He was performing very much in the rock n roll piano style of his cousin Jerry Lee Lewis (and another cousin, the Reverend Jimmy Swaggart). He formed his own label, Astro in 1964 and cut an album named after a Lewis success "Down the Line". Re-issued on Paula, the album was a regional hit. The big time, however, continued to elude him although he had a minor hit with "Now I Can Live Again" from the album. At an Astro session he laid down a version of George Morgan's old hit "Room Full of Roses" which attracted airplay locally and was picked up for national release by Hugh Heffner's Playboy label. It hit No. 1 in the Country charts. After 12 further hits with the label, Playboy was taken over by Epic and Gilley moved there for his most consistent run of album and singles success.
He was now performing straight-up piano-led Country material. Gradually, he moved towards a more pop-orientated sound in the 1980s, which brought him further success on not just the Country charts, but also the Pop charts. Before that, however, he had a string of Country hits throughout the 70s, often revivals like "I Overlooked An Orchid" (Carl Smith - No. 1, 1974), "City Lights" (Bill Anderson - No. 1 1975), "Window Up Above" (George Jones - No. 1 1975), "Bring It On Home" (Sam Cooke - No. 1 1976). His mix of rockabilly, honky tonk and uptown Country provided more hits with "Chains of Love" (No. 9, 1977) "Honky Tonk Memories" (No. 4, 1977) and "Here Comes The Hurt Again" (No. 9,1978).
In all, Gilley had 33 Top 10 singles, 17 of which reached No. 1, on the US Country chart between 1974 and 1986. Amongst the biggest hits were "Don't the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time,"(No. 1) "Overnight Sensation" (No. 7, both 1976), remakes of the Ben E King hit "Stand By Me" and Buddy Holly's "True Love Ways" (both No. 1s in 1980).
In 1971 he lent his name to the opening the famous country nightclub Gilley's in Pasadena, Texas. His career received a big boost when both the club and his music featured prominently in the 1980 film "Urban Cowboy". The soundtrack included the Buddy Holly cover which went to No. 1. The club closed in 1989 and the building was heavily damaged by arson later that year. A new Gilley's club opened in 2003 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. And Gilley's Theatre and Diner in Branson saw the singer take up a successful residency in that Missouri city.
His most recent successful recording activity was in 1988 when he released "Chasin' Rainbows" on Airborne which produced his last Top 40 single to date when "She Reminded Me Of You" reached No 23 in the Country charts.
In July 2009, Gilly suffered a back injury in a fall and was airlifted to Houston for medical treatment but subsequently returned to Branson and performing in his theatre there. He has a Facebook information page on which he sends regular video messages to members. A recent joint biography about the three cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmy Swaggert and Mickey, called "Unconquered" by J D Davis is a must for any fan of their music, rock n roll, Country and gospel music.
True Love Ways
Mickey Gilley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why you and I
Will by and by
Know true love ways.
Sometimes we'll sigh,
Sometimes we'll cry,
And we'll know why,
Know true love ways.
Throughout the days
Our true love ways
Will bring us joy to share
With those who really care.
Sometimes we'll sigh,
Sometimes we'll cry,
And we'll know why
Just you and I
Know true love ways.
Throughout the days
Our true love ways
Will bring us joy to share
With those who really care.
Sometimes we'll sigh,
Sometimes we'll cry,
And we'll know why
Just you and I
Know true love ways.
Know true love ways.
Know true love ways...
The lyrics of Mickey Gilley's song "True Love Ways" speak to the enduring quality of true love. The opening lines "Just you know why, why you and I will by and by know true love ways" express the idea that only the two people in a true loving relationship can truly understand the depth of their love for one another. It then speaks to the ups and downs of any relationship, saying that sometimes we'll sigh and sometimes we'll cry, but even in those moments, we'll know why we love each other.
The song then goes on to profess the idea that true love is something that we must share with those who care about us. It speaks to the joy that comes from being able to share our love with others and how it can bring us all together. The repetition of the lines "sometimes we'll sigh, sometimes we'll cry, and we'll know why, just you and I know true love ways" emphasizes the enduring nature of true love and how it can sustain us through difficult times.
Overall, "True Love Ways" is a beautiful testament to the power of love and how it can bring joy to our lives even in the midst of challenges. It reminds us that true love is something that we share with not only our partner but with those around us, and that it is something worth cherishing and celebrating.
Line by Line Meaning
Just you know why,
Only you and I understand the reason behind our love.
Why you and I
The reason for our love is based on us being together.
Will by and by
Eventually, we will experience true love in our relationship.
Know true love ways.
Our relationship will possess an understanding that can only be attained through true love.
Sometimes we'll sigh,
At times, our love will express itself in deep heartfelt ways.
Sometimes we'll cry,
At times, our love will give way to our deepest emotions that may cause us to weep.
And we'll know why,
Despite the highs and lows of our relationship, we will understand and appreciate the value of our love.
Just you and I
Our love is unique and distinct to only us.
Know true love ways.
Only we will truly comprehend the meaning of genuine love in our relationship.
Throughout the days
Every day, our love will persistently exist and remain true.
Our true love ways
Our love will be authentic, honest, and sincere to who we are.
Will bring us joy to share
Our love will radiate happiness and gladness that we will share with others.
With those who really care.
Our love will bring us closer to those who truly understand and appreciate our relationship.
Know true love ways.
Our relationship will encompass a genuine understanding of what true love is all about.
Know true love ways.
Our union will have a deep and meaningful understanding of true love.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buddy Holly, Norman Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kenneth Kirby
We going to miss his music. Great talent !
Kirk Hansen
Always loved his version of True Love Ways!!
Don Darnell
Not ABC...not CBS....Just Pure NBC (Nothing But..Class!) I think this mans music is wonderful..Just as I thought the same of the two guys standing with me in my photo after we did a concert in Kansas City in 1985! Stay Happy and Healthy everyone!
Jennifer Brandt
I always loved the pedal steel in this version
James Marcum
Sad that he is now gone...lots of good music left behind.
Robert Ramsey
I like it
DERedhead1965
you will be Missed, Mickey 🌹
Mary Thompson
I Miss Mickey I Could He Left Us Great Music Rip
Amy Nielsen
RIP Mickey💔🙏
Brian K
RIP