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
I Hate You
Ronnie Milsap Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love me ain't you ever gonna love me
There ain't no chains (chains) strong enough to hold me
There ain't no breeze (breeze) big enough to slow me
I never have seen (uh) a river that's too wide
There ain't no man (man) big enough to stop me
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
Love me ain't you ever gonna love me
I said I never have seen a road too rough to ride
There ain't no chains (chains) strong enough to hold me
There ain't no breeze (breeze) big enough to slow me
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side, hey
There ain't no rope tight enough to bind me
Look for me honey you will find me any old time
You're ready with your charms
I'll be there ready and a waitin' there won't be any hesitation
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
Love me ain't you ever gonna love me
Said I never have seen a road too rough to ride
There ain't no chains (chains) strong enough to hold me
There ain't no breeze (breeze) big enough to slow me
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
The lyrics to Ronnie Milsap's song "I Hate You" speak to a sense of determination, independence, and resilience. The singer is addressing someone who has rejected or hurt them, but still holds out hope for a relationship. The repeated refrain of "Love me, ain't you ever gonna love me" indicates a desire for this person's affection, but also a hint of frustration at their unresponsiveness.
However, the subsequent lines suggest that this lack of reciprocation does not have the power to hold the singer back. They list various obstacles that are not strong enough to stop them, from chains and jails to rivers and winds. They declare that they will be there if this person ever wants them, no matter what challenges they face. The repeated assertion that they will be by their side reinforces the theme of loyalty and commitment.
Overall, the song seems to be celebrating the strength and independence of the singer, even in the face of rejection. It suggests that love is powerful, but it is not the only force that can motivate and inspire someone. The lyrics also hint at a sense of longing and unrequited affection, adding a layer of complexity and vulnerability to the singer's otherwise tough exterior.
Line by Line Meaning
Love me ain't you ever gonna love me
Asking whether the person will ever return his love
There ain't no chains (chains) strong enough to hold me
Nothing can hold him back or keep him from moving on in life
There ain't no breeze (breeze) big enough to slow me
No obstacle is big enough to slow down his progress
I never have seen (uh) a river that's too wide
Implying that he can overcome any challenge, even those that seem insurmountable
There ain't no jail (jail) tight enough to lock me
He cannot be held captive or constrained
There ain't no man (man) big enough to stop me
No individual has the power to stop him from achieving his goals
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
Promising to support the person if they ever change their mind and want to be with him
Said I never have seen a road too rough to ride
He can handle and overcome any obstacle or challenge that comes his way
There ain't no rope tight enough to bind me
He cannot be held down or restricted by anyone, including the person he is addressing in the song
Look for me honey you will find me any old time
He is always available and willing to be with the person
You're ready with your charms
The person may be trying to charm or manipulate him, but he is not swayed by those tactics
I'll be there ready and a-waitin' there won't be any hesitation
Reiterating his willingness to be with the person without hesitation if they change their mind
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
Promising once again to support the person if they ever decide they want to be with him
I'll be there if you ever want me by your side
Reiterating his promise to be there for the person
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Price, Rusty Gabbard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sonam Yangchen
I grew up a teenager listening to this song. My all time favourite!
nemesisgenius
I remember my Mother bought me Ronnie Milsap's Greatest Hits album for Christmas and this song was included. I played it so many times, it drove my Mother crazy, she took this album away from me for a whole week. I was 9 years old at the time. I used to love this song so much, I couldn't stop playing it.
steven allen
Wish the new country sounded this good. Im an 80s baby and i love the older country. Thanks for adding this classic
Wesley Stinnett
Thanks, Ronnie Milsap does not turn out a bad song !
Don Scott Music
Great song and pictures to go along with it. A true Ronnie Milsap classic!
Daniel Burns
this song went to #10 on the country charts in 1973!!!
Judy Osbourne
Such a lovely song! Love it!
Linda Alexander
Love this song
Angela Allen
I love it, too. So realistic
Angela Allen
Mr milsap is such a wonderful singer and pianist