A Song for Donny
Whispers (The) Lyrics
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And think what a shame you're gone
Still they know
What you've left behind
Lives in our hearts and minds
Today and tomorrow
The clouds of darkness came your way
And your music will be
So very, very special to me
Sometimes wealth and fame
Whispered, "Play my game"
But you, yes, you refused to
Genius touched your soul
Fortune not your gold
God's gift is what changed you
A voice like silk would weave your spell
And words of life, oh, only you tell
And your music is gonna be
Very, very special to me
In life's fleeting glance
You have met the chance to give
All they can't
And though short you stayed
Before you went away with them
Now you stand
Listening to your sounds of joy
I think one shot, ghetto boy
And your music will always be
So very, very special to me
Said I love you, Donny
And you're gonna always be
Very, very, very special to me
Gonna miss one shot, little ghetto boy
This is a song for you
Said I love you, Donny, and I miss you, Donny
You're gonna always be a friend to me
Miss you, Donny
Yeah, I miss you, Donny
The lyrics to Whispers' "Song For Donny" are a tribute to the late Donny Hathaway, a musician and songwriter who passed away in 1979. The song speaks to his legacy and the impact he had on the world before his untimely passing. The first verse acknowledges that despite Donny's absence, people still remember him fondly and recognize the mark he left on the world. The lyrics suggest that Donny's music continues to live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him and that his impact will continue to be felt in the future.
The second verse speaks to the challenges Donny faced in his life, particularly as a talented black musician in a time of social unrest. The lyrics suggest that Donny faced pressure to conform to the expectations of wealthy and famous people who wanted him to play their game. However, the song acknowledges that Donny refused to compromise his artistry and instead remained true to his own creative vision. The lyrics suggest that Donny's talent was a gift from God rather than a product of fortune or fame.
The final verse speaks to the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have. The lyrics acknowledge that Donny's time on earth was short but that he made a lasting impact during his time here. The song suggests that Donny's music brought joy and inspiration to those who heard it and that it will continue to be treasured for years to come.
Overall, "Song For Donny" is a beautiful tribute to a talented musician who left the world too soon. The lyrics acknowledge the challenges that Donny faced in his life while celebrating his incredible talent and the impact he had on the world.
Line by Line Meaning
People speak your name
Your memory lives on and people continue to talk about you
And think what a shame you're gone
People are saddened by your passing and acknowledge the loss
Still they know
Despite your departure, your legacy remains intact
What you've left behind
You've created a lasting impact with your contributions
Lives in our hearts and minds
Your memory and achievements are cherished and remembered
Today and tomorrow
Your influence transcends time and will continue to be felt in the future
The clouds of darkness came your way
You faced hardships and struggles
You've given us a brighter day
Your work and talent brought joy, inspiration and positivity to others
And your music will be
Your artistic creations will continue to be cherished and admired
So very, very special to me
Your art had a personal impact on me and is particularly meaningful
Sometimes wealth and fame
Being rich and famous can lead to certain expectations and pressure
Whispered, "Play my game"
People with influence can sometimes try to control or influence artists to serve their own interests
But you, yes, you refused to
You stood your ground and maintained artistic freedom and integrity
Genius touched your soul
You were exceptionally gifted and talented in your field
Fortune not your gold
You valued creativity and skill above material success
God's gift is what changed you
Your talent was a gift from a higher power and it guided your life and work
A voice like silk would weave your spell
Your singing was effortlessly smooth and captivating
And words of life, oh, only you tell
Your lyrics were meaningful and unique to you
In life's fleeting glance
Life is short and precious
You have met the chance to give
You used your time and talent to create and inspire
All they can't
Your work and contributions filled a void or inadequacy
And though short you stayed
Despite a short life, you made a lasting impact
Before you went away with them
Before you passed away
Now you stand
Your memory and music continue to live on
Listening to your sounds of joy
Enjoying and appreciating your music
I think one shot, ghetto boy
Reflecting on your humble beginnings and origins
And your music will always be
Your music will continue to be esteemed and appreciated
Said I love you, Donny
Expressing love for Donny
And you're gonna always be
Your memory and impact will always be felt
Gonna miss one shot, little ghetto boy
Acknowledging the loss of your life and potential
This is a song for you
This song is dedicated to you and your memory
Said I love you, Donny, and I miss you, Donny
Reiterating affection and sadness at Donny's passing
You're gonna always be a friend to me
You will always be remembered and cherished
Miss you, Donny
Expressing grief and longing for Donny's presence
Yeah, I miss you, Donny
Further expressing sadness and longing for Donny's presence
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DONNY E. HATHAWAY, NADINE MCKINNOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@missvida6251
The lyrics are absolutely beautiful. Brings tears to my eyes. A tortured genius Donny was.
@chupeauxx
I'm cryin' right now - 08:28am November 13th, 2022. I can not control myself after many, many. many years! My kids are standing like Navy Seals, in line, feel that Donny was the one!
@Futurotropi
💙
@myrtisdelores59
Every time a hear this song I can't help but tear up. He's singing about a good friend, that was a musical genius that he's missing and every word he sings you can feel how sincere he is.
Why these guys didn't get their just do in the music industry I'll never know, but it's not many who have voices like the twins, with talented singers backing them up. Some of the best music was in the mid '70's and up. I love the Whispers they too are musical geniuses.
@beverlyfrazier8638
Yes they are geniuses, I just love these guys to the moon, the Lord God gave them so, so, so much talent
@lavernejohnson5631
Wow thanks for sharing. I didnt know that but I just LOVE me some Whispers.
@flashflash3445
DITTO!! 🤜🤛that's also "my story" & I'm stickin 2 it !! May GOD continue 2 bless those Phenomenally Talented Gentlemen & their families 2... also! F2X⚡✌️&BLESSINGS TO ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN!!!!!!!😎👀😉
@jacknjill3000
Thanks for the backstory and I just got the lp from 1980 and was wondering why it was called “A song for Donny”. I don’t think I have ever heard the song but it sounds almost like Donny’s famous Xmas song.
@michaelwimbley9127
Xmas song vone
@byrongoff9321
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL! The mighty Whispers. Their live concerts are second to none. They are the truth. And the twins Walter and Scotty are great singers.