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.
Now You're Gone
Lionel Richie Lyrics
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There you stood in the pale moonlight
I wanted to know you
You were standing here and now you're gone
You could just feel the passion all in the air
I wanted to touch you but I would not dare
I had to know you
Oh, Oh, Oh
You are standing here and now you're gone
You started to dance, so slow, so smooth
Your body seduced me on your every mode
Just had to know you
You were standing here and now you're gone
Then you stopped, he called out to you
You turned and left me, there was nothing I could do
I wanted to know you
You were standing here and now you're gone
Oh, Oh, Oh
You were standing here and now you're gone
The lyrics to Lionel Richie's "Now You're Gone" depict a chance encounter with someone who captivates the singer's attention. The first stanza sets the scene on what seems to be a mystic night, where the subject of the song appears in the pale moonlight. Initially, the singer is intrigued by this person and wants to get to know them, but unfortunately, they leave and are now gone. The second stanza hints at the attraction between the two with the passion in the air and the seductive dance moves. However, in the end, the subject of the song is called away by someone else, and the singer is left with the feeling of missed opportunity and longing for what could have been.
The song embodies the feeling of fleeting moments and the desire to connect with someone amidst the uncertainty of random encounters. The singer tries to make a move but is held back, leading to regret and wishing for a second chance. The lyrics are a relatable depiction of the human experience of coming across a stranger or a new acquaintance, and the desire to get to know them, but they slip away before anything can happen.
Line by Line Meaning
All alone on a mystic night
Being by myself on a magical evening
There you stood in the pale moonlight
I saw you standing under the moonlight
I wanted to know you
My curiosity piqued about you
You were standing here and now you're gone
You were next to me, and now you've left
You could just feel the passion all in the air
The intense emotion was palpable
I wanted to touch you but I would not dare
I desired physical contact, but I held back
I had to know you
My urge to learn more about you was overwhelming
Oh, Oh, Oh
An expression of strong emotions, like longing or regret
You are standing here and now you're gone
You were next to me, and now you're not here anymore
You started to dance, so slow, so smooth
You began moving gracefully to the music
Your body seduced me on your every mode
Your every move enticed me
Just had to know you
It became a strong necessity to get to know you
Then you stopped, he called out to you
You came to a halt, and he beckoned you
You turned and left me, there was nothing I could do
You walked away, leaving me helpless
You were standing here and now you're gone
You were right here, but now you're not
Writer(s): HARVEY-RICHIE BRENDA, RICHIE LIONEL B
Contributed by Chloe S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.