The group's sound was marked by Scotty Scott's fluid, melodic voice which featured on virtually all of their hits. Scotty's sound was so distinctive and likeable that, in his heyday, he was as recognizable as such noted R&B lead singers as Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers.[citation needed]
In 1987, they enjoyed a career resurgence when "Rock Steady" hit #1 on the R&B charts, and it became their first Top 10 success on the Hot 100, reaching #7. The Whispers also founded the Black Tie record label.
In the 1990s, The Whispers joined the Capitol Records family releasing more favorites. Expanding their creative horizons, brothers Walter and Scotty cut “My Brothers Keeper”, a critically-acclaimed duet album in 1993, scoring another R&B hit with a cover of the Intruders' "I Wanna Know Your Name." The 1995 release “Toast to the Ladies” featured a collection of love songs dedicated to women all over the world. In 1997, the group moved to Interscope Records where they featured the works of Baby face once again with their album, "Songbook, Vol. 1: The Songs of Babyface”. Both albums charted on Billboard's top 100 albums.
Marcus stopped performing with the group in 1989 due to ill health and the Whispers vowed never to replace him when he died in 2000. In the new millennium, the group still performs around the world to thousands of loyal fans. The group has not made any personnel changes and still consists of Walter Scott, Wallace Scott, Nicholas Caldwell, and Leaveil Degree. They have taken the world by storm, selling out in various casinos and hotels, music venues, and they have a tremendous following throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, they still find time for charity work with youth education, cancer organizations, 100 Black Men, and Domestic violence charities.
On September 23, 2003, The Whispers’ four decades of accomplishments were acknowledged when they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. On June 12, 2005, The San Francisco Chapter of the Grammy Awards presented the Whispers with the prestigious Governors Award, the highest honor bestowed by an Academy Chapter. They were also inducted into the Bay Area Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2007, The Black Music Academy of America selected the Whispers to receive their “Living Legends” award.
They are one of only a few “old school” groups that can boast of having over 40 years in the industry with a worldwide fan base. The Whispers waited almost a decade to produce a new CD in 2005. This independent product, the first venture of their newly formed corporation Satin Tie Entertainment is a masterpiece entitled, “For Your Ears Only”. According to Walter, “This title was a way of saying to our fans that while we want everyone’s support, we very much want the support of our fans, who have been with us for many, many years.” It made its way up the Billboard chart immediately. In 2007, they release a DVD of their live concert entitled “The Whispers Live From Las Vegas”, the first of its kind. A CD soundtrack of the same concert was also released.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Seven Gold Albums, Two Platinum Albums, 12 Top Twenty Singles, 40 Charted Hits Since 1970, Four Decades of Pop & R & B FavoritesAmerican Music Award Nominees, Soul Train Award Nominees, Grammy Award Nominees
2003 Vocal Group Hall of Fame Inductees, 2005 S.F. Regional Grammy Governors Award
Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong
The Whispers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a world where I don't belong
Another week has passed me by
It's not because I didn't try
Nobody saw me walking
And nobody heard me talking
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Before they notice me
Another job that I just can't get
A nice apartment, the landlord jut won't rent
I go to bed, but my sleep just won't come
My belly's empty and my brain is numb
Nobody saw me walking
And nobody heard me talking
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
Seems like I gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
I go to bed, but my sleep just won't come
My belly's empty and my brain is numb
Nobody saw me walking
And nobody heard me talking
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
Yes, I do, oh, yeah
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
The Whispers' song "Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong" explores the feeling of isolation and desperation that one can feel living on the fringes of society. The lyrics describe the singer's attempt to be noticed and acknowledged, but no matter how much effort they put in, it seems to not be enough. They are unable to secure a job or a living space, and they don't receive the attention they desire. This lack of acknowledgment leads the singer to feel as though they have to do wrong in order to be seen and heard.
The song's chorus, "Seems like I gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong, before they notice me" highlights the theme of desperation and willingness to do whatever it takes to be seen. It's a powerful and relatable sentiment that speaks to the struggle to be recognized and validated by society.
The lyrics are delivered through smooth and soulful vocals over a mellow, Motown-inspired instrumental. The song's laid-back melody and rhythm contrast with the somberness of the lyrics. The combination creates a captivating and emotionally rich experience for the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Another day has come and gone
Time is passing by, without any productive change happening in my life.
In a world where I don't belong
I feel like a misfit in the society I live in.
Another week has passed me by
Another week of failed attempts to achieve my goals and dreams.
It's not because I didn't try
I am putting in effort and hard work, but it's not yielding results.
Nobody saw me walking
I feel invisible and unnoticed, as if no one cares about my struggles.
And nobody heard me talking
My voice goes unheard, as if no one is willing to listen to me.
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
I feel like I have to resort to immoral and unethical actions to be noticed and get ahead.
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
I feel like there is no other way to achieve success and recognition, except by doing the wrong things.
Before they notice me
I feel like people will only pay attention to me if I do something that is considered wrong or unethical.
Another job that I just can't get
Despite my efforts, I am struggling to find or keep employment.
A nice apartment, the landlord jut won't rent
I am facing difficulty in finding a decent place to live, due to my financial situation or other factors beyond my control.
My belly's empty and my brain is numb
I am struggling to meet my basic needs, and I feel mentally and emotionally drained.
Seems like I gotta do wrong
Once again, I feel like the only way to get ahead is by resorting to immoral behavior.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
This is a vocalization expressing my emotional pain and desperation.
I go to bed, but my sleep just won't come
I am plagued by stress and anxiety, which is causing me to have difficulty sleeping.
Yes, I do, oh, yeah
This is an acknowledgement that I am feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: DEE ERVIN, JERRY WILLIAMS, JR., LYNNE FARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
OH Global
Another day has come and gone
In a world where I don't belong
Another week has passed me by
It's not because I didn't try
Nobody saw me walking
And nobody heard me talking
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
Another job that I just can't get
A nice apartment, the landlord jut won't rent
I go to bed, but my sleep just won't come
My belly's empty and my brain is numb
Nobody saw me walking
And nobody heard me talking
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
Seems like I gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
I go to bed, but my sleep just won't come
My belly's empty and my brain is numb
Nobody saw me walking
And nobody heard me talking
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
Yes, I do, oh, yeah
Seems like I gotta do wrong,
Gotta do wrong, gotta do wrong
Before they notice me
L. ANGEL LOVE
THE LONGEVITY OF THESE AMAZING "WHISPERS" IS
SO EXTRAORDINARY AND YES
LIKE THE FINEST VINTAGE WINE
AND THAT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE
"SO GENUINE AND YES SO HEAVENLY DIVINE TO STAND
THE TEST OF TIME,
YES LIKE
THE FINEST CHAMPAGNE
AND VINTAGE WINE
Invisible Sun
An excellent song. The fact it still applies to this day after some 50 years makes it both prescient and sad.
Adg 87
No words. The Whispers have quite a few joints that are under the radar. This is straight fire.
Paul Riofski
This was the first R&B Top 10 singles for the Whispers, peaking at #6 in 1970 (and reaching #50 on the Hot 100). Super post, Soulhawk!
Landre Wilkinson
That's correct I was in 7th grade and I liked it the first time I heard it
Paul Riofski
@Landre Wilkinson Thanks, Landre, for sharing your memories of hearing this record for the first time back in 7th grade! Paul
markeetawins
Music back then told many stories and was so heartfelt........what a great musical era to have been a part of.....The Whispers put on a great show!
Mike Vallen
A song for all times....perfectly sublime .
Richard Davis,jr.
This Took Me Back To My Childhood. This Is Classic Soul At Its Best! And One Of My Favorite Songs By These Guys! Great Record.
Tracy A
I love this song. Such heartbreaking lyrics and it is even relevant in today's times.
Celeste Williams
Still the anthem for so many of our young folks today. Still praying ... 🌻