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.
Lee Goofed
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But the time has come I must let you go
I know its going to hurt you yes it will make you cry
But so long baby so long baby bye bye
Remember darling I gave you another chance
I even gave you all my romance
Yes you′re going to hurt me it will hurt me so
Please don't leave me baby please please don′t go
And everybody's just laughing at me
Now I'm going to leave you I know its going to make you cry
But so long baby so long baby bye bye bye
Remeber darling no matter where you go
That time of day you′ll reap what you sow
"Lee Goofed" is a classic R&B song by Shirley & Lee that talks about a breakup between two lovers. The song's narrator addresses her sweetheart, telling him that she must let him go, even though it will hurt him. She acknowledges that giving him another chance and all her romance initially empowered him to hurt her, but now she must leave him even if it makes him cry. The song has an underlying message that everyone will be accountable for their actions, and no matter where we go, we will inevitably have to face the consequences of our actions.
Moreover, the song depicts a common scenario in a romantic relationship: a partner makes a mistake or errs but is forgiven, with the hope that they won't do it again. Nonetheless, they repeat the same mistake, breaking their partner's heart. Hence, the singer implores her partner to remember how he made her suffer the last time he hurt her and how everyone laughed at her because of it. The song's advice is to beware of reaping what one sows by ensuring to treat others kindly and avoid repeating past mistakes.
In summary, "Lee Goofed" is a song about the consequences of repeats of errors in a relationship, urging people to treat others with kindness and respect to avoid hurting others.
Line by Line Meaning
Remember darling I love you so
I still love you despite everything.
But the time has come I must let you go
I have to move on and end this relationship.
I know its going to hurt you yes it will make you cry
I am aware that it will cause you pain.
But so long baby so long baby bye bye
Farewell, I am leaving this relationship.
Remember darling I gave you another chance
I forgave you before, but not anymore.
I even gave you all my romance
I invested all my emotions in this relationship.
Yes you′re going to hurt me it will hurt me so
I know you will cause me pain too.
Please don't leave me baby please please don′t go
I am afraid of being alone without you.
Remember darling how you made me cry and plead
I remember how you treated me badly.
And everybody's just laughing at me
Others are mocking me for staying with you.
Now I'm going to leave you I know its going to make you cry
I am ending this relationship even though it will hurt you.
But so long baby so long baby bye bye bye
I am leaving this relationship for good.
Remeber darling no matter where you go
No matter what you do from now on,
That time of day you′ll reap what you sow
You will eventually face the consequences of your actions.
Writer(s): Leonard Lee
Contributed by Sydney G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Santa Esparza
AQUI PARA PEACEFUL VARRIO NORWALK " S.E.L.A.
SOY SANTA PVN MLS
IM FROM THE CITY
WITH NO PITY
THE CITY OF NORWALK
" THE WALK"
SOOO LONG BABY
" BYE" BYE"!
SIEMPRES
"SO"......BY WAR
Robert Hardware
We had this on a 7” vinyl in our house and it was played regularly during the weekends. Such great memories 😊😊
Sarah Zorrilla
None of these youngsters will know the true meaning of oldies and good music
Seeburgman
Amen to that!
Uncle Velja
so why am i listening to this?
Angel Dust
Old doesn't necessarily mean good and new doesn't necessarily mean junk.
Angel Dust
@Uncle Velja
Yes. Because people keep on complaining about the "music" on the radio instead of actually search for something that really moves them.
michael morales
Haven't heard this song in 45 years or so. This song is from my dad's Era. He was always playing his records on Saturday nights and always played this song.
foxiness12
music like this never die!!!
Seeburgman
amen to that!
Mark Garduno
How many years? Still good listening.