Percy Sledge worked in the fields in Leighton before he worked as an orderly at Colbert County Hospital in Sheffield. By the mid-1960s, Sledge was touring the Southeast with the Esquires Combo on weekends and working at the hospital. A former patient who was a friend of producer Quin Ivy introduced the two, an audition followed, and Sledge was signed to a recording contract.
Sledge's smooth voice was perfect for the series of soul ballads produced by Ivy and Marlin Greene, which rock critic Dave Marsh called "emotional classics for romantics of all ages."
"When a Man Loves a Woman" was the first song recorded under the contract (released in 1966), and it became not only an international hit (it reached #1 in the US) but was also the first gold record released by Atlantic Records. The magnificent soul anthem became the cornerstone of Sledge's career and was followed by "Warm and Tender Love," "Take Time to Know Her," and "Cover Me."
Sledge charted with "I'll Be Your Everything" and "Sunshine" during the 1970s, and has become an international concert favorite throughout the world, especially in the Netherlands, Germany, and on the African continent.
His career enjoyed a renaissance in the 1980s when "When a Man Loves a Woman" re-entered the Top 10 in the UK after being used in a Levi's commercial.
Sledge was an inaugural Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award honoree in 1989. In 2005, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
What Am I Living For
Percy Sledge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If not for you
What am i living for
If not for you
What am i living for
If not for you
Ohhhh, nobody else
Nobody else will do
What am i longing for
Each lonely night
To feel your lips with mine
And holdyou tight
You'll be my little girl
My whole life through
Baby, nobody else (nobody)
Nobody else will do
I want you close to me
That's all i know
I want you all the time
Cause darling i love you so
What am i living for
If not for you
What am i living for
If not for you
What am i living for
If not for you
Ohhh, nobody else (nobody)
Nobody else will do
Ohhh, nobody else (nobody)
Nobody else will do
Baby, nobody else
Nobody else will do
In Percy Sledge’s song “What Am I Living For,” he questions the purpose of his life if not for the love of the person he is singing to. The repetition of the phrase, “What am I living for,” emphasizes his confusion and desperation for an answer. He sings that he wants the love of this person all the time, he wants to hold them close, and he wants to feel their lips with his. Sledge also sings about his desire for a future with this person, calling them his little girl and expressing that he wants them to be together for his whole life.
The lyrics of this song are simple and straightforward, but they carry a deep emotional weight that makes it resonate with listeners. It is a song about the all-consuming power of love and the fear of losing that love. Sledge’s raw and soulful voice adds to the emotion of the song and makes it feel like a plea to the person he is singing to.
Overall, “What Am I Living For” is a beautiful and moving song that captures the essence of what it means to be in love and the fear of losing it.
Line by Line Meaning
What am i living for
Pondering the purpose of my existence
If not for you
Realizing your significant role in my life and happiness
Ohhhh, nobody else
Admitting the irreplaceable nature of your presence
What am i longing for
Yearning for your affection and companionship
Each lonely night
During the times of isolation and solitude
To feel your lips with mine
Desiring intimate connection with you
And hold you tight
Craving your touch and closeness
You'll be my little girl
Addressing you with affection and care, promising commitment
My whole life through
Assuring of lifelong dedication to you
Baby, nobody else (nobody)
Affirming exclusive love and loyalty to you
I want you close to me
Expressing the intensity of my desire for your presence
That's all i know
Emphasizing how fundamental you are to me
Cause darling i love you so
Confessing deep affection and emotional attachment
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRED JACOBSON, ART HARRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Margaret Gaskell
amen ~~~~~~~~"What Am I Living For"
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
Ohhhh, nobody else
Nobody else will do
What am I longing for
Each lonely night
To feel your lips with mine
And hold you tight
You'll be my little girl
My whole life through
Baby, nobody else (nobody)
Nobody else will do
I want you close to me
That's all I know
I want you all the time
Cause darling I love you so
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
Ohhh, nobody else (nobody)
Nobody else will do
Ohhh, nobody else (nobody)
Nobody else will do
Baby, nobody else
Nobody else will do ~~
Dedi Simanjuntak
What am i living for
If not for you
What am i living for
If not for you
What am i living for
If not for you
Ohhhh, nobody else
Nobody else will do
What am i longing for
Each lonely night
To feel your lips with mine
And holdyou tight
You'll be my little girl
My whole life through
Baby, nobody else (nobody)
Nobody else will do
I want you close to me
That's all i know
I want you all the time
Cause darling i love you so
What am i living for
If not for you
What…
Betty McCay
One of the best singers God gave us.. so thankful.
Hema Dayal
Whooo!!! THE KING OF SOUL!!!
michael moore
One amazing voice, beautiful to listen to, RIP percy
mona t
Amen for someone who was, the best singer.Rest my friend 🙏
Coke4Ball
I saw this special musician and performer when I was 9 years old in Johannesburg, South Africa at the Empire Theater. I have never forgotten and cherish those memories, his music has influenced my life, I was so blessed to have seen him perform live.
Nicole Wright
Rest in Peace Brother...your music will live on forever, your music fills my soul with joy and all that is good
Stephanie Beans
Baby please don't close your eyes
rhonda esparza
This music makes me have great memories of my mom! She absolutely ADORED Percy!
fishcrabs
RIP Percy Sledge . You and your wonderful musics will always be in our hearts.
Monika Dworak
❤