Dillon was born in 1944 in Linstead, St. Catherine, Jamaica.[1] Influenced by American singers Connie Francis, Patti Page and Dionne Warwick, she began singing in talent contests. It was during a performance at the Glass Bucket Club in Kingston, Jamaica with the group The Vulcans, that Duke Reid's session guitarist Lynn Taitt discovered Dillon.[1]
Dillon was 22 when she recorded her first record for Duke Reid. In 1967, Reid released Dillon's "Don’t Stay Away". While most of Dillon’s subsequent recordings would be covers of popular and obscure American songs including Bettye Swann's "Make Me Yours", Perry Como's "Tulips and Heather," The Grass Roots "Midnight Confessions", and Stephen Stills's "Love the One You're With"; "Don't Stay Away" was an original composition featuring Tommy McCook and the Supersonics as the backing band.
Another original song, "It’s Rocking Time" would later be turned into the Alton Ellis' hit "Rocksteady". While these early recordings demonstrate Dillon's mastery of the rocksteady sound, a much slower, soulful, response to the sultry weather that made ska's upbeat rhythm and tempo undesirable even impracticable, it was no indication of her greatest performance, 1967’s "Perfidia". Popularized by the American surf rock band The Ventures, "Perfidia" is a 1940 song written by Alberto Domínguez and made popular by the Cuban bandleader, Xavier Cugat.
At the end of 1967, Dillon moved to New York.[1] The following five years, she spent living a double life. She had a family and career in the United States, flying frequently back to Kingston, Jamaica to continue recording for Reid.
After a number of singles and an album entitled Living in Love, Dillon ended her recording career in 1971. She was 27 years old.
In 1991, Michael Bonnet, the entertainment director for the Oceanea Hotel in Kingston approached Dillon inviting her to sing. Her refusal at first was later rescinded and sparked a revitalized interest in performing and recording. In the years following, Dillion would tour the UK, Germany and Japan.
In 1998 Phyllis Dillon returned to the recording studio with Lynn Taitt, marked by reinterest in ska music in the United States. She remained active until illness took hold.
Phyllis Dillon died on 15 April 2004 in New York, after a two year battle with cancer, at the age of 59.
Living in Love
Phyllis Dillon Lyrics
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Right or wrong, I′ll play it my way
And if I make mistakes
It's my own heart that breaks
I′ve got to find my own way of life, myself alone
I only have one life to live
I only have one love to give
Now we're in love
I only have one life to live
And I'm gonna live it
I only have one love to give
And I′m gonna give it
No matter what he is, he touches me and makes me his
Now we′re in love
I don't know what changes time may bring
But right now, there′s today's the important thing
Together come what may
We′ll welcome each new day
With love to be our guiding light, to make it through tomorrow
I only have one life to live
And I'm gonna live it
I only have one love to give
And I′m gonna give it
No matter what he is, he touches me and makes me his
I know I'm his and he is mine
I know I'm his and he is mine...
The lyrics of "Living In Love" by Phyllis Dillon convey a sense of determination and independence in the face of uncertainty. The singer acknowledges that there may be risks involved in pursuing love, but asserts that it is ultimately her own decision to make. She declares that she has to find her own way of life and that regardless of what happens, she will only have one life to live and one love to give. The lyrics convey a sense of conviction that the singer has made the right decision and is willing to face any challenges in order to pursue her happiness.
Furthermore, the lyrics also highlight the importance of living in the present moment, and cherishing what one has while it lasts. The singer acknowledges that she does not know what changes time may bring, but emphasizes that what really matters is the present day. She is committed to embracing each new day with love as her guiding light, in order to make it through whatever may come next.
Overall, the lyrics of "Living In Love" convey a sense of empowerment and agency, as well as a willingness to embrace whatever may come in the pursuit of love and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Win or lose, this is my game to play
I am in control of my own life, and I will live it the way I want to, regardless of the outcome.
Right or wrong, I'll play it my way
I will follow my own instincts and make my own decisions, whether or not they are popular or accepted by others.
And if I make mistakes, It's my own heart that breaks
I am responsible for my own actions, and if I make a mistake or experience heartbreak, it is something that I must deal with and learn from.
I've got to find my own way of life, myself alone
I must discover my own path in life and define my own identity, without relying on others to do it for me.
I only have one life to live
I recognize the preciousness of life, and I intend to make the most of it while I can.
I only have one love to give
I believe that love is finite and valuable, and I will give my all to the person who earns my affection.
No matter what he is, he touches me and makes me his
I am drawn irresistibly to the person I love, regardless of their background, status, or circumstances.
Now we're in love
Through our connection and mutual affection, we have created something special and meaningful that gives our lives purpose and happiness.
I don't know what changes time may bring
Although I cannot predict the future, I know that life is unpredictable and subject to change.
But right now, there's today's the important thing
Instead of worrying about what might happen tomorrow, I choose to focus on the present moment and enjoy it to the fullest.
Together come what may, We'll welcome each new day
No matter what challenges or opportunities arise in our lives, we will face them together and greet each day with enthusiasm and devotion.
With love to be our guiding light, to make it through tomorrow
Our love for each other is the bright and steady force that helps us overcome any obstacles or darkness that comes our way.
I know I'm his and he is mine
Our bond is unbreakable, and we belong to each other in a profound and meaningful way.
I know I'm his and he is mine...
Through our deep and abiding love, we find the sense of belonging and fulfillment that brings meaning to our lives.
Writer(s): J. Mc Hugh, D. Fields
Contributed by Makayla T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andreas Hollander
Voice of silver (in this case better than gold)