The group consisted of sisters Brenda, Valorie and Shirley Jones. They served as backup singers for Lou Rawls, Teddy Pendergrass, Aretha Franklin, and Le Pamplemousse. They worked with Diana Ross from 1975–78 and were the backup singers on Linda Clifford's 1978 album If My Friends Could See Me Now and on Tower of Power's lowly rated 1979 album Back on the Streets.
Their biggest hit was "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else". The song broke the Billboard Magazine Top 40 at #38 in May 1979. The song was also a Top 5 R&B hit. It became a gold record.
An additional hit followed in 1980, with the single "I Just Love The Man", charting at #9 in January 1981. The less successful "Nights Over Egypt" (released in 1981, charting at R&B #23 in 1982 and written by Dexter Wansel), is currently a cult classic that receives more airplay on urban radio stations than their previous bigger hits.
After the release and failure of their fourth U.S. album, On Target, lead singer Shirley Jones pursued a solo career and had a #1 R&B hit on Billboard with "Do You Get Enough Love", from her top-ten debut album Always in the Mood (1986). "Do You Get Enough Love" was written by Bunny Sigler who also produced it with Kenny Gamble. In 2007, Shirley released an album Ladies Night Out together with Jean Carn and Cherrelle, on CD and DVD.
"Who Can I Run To", from the band's self-titled 1979 debut album, was covered by Xscape in 1995. Their cover version became a number #1 R&B and #8 Pop hit. The original version was the B-side of "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else".
Valorie Jones died on December 2, 2001, in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 45. Lead singer Shirley Jones continues to perform successfully as The Jones Girls with two of her nieces and a nephew on background vocals.
Brenda Jones eventually moved to Atlanta, where she sang frequently with her four-piece band, performing both Jazz and R&B numbers, including many Jones Girls' tunes. She later moved to New York after her children were grown, to have a more active performing and recording schedule. On April 4, 2017 Brenda died.
Who Can I Run To
The Jones Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I stand here contemplating
On the right thing to decide
Will I take the wrong direction all my life?
Where will I go? Will I go 'head of me
I have strong determination
And I'm not afraid of change
I have yet to find that someone who would care
Who can I run to?
(Who can I run to?)
To share this empty space
(Tell me)
Who can I run to when I need love?
Who can I run to?
(Who can I run to?)
To fill this empty face with laughter
Who can I run to when I need love?
(Oh, oh)
In my mind it's so confusing
Who will be that special one?
Every day I'm trying to find you on the run
I've got to know is there a place for me
I know love counts for many meanings
In a message very clear
All it takes is time and patience to bring you near
But who's got me, tell me
Who can I run to?
To share this empty space
Who can I run to when I need love?
Who can I run to
To fill this empty face with laughter
Who can I run to
When I need love
(Who)
(Ah, ha, ah, yeah)
(Tell me)
Who can?
(Who? Who? Yeah)
Who can I run to?
(Can I run to)
Who? When I need love
(Tell me)
Who can?
(Who)
Who can I run to?
(Can I run to)
Who when I need love?
(When I need love)
Who can?
(I wanna know)
Who can I run to?
(Who can I run to?)
Who when I need love?
(I need love)
The Jones Girls's song "Who Can I Run To" is a soulful lament of a person who is confused and seeking guidance from a special someone. The song begins with the singer contemplating which direction to take in life and wondering if they will take the wrong ones throughout their life. They acknowledge a strong determination and willingness to accept change but feel incomplete without someone to satisfy and stay with them. The chorus poses the question "Who can I run to?" asking who will share this empty space and fill this empty face with laughter when they need love.
Through the lyrics, the singer highlights the confusion and uncertainty of finding someone to love and share their life with. They acknowledge that love has many meanings, and it takes time and patience to bring someone near. However, they are still looking for that special someone and wonder if there is a place for them. The song ends with the repeated refrain of "Who can I run to?" emphasizing the singer's feeling of being lost and needing guidance.
"Who Can I Run To" is an emotive song that speaks to the loneliness and longing for human connection. It highlights the importance of having someone to love and share life's journeys with. The song's powerful chorus has been covered and remixed by several artists and remains a soulful classic.
Line by Line Meaning
As I stand here contemplating
I'm thinking deeply
On the right thing to decide
What is the best choice to make?
Will I take the wrong direction all my life?
Am I making a mistake that I'll regret forever?
Where will I go? Will I go 'head of me
What's my destination? And how will I get there?
I have strong determination
I'm confident and determined
And I'm not afraid of change
I'm not scared of trying something new
I have yet to find that someone who would care
I haven't found someone who loves and cares for me
To satisfy me, to stay right by me, oh
Someone who will fulfill me and be there for me
To share this empty space
I need someone to fill this loneliness in my life
When I need love?
Who can I turn to when I need love and affection?
In my mind it's so confusing
My thoughts are jumbled and unclear
Who will be that special one?
Who is the person meant for me?
I've got to know is there a place for me
I need to find out where I belong in this world
I know love counts for many meanings
There are different types of love
In a message very clear
It's a simple and obvious truth
All it takes is time and patience to bring you near
It just requires time and patience to find the right person
But who's got me, tell me
Who will take care of me?
To fill this empty face with laughter
I need someone to bring joy to my life
(Ah, ha, ah, yeah)
It's an expression of emotions
(Tell me)
Asking for information or help
(Who? Who? Yeah)
Asking who can help or who is the right person
(I wanna know)
Expressing curiosity and eagerness
(When I need love)
During the times when I'm feeling lonely and sad
Contributed by Samuel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
mona cannon
Wow! Hadn't heard this version in a while. The Jones Girls did their thang. This back when music was heartfelt. 👏💯
Jackie Glasgow
You said it. Heartfelt.
Jessie Thompson
Real talk ❤ roller skating
Brad Williams
I am actually in shock. I swear the originals never get credit for producing good music. I’m thinking Xscape made this song from scratch, they went word for word in this song 😂
Lady Miss
and note for note😟
Dewayne Smith
The best music was made in the 70s with live instruments and the best singers. This masterpiece was released in 1979.
Chase McDonald
@Dewayne Smith 80’s also
Patti Martin
@Chase McDonald yes as a teen in the 70s I can attest to that. The best of the best, And the concerts!!!! Omg!!! The chronic was naturally grown then, and the puff puff pass was real!!! No guns. Just clean fun! Miss the good ole days..Lol. Music Still being sampled over and over again!!! I Love it❤
Black X
@Lady Miss you should have a happy emoji displayed as your reply because since they copied note for note we got to grow up experience this old, soul tune that is fine-tuned to appeal to young youth in the mid-1990s who loved rhythm and blues, soul and hip-hip.
Twon Peezy
I’m 30 yrs old and I never knew this was the original song. Learn something new everyday lol 😂