In The Raw
Whispers (The) Lyrics


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In the raw
In the raw
In the raw
In the raw

Don't choose too fast
You can't judge a book by it's cover
Make sure that what you see is what you get
And red between the lines

Don't place too much faith
In someone else's reputation
Watch closely, they might be just a shadow
Of the person they're supposed to be

In the raw
Just can't fake it
Gonna see what you're made of
In the raw
I can't change it
Everybody's got their own way

In the raw (In the raw)
In the raw (In the raw)

Girl, you look at me
But only see what's on the surface
And I might just be with you expect of me
There's that possibility

Just strip away your thought
And only speak what's on your mind
Cause whatever I tell you, you know it's from the heart
And that's the bottom line (Woo)

In the raw
Just can't fake it
Gonna see what you're made of
In the raw
I can't change it
Everybody's got their own way

In the raw
In the raw

In the raw
There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide
From what you really are inside
You never gain from tellin' lies
The truth wears no disguise

In the raw
That's the only way to find out

In the raw
Some try their luck at love for years
They waste their time and so many tears
To make sure love's on solid ground
You've got break it down

In the raw
That's the only way to find out, oh, ho, ooh
In the raw
So let's break it down to the real thing

Girl, you look at me
But only see what's on the surface
And I might just be with you expect of me
There's that possibility

Just strip away your thought
And only speak what's on your mind
Cause whatever I tell you, you know it's from the heart
And that's the bottom line (Woo)

In the raw
Just can't fake it
Gonna see what you're made of
In the raw
I can't change it
Everybody's got their own way, yeah, hea

In the raw
I'll show you just what I am made of, ooh
In the raw
Right there from the heart is where I'm comin' from, yeah, yaeh

In the raw
I can't help it
In the raw
I can't change it

In the raw
There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide
From what you really are inside
You never gain from tellin' lies
The truth wears no disguise

In the raw
That's the only way to find out

In the raw
Some try their luck at love for years
They waste their time and so many tears
To make sure love's on solid ground
You've got break it down

In the raw
That's the only way to find out, oh, ho, ooh

In the raw
I can't fake it
Gonna see what you're made of
In the raw
You can't change it
Everybody's got their own way, yeah, hea





In the raw

Overall Meaning

The Whispers' song "In The Raw" speaks about the importance of being sincere and truthful, showing your real self, the version that is not altered by the mask of pretense. The lyrics advise not to be quick in judging people just by their appearances or what people say about them. Instead, it encourages the listener to go beyond surface level details and to look for authenticity, to discover what someone is really made of. The song also emphasizes the need to be honest in relationships, to strip away any false impressions and to speak openly from the heart. The message is a call for everyone to reveal their true selves, to find out whether they are strong enough to face life "in the raw."


One interesting fact about the song is that it was released as the lead single from the album of the same name in 1983, and it received a lot of airplay, especially on R&B radio stations. Another interesting fact is that "In The Raw" was written by two members of Whispers: Nicholas Caldwell and David L. Lewis. The song was produced by the duo, as well. It has been described as a classic example of "quiet storm" music - a genre of slow, mellow soul and R&B music that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Whispers were known for their smooth harmonies and romantic ballads, and "In The Raw" confirmed their status as one of the best soul groups of the decade.


Line by Line Meaning

In the raw
Being genuine and sincere


In the raw
Stressing the importance of authenticity


In the raw
Emphasizing the true and pure state


In the raw
Underscoring the idea of being transparent


Don't choose too fast
Urging caution to avoid hasty decisions


You can't judge a book by it's cover
Encouraging to look beyond superficial appearances


Make sure that what you see is what you get
Advising to be sure of what is presented as genuine


And red between the lines
Suggesting the need to read and interpret beyond what is visible


Don't place too much faith
Warning against overreliance on other people


In someone else's reputation
Advising not to believe too much in what others say about someone


Watch closely, they might be just a shadow
Calling attention to the possibility of deception and hiding of true identity


Of the person they're supposed to be
Implying that some people pretend to be someone else


Just can't fake it
Stressing the importance of authenticity and sincerity


Gonna see what you're made of
Expecting people to reveal their true selves in situations that test their character


I can't change it
Admitting to the impossibility of altering certain things


Everybody's got their own way
Acknowledging individuality and the differences in people's behaviors and personalities


Girl, you look at me
Addressing a particular girl who is looking at the artist


But only see what's on the surface
Pointing out the tendency to focus on external appearances


And I might just be with you expect of me
Suggesting the possibility of not living up to the girl's expectations


There's that possibility
Acknowledging the chance of something happening


Just strip away your thought
Encouraging to be transparent and honest


And only speak what's on your mind
Advising to express genuine thoughts and feelings


Cause whatever I tell you, you know it's from the heart
Assuring that the singer is genuine and sincere


And that's the bottom line (Woo)
Highlighting the truth and significance of the artist's words


There's nowhere to run, nowhere to hide
Implying that one's true self will eventually surface


From what you really are inside
Referring to one's true personality and character


You never gain from tellin' lies
Stressing the negative consequences of deceit and dishonesty


The truth wears no disguise
Portraying the truth as honest and straightforward


Some try their luck at love for years
Addressing those who seek romantic relationships for a long time


They waste their time and so many tears
Implying the emotional toll of failed relationships


To make sure love's on solid ground
Attempting to establish a strong foundation for love


You've got break it down
Encouraging to break down obstacles and barriers in relationships


I'll show you just what I am made of
Promising to reveal one's true self


Right there from the heart is where I'm comin' from
Stressing genuine and sincere intentions


I can't help it
Admitting the inability to change certain things




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@sherwinfitz

The reason why The Whispers are the best is that they could do it all. They had the funkiest uptempo dance songs. They also made the best mid-tempo steppin' songs. And then the ballads and slow jams are some of the most passionate and soulful in all of R&B history. Yes folks, the Whispers deserve a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award. I don't think they have one yet.

@robertamoyaw8812

And Leon Sylvers III , SOLAR

@kemet80

Yes but don't forget Leon Sylvers, Kevin Spencer, Wardell Potts, Will Shelby, Will Zimmerman and Steve Shockley

@raybraxton1817

The Mighty Whispers have always been in the raw. Their good music 🎶 👌 is non stop. One of the most underrated souls of our time. But they are one of the best if the best. I salute the Mighty Whispers 👌 💖❤

@noelfr9

The Whispers and Leon Sylvers III created magic together. Their songs including In The Raw are timeless.

@anthonyc70

I love the choreography..the rythm of this...this is old school..but still stands the test of time.
This really takes me back...

@saundragordon-grant6088

Nicholas Caldwell was a genius choreographer! He danced his ass off.

@evelynprice2753

My favorite in the group🕺🏾👍🏾
🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎶🎶🎶🎶

@reaganibeh9443

YES & I LOVED IT!!!

@maxxdroid1975

This was and is still one sick wicked genius of a jam here. Wow!!! The Whispers were on fire back then. Everything they released was blazin.' And the chemistry they shared with Leon Sylvers III altogether kept SOLAR and their sound untouchable.

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