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.
Keep On
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
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But there's only one left holding on last bullet
Mmm, 숨을 크게 쉴 땐 매캐한 땅의 냄새
혈관을 파고들어 더 숨을 못 쉬게
But boy you gotta wake up 멈춰 의미 없는 기권
That nightmare turns to reality 없어 도망칠 곳
아차 싶은 찰나에 더 커지는 변수
So where do we need to go 그냥 치켜올려 턱 끝
Yeah, I keep runnin', runnin', no time to get low
의미 없는 계산 다 뒤로해 'cause we gotta get dough
Need to hold in ma breath
I know you straight up
One shot and we take another chance keep your head up
Keep your head up
넌 마치 프랑스 샴페인 돈 필요한 형
배신의 말을 삼킨 값 얼마예요 그 결말 옆에
도는 패 말이 앞선다면 그건 경마 협회
뱉은 말 절대 안 지키지 외양간이었기에
무슨 정글의 법칙 같은 생존 군의 방식
손해배상 청구해 봐 신께 근데 참고로 귀하신 분
어쩜 그리 가식해 나도 안 청결해 가진 게
패기뿐 다시 기다리는 손에 찬 시계
Yeah, I keep runnin', runnin', no time to get low
의미 없는 계산 다 뒤로해 'cause we gotta get dough
Need to hold in ma breath
I know you straight up
One shot and we take another chance keep your head up
Keep your head up
Keep your head up
The lyrics of Shirley & Lee's song Keep On convey a message of perseverance, positivity and self-belief. The song is an uplifting anthem that encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and to not let anyone or anything hold them back. The opening lines of the song, "Calling all astronauts / The ship is about to take off / If you wanna ride on the ship / Then hop on it" establish a metaphor for the journey of life. The ship represents an opportunity and those who want to succeed are encouraged to hop on board and take advantage of it.
The theme of the song revolves around overcoming adversity and staying focused on achieving one's goals. The lyrics assert that it is never too late to start pursuing one's dreams and that there is always room to sit on the ship. This message is reinforced throughout the song with lines such as "Don't let those haters hold me down / I know I can do better than them / I just gotta keep on moving / I'm going to the moon." The imagery of going to the moon suggests that anything is achievable if one sets their mind to it.
Line by Line Meaning
Calling all astronauts
Invitation to people who have a thirst for novelty and adventure
The ship is about to take off
Opportunity is imminent
If you wanna ride on the ship
If you want to seize the opportunity
Then hop on it
Act now
If you think that it is too late
If you think the opportunity has passed you by
There's room to sit
There is still a chance to join
It's not now or never
Not a single moment of urgency, but take the chance when it comes up
It's when you're feeling it
Act when you feel ready
Let the joy take over
Embrace the moment and let happiness guide you
It's in the manuscript
The blueprint for success is available
But it's not only textbook
Textbook knowledge might not be enough
There's a natural mystic
Intuition can be critical
And once you hop on board
Once you seize the opportunity
We ride the rocket ship
Enjoy the ride and let it take you to new heights
Don't let those haters
Ignore negative and discouraging voices
Hold me down
Prevent me from success
I know I can do better than them
Belief in one's ability to succeed
I know I just gotta
I know I only have to
Keep on moving
Keep advancing and not stagnate
I'm going
I am about
To the moon
To achieve success and new heights
Right when you thought I was done I ain't even started yet
I haven't even begun showing what I am capable of
I just wanna take another chance cuz I just got hit
I want to take a second opportunity after having experienced a setback
With money
Money is not the answer or solution
I've seen it
I have proof or experience to confirm it
Don't need it
I don't require money to attain success
The answer is love
The essential solution or critical ingredient is love or passion
Always keep consistency
Maintain a steady course or approach
Keep questioning everything
Be critical and keep seeking answers
That you read
To gain knowledge and have a strong basis upon which to act
Stay on top and
Stay in control and retain authority or dominance
Keep your belief
Retain faith in yourself and the opportunity
T-minus three seconds boy
It's time; the opportunity is at hand
Hop on the ship now
Seize the opportunity now
Lyrics © CONSALAD CO., Ltd.
Written by: Young Ji Lee, Rae Won Jang, Il Woo Jung
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind