Hyman began singing professionally in 1971 as part of the group The New Direction. She was also a member of Miami groups All The People and The Hondo Beat before forming Phyllis Hyman & the P/H Factor in 1974 and touring for two years before relocating to New York.
She became a featured vocalist on Norman Connors' album, You Are My Starship (1976) performing "Betcha By Golly Wow" and the duet "We Both Need Each Other" with Michael Henderson.
Hyman released her debut album on Buddah Records with Phyllis Hyman (1977), followed by Sing a Song (1979). After the second album, she signed with Arista, delivering: Somewhere in My Lifetime (1979); You Know How to Love Me (1979); Can't We Fall in Love Again (1981); and Goddess of Love (1983). She then joined Gamble & Huff at Philadelphia International for Living All Alone (1987); Prime of My Life (1991); and I Refuse to Be Lonely (1995), which was released posthumously.
Hyman's first solo Top Ten hit came in 1981 with "Can't We Fall In Love Again", a duet with Michael Henderson. The song was recorded while she was performing in the Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies (1981), a tribute to Duke Ellington. She performed in the role for almost two years, receiving a Theatre World Award for Best Newcomer and a Tony Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. In 1992 she was voted 'Number One Best Female Vocalist' in the United Kingdom by Blues & Soul magazine readers. She has also been honored with a bronze plaque along the Philadelphia Walk of Fame, a tribute to the city's native and immigrant musical legends.
In addition to duets with Henderson, Hyman lent vocals to projects with Grover Washington Jr., Pharoah Sanders, McCoy Tyner, Joe Sample, Lonnie Liston Smith, Jon Lucien, The Fatback Band, Chuck Mangione, The Whispers and The Four Tops. Some of these collaborations appear on One on One (1998).
She can be heard in movie soundtracks: for Too Scared to Scream ("I'll Be There"); The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh ("Magic Mona"); and School Daze ("Be One"). The latter two titles are included on In Between the Heartaches (2004), a compilation that also contains guest appearances and previously unreleased material.
On the afternoon of June 30, 1995, Hyman committed suicide, leaving a note to her fans, family and friends that read in part: "I'm tired. I'm tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you." She was buried on what would have been her 46th birthday. For her stage presence and fashion sense, Hyman was often known as "The Sophisticated Lady".
At the coda of a particularly pretty and memorable tune from McCoy Tyner's "Looking Out" called "In Search of My Heart", Phyllis soulfully sings "Remember me!"
Forever With You
Phyllis Hyman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Than spend it forever with you
I can't think of nothing better to do
Than spend it forever with you
Thank you very much
For being who you are
I appreciate the respect
Thanks for being there
When I needed somebody
You'll never know how much
You helped me make it through my darkest hour
Now everything is wonderful
Everything is fantastic
A friend need is a friend indeed
If there's anything I can do for you just tell me
I can't think of nothing better to do
Than spend it forever with you
I can't think of nothing better to do
Than spend it forever with you
Thank you very much for all your understanding
Your patience and your kindness
Your tender love and care that you've given to me
Now everything is wonderful
Everything is fantastic
A friend need is a friend indeed
If there's anything I can do just tell me
I can't think of nothing better to do
Than spend it forever with you
I can't think of nothing better to do
Than spend it forever with you
Lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky me to know someone like you
I'm as happy as I can be and you're the reason why
(you're the reason) why (you're the reason)
I can't think of nothing better to do
Than spend it forever with you
I can't think of nothing better to do
Than spend it forever with you
"Forever With You" by Phyllis Hyman is a love song dedicated to someone that the singer is deeply grateful for. The lyrics express immense appreciation for the respect, consideration, and care given to her. She emphasizes that she cannot think of anything better to do than spending forever with someone who has been a constant support system throughout her darkest hour. The song is an expression of the gratitude felt towards someone who has always been there through thick and thin.
The song also emphasizes the importance of friendship in a relationship. The singer views her lover as a friend and helper who is always there to lend a helping hand whenever she needs it. The lyrics also express the willingness of the singer to reciprocate the kindness and care given to her. Overall, the song is a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude towards a partner who is also a friend.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't think of nothing better to do
I have no better use of my time
Than spend it forever with you
Than to be with you for eternity
Thank you very much
Expressing gratitude for something another person has done
For being who you are
Appreciation for one's personality and character
I appreciate the respect
Feeling grateful for the regard shown towards oneself
And all consideration you've given to me
Grateful for the thoughtfulness and attention one has received
Thanks for being there
Acknowledging the support received during a difficult time
When I needed somebody
Expressing gratitude for the presence of a caring person in one's life
You'll never know how much
The extent of the positive impact the person had in one's life
You helped me make it through my darkest hour
Expressing gratitude for the help and support received during a very difficult time
Now everything is wonderful
Implying that things are going well in life
Everything is fantastic
Life is great and happy
A friend need is a friend indeed
A true friend is the one who is there in times of need
If there's anything I can do for you just tell me
Willingness to reciprocate the kindness and support received
Lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky me to know someone like you
Feeling fortunate and blessed to have the person in one's life
I'm as happy as I can be and you're the reason why
Attributing one's happiness to the person's presence in one's life
(you're the reason) why (you're the reason)
Confirming that the person being spoken to is the reason for the happiness felt
Contributed by Dominic M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Sean Mcmillan
Great singer. She was F-I-N-E too
Lena Chavez
Love this greatest vocal artist!
mona cannon
Omgness I love Phyllis Hyman!! I grew up on her music. She was truly one of a kind. A talented and beautiful lady who blessed us with her powerful & soulful voice! She was the real deal! It was nothing but sheer perfection between her stage presence and those amazing whistles, and she could sing it all from jazz to the blues. She was such a passionate singer. There will never be another like her. Rest in heavenly peace beautiful queen. Your memory will live on forever.
jermaine smelley
These singers don't make no more...her voice is so soothing❤
One string bluesman
Phyllis Hyman classified as a true female soul singer Philadelphia International records number one soul music chart 🎙🎼🎶🎵🎹🥁🎷🎺🎸
Francis Kane
Beautiful! and amazing singer !!! ♥️
Lewis Anderson
Happy Birthday to this great singer that was born today on July 6th, 1949 Phyllis Hyman.
str8spittin
🔥DEFINITELY MY FAVORITE PHYLLIS HYMAN TRACK!!!!🔥I CAN SEE MY MANZ " THE LEGENDARY " JIMMY SLYDE TAPPING & SLIDING HIS @$S OFF 2 THIS SONG.....💥💥💥BONG!!!💥💥💥
Komal Kumar
Excellent R & B 👌👌👌👌👌👌
Klackla Kleinsorge
Super super super
Ganz tolle Musik zum ABHEBEN