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.
Round and Round
Lionel Richie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You tried to play the game of love, didn't get too far
You told yourself you'd be nobody's fool
You want a good reason why love is so cruel, baby
Oh, oh, round and round
Love's got you goin'
It's turnin' you upside down
Like lost and found
Love's got you spinnin' all around, baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Are you thinkin' love has passed you by, oh
Do you feel so alone, sometimes you just sit and cry
Tryin' to think if love was meant for you
Oh, you're startin' to wonder what you're gonna do, baby
Oh, oh, round and round
Love's got you goin'
It's turnin' you upside down
You play the game, it's so insane
Like lost and found
Love's got you spinnin' all around, baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, baby
Ah
Oh, oh, I know you need a place to be
You want someone who cares and shares
And loves you so
I want to know there's something you can do, oh
You need to realize all things can come to you
Just believe it's all about your heart, baby
And you're gonna make it when you're ready to start, oh
No need to go round and round
Love's got you goin'
It's turnin' you upside down
You play the game, it's so insane
Called lost and found
Love's got you spinnin' all around, baby
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah
Oh, oh
Whoa, whoa, round and round
Love's got you goin'
It's turnin' you upside down
You play the game, it's so insane
Called lost and found
Love's got you spinnin' all around, baby
Yeah
The world is all out there for you
It all depends on what you do
Your life's too short for wastin' time
So follow your heart and make up your mind
Round and round
Love's got you goin'
It's turnin' you upside down
You play the game, it's so insane
Called lost and found
Love's got you spinnin' all around, baby
Yeah, yeah
Oh,
Oh, oh, yeah
In the song "Round and Round" by Lionel Richie, the lyrics speak about the ups and downs of love. The first verse talks about trying to understand where one stands in the game of love after failing. The chorus emphasizes the madness of love by comparing it to something akin to being lost and found. The second verse questions if love is even meant for the person and highlights how lonely one might feel while trying to navigate through the experience of love. The bridge suggests that love can be obtained if one believes in themselves, and the final chorus repeats the message of the first.
The song's lyrics aren't complicated, but the overall message is relatable. Love is a common theme in so many aspects of life, and Lionel Richie captures the essence of it beautifully in his lyrics. Additionally, the upbeat tempo contrasts with the negative tone of the lyrics, but this is what makes the song stand-out. It's catchy and optimistic, making it easy to sing-along to.
Line by Line Meaning
Tryin' to figure out just where you are
You are trying to understand your current situation
You tried to play the game of love, didn't get too far
You attempted a romantic relationship, but didn't succeed as expected
You told yourself you'd be nobody's fool
You promised to yourself that you will not let anyone take advantage of you
You want a good reason why love is so cruel, baby
You desire an explanation as to why love can be so challenging
Love's got you goin'
Love is affecting you significantly
It's turnin' you upside down
Love is changing your perspective
You play the game, it's so insane
You engage in a romantic relationship that is crazy and unpredictable
Like lost and found
You feel confused about love and can't seem to find the right person
Love's got you spinnin' all around, baby
Love is making you dizzy and confused
Are you thinkin' love has passed you by, oh
You are wondering whether you missed your chance at love
Do you feel so alone, sometimes you just sit and cry
You feel lonely, and sometimes you can't help crying
Tryin' to think if love was meant for you
You're contemplating whether you're meant to experience love or not
Oh, you're startin' to wonder what you're gonna do, baby
You're becoming uncertain about your next steps
I know you need a place to be
You require a sense of belonging
You want someone who cares and shares
You want a person who loves, understands and supports you
And loves you so
You want a person to give you affection and attention
You need to realize all things can come to you
You need to believe that you can have everything you want
Just believe it's all about your heart, baby
You need to trust your heart when it comes to love
And you're gonna make it when you're ready to start, oh
You will succeed when you are prepared to take action
No need to go round and round
You don't have to keep feeling lost about love
The world is all out there for you
The world has much to offer you
It all depends on what you do
It's all up to you to decide the course of your life
Your life's too short for wastin' time
You don't have much time, so don't waste any of it
So follow your heart and make up your mind
Thus, listen to your heart and choose your path wisely
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LIONEL RICHIE, DAVID COCHRANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sheila Brooks
Wow! Man how I miss this kind of music! another great classic from one of the greatest!! Lionel Richie! Thanks to everyone who uploads this kind of music!!!!
Dunstan McCormack
This is a perfect upbeat love song with incomparable irregular tempo , marinated with beautiful saxophone exuberance of precision ROUND AND ROUND indeed!!
Reggae Forever
How does this only have 8 likes? A true masterpiece ✌
jerome deluca
OHHH YESSSS
Lisa
@Cindi This was my favorite Album of his. I own it on Album, Cassette and CD 😇
Lisa
I’m wondering that also! Everything about Lionel is a Masterpiece 😍
Cindi
Reggae Forever Because this album didn't get played much back in the day.
Rasta Movement
This album will blow up the sad day this man leaves us needs its roses now
Tony H
This song especially.
MC
Really takes me back! Sublime.