Milsap was born in Robbinsville, North Carolina with a congenital disorder that left him almost completely blind. He was abandoned by his mother as an infant and raised by his grandparents until the age of five, when he was sent to the Governor Morehead School for the Blind in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Milsap showed musical aptitude at an early age. The school stressed classical music training but he preferred country, gospel and rhythm-and-blues. He released his first single, Total Disaster, in 1963 at the age of twenty. This was followed by several Ashford And Simpson, compositions, including the memorable "Let's Go Get Stoned", which, unfortunately for Milsap, was relegated to a b-side. A few months later it would become a million-selling single for the more popular blind pianist, Ray Charles. 1972 found him working regularly at Roger Miller's King of the Road Club in Nashville, Tennessee and he signed with RCA Records in 1973. He was at his peak of popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s with songs that made his name familiar to pop as well as country audiences, such as "It Was Almost Like A Song," "{There's) No Gettin' Over Me," "Smoky Mountain Rain," "I Wouldn't Have Missed It For The World," and a remake of Chuck Jackson's "Any Day Now" (which was named Billboard magazine's Number One Adult Contemporary hit of 1982). Milsap recorded for RCA until 1992. During that time he created five gold albums, one platinum album and one double platinum album. He also won six Grammy Awards and eight Country Music Association awards including the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award. In 2005 Milsap resigned with RCA Records and released a new country single, "Local Girls."
Milsap has recorded music with Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley and Barry Manilow.
Ronnie and his wife Joyce currently make their home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Milsap enjoys his hobby of amateur (Ham) radio. More info on him can be found at: http://www.qrz.com/wb4kcg
A Legend In My Time
Ronnie Milsap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In love's crazy game
I'd be a legend in my time
If they gave gold statuettes
For tears and regrets
I'd be a legend in my time.
But they don't give awards
For a heart that's been broken
Over love that's in vain.
If loneliness meant world acclaim
Ev'ryone would know my name
I'd be a legend in my time.
But they dont give awards
And there's no praise or fame
For a heart that's been broken
Over love that's in vain.
If loneliness meant world acclaim
Then ev'ryone would know my name
I'd be a legend in my time.
I'd be a legend in my time...
The lyrics of Ronnie Milsap's "A Legend In My Time" reflect on the pain and heartache of love that has gone astray. The song is about a person who has gone through an immense amount of pain due to a failed relationship, and if being heartbroken could bring fame and recognition, the character would be well-known and celebrated for their misfortune. The heartbroken narrator is reminiscing about their painful past that has left them alone and forgotten, wishing that their pain could be recognized and appreciated, the same way a successful actor or musician receives praise and awards. The song is a classic example of country music's tendency to draw on sentimental themes, and an individual in pain who desires attention, fame, and the immortalization of their pain.
Line by Line Meaning
If heartaches brought fame
If experiencing heartbreak made a person famous
In love's crazy game
Within the unpredictable nature of relationships
I'd be a legend in my time
My experiences would have made me famous
If they gave gold statuettes
If awards were given out
For tears and regrets
For the emotions and negative experiences associated with heartbreak
I'd be a legend in my time.
I would be considered famous
But they don't give awards
Awards are not given out
And there's no praise or fame
There is no recognition or glory
For a heart that's been broken
For someone who has been hurt emotionally
Over love that's in vain.
Because of love that was not reciprocated
If loneliness meant world acclaim
If being alone made someone famous
Ev'ryone would know my name
Everyone would be aware of who I am
I'd be a legend in my time.
I would be considered famous
I'd be a legend in my time...
Once again emphasizing the idea of being famous
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sondra Jones
Absolute perfection and one of the best singers that’s ever stepped up to a mic! He never gets enough recognition for his wonderful talent! Thanks Ronnie, we love and appreciate all your God given gifts ! ❤️🙏
John Vallance
No
John T. Pepper
This is without a doubt the best version of this song I have EVER heard.
Doug H. in VA
I agree. I sing it at open mic locally and women are mouthing the words and some start to cry. It's that good a song ... No one was like Ronnie. At about 1:10 is the writer and original hit-maker, Don Gibson. But he was not near the talent and voice of Ronnie. Ronnie was musically gifted.
Joan Southers
I met Ronnie Milsap on an elevator years ago.
He was very kind.
I was thrilled, he was doing a concert in Atlanta.
Al Stewart
Hello I really do appreciate you for being a big fan,thank you for your wonderful comments on my post,it really means a lot to me.I sincerely hope you never stop listenin to my music…..
Baskerville22
What a fine song. Deserves to be known as a classic.
Cara Jene
This song played when my dad passed away recently and it was how he was feeling because he had a broken heart. But when he took his last breath and was greeted by the Lord and my step mother from Heaven, that all changed.
Jimmie Wright
Hey babe am worried about u can we find a way to communcate
Bry B
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION....cant get better than this.