorus, with its plea to "Let me love you," is a heartfelt expression of the singer's desire to continue to love and be loved despite the challenges they are facing. It is a call for resilience and for holding onto their connection amidst the storms that may come their way. The repetition of this plea and the reassurance that they won't give up highlights the deep emotional bond between the singer and their partner, urging them to stay strong and not lose hope.
In the final verses, there is a sense of urgency and determination as the singer urges their partner not to fall asleep at the wheel, indicating the need to stay vigilant and focused on the journey ahead. The acknowledgment that all they need is a rude awakening to realize they are good enough suggests a journey of self-discovery and overcoming insecurities. The song ends with a resounding declaration to never let go, to never give up, and to continue loving each other through whatever challenges may come their way. Overall, "You Gave to Me" is a poignant reminder of the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to believe
I once had faith in something
We were burning on the edge of something beautiful
We were on the brink of experiencing something truly lovely
Something beautiful
A sight that brings joy and delight
Selling a dream
Promoting an unrealized hope or aspiration
Smoke and mirrors keep us waiting on a miracle
Illusions and deception make us anticipate an extraordinary event
On a miracle
Hoping for an extraordinary occurrence
Say, go through the darkest of days
Encouraging to persevere during tough times
Heaven's a heartbreak away
Happiness can quickly turn into sorrow
Never let you go, never let me down
Promising to always be there for each other
Oh, it's been a hell of a ride
It has been a challenging journey
Driving the edge of a knife
Navigating a risky situation
Don't you give up, nah-nah-nah
Encouraging to remain persistent
I won't give up, nah-nah-nah
Affirming commitment to not surrender
Let me love you
Allow me to show my affection
Don't fall asleep
Stay alert and mindful
ct the wheel, we've got a million miles ahead of us
Take control, as there is a long journey ahead
Miles ahead of us
Numerous opportunities lie in the future
All that we need
Everything necessary
Is a rude awakening to know we're good enough (yeah)
A harsh realization that we are capable and worthy
Whoa (Girl, never let you go) Wooh
Expressing emotion and a vow to never leave
Oh, nah-nah-nah-nah (Never let you go)
Reassurance of staying by one's side
Yeah, yeah (girl, never let you go)
Confirmation of not abandoning the other person
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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