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.
The Flirt
Shirley & Lee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me take you for a ride
Jump in my car and I'll take you home
And I'll take you to a treasure that's shining bright
Oh look daddy, you're so cool
But I can't break my mama's rule
She would have to see you, what's your family tree
Are you thinking 'bout marriage (Now and then)
Are you going pretty steady (Now and then)
Gee, you look so pleasant (Sure thing)
Well I think I'm ready (This is mine to say)
Do you have plenty money (Yes I do)
Is it all in cash (Just for you)
Would you give me all your loving (If you're true)
Then our love will always last (Just me and you)
Oh, wee baby I'm so happy
That you took a liking to me
I'm gonna tell it to the whole wide world
That I've got a gal that's fancy free
Go see our mother (You and me)
Go see our father (Just you and me)
Tell our sisters and our brothers (You and me)
That you're going to marry me
The song "The Flirt" by Shirley & Lee depicts a conversation between two individuals, a man and a woman, who appear to be interested in each other romantically. The man tries to persuade the woman to go on a ride with him, telling her that he will take her to a treasure that's shining bright. However, the woman expresses her reservations, stating that she cannot break her mother's rule, and that she would have to see his family tree before she would even consider having him come to court her.
The lyrics go on to address matters of commitment, money, and the future of the relationship. The man asks the woman if she's thinking about marriage or going steady, and tells her that he thinks he's ready. He then confirms that he has plenty of money and is willing to give her all of his love in order to make their love last. The woman seems to be convinced by his words, expressing her joy and announcing that she will tell the whole world about her new love interest.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Flirt" reflect common themes found in many love songs - the initial flirtation between two individuals, the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart, and the ultimate decision to commit to each other. The song's upbeat rhythm and catchy melody make it a classic example of the R&B music genre, and its lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello girl where are you going
I want to know where you're headed.
Let me take you for a ride
I want to take you on a drive.
Jump in my car and I'll take you home
I'll give you a ride to your house.
And I'll take you to a treasure that's shining bright
I'll take you to a place that's amazing.
Oh look daddy, you're so cool
You're impressive to me.
But I can't break my mama's rule
I can't disobey my mom's rules.
She would have to see you, what's your family tree
My mom would want to know about your background and family.
Before let she'd even let you come home to court me
Before you can come over to my place to woo me.
Are you thinking 'bout marriage (Now and then)
Have you ever considered getting married sometimes?
Are you going pretty steady (Now and then)
Are you seeing someone on a regular basis?
Gee, you look so pleasant (Sure thing)
You look so lovely and charming.
Well I think I'm ready (This is mine to say)
I think I'm prepared to pursue a relationship with you.
Do you have plenty money (Yes I do)
Do you have a lot of money?
Is it all in cash (Just for you)
Is your money, all in cash?
Would you give me all your loving (If you're true)
Would you give me all your affection if you're sincere?
Then our love will always last (Just me and you)
Then our love will continue forever, like it's just you and me.
Oh, wee baby I'm so happy
I'm delighted, my dear.
That you took a liking to me
I'm glad you find me appealing.
I'm gonna tell it to the whole wide world
I'm going to spread the news to everyone.
That I've got a gal that's fancy free
That I have a girlfriend who is free and single.
Go see our mother (You and me)
Let's visit our mom together.
Go see our father (Just you and me)
Let's visit our dad, just the two of us.
Tell our sisters and our brothers (You and me)
Let's inform our siblings about us, just you and me.
That you're going to marry me
That we're planning to get married.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EARL PALMER, LEONARD LEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
patricia garza
Cry Baby.
Freaking love this song!!
Irma Rincon
I love their voices 💙💛💚💜💛💙💚💜💛💙💚💜👍👍😄
Slash Killer
Ela tem uma voz muito bonitinha.
kittyjitters
her voice was just too cute :)
ClintReno90
Love this song! Great upload! ;)
Alexis Hart
I been looking for this song for a long time couldn't find it now I finally found it 👍
Tyler Jackson
They were so good at duets
Αλέξανδρος Κολιός
I love the Tracy Lord shake.. 2019 ❤️
Nadya Holly
Hi Angelo :) love this one too
1-800-Hitman
Greetins Grannio!