The group was formed in Harlem, New York City in 1964 as a trio called the Poets, composed of lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons, Jr., and Panama-born Tony Silvester. They made their first recordings for Leiber & Stoller's Red Bird label, but soon changed their name to the Insiders and signed with RCA Records. In 1968, after a couple of singles, they changed their name once again, this time permanently, to the Main Ingredient. The name came from a Coke bottle.
They then teamed up with record producer/arranger Bert DeCoteaux. Under his direction, the Main Ingredient reached the R&B Top 30 for the first time in 1970 with "You've Been My Inspiration". A cover of The Impressions' "I'm So Proud" broke the Top 20, and "Spinning Around (I Must Be Falling in Love)" went into the Top 10. In 1971, they scored again, with the McPherson-penned black-power anthem "Black Seeds Keep on Growing," but tragedy struck that year. Don McPherson, who had suddenly taken ill with leukemia, died unexpectedly. Stunned, Tony Silvester and Luther Simmons re-grouped with new lead singer Cuba Gooding, Sr., who had served as a backing vocalist on some of their previous recordings and had filled in on tour during McPherson's brief illness.
The Gooding era began auspiciously with the million-selling smash "Everybody Plays the Fool", which hit number two R&B and number three pop to become the group's biggest hit. It sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in September 1972. The accompanying album, Bitter Sweet, became their first to hit the Top 10 on the R&B album chart; its follow-up, 1973's Afrodisiac, featured several songs written or co-written by Stevie Wonder, although it did not produce any huge successes on the singles charts. They peaked at number eight on the R&B chart in 1974 with "Just Don't Want to Be Lonely", which sold over a million copies,and also reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The track peaked at number twenty-seven in the UK Singles Chart in July 1974, although it was their only chart presence in the UK. In 1975, the group recorded several songs co-written by Leon Ware, including the R&B Top Ten "Rolling Down a Mountainside". By this point, however, Tony Silvester was harboring other ambitions; he released a solo album called Magic Touch that year, and left the group to form a production team with DeCoteaux. The two of them scored a Top 10 Pop and R&B smash with their production of Ben E. King's hit "Supernatural Thing" in 1975.
Silvester was replaced by Carl Tompkins, and Gooding departed for a solo career on Motown in 1977, which produced two albums; Simmons, meanwhile, left the music industry to work as a stockbroker. Gooding, Silvester and Simmons reunited as the Main Ingredient in 1979, and recorded two more albums, 1980's Ready for Love and 1981's I Only Have Eyes for You (the latter featured a minor hit in "Evening of Love"). The trio reunited for a second time in 1986, but their Zakia single "Do Me Right" flopped, and Simmons returned to his day job. He was replaced by Jerome Jackson on the 1989 Polydor album I Just Wanna Love You. In the wake of Aaron Neville's Top Ten revival of "Everybody Plays the Fool", Gooding resumed his solo career and issued his third album in 1993. Silvester and Simmons re-formed the Main Ingredient in 1999 with new lead singer Carlton Blount; this line-up recorded Pure Magic in 2001.
Tony Silvester died after a six-year struggle with multiple myeloma on November 27, 2006, at the age of 65, and original member Luther Simmons retired shortly thereafter. Cuba Gooding Sr. was found dead in his car on April 20, 2017. The current line-up of the group consists of Jerome Jackson, and Stanley Alston.
Where Are You
The Main Ingredient Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But is that really in her head
But I just want to live each day
To love her for what she is
Mary wants to be another movie star
But is that really in her mind
And all the things she wants to be
She needs to leave behind
Wish that you knew me too-very well
And I think I can deal with everything going through your head
Very well, and I think I can face-very well
Wish that you knew me too-very well
And I think I can cope with everything going through your head
Mary wants to be a superwoman
And try to boss the bull around
But does she really think that she will get by with a dream
My woman want to be a superwoman
And I just had to say good-bye
Because I can't spend all my hours start to cry
But, very well, I believe I know you
Very well wish that you knew me too
Very well, and I think I can deal with everything going through your head
Very well, think that I know you too
Very well, wish you knew me like I know you
Very well, but I think I can deal with everything going through your head
Your filthy head
Very well, dum dum da, dum dum da
Very well, wish you knew me too
Very well, and I wish I could think of everything going through your head
Very well, dum dum da, dum da, dum da dum dum da, dum da, very well
And I think I can deal with everything going through your head
When the summer came you were not around
Now the summer's gone and love cannot be found
Where were you when I needed you-last winter, my love?
When the winter came you went further south
Parting from love's nest, leaving me in doubt
Where are you when I need you, like right now?
Our love is at an end
But you say now you have changed
But tomorrow will reflect love's past
When the winter came you were not around
Through the bitter winds love could not be found
Where were you when I needed you, last winter, my love?
Oh I need you baby, I need you baby
Our love is at an end
But you say now you have changed,
But tomorrow will reflect love's past oh
Spring will fill the air and you will come around,
Well is it summer love that will let me down,
Where were you when I needed you, last winter, my love?
La la la la la, la la la la la
La la la la la, la la la la la
Where are you when I need you, like right now?
Right now, right now, right now
Where were you when I needed you last winter, my dear
I need you baby, I need you baby, I need you baby
Oh, Where were you when I needed you last winter, last winter
Yea, need you baby, need you, need you baby,
Oh, you want me too need you baby
Oh where were you when I needed you last, dear
Yea
"Where Are You" by The Main Ingredient is a poignant song that speaks to the challenges and struggles of a woman named Mary who yearns to be something more, like a superwoman or a movie star. The lyrics delve into the conflict between her aspirations and the reality of her situation. The singer, who loves Mary just the way she is, observes her longing for a different life and recognizes the need for her to let go of these desires. They acknowledge their deep understanding of each other, hoping Mary could know them as well. The chorus expresses their conviction in being able to handle whatever is going through her head.
As the song progresses, the singer realizes that Mary's dreams are not aligned with their own, and they have to bid farewell to preserve their own emotional well-being. They cannot bear to spend their time in tears, so they choose to move on. However, they still acknowledge their understanding of Mary and believe they can navigate through her complexities.
Later in the song, the singer reflects on past seasons and questions Mary's absence during difficult times. They express the longing for her presence, but it seems like she was not there when needed. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and yearning for love that seems to escape their grasp. The song concludes with hopes for a new season, where Mary might return and bring the love they desire.
Overall, "Where Are You" explores the conflicts between dreams and reality, the complexities of relationships, and the longing for love and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Mary wants to be a superwoman
Mary desires to be a powerful and extraordinary woman
But is that really in her head
But does she truly believe she can achieve it
But I just want to live each day
But all I want is to cherish every moment
To love her for what she is
And to accept and appreciate her for who she truly is
Mary wants to be another movie star
Mary aspires to become a famous actress
But is that really in her mind
But does she genuinely believe it is possible
And all the things she wants to be
And all the ambitions she holds
She needs to leave behind
She must abandon and let go of
But, very well, I believe I know you-very well
However, I am well aware and familiar with who you truly are
Wish that you knew me too-very well
I wish you had the same deep understanding of me
And I think I can deal with everything going through your head
And I believe I can handle and comprehend all the thoughts and emotions you experience
Very well, and I think I can face-very well
Very well, and I believe I can confront and tackle any challenges
Wish that you knew me too-very well
I wish you had the same deep understanding of me
And I think I can cope with everything going through your head
And I believe I can manage and handle all the thoughts and emotions racing through your mind
Mary wants to be a superwoman
Mary desires to be a powerful and extraordinary woman
And try to boss the bull around
And attempt to control and dominate difficult situations
But does she really think that she will get by with a dream
But does she genuinely believe she can succeed solely with her aspirations
My woman want to be a superwoman
My partner desires to be a powerful and extraordinary woman
And I just had to say good-bye
And I had no choice but to bid farewell
Because I can't spend all my hours start to cry
Because I cannot devote all my time to crying and feeling sorrowful
But, very well, I believe I know you
However, I am well aware and familiar with who you truly are
Very well wish that you knew me too
Very well, I wish you had the same deep understanding of me
And I think I can deal with everything going through your head
And I believe I can handle and comprehend all the thoughts and emotions you experience
Very well, think that I know you too
Very well, I truly believe I understand who you are as well
Very well, wish you knew me like I know you
Very well, I wish you had the same deep understanding of me as I have of you
Very well, but I think I can deal with everything going through your head
Very well, but I believe I can handle and comprehend all the thoughts and emotions racing through your mind
Your filthy head
Your disturbing and troubled thoughts
Very well, dum dum da, dum dum da
Very well, it may not be easy, but I am determined
Very well, wish you knew me too
Very well, I wish you had the same deep understanding of me
Very well, and I wish I could think of everything going through your head
Very well, and I wish I could fully comprehend all the thoughts and emotions racing through your mind
Very well, dum dum da, dum da, dum da dum dum da, dum da, very well
Very well, it may not be easy, but I am determined
And I think I can deal with everything going through your head
And I believe I can handle and comprehend all the thoughts and emotions you experience
When the summer came you were not around
When summer arrived, you were absent
Now the summer's gone and love cannot be found
Now that summer has passed, love seems to have disappeared
Where were you when I needed you-last winter, my love?
Where were you when I required your presence during the previous winter, my love?
When the winter came you went further south
When winter arrived, you traveled to a warmer location
Parting from love's nest, leaving me in doubt
Leaving behind the place where love once thrived, causing me to feel uncertain
Where are you when I need you, like right now?
Where are you when I require your support, precisely at this moment?
Our love is at an end
Our love has reached its conclusion
But you say now you have changed
But you claim that you have undergone a transformation
But tomorrow will reflect love's past
But the future will reveal the impact of our past love
When the winter came you were not around
When winter arrived, you were absent
Through the bitter winds love could not be found
In the harsh and cold winds of winter, love was nowhere to be found
Where were you when I needed you, last winter, my love?
Where were you when I required your presence during the previous winter, my love?
Oh I need you baby, I need you baby
Oh, I long for your presence, baby
Our love is at an end
Our love has reached its conclusion
But you say now you have changed
But you claim that you have undergone a transformation
But tomorrow will reflect love's past oh
But the future will reveal the impact of our past love, oh
Spring will fill the air and you will come around
As spring arrives and rejuvenates, you will return
Well is it summer love that will let me down
But will this love, like summer, ultimately disappoint me?
Where were you when I needed you, last winter, my love?
Where were you when I required your presence during the previous winter, my love?
La la la la la, la la la la la
Melodic expression without specific meaning
La la la la la, la la la la la
Melodic expression without specific meaning
Where are you when I need you, like right now?
Where are you when I require your support, precisely at this moment?
Right now, right now, right now
At this very moment, at this very moment, at this very moment
Where were you when I needed you last winter, my dear
Where were you when I required your presence during the previous winter, my dear
I need you baby, I need you baby, I need you baby
I long for your presence, baby
Oh, Where were you when I needed you last winter, last winter
Oh, Where were you when I required your presence during the previous winter, last winter
Yea, need you baby, need you, need you baby
Yeah, I need you, baby, I need you, I need you, baby
Oh, you want me too need you baby
Oh, you also desire and require me, baby
Oh where were you when I needed you last, dear
Oh, where were you when I required your presence in the past, dear
Yea
Yeah
Lyrics © Roba Music Verlag GMBH, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stevie Wonder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Larissa Carneiro
Okay, so your heart is broken
You sit around mopin'
Cryin' and cryin'
You say you're even thinkin' about dyin'
Well, before you do anything rash, dig this
Everybody plays the fool sometime
There's no exception to the rule
Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel
I ain't lyin', everybody plays the fool
Falling in love is such an easy thing to do
And there's no guarantee that the one you love
Is gonna love you
Oh-oh-oh, lovin' eyes they cannot see
A certain person could never be
Love runs deeper than any ocean
You can cloud your mind with emotion
Everybody plays the fool, sometime
There's no exception to the rule
Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel
I want to tell ya that
Everybody plays the fool
Amadeu Soares
Essa música passa tantas lições incríveis,como por exemplo:"Seja você mesmo,ou pode acabar com uma sapato no Fiofó"
Paulo
"Seja você mesmo, ou pode acabar com um sapato no fiofó"
- Rock, Chris.
Rennan Aguiar
Cara vc é muito louco!!!!
Tasha
DrunkenRampage
I remember when I was young and got my heartbroken by a toxic girl, my mom didn't offer me any advice, She just played this song. It has helped a lot in life. lol Thank you, Mom.
ACTUALLYRICH
My mom played this all the time as a baby in the 80s. I’m grateful, I still whistle this without realizing
Amadeu Soares
Rochelle:Doutor ele vai ficar bem?
Doutor:Vamos conseguir tirar,mais a senhora não vai mais poder usar esse sapato.
Cleilton Gomes
"Essa música também é tocada logo no início do filme do Coringa (2019), com o ator Jhoaquim Fênix. É logo no comecinho do filme, é só prestar atenção".
Renata Freitas
É vdd, antes do colega da empresa dar a arma pra ele.
Larissa Carneiro
Okay, so your heart is broken
You sit around mopin'
Cryin' and cryin'
You say you're even thinkin' about dyin'
Well, before you do anything rash, dig this
Everybody plays the fool sometime
There's no exception to the rule
Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel
I ain't lyin', everybody plays the fool
Falling in love is such an easy thing to do
And there's no guarantee that the one you love
Is gonna love you
Oh-oh-oh, lovin' eyes they cannot see
A certain person could never be
Love runs deeper than any ocean
You can cloud your mind with emotion
Everybody plays the fool, sometime
There's no exception to the rule
Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel
I want to tell ya that
Everybody plays the fool
Expedito Otávio
@justinl458 me too.