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.
We've Got Tonite
Rita Coolidge Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Longing for shelter from all that we see
Why should we worry, no one will care girl
Look at the stars so far away
We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight babe
Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely
All of my hopes, fading away
I've longed for love, like everyone else does
I know I'll keep searching, even after today
So there it is girl, I've said it all now
And here we are babe, what do you say?
We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We've got tonight babe
Why don't you stay?
I know it's late, I know you're weary
I know your plans don't include me
Still here we are, both of us lonely
Both of us lonely
We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
Let's make it last, let's find a way
Turn out the light, come take my hand now
We've got tonight babe
Why don't you stay?
Why don't you stay?
In Rita Coolidge's song "We've Got Tonite," she sings about two lonely people who find company in each other's presence. The opening verse acknowledges the late hour and the weariness that both individuals are feeling. The singer understands that she was not part of the other person's plans, but both of them are alone and seeking refuge from the world around them. They gaze at the stars and recognize how insignificant their worries are in the grand scheme of things. They have tonight, and that's all that matters; the future can wait for another day. The chorus repeats this sentiment and emphasizes that the pair should make the most of the opportunity they have.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's feelings, revealing how lonely she's been and how her hope for love is dwindling. Despite this, she knows that she won't stop searching for companionship. The lines "there it is girl, I've said it all now" suggest that the other person has been holding something back, and by confessing their loneliness, they hope to encourage the other to do the same. The chorus repeats once more, with the singer imploring the other to stay.
Overall, "We've Got Tonite" is a song about taking a chance on love, even if it's just for one night. The two characters recognize that they're both alone, but in each other's company, they can forget their worries and enjoy the moment. It's a bittersweet and wistful song that emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and living in the present.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it's late, I know you're weary
I understand it's late and you're tired
I know your plans don't include me
I am aware that I was not a part of your plans
Still here we are, both of us lonely
However, here we are, both feeling lonely
Longing for shelter from all that we see
We're searching for comfort from the troubles around us
Why should we worry, no one will care girl
There’s no need to fear anything, girl; it’s just us here
Look at the stars so far away
Let's take a moment to observe the stars, so far away from us
We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We have each other tonight, who cares about tomorrow?
We've got tonight babe
We only have this moment together, babe
Why don't you stay?
Why don't you stay with me?
Deep in my soul, I've been so lonely
I feel a deep sense of loneliness in my soul
All of my hopes, fading away
All my hopes are slowly vanishing
I've longed for love, like everyone else does
I've always yearned for love, just like everybody else
I know I'll keep searching, even after today
I'm aware that I'll keep looking for love, even after tonight ends
So there it is girl, I've said it all now
I’ve finally revealed everything to you now, girl
And here we are babe, what do you say?
So, what do you think, babe?
We've got tonight, who needs tomorrow?
We have tonight, and that's all that matters
Let's make it last, let's find a way
Let's make this moment last and figure out a way to keep it going
Turn out the light, come take my hand now
Let's switch off the light and hold hands
We've got tonight babe
This moment is all we have, babe
Why don't you stay?
Please stay with me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Seger
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Renny Shelton
Always loved this song. Had never heard this version. It's great. Thanks.
claraj1968
Pretty good I never heard this before, Jermaine did a great job, and so did Rita. I had heard the original by Bob Seger for years, I never knew about this. Thanks for sharing.
Victor Hernandez
I didn't know there were more covers of this great songs.
nivaldo carvalho
FICOU SUPER LEGAL COM ELES ,MELHOR DO Q O KENNY ROGERS
Teddyb1939
Just beautiful, one of my favs of Bob Seger but I love this version.
vamosqueda2
Woaw !!!, For years, I had been looking for this versión !!! .... I recorded in tape from radio many years ago !, Very very great memories ......
Pashok
I love Jermaine!
Nickleby2
I love this.Thanks.
Hope Perez
I love to sing along like karaoke, but when Rita sings I shut up cause she can sing so I have to listen, that's how good she sings
MiAmor Channel
very good!!!