After singing in church choirs, Shirley recorded her first demo with a group of friends in 1950. Some months later, her solo voice caught the attention of Aladdin Records owner Eddie Messner, who tracked her down and paired her as a duo with a school friend, Leonard Lee.
As "Shirley & Lee," they recorded their debut single "I’m Gone," produced by Cosimo Matassa, which reached #2 on the Billboard R&B charts in 1952. The record contrasted Goodman’s soprano with Leonard's baritone, in a way in which subsequent songwriters have suggested was influential on the development of ska and reggae.
In their early songs, they pretended as if they were sweethearts and were dubbed "the Sweethearts of the Blues." However, they changed style in 1956 and recorded "Let the Good Times Roll," which became their biggest hit reaching #1 on the R&B chart and #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although the follow-up, "Feel So Good" also made the charts, the duo’s later releases were less successful, and Goodman and Leonard split up in 1962. Leonard made some subsequent solo records with little success.
In the mid 1960s, Shirley Goodman moved to California, where she worked as a session singer on records by Sonny and Cher, Dr. John and others, and also formed a duo for a time with Jessie Hill. She sang backing vocals on The Rolling Stones’ Exile On Main Street album, but then briefly retired from the music industry.
Later in 1974, as Shirley Goodman Pixley, she was contacted by her friend Sylvia Robinson, previously of the duo Mickey and Sylvia and now co-owner of the All Platinum record label, and was persuaded to record the lead vocal on a dance track, "Shame, Shame, Shame." Credited to Shirley & Company, the record became an international pop hit, reaching #12 on the Billboard chart and presaging the disco boom. After a few further recordings and tours, Goodman finally retired from the music industry after returning to New Orleans in the late 1970s.
Before I go
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
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Can I trust the way I feel
'Cause my heart's been fooled before
Am I just seeing what to see
Or, is it true, could you really be
Something to have and hold
With my heart and soul
I need to know, before I fall in love
Through all my ups and downs
Please tell me now, before I fall in
I'm at, the point of on relum
So afraid of getting bumed
But I want to take a change
Please, give me a reason to believe
Say, that you're the one, that you'll always be
Something to have and hold
With my heart and soul
I need to know, before I fall in love
Someone who'll stay around
Through all my ups and downs
Please tell me now, before I fall in
It's been so hard for me to give my heart away
But I would give my everything ,
just to here you say（you're）
Something to have and hold
With my heart and soul
I need to know, before I fall in love
Someone who'll stay around
Through all my ups and downs
Please tell me now, before I fall in
before I fall in love
The lyrics of "Before I Fall in Love" by Shirley & Lee explore the internal struggle of questioning whether to trust one's feelings and take a chance on love. The singer acknowledges the vulnerability of their heart, having been deceived in the past. They are unsure if their perception is accurate or if they are simply seeing what they want to see in the other person. They yearn for reassurance and a reason to believe that this time it could be different. The lyrics convey the desire to find someone who will stick around through all the ups and downs, prompting the plea for honesty and clarity before fully surrendering to love.
The song captures the fear and hesitation one experiences before falling in love, particularly after previous heartbreaks. It emphasizes the need for open communication and trust in order to establish a lasting and fulfilling connection. The lyrics reflect the universal theme of wanting to be sure of someone's commitment and genuine intentions before fully investing emotionally.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart, says we've got something real
My emotions are telling me that we have a genuine connection
Can I trust the way I feel
Am I able to rely on my emotions and instincts
'Cause my heart's been fooled before
Due to past experiences, I'm hesitant to trust my heart completely
Am I just seeing what to see
Am I perceiving things based on my desires rather than reality
Or, is it true, could you really be
Could it be that you are genuinely what I hope for
Something to have and hold
Someone I can cherish and keep close to me
With my heart and soul
With my deepest emotions and being
I need to know, before I fall in love
I require assurance before allowing myself to fully love
Someone who'll stay around
A person who will remain by my side
Through all my ups and downs
During both good and challenging times
Please tell me now, before I fall in
I implore you to communicate your intentions before I commit
I'm at the point of on relum
I'm hesitant and unsure
So afraid of getting bumed
I am scared of experiencing heartache
But I want to take a change
Despite my fears, I desire to take a risk
Please, give me a reason to believe
Provide me with evidence or assurance to have faith in you
Say, that you're the one, that you'll always be
Declare that you are the person I long for and will remain with me forever
It's been so hard for me to give my heart away
It has been difficult for me to let go and trust someone with my emotions
But I would give my everything, just to hear you say
I am willing to offer everything I have, solely to hear you affirm your feelings
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, WRITE BY THE SEA SONGS, Spirit Music Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DOROTHY SEA GAZELEY, DANE ANTHONY DE VILLER, SEAN SYED HOSEIN, ALLAN RICH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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