Pagan was a gifted vocalist. His light, floating tenor was as serenading as Smokey Robinson's, but more ardent when he came down from the clouds. His melodious crooning got some chart action on a remake of Bread's "Make It With You" (1971) for Wand Records (Fania contracted with Wand during this period). Two years later, he scored a minor charter with "Soul Je T'aime" with Sylvia Robinson (now there's a duet made in heaven) on Robinson's Vibration label; but its success was modest at number 39 R&B and 99 pop on Billboard. Other singles include "Didn't Want to Have to Do It," "Just for a Little While," and "Come Back Baby."
In addition to the four Fania albums, he had an obvious hand in Ralfi Pagan Presents Johnny Nelson, which is quite an item among collectors; Low Profile Records also reissued his second Fania album, Ralfi Pagan With Love. Examples of Pagan's haunting vocals can be found on ITP Records' East Side Classics series.
To Say I Love You
Ralfi Pagan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
its a beautiful sound
oh, the heavens must have sent you
and my love has been found
when you're near me
i feel so much joy
but when you're gone
i think of you
when we're apart
and there is so much sadness in my heart
to say i love you is all that i can do
please say you love me
and oh, oh don't say no
to say i love you
is all that i can do
i think of you when we're apart
and there is so much sadness in my heart
to say i love you is all that i can do
please say you love me
and oh, oh, don't say no
to say i love you is all that i can do
(talking)
to say i love you is all that i can say
but to show you how much i love you
that's something i try to do each and everyday
when you're in my arms, my body comes to life
and when we love, oh when we love
it's so nice
you know how much i love you, don't you honey
without you, life is barely night and day
all work and no play
but that ain't the way
no it isn't
i said no it isn't,
little girl
oh little girl i love you...
i love you cause you're fine
too much
In Ralfi Pagan's song To Say I Love You, the singer expresses his love for someone special in his life. He describes the feeling of being near that person as pure joy and happiness, but also mentions the sadness and loneliness he experiences when they are apart. The singer acknowledges that saying "I love you" is all that he can offer, even though he wishes he could show his love in more tangible ways. He pleads for the other person to reciprocate his feelings and not reject him.
The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and deep emotional attachment, with the singer revealing his innermost thoughts and feelings. He is aware that he cannot force the other person to love him back, but still hopes that they will accept his love and not reject him outright. The repeated line "to say I love you is all that I can do" emphasizes the limitation of words in expressing the depth and intensity of one's emotions.
Overall, the lyrics of To Say I Love You are a heartfelt testament to the power of love and the yearning for human connection. The singer's vulnerability and honesty make the song relatable and emotionally resonant for listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
to say i love you
Expressing my love for you is the only way I know how to show how I feel
its a beautiful sound
The phrase "I love you" feels and sounds wonderful
oh, the heavens must have sent you
You were a precious gift from the heavens above
and my love has been found
I have found the person I want to love and cherish for the rest of my life
when you're near me
My heart is filled with immense joy and happiness
i feel so much joy
Your presence means everything to me and fills me with joy
but when you're gone
Without you, I feel lost and alone
i'm a sad and lonely boy
Your absence leads to profound sadness and loneliness in my heart
i think of you
My thoughts are always with you, even when you're not around
when we're apart
When we're not together, my heart aches for you
and there is so much sadness in my heart
My heart is filled with sadness when we are separated
please say you love me
I want you to love me as much as I love you
and oh, oh don't say no
Please don't reject my love and affection
(talking)
I want to emphasize how much I love you and express it to you through my actions
but to show you how much I love you
I try my best to express my love for you each and every day
when you're in my arms, my body comes to life
Being close to you and holding you in my arms makes me feel alive and happy
and when we love, oh when we love
Our love is so special and intimate
it's so nice
It feels amazing to be in love with you
you know how much i love you, don't you honey
I hope you understand how deeply I love you, my darling
without you, life is barely night and day
Without you, my life has no color or meaning
all work and no play
My life is dull and joyless without you
but that ain't the way
But it doesn't have to be that way
no it isn't
My life isn't complete without you
little girl
Term of endearment for my beloved
oh little girl i love you...
My love for you is strong and unwavering
i love you cause you're fine
I love you for who you are, both inside and out
too much
My love for you is immeasurable and endless
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@musicalgenius02
to say i love you
its a beautiful sound
oh, the heavens must have sent you
and my love has been found
when you're near me
i feel so much joy
but when you're gone
i'm a sad and lonely boy
i think of you
when we're apart
and there is so much sadness in my heart
to say i love you is all that i can do
please say you love me
and oh, oh don't say no
to say i love you
is all that i can do
i think of you when we're apart
and there is so much sadness in my heart
to say i love you is all that i can do
please say you love me
and oh, oh, don't say no
to say i love you is all that i can do
@johngonzales3748
I met Ralfi Pagan during his first west coast tour in L. A. At the Madrid-Graa Night Club in 1973. He was a very talented young men, very polite and humble also a little shy. We hit it off really good but unfortunately he soon went back to New York. One of the most talented performers ever to come out of New York and also one of the most unappreciated singers. Love his music.
@robertlimon8250
Reminds me of a Beautiful Lady I let slip away
@tenplauges
It's a shame they killed him.
@patriciadelgado5913
Ya I
@priscillaramos5236
He still lives on his life was taken but still lives threw his music, rip
@cravingthesea
Thanks for sharing this. That’s exactly how I picture he’d be. Taken from us way too soon :(
@juliasauceda2331
To say I Love Ralfi’s voice... he’s just one of the Best Ever....
@gman2630
I used to think I used to listen to all oldies , but I met this girl from Elm st Watts and this is all she listened to and I just fell in love with her just listening to these songs from pagan ,45 years later and I still think of her wow..
@alexandramartinez1620
Hopefully not the one that got away
@anniejuan5143
Ageless song, so beautifully sung by a true angel. I was born in the '60's but today I'm still discovering treasures such as Ralfi Pagan, I'm a fan of his.