Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Wilson brothers began singing and playing in their father's Pentecostal church, and it was also mandatory they practice their music lessons at home as well. They learned various instruments, which primarily included lots of playing the piano. As much as they despised the lessons at the time, it proved to be a value tool for all three. With Ronnie being the oldest, he established his own band when he was just a fourteen-year-old.
Charlie, a few years younger, joined a rival band a couple of years later. One particular night, the two bands were performing just across the street from one another. Ronnie stopped by to check out Charlie grooving on the organ. While there, Ronnie asked Charlie to join his band for $50 over what he was making. Though Charlie's band-mates doubled his offer, he joined his brother's band as fate would have it
At a gig not too long after the two had joined forces, the group's bass player quit; Ronnie and Charlie summoned their younger brother Robert, barely fourteen himself, to the group to play bass. For a short while, the group performed without a name. Musician Carlton Morales, co-writer of Julian Lennon's pop hit "Vallotte" played with the band shortly after leaving the outfit The Mighty Majors. Finally, the Wilson brothers began calling their outfit the "Greenwood, Archer and Pine Streets Band". As such a name proved too long for music posters, the band shortened their name to the "G.A.P. Street Band". Due to a typographical error, the group was actually advertised as "Gap Band" and "The Gap Band". That title stuck.
They performed at various venues around the Tulsa area, including country & western joints, tennis clubs, rock clubs, and wherever else called on their services. However, by the middle of the 70s, Charlie became interested in Los Angeles, California and left Tulsa to explore his possibilities; the country's big cities were in the middle of a soul music boom, and he wanted in.. A short time later, Charlie convinced his brothers to join him. The group floundered about L.A.; hitting and missing on record deals, gigs, and the like, the guys had a lot of talent but needed guidance. Still maintaining their interest in major label work, the group met entertainment businessman Lonnie Simmons through a friend, a musician D.J. Rogers, and their destiny was set. Simmons owned a nightclub called "The Total Experience" on Crenshaw Blvd and a recording studio at the time, and he signed the group to his company, which was called "Total Experience Records". Simmons would later start up a record label, also co-songwriting the Gap Band's tunes at times.
The Top Five single "Shake" followed in 1979, along with "Steppin' Out" (number ten) and "I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops, Up Side Your Head)" (number four) in 1980. The latter was inspired at a concert in Pittsburgh where some kids were chanting the groove and the Gap Band picked up on it. In December of 1980, the trio dropped its first number one single with "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)" and followed it with the Top Five ballad "Yearning for Your Love" (1981).
The group went on to score three more number one songs ("Early in the Morning" and "Outstanding" in 1982 and "All of My Love" in 1989), three more number two songs ("You Dropped a Bomb on Me" in 1982, "Beep a Freak" in 1984, and "Going in Circles" in 1986) and a horde of Top Ten hits. They also did the soundtracks for Leon Isaac Kennedy's Penitentiary III and Keena Ivory Waynans' I'm Gonna Get You Sucker. The group was given only 24 hours notice to complete the title song.
In 1984 Ronnie became a born-again Christian and started pastoring. He joined Melba Moore and David Peaston in the touring play Mama, I'm Sorry. Charlie went through rough times fighting a cocaine addiction until finally rehabilitating a few years later. Charlie has been one of most sought-after vocalists in the music industry. He has worked with Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Eurythmics, Snoop Dogg, and scores of others. The Gap Band has recorded for various labels, including Mercury and Capitol Records. The group remained together for quite song time, enduring the good with the bad, and kept on touring into the new millennium.
The death of Robert Wilson, at the age of 53, on August 15, 2010 changed everything. Mourned by fans of the group across the world, many musicians cited his role in creating the band's funky soul sound. Numerous singles such as "Outstanding" and "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" remain radio classics to this day.
Lonely Like Me
The Gap Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
YOU DON'T KNOW ME AND I DON'T KNOW YOU BUT
LET'S GET TOGETHER, THE NIGHT IS YOUNG AND WE'RE SO FREE
WHEN I FIRST LOOKED IN YOUR EYES,
I COULD TELL THAT YOU WERE, LONE----LY LIKE ME! TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY
(REPEAT ALL)
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
(IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY
YOU DON'T KNOW ME (WELL!) AND I DON'T KNOW YOU (YEAH!) BUT
LET'S GET TOGETHER, THE NIGHT IS YOUNG AND WE'RE SO FREE
WHEN I FIRST LOOKED IN YOUR EYES,
I COULD TELL THAT YOU WERE, LONE----LY LIKE ME! TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY
(REPEAT ALL)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME!
(OH, YEH! YEH! YEH!)
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
(AH, IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, YEH! YEH!)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
(I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY)
TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME!
(I COULD TELL YOU ARE)
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
(IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, I CAN SEE)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
(IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME . YEH! YEH!)
WHEN I FIRST LOOKED IN YOUR EYES, (LET ME SEE)
I COULD TELL THAT YOU WERE
LONE----LY LIKE ME! (I COULD LOVE YOU)
(I COULD LOVE YOU) LONE----LY LIKE ME!
(I COULD LOVE YOU) (I COULD LOVE YOU, BABY)
TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY
WHOA-O-WHOA OH, OH YEH----------------------------!
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME!
(I YOU REALLY LOVE ME)
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
(IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
(I CAN TELL YOU'RE LONELY!)
TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY, YEH!
YEH----------------------------!
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME!
(I CAN TELL YOU'RE LONELY)
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
(IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
(I CAN TELL YOU'RE LONELY!)
TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY, YEH!
WHOA-O-WHOA OH, OH YEH----------------------------!
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME! (LONELY, LONELY)
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
(IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
(I CAN TELL YOU'RE LONELY!)
TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY,
YEH----------------------------!
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME!
(I CAN TELL YOU'RE LONELY)
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
(IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME)
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
(I CAN TELL YOU'RE LONELY!)
TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY
The Gap Band's "Lonely Like Me" presents a conversation between two strangers who seem to be seeking human connection. The singer claims that he can tell the person he is addressing is lonely, just like he is. They may not know each other, but the night is young and they are both free to share a moment together. The singers believe that they could be wandering, looking, and searching for the same fantasy of being understood and connected with someone else.
The lyrics in "Lonely Like Me" explore the universal human experience of loneliness, which everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It highlights the idea that two people who do not know each other may still be able to find companionship in each other. The Gap Band's use of fantastical language, such as "searching for a fantasy," emphasizes the emotional search for human interaction and understanding. The lyrics suggest that the night is young and that the two people can at least temporarily alleviate their loneliness.
Overall, "Lonely Like Me" is a poignant reflection on the human condition and the need for human connection. The lyrics express the idea that just because two people are strangers, it does not mean that they cannot share a moment of empathy and find solace with each other.
Line by Line Meaning
YOU DON'T KNOW ME AND I DON'T KNOW YOU BUT
Although we are strangers, let's connect and enjoy the moment because we both have nothing to lose.
LET'S GET TOGETHER, THE NIGHT IS YOUNG AND WE'RE SO FREE
Let's take advantage of our youth and freedom to enjoy each other's company tonight.
WHEN I FIRST LOOKED IN YOUR EYES,
From the first moment I saw you, something told me that we're kindred spirits.
I COULD TELL THAT YOU WERE, LONE----LY LIKE ME! TWO PEOPLE WONDERING, LOOKING, SEARCHING FOR A FANTASY
I sense that you also feel alone and searching for a fantasy, much like I am.
IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, LET ME SEE
If you truly care for me, show me by letting down your guard and being open with me.
I COULD TELL YOU'RE LONELY JUST LIKE ME
I can see that you too are feeling the weight of loneliness in your life.
WHOA-O-WHOA OH, OH YEH----------------------------!
This feeling of connection between us is overwhelming and exciting.
LONELY, LONELY
We may feel alone, but at least we have each other to share this moment with.
Writer(s): Lonnie Simmons, Ronnie Wilson, Rudy Taylor
Contributed by Vivian N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
dr troy turner
Weird Al Yankovic was cool and all, but back in the day you never had someone spoofing the songs we like. Weird Al was good for the Super Pop hits, but what about the jams? We needed somebody to give up The Real Deal. So I decided to treat you to one. (Clears throat and taps mic until it makes annoyingly loud feedback sound)
"You don't know me. And. I don't know you. But. Let's get together. The night is young. So much to seee. When I first looked at you girl, I could tell that you were... Nosey like me. 2 people looking, searching, trying to what we can see.
Bridge}
I could tell your nosey just like me. If your really nosey, let's go and peak. 2 people wondering, looking, searching to see what we can see.
(2nd verse) Maybe you know a spot where we can sneak. Bring binoculars so we can peak.
Ask people their who, what, where, why, how, and with who? When they try to speak.
Even if it's rude or they're discreet.
Well demand the answers. Cut through the bull to get to the meat.
Chorus. You are Nosey like me.
Nosey like me.
2 people wondering, searching.
Tryna see what we can see.
docdre1100
This song reminds me of my senior year in high school in 1982. Getting ready to graduate and venture off to college. This is a very powerful song. Love the Gap Band.
demetrius hill
Graduated 🎓 in 1981 Cincinnati Ohio
James Harris
Class of 84 st.louis
Lulu805
One of the most underplayed Gap Band songs. Love the message...
Trell of all Trades
I love this song. I could remember my dad playing this song. This has got to be the best one line song ever. The song basically saying one thing, but saying so much at the same time. I love good music!!!
Kevin Foy
Slow dancing on skates!!!🤗
robert harris
i have to do my research. this is the only one line song that i really know of lol help jog a brothas memory sis🙄
Eugene Thomas
Ll
Nick Hemby
There's nothing like a classic Gap Band song to get you through the workday!!! This song is fire!!🔥🔥
Roxanne Torres
This album is " Outstanding "! Back when music was Great! Charlie has a Fantastic voice. 👍😉