Luther Vandross Jr. (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an American singer,… Read Full Bio ↴Luther Vandross Jr. (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an American singer, songwriter and record producer. Throughout his career, Vandross was an in-demand background vocalist for several different artists including Todd Rundgren, Judy Collins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Ben E. King, and Donna Summer. He later became a lead singer of the group Change, which released its gold-certified debut album, The Glow of Love, in 1980 on Warner/RFC Records. After Vandross left the group, he was signed to Epic Records as a solo artist and released his debut solo album, Never Too Much, in 1981.

His hit songs include "Never Too Much", "Here and Now", "Any Love", "Power of Love/Love Power", "I Can Make It Better" and "For You to Love". Many of his songs were covers of original music by other artists such as "If This World Were Mine" (duet with Cheryl Lynn), "Since I Lost My Baby", "Superstar" and "Always and Forever". Duets such as "The Closer I Get to You" with Beyoncé, "Endless Love" with Mariah Carey and "The Best Things in Life Are Free" with Janet Jackson were all hit songs in his career.

During his career, Vandross sold over 35 million records worldwide, and received eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four different times. He won a total of four Grammy Awards in 2004 including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for a song recorded not long before his death, "Dance with My Father".

Possessing a tenor vocal range, Vandross was commonly referred to as "The Velvet Voice" in reference to his exceptional vocal talent, and was sometimes called "The Best Voice of a Generation". He was also regarded as the "Pavarotti of Pop" by many critics.

In 2008, Vandross was ranked No. 54 on Rolling Stone Magazine's List of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Mariah Carey stated several times in interviews that standing next to Vandross while recording their duet "Endless Love" was intimidating.

By popular vote, Vandross was inducted into The SoulMusic Hall of Fame at SoulMusic.com in December 2012.

I've Been Working
Luther Vandross Lyrics

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I don't know why the world loves a forever love affair
(I'm just a freak)
Who loves a one night thing oh yeah
(A one night all night)
And after a long day of work all I wanna do is play around
(So I'm going out)
For a little bit of love
And a whole lotta getting down

Do you believe me, you gotta believe me

[Chorus]
I've been working
I've been all day working
And I need somebody
Said I need some
I need some love tonight oh yeah
I need some love
I need some love tonight

People talk about my life and here's what they say
(It's incomplete)
It's too bad that they feel that way
(He's sho is crazy)
But I don't listen to any of them after five o'clock
Because the night is mine
And I don't wanna change anything 'cause I like what I got

[Chorus]

So don't give me a forever love affair, no don't you dare
(I like to freak)
To the one night beat, oh yeah
(Again and again, yeah yeah)
I work hard every day so I do what I wanna do
That's why I'm steppin' out (Stepping out)
To find me somebody to do what I wanna do

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

In "I've Been Working," Luther Vandross sings about his desire to unwind and let loose after a long day at work. He rejects the notion of a "forever love affair," instead preferring the excitement of a one-night stand. Vandross admits that he enjoys playing around and getting down, but also acknowledges that he needs love and affection. Despite criticism from others about his lifestyle, he refuses to change anything because he likes what he's got. This song speaks to the importance of balancing work and play, and choosing a lifestyle that makes you happy.

The title of the song, "I've Been Working," doubles as a metaphor for Vandross's desire for love and affection. He's been working all day, both literally and figuratively, and he needs someone to ease his mind and help him unwind. The song was released in 1981 as part of the album "Never Too Much," which also included the hit title track. "I've Been Working" was less successful on the charts, but has remained a fan favorite over the years.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't know why the world loves a forever love affair
I don't understand why people want long-lasting love.

Who loves a one night thing oh yeah
I prefer to have a quick, passionate fling.

And after a long day of work all I wanna do is play around
I just want to have fun and not think about work after a hard day.

For a little bit of love, And a whole lotta getting down
I want physical pleasure and intimacy.

Do you believe me, you gotta believe me
I am being truthful about what I want.

I've been working, I've been all day working
I have been laboring all day long.

And I need somebody, Said I need some, I need some love tonight oh yeah, I need some love, I need some love tonight
I crave affection and companionship tonight.

People talk about my life and here's what they say
Others judge me and gossip about me.

It's too bad that they feel that way, But I don't listen to any of them after five o'clock
I don't care about their opinions after work.

Because the night is mine, And I don't wanna change anything 'cause I like what I got
I enjoy the freedom and independence of the nighttime.

So don't give me a forever love affair, no don't you dare
I don't want a long-term romantic commitment.

To the one night beat, oh yeah, Again and again, yeah yeah
I want regular one-night stands with different partners.

I work hard every day so I do what I wanna do, That's why I'm steppin' out (Stepping out), To find me somebody to do what I wanna do
I deserve to have fun after working hard, so I am going out to look for a sexual partner.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LUTHER VANDROSS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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