Elston had been singing with the Hi-Fi's in the mid-60s, warming up for Ray Charles in tours across the country. When that group split in 1966, members Marilyn McCoo and Lamont McLemore went on to co-found the enormously successful Fifth Dimension and Elston started the Friends, whose sound was similar to, and often confused with, the Fifth Dimension -- both included tightly harmonizing men and women dressed in late 60s "hip" clothing -- though the Friends' music was generally more soulful.
The newly formed Friends of Distinction was managed by football great Jim Brown and signed with RCA Records. Hitting the popular music scene when Motown and Stax were dominating, the Friends arrived with a breezy California pop/soul sound. Great harmonies and crossover arrangements backed the individually strong lead vocals of the group members. Combined with top notch material (both originals and covers), the group, like the Fifth Dimension, sounded like a breath of fresh air on Pop radio in 1969.
Their first single, "Grazin' In the Grass," was a Elston-sung vocal remake of a Hugh Masekela instrumental cut, and hit the top 5 on both Pop and Soul charts in 1969. The group's follow-up, "Going In Circles," was a brilliant ballad that also charted high. Love took some time off to have a baby, and Charlene Gibson stepped in and sang lead on the group's third big hit, "Love or Let Me Be Lonely." She also sang on the wonderful album cut, "Crazy Mary."
The Friends were quite prolific from 1969-71, releasing 5 albums (a sixth appeared in 1973). They also released a number of great singles, including "Check It Out" (later remade by Tavares) and a terrific cover of Neil Sedaka's "Time Waits for No One." Their best cuts are excellently compiled in The Best of the Friends of Distinction, which was released in 1996.
As popular music changed in the mid-70s, the Friends' fortunes declined. Jessica Cleaves was featured with Earth Wind and Fire,first appearance on the"Last Days and Time" release. A grueling touring schedule and the lack of a hit for several years led the group to call it quits in 1975. Elston and Butler continued to write and perform for a few years, then ultimately went their separate ways, taking jobs outside of music.
Over the next two decades, there was a rediscovery of the great music that the Friends had made together, and their biggest hits were remade by several artists, with "Going In Circles" charting for the Gap Band and Luther Vandross and "Love or Let Me Be Lonely" for pop artist Paul Davis. Most recently, "Grazin In the Grass" was released by Disney star Raven.
In 1990, Elston and Butler decided to bring the Friends back together. Tragically, Butler died (at Elston's side) before the group reunion could be realized. After Butler's death, Elston spent several years forming a new Friends group, ultimately bringing together Geno Henderson, Wendy Bruné and Berlando Drake to sing with Elston. That lineup currently tours and continues to entertain audiences nearly 40 years after the world first heard the Friends of Distinction.
I Need You
The Friends of Distinction Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh it really really does (Oh it really really does)
And if you're not around, I'll close my eyes and soon you will appear
Oh really really do Oh you really really do
But I wonder if you ever give me a thought
Oh I really hope you do
One though that may change your mind
All my tribulations seem to fade away when you come near
Oh they really really do (Oh they really really do)
I fantasize a love that will last for years and years
But I wonder if you ever give me a thought too
Oh I really hope you do
One thought that may change your mind
and make dreams come true
(adlib, skatting and humming)
But I wonder if you ever give me a thought too
Oh I really hope you do
One thought that may change your mind
and make dreams come true
Baby, Ooh baby MM I really hope you do
I love you
I really do, I really do
I love you, Hmmmm
(adlib to the end)
(Background)
I really do I really do
I really do I really do
I love you I really do
I love you I really do
The Friends of Distinction's song "I Need You" is a soulful, romantic track that follows the singer's deep-seated affection for someone who they hope feels the same way. The lyrics paint a picture of the singer's vivid imagination that runs wild with thoughts of this person when they're around. To the point that they shuttle all their tribulations to the background temporarily. The singer talks of a love that would last for years and years, and how they hope they are on the object of their affection's mind too.
The song's lyrics also reveal some degree of vulnerability in the singer, as they wonder whether their love is reciprocated. This is a common sentiment among those who are in the early stages of love. Hopeful, fearful, longing and uncertain in equal measure, they ask a question that most of us have asked ourselves: "But I wonder if you ever give me a thought too, oh I really hope you do, one thought that may change your mind and make dreams come true." The song showcases a beautiful love story that is relatable and emotive.
Line by Line Meaning
My imagination starts working over time when you come near
I become overly imaginative when you are near me, my thoughts and fantasies are intensified.
Oh it really really does (Oh it really really does)
I truly mean it when I say my imagination is working overdrive when you're close.
And if you're not around, I'll close my eyes and soon you will appear
Without your physical presence, I think of you so much that it's like you're right there with me, almost like a daydream.
Oh really really do Oh you really really do
Again, I really mean it when I say that even when you're not here in person, you're still constantly on my mind.
But I wonder if you ever give me a thought
I sometimes wonder if you think of me as often as I think of you.
Oh I really hope you do
But I really wish that you do, and often!
One though that may change your mind
Maybe, just maybe, there is something I can do or say that can make you reconsider seeing me in a romantic way.
and make dreams come true
I'm hopeful that if you give me the chance, all the fantasies and daydreams I have about us could actually happen.
All my tribulations seem to fade away when you come near
Whenever you're around, any issues, worries, or problems I have take a back seat to my feelings for you.
I fantasize a love that will last for years and years
My daydreams involve the possibility of us being happy and in love for a long time, well into the future.
Baby, Ooh baby MM I really hope you do I love you I really do
I'm appealing to you with terms of endearment, hoping to express my love and also get you to think about reciprocating those feelings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind