She has received recognition of her works in music, being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Apollo Hall of Fame, the Songwriters' Hall of Fame as well as the World Music Awards presenting her with the prestigious Legend Award. In 2012 and 2013, LaBelle embarked on the 50th Anniversary Tour, celebrating her years in the music business.
Come What May
Patti LaBelle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold me in your heart
We could love so free
And no, we'd never part
But I'm not a child
And wishes are
Just child's play, my love
Of who I am
And who I'm not
Come what may
Wish I was a bird
I'd warm you in my wings
Safe from all the storms
You know true love can bring
But I'm not a bird
And wishes can
Just fly away, my love
And I'll never be afraid
Of who I am
And who I'm not
Come what may
Oh, I'm no fool
Shining in your eyes
Of the stars, my love
No, we'll never be afraid
Of who we are
And who we're not
Come what may
Of who we are
And who we're not
Come what may
Wish I was your child
Wish I was a bird
Wish I was a child
The lyrics of Patti LaBelle’s “Come What May” speak of the different things the singer wishes she was – a child or a bird – to better love and protect her loved one. She longs for the innocence and freedom that being a child would bring, but also understands that such desires are merely “child’s play.” Similarly, she wishes to be a bird to provide comfort and safety, but recognizes that such wishes can easily fly away. Throughout the song, she accepts that she is who she is, and that regardless of who she is or who she is not, she will not be afraid of anything life may bring.
The lyrics are reflective of the human struggle for control and understanding of the ever-changing aspects of life. We often wish for things we cannot have or for our past selves, but must learn to accept who we are in the present moment. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of love and acceptance in the face of life’s challenges. The song ultimately speaks of finding peace and contentment in oneself and in one’s relationships, regardless of what the future may hold.
Line by Line Meaning
Wish I was your child
I long to be close to you in a way that a child is close to their parent
Hold me in your heart
Embrace me with your love and keep me close to your soul
We could love so free
Our love could be pure and unencumbered by expectations and societal constraints
And no, we'd never part
Our love would be everlasting and never-ending
But I'm not a child
I am not innocent or naive, but rather a mature adult
And wishes are
My desires are not always feasible or attainable
Just child's play, my love
My aspirations may be childlike, but they are still valid and meaningful
Now I'll never be afraid
I have overcome my fears and insecurities and am now brave and confident
Of who I am
I am comfortable with my identity and do not fear judgement or rejection
And who I'm not
I am aware of my limitations and flaws and do not try to be someone I am not
Come what may
I am prepared to face whatever challenges or obstacles come my way
Wish I was a bird
I wish I could protect and care for you like a bird does for its young
I'd warm you in my wings
I would provide you with comfort and shelter, shielding you from harm and danger
Safe from all the storms
I would provide a safe haven for you, protecting you from the turbulence and chaos of life
You know true love can bring
Genuine love can empower and enrich both of our lives
But I'm not a bird
I cannot shield or protect you in the same way that a bird can
And wishes can
My hopes and dreams may not always be possible or realistic
Just fly away, my love
My aspirations may falter or disappear, but my love for you will remain constant
Oh, I'm no fool
I am not gullible or easily deceived
Shining in your eyes
Your love and admiration for me is evident and unmistakable
Of the stars, my love
Our love is as infinite and eternal as the universe itself
No, we'll never be afraid
Together, we are strong and fearless, unafraid of the challenges we may face
Of who we are
Our individual identities are unique and valuable, something to be honored and celebrated
And who we're not
We are not perfect, nor do we need to be, as our imperfections make us human and relatable
Come what may
We are committed to each other, no matter what the future may hold
Of who we are
Our identity and character are important, and will guide us through life's journey
And who we're not
We accept and embrace our limitations, acknowledging that we cannot be everything to everyone
Come what may
We are confident in our love and our abilities to face whatever the future may bring
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID LASLEY, ALLEE WILLIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GospelAccording2ME
This brought tears to my eyes. God bless LaBelle. For bearing her soul through music, God bless LaBelle.
2710Pocahontas
This song brings back so many feelings of wanting to be accepted from my family for being gay and now living as a transgendered woman. I remember this song helping me through some tough times in the early 90's as it is helping me in 2014. I lost a very dear cousin on New Year's Eve at 39yrs.old only to lose her father four days later to throat cancer. Me, being very close to my cousin and her uncle was asked by my MOTHER not to attend the funeral as a transgendered person because she is embarrassed. Mind you, I am 42yrs. of age and have been transgered for 21yrs. I will never forget the statement that my mother said that she would rather see me dead than be gay. Some things never change! This is why I am in my feelings tonight
Steve Moore
I wish you happiness.
John Flynn
Come What May, True Colors Matter.❤️🌈
Renee Martin
You are loved God bless u❤
Evergreen James
Thank you for your post... Even though it was filled with sadness and struggle, come what may, it brought me inspiration and encouragement. :-)
Zachary Harris
You are a strong, and courageous pioneer. Thank you for your lived experience and yes sacrifice so that many others could live more freely.
Cynthia Simpson
This is one of Patti Labelle's most beautiful pieces I have ever heard her sing and probably my favorite of all her masterpieces!
Crystal J. Leotaud
I can't hardly listen to this song without tearing up. Love it!!
Cynthia Daniel
You're not supposed to