YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A STAR
Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr Lyrics


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You can come as you are, with just your heart
And I'll take you in though you're rejected and hurt
To me you're worth, girl, what you have within
Oh, honey, boy, I don't need no superstar, 'cause I'll accept you as you are
You won't be denied, 'cause I'm satisfied with the love that you can inspire
You don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
Oh, honey, you don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
Somebody nobody knows could steal the tune that you want to hear
So stop your running around, 'cause now you've found what was cloudy is clear
Oh, honey, there'll be no cheering from the clouds, just two hearts beating out loud
There'll be no parade, no tv or stage, only me till your dying day
You don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
Oh, honey, you don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
Don't think your star has to shine for me to find out where you're coming from
Oh, honey, girl, what is a beauty queen if it don't mean that I'm number one?
I don't need no superstar, 'cause I'll accept you as you are
You won't be denied, 'cause I'm satisfied with the love that you can inspire




You don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
Oh, honey, you don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show

Overall Meaning

Marilyn McCoo's hit song, "You Don't Have To Be A Star," is a declaration of love and a rejection of societal standards of beauty and fame. The song tells the story of someone who accepts their partner as they are, regardless of their appearance or social status. The message of the song is clear: it's not about what you have or who you are, but about what's inside.


The first verse, "You can come as you are, with just your heart, and I'll take you in though you're rejected and hurt," shows the welcoming nature of the singer, who is willing to accept their partner despite their flaws. The chorus, "You don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show. Oh, honey, you don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show," emphasizes that the singer doesn't need a superstar partner to feel complete. They find worth in their partner's internal qualities, not their external appearance.


The second verse, "Somebody nobody knows could steal the tune that you want to hear. So stop your running around, 'cause now you've found what was cloudy is clear," encourages the partner to embrace their authentic self and not waste time chasing fame or societal expectations. The bridge, "Don't think your star has to shine for me to find out where you're coming from. Oh, honey, girl, what is a beauty queen if it don't mean that I'm number one?" challenges the notion that physical beauty is the most important thing in a relationship.


Overall, "You Don't Have To Be A Star" is a heart-warming and uplifting love song that promotes self-acceptance and love for others, regardless of societal expectations. It's a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.


Line by Line Meaning

You can come as you are, with just your heart
No need to present yourself as anyone other than who you truly are.


And I'll take you in though you're rejected and hurt
Even if you've been rejected and are feeling emotionally hurt, I will accept you and offer you comfort.


To me you're worth, girl, what you have within
Your worth is based on your inner qualities, not external appearances or achievements.


Oh, honey, boy, I don't need no superstar, 'cause I'll accept you as you are
I don't require you to be famous or highly accomplished to be valued and appreciated by me.


You won't be denied, 'cause I'm satisfied with the love that you can inspire
I won't reject you because of any lack of material or external success, because the love and inspiration you embody is enough for me.


You don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
You don't need to meet any external standards or expectations to be part of my life.


Somebody nobody knows could steal the tune that you want to hear
Even someone who is not famous or widely recognized can create and inspire great things.


So stop your running around, 'cause now you've found what was cloudy is clear
There's no need to seek validation and success elsewhere once you've realized the clarity and comfort that comes from being accepted for who you are.


Oh, honey, there'll be no cheering from the clouds, just two hearts beating out loud
We don't need external validation or attention to feel the intensity and richness of our love for each other.


There'll be no parade, no tv or stage, only me till your dying day
The bond we share is not contingent on any public display or event, it is a lifelong commitment to each other.


Don't think your star has to shine for me to find out where you're coming from
You don't have to be famous or accomplished for me to understand and appreciate the essence of who you are and where you come from.


Oh, honey, girl, what is a beauty queen if it don't mean that I'm number one?
Even if you are conventionally attractive or successful, that means nothing to me if I'm not your top priority.


I don't need no superstar, 'cause I'll accept you as you are
External accolades and achievements are not necessary for me to see and appreciate your true worth and value.


You won't be denied, 'cause I'm satisfied with the love that you can inspire
Our connection is not rooted in any external factors, but in the deep and genuine love that we inspire in each other.


You don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
Your presence and essence alone are enough to make our lives brighter and more fulfilling.


Oh, honey, you don't have to be a star, baby, to be in my show
I don't require any external characteristics or achievements for you to be a valued part of my life.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES DEAN, JOHN GLOVER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ulrichroesch9114

Man, they just don't make music like they used to.......the depth of talent that was responsible for these gems....... unforgettable.......thank you !!!

@AlmaMayy

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤FACTS!!!!

@sherylbrown6339

I Agree So True

@bobby1970

This song would be great jukebox music, preferably a roundtop Wurlitzer jukebox.

@tomskinner2593

100%...so good.

@msy033075

i don't know why people give this song a thumbs down, it such a beautiful song, it's so sad that they don't make music like this anymore,

@jeromecarrington1135

People that gives this song a thumbs down have never experienced love like this

@tomskinner2593

They are fools in my humble opinion.

@debrahdonner1915

Still a thrilling song and sound after about 4 decades!! We had the best music: 60s, 70s, 80s!!

@bobby1970

Absolutely, by far.

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