Signed to the Swan record label by producer Jerry Ross, the trio's first single releases were on that imprint. Their first single release was entitled 'Where Is Johnny Now?' b/w 'Your True Love'.
Their follow up song was entitled 'Who Do You Love?', a song that made the pop charts, peaking at number 25 in 1964. Further singles, 'I Found Out Too Late' and 'Gotta Be More Than Friends' were less successful. Moving to ABC later in the Sixties, they failed to return to the charts. At ABC however they released the popular song 'Let's Break Up For A While'.
During their early career, the group were associated with Kenny Gamble, who arranged their vocals on the groups debut album release, 'Who Do You Love'.
Their songs proved to be highly popular, at a later date, on the Northern Soul scene, including 'Gotta Have Your Love' (number 33 on the R & B charts in 1965 and featuring background vocals by Valerie Simpson, Nick Ashford, and Melba Moore), 'Evil One', 'Gonna Be a Big Thing', and 'Slow Fizz' (1966). The latter song ended their contract with ABC and the group went their seperate ways.
Gonna Be A Big Thing
The Sapphires Lyrics
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Feel the silence start to fall
Isn't much that can be said
Cause our fairytale is dead
When the moon begins to rise
You'll see fire in my eyes
So go on, try to look away
You know I'm too far gone to save
I built them all and cannot be forgiven
I'd pay the price
Just to make it right
If it'd help you find a little justice
Sold my soul to carry your vendetta
So let me go before you can regret it
You've made your choice and now it's come to this
But that's the price you pay
When you're a monster with no name at all
The lyrics of The Sapphires' song "Gonna Be A Big Thing" are poignant and haunting, with a sense of loss and heartbreak conveyed through subtle imagery and evocative language. The opening lines set the stage with the singer contemplating the silence that has descended upon them, with the bricks along the wall serving as a metaphor for the barriers that have been erected between them and their former lover. The next few lines reveal that there is little that can be said about the situation, as their fairytale has come to an end.
As the moon begins to rise, the singer's emotions intensify, and they declare that there is fire in their eyes. This suggests that they are furious and perhaps even vengeful towards their ex-lover. They urge their ex-lover to look away, knowing that they are too far gone to be saved. The singer takes responsibility for building the walls that imprison them, metaphorically comparing their self-imposed isolation to a prison. They also express a willingness to pay the price to make things right, suggesting that they are truly remorseful for whatever actions led to the end of their relationship.
However, the singer is also aware of the fact that they have sold their soul to carry their vendetta against their ex-lover. This suggests that they are consumed by their need for revenge, to the point where it has become all-encompassing. The final lines of the song reveal that the singer sees themselves as a monster with no name, alluding to the notion that they have become something beyond repair. Overall, "Gonna Be A Big Thing" is a powerful exploration of the aftermath of a failed relationship, with its vivid imagery and emotional depth resonating with many listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
At the bricks along the wall
As I stand here and observe the bricks along the wall, I feel a sense of sadness and loss for what is no longer here.
Feel the silence start to fall
The absence of words and sound creates a heavy feeling of sadness and finality in the air.
Isn't much that can be said
There are no words that can change what has happened or the way I feel about it.
Cause our fairytale is dead
Our once-beautiful story has now come to an end, and there is no going back.
When the moon begins to rise
As the night gets darker and the moon rises higher in the sky, my emotions become stronger and more intense.
You'll see fire in my eyes
You will be able to see my passion and my anger in my eyes, as I react to the situation at hand.
So go on, try to look away
If you try to ignore me or the situation, you will not be able to hide from the consequences of your actions.
You know I'm too far gone to save
I have reached a point of no return, where there is no hope of saving me from the anger and sadness I feel.
I built the walls that make my life a prison
I have created my own isolation and unhappiness by building walls around myself, blocking out the world and the people who care about me.
I built them all and cannot be forgiven
I am responsible for my own misery and cannot expect others to forgive me for the walls I have built around myself.
I'd pay the price
I would be willing to suffer and make sacrifices to make things right.
Just to make it right
I am determined to make things right, and I will do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
If it'd help you find a little justice
I am willing to make amends and to seek justice for those who have been wronged, if it will bring a little bit of peace to the situation.
Sold my soul to carry your vendetta
I have made a sacrifice in order to serve your needs and desires, even if it involves seeking revenge or carrying out your vendetta.
So let me go before you can regret it
It is better to part ways now, before you come to regret the choices you have made and the words you have spoken.
You've made your choice and now it's come to this
The decisions you have made have brought us to this point, where our relationship is in ruins and we must face the consequences.
But that's the price you pay
This situation is the result of the choices you have made, and you must face the consequences of your actions.
When you're a monster with no name at all
When you behave in a monstrous way, without regard for others or their feelings, you become a nameless monster, unworthy of forgiveness or respect.
Writer(s): Neil Brian, Joe Renzetti, Jerry J. Ross
Contributed by Alexis D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Steven Stewardson
What a stunning soulful sound LOVE IT ❤ LOVE N/S forever and KTF EVERYONE ❤ ❤ ❤
steven stewardson
& the yum yum's as well both fabulous track's 💯👏👏🎼🎼
alskin k
I could listen to the sapphires all day!
Bob Monkhouse
This fantastic up tempo version of this great tune brings those Casino memories right back, I used to love dancing to this!!!
sloppy jo
right
Neil Austin
Still amazing love the sapphire’s 👏👏👏
17soulable
Brilliant Northern classic... cheers.
lightning9160
i like both versions
Mary Gomez
Love this
Elle
Prefer this version......been a firm favourtie for decades...thanks for uploading it