Coolidge's early career was as a backing vocalist, for artists such as Joe Cocker, Eric Clapton, and Leon Russell. Her performance of "Superstar" on the Cocker/Russell Mad Dogs and Englishmen album helped gain her attention. She became known as "The Delta Lady" and inspired Leon Russell to write a song of the same name for her. It was during this time that she met Kris Kristofferson; the two married in 1973. With him, she recorded several duet albums which sold well, and earned them a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1974 for From the Bottle to the Bottom, and in 1976 for Lover Please.
In 1997, Coolidge was one of the founding members of Walela, a Native American music trio, that also includes Coolidge's sister Priscilla and Priscilla's daughter Laura Satterfield. The trio released albums in 1997 and 2000. Walela means hummingbird in Cherokee.
It's Only Words
Rita Coolidge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A smile could bring you near to me,
Dont ever let me find you′re gone,
Cause that could bring a tear to me.
This world has lost its glory,
Lets start a brand new story now, my love,
Right now there'll be no other time,
Talk in everlasting words,
And dedicate them all to me,
And I will give you all my life,
I′m here if you should call to me.
You think that I dont even mean,
A single word I say.
It's only words and words are all I have,
To take your heart away
You think that I dont even mean,
A single word I say.
It's only words and words are all I have,
To take your heart away.
It′s only words and words are all I have,
To take your heart away.
It′s only words and words are all I have,
To take your heart away.
Rita Coolidge's song "It's Only Words" talks about the importance of communication in a relationship. The lyrics suggest that smiling is a way to communicate without words, and it can bring people closer to each other. The singer also urges the listener not to leave, because it would cause them pain. The song talks about starting a new story together and living in the present moment, because there may not be another chance. The singer asks for everlasting words and dedication, promising to give all their love in return.
However, the song feels the need to acknowledge that words can sometimes be false or empty. The repetition of "it's only words" suggests that actions speak louder than words. The singer claims that words are all they have to offer but denies the notion that they don't mean what they say. It feels like a plea for the listener to believe in their words and trust their feelings. Overall, the song highlights the significance of communication in a relationship, as well as the importance of sincerity and honesty in words and actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Smile, an everlasting smile,
I want you to always be happy with me and have a smile on your face that never fades away.
A smile could bring you near to me,
Just the sight of your smile makes me feel closer to you and brings us closer together.
Dont ever let me find you′re gone,
Please never disappear or be away from me, because the thought of you not being here is heartbreaking.
Cause that could bring a tear to me.
The idea of being without you is so painful that it could make me cry.
This world has lost its glory,
The world doesn't hold as much fascination or beauty as it used to for me.
Lets start a brand new story now, my love,
Let's begin a new chapter in our lives together, starting fresh and with renewed love.
Right now there'll be no other time,
This moment right now is the most important, as there is no other time that matters as much.
And I can show you all my love.
I am ready and willing to reveal the full extent of my love for you.
Talk in everlasting words,
Speak to me with words that will last forever and never fade away, showing me your enduring love.
And dedicate them all to me,
Pour out your heart with words dedicated solely to me, expressing your commitment to our love.
And I will give you all my life,
I am willing to give you the entirety of my being and dedicate my life to you.
I′m here if you should call to me.
I am always available to you and will be there for you whenever you need me.
You think that I dont even mean,
You believe that I don't truly intend what I say or that my words are insincere.
It's only words and words are all I have,
I can only express myself through words, as they are the only means available to me.
To take your heart away
To capture your affection and love through the power of my words.
It′s only words and words are all I have,
Once again, I must rely solely on words to convey the depth of my emotions and love.
To take your heart away.
Ultimately, my goal is to win your heart and ensure that it stays with me forever.
Writer(s): Bob Morrison
Contributed by Joshua H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bev McGeechan
Someone.
ofa atu
Thought of the moment:
“While carrying responsibilities,
one's ability to respond
never forget to smile.”
even through the tears,
for All the years
let the water fall
Upon the Pond
and Beyond
I look into my heart
I listen to my heart
Your the first
thing I see
and feel
Un-real
You've been there
Since the Beginning of Time
Since the Start
My Heart Start
Were A - part of/from each other........... hugs, kisses and silent wishes :-)
Angel Brow
Rita Coolidge has a beautiful voice. She is blessed. Well done Rita! X
tazman1946
I adore this lady. That is all I got to say.
pkrieter
Such a beautiful song <3
UncleJim
Rita never got the credit she deserved. Absolute class; Words, Don't Wanna Talk About It, Leave while in love, All Time High... list is endless. #Voice
Melissa Sutton
My favorite song of all time, since i was a child. This song lives in my head for 40 +years.
Gilles Vaillancourt
Quelle chanteuse ! J'adore sa voix.
What a singer ! I likes so much her voice.
Dorajean Bear
"IT'S ONLY WORDS, AND WORDS, ARE ALL I HAVE
TO TAKE YOUR HEART AWAY"
LOVE LOVE THIS SONG
1978
Beau
Timeless, simply timeless her voice
Gillian Stancliffe
Love this cover version especially the piano solo.
cindy lola
I soooo loved listening to Rita Coolidge way back then and still do till now,