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.
I'm Gone
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gone completely out of my mind
Beg you to love me sometime
'Cause your love is mine
Ooh, baby
My, how it seems sweet, your crying
Why did you tell me all those evil lies?
I'm gone
Seem as though you've gone far away
I can't sleep both night or day
Please come back and stay
Ooh, baby
I'll give you one more chance
All because I need your romance
'Cause your love is mine
'Cause your love is mine
'Cause your love is mine
'Cause your love is mine
The song "I'm Gone" by Shirley & Lee is a classic example of a love ballad addressing a relationship that has gone through its ups and downs. The lyrics suggest that the singer has lost their mind and is begging for love to be reciprocated while their lover seems to have gone far away. The song's first two lines, "I'm gone / I'm gone completely out of my mind" set the tone for the rest of the song, expressing the singer's emotional turmoil after the breakup.
The chorus, "Cause your love is mine," showcases the desperation the singer has for their lover to come back. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to forgive their lover's past mistakes, as long as they get the chance to be in a relationship again. The lines "Please come back and stay / I'll give you one more chance" indicate that the singer is willing to compromise for the sake of the relationship. However, the song ends on a bittersweet note as the singer seems to accept that their lover might not return.
Overall, "I'm Gone" is a moving ballad that showcases the singer's emotional turmoil after a breakup. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to forgive their lover's mistakes in the past and is desperate for them to come back. However, the song ends on a somber note, leaving the listener with a sense of bittersweet acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gone
I have left or moved away.
I'm gone completely out of my mind
I am extremely confused and disoriented.
Beg you to love me sometime
I plead with you to love me again at some point in the future.
'Cause your love is mine
Because I feel a strong possessiveness over your love and affection.
My, how it seems sweet, your crying
I find your tears to be manipulative and insincere.
Why did you tell me all those evil lies?
I question the trustworthiness of your words and actions towards me.
I just have to say goodbye
I am resigning myself to ending this relationship.
Seem as though you've gone far away
I feel emotionally distant and disconnected from you.
I can't sleep both night or day
I am restless and preoccupied, making it difficult to rest.
Please come back and stay
I implore you to return and remain with me.
I'll give you one more chance
I am willing to grant you another opportunity to prove your loyalty and commitment.
'Cause your love is mine
Because I am fixated on possessing your love and attention.
'Cause your love is mine
Because I feel entitled to receive your love and devotion.
'Cause your love is mine
Because I have become dependent on your love and cannot let go.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE BARTHOLOMEW, SHIRLEY GOODMAN, LEONARD LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Pauline Cole
The legendary Lee & Shirley. My father has all the original albums and continues to play them.
Mauricio Casarrubias
That’s Bad Ass!
Ronald Nock
When i was born, this song was 3yrs old, and i STILL love it like yesterday
Benito Mota
One of the best songs ever!!!!
heathen-ash
Totally agreed. love shirley and lee
Wicho13
No lié
Aure Lerma
I'm 15 and I'm a HUGE fan of oldies and I gotta say I'm glad my dad showed me this one
Pudgie Bear
They were aged about 15/16 in this song !
Betty Santos
Love this song. Takes me back relaxing and kicking back.
Cathy E
What a great song... love it.