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.
Wishin' and Hopin'
Rita Coolidge Lyrics
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Plannin' and dreamin' each night of his charms
That won't get you into his arms
So if you're lookin' to find love you can share
All you gotta do is hold him and kiss him and love him
And show him that you care
Show him that you care just for him
Wear your hair just for him, 'cause
You won't get him
Thinkin' and a-prayin', wishin' and a-hopin'
'Cause wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'
Plannin' and dreamin' his kisses will start
That won't get you into his heart
So if you're thinkin' of how great true love is
All you gotta do is hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it
And after you do, you will be his
You gotta show him that you care just for him
Do the things he likes to do
Wear your hair just for him, 'cause
You won't get him
Thinkin' and a-prayin', wishin' and a-hopin'
'Cause wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'
Plannin' and dreamin' his kisses will start
That won't get you into his heart
So if you're thinkin' of how great true love is
All you gotta do is hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Yeah, just do it
And after you do, you will be his
You will be his
You will be his
The lyrics of Rita Coolidge's song "Wishin' and Hopin'" are about a girl who is in love with a guy and trying to win his heart. The song advises the girl that simply wishing, hoping, thinking, praying, planning, and dreaming about the guy's affection is not enough to get him into her arms or heart. She needs to actively participate in the relationship by holding him, kissing him, and loving him. The girl needs to show the guy that she cares for him and do things that he likes to do. She needs to focus all her attention on him and show him that he is the center of her universe. The song suggests that once she does that, the guy will reciprocate her feelings and she will be his.
The song's lyrics reflect a time (1964) when women were expected to take a passive role in dating and wait for men to make the first move. The song is a call to action for women to assert themselves, take initiative, and pursue their romantic interests. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody add to its appeal and make it a popular song to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin'
Merely wishing, hoping, thinking, and praying won't bring him closer to you.
Plannin' and dreamin' each night of his charms
Even if you plan and dream about his charms every night, it won't make him fall in love with you.
That won't get you into his arms
None of the above will get you into his arms or make him desire you.
So if you're lookin' to find love you can share
If you're seeking to find someone to share love with,
All you gotta do is hold him and kiss him and love him
All you need to do is express your affection for him by holding, kissing, and loving him.
And show him that you care
Demonstrating that you care for him above all else is what counts.
Show him that you care just for him
By making it clear you care about him directly and solely, not relatedly or passively.
Do the things he likes to do
Engage in activities that he enjoys doing.
Wear your hair just for him, 'cause
Personalize your looks based on his preferences.
You won't get him
If you don't take these proactive steps, you won't get him to fall in love with you.
Thinkin' and a-prayin', wishin' and a-hopin'
Merely getting lost in thought, praying, wishing, and hoping isn't enough to achieve your desire.
Plannin' and dreamin' his kisses will start
Even if you plan and dream about his first kiss, it won't make him fall in love with you.
That won't get you into his heart
The mentioned actions won't make him develop feelings for you.
If you're thinkin' of how great true love is
If true love is what you're hoping for,
All you gotta do is hold him and kiss him and squeeze him and love him
Just show your love and affection for him directly by holding, kissing, squeezing, and loving him.
Yeah, just do it
Don't overthink or hesitate; do it.
And after you do, you will be his
Once you express your affection, you will have his heart.
You will be his
He will fall in love with you if you take proper actions and demonstrate your love.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: HAL DAVID, BURT BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind