Richie quit the band in 1981 for a solo career. He released his self-titled debut in 1982. The album hit No. 3 on the charts and sold over 4 million copies. His follow up album, Can't Slow Down, sold over twice as many copies and won the Grammy for Album of the Year in '84. His third album, '86's Dancing on the Ceiling spawned such hits as Say You, Say Me, Dancing on the Ceiling, and Se La, but would be the end of his commercial success.
His 90's albums such as Back to Front, Louder Than Words, and Time all failed to achieve the previous decade's commercial success. Some of his recent work, such as the album Renaissance, has returned to his older style, hoping to achieve more success.
Ballerina Girl
Lionel Richie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are so lovely
With you standing there
I'm so aware
Of how much I care for you
You are more than now
You are for always
My dreams come true
Don't you ever go away
You make me feel like
There's nothing I can't do
And when I hold you
I only want to say
I love you
Ballerina girl
The joy you bring me
Every day and night
Holding you tight
How I've waited for your love
Sometimes I've wondered
If you'd ever come my way
Now that I've finally found you
This is where my heart will stay
I'm never gonna break your heart
Never will we drift apart
'Cause all I want to do
Is share my whole life with you
'Cause you make me feel like
There's nothing I can't do
I guess I finally realized
There's nothing else like loving you
Ballerina girl
You are so lovely
I can see in you
My dreams come true
Don't you ever go away
Ballerina girl
In "Ballerina Girl," Lionel Richie expresses his love and appreciation for the woman who has captured his heart. He adores her beauty, and when she is near him, he feels content and fulfilled. Lionel recognizes that she is not just a fleeting moment in his life but a permanent fixture. Lionel's love is so strong that he will never make her sad, and he declares that he will never let go of her.
The verse where Lionel says," Sometimes I've wondered if you'd ever come my way" suggests that the ballerina girl could have been an unrequited love he had waited for years to have feelings returned. However, now that she is in his life, he is ecstatic and will never allow her to leave. This idea is further emphasized in the chorus, where Lionel says, "Don't you ever go away," emphasizing that he wants to be with her forever. Lionel also talks about how the ballerina girl changes him and makes him feel like nothing is beyond his reach.
Overall, "Ballerina Girl" is an ode to the one who has given Lionel the love he needs, the appreciation he craves, and the happiness he has desired. The song tells us that true love is precious and that when found, one should hold onto it tightly and cherish it forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Ballerina girl
Addressing the listener, a metaphorical reference to the grace and beauty of a ballerina
You are so lovely
Complimenting the listener's charm and elegance
With you standing there
Observing the listener's presence, potentially inspired by a real-life experience
I'm so aware
Acknowledging the emotions invoked by the listener's company
Of how much I care for you
Expressing fondness and affection for the listener
You are more than now
Highlighting that the listener's impact extends beyond the immediate present
You are for always
Indicating that the listener's influence is perpetual and enduring
I can see in you
Noticing characteristics or qualities that are particularly admirable
My dreams come true
Revealing that the listener has attributes that align with the writer's aspirations and desires
Don't you ever go away
Urging the listener to remain present in the writer's life
You make me feel like
Describing the listener's impact on the writer's emotional state
There's nothing I can't do
Imbuing the writer with confidence and inspiration
And when I hold you
Indicating physical intimacy or closeness
I only want to say
Seriously and sincerely conveying a message
I love you
Expressing profound affection for the listener
The joy you bring me
Acknowledging the positive emotions and happiness experienced in the listener's company
Every day and night
Emphasizing that this joy is consistent and perpetual
Holding you tight
Suggesting a physical display of affection and emotional connection
How I've waited for your love
Revealing that the writer has yearned for the listener's affection for some time
Sometimes I've wondered
Reflecting on past doubt or uncertainty regarding the listener's feelings
If you'd ever come my way
Contemplating the possibility of a romantic relationship with the listener
Now that I've finally found you
Indicating that the writer has succeeded in fostering a romantic relationship with the listener
This is where my heart will stay
Establishing the listener's significance as integral to the writer's emotional wellbeing
I'm never gonna break your heart
Vowing to prioritize the listener's emotional wellbeing and avoid causing harm
Never will we drift apart
Asserting that the bond between writer and listener is steadfast and enduring
'Cause all I want to do
The reason or motivation for the writer's actions or emotions
Is share my whole life with you
Desiring a lifelong romantic partnership and emotional connection with the listener
'Cause you make me feel like
Reiterating the listener's positive impact on the writer's emotions and confidence
I guess I finally realized
Suggesting that the writer has recently come to an important realization
There's nothing else like loving you
Declaring the listener's unique and irreplaceable effect on the writer's emotional and personal life
Ballerina girl
Final repetition of the opening line, serving as a callback to the metaphorical reference of the ballerina
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind