The Wilson sisters and Phillips were friends from childhood, growing up in southern California in the 1970's and 1980's. The three shared a love of music and songwriting, and developed their own style of vocal harmonies. In 1989, producer Glen Ballard and SBK Records signed the trio to a record deal.
Wilson Phillips released their debut album Wilson Phillips in 1990. They shot to fame with their debut single, the # 1 hit "Hold On". The album was a hit, producing three number one singles and selling 10 million copies worldwide.
They released their follow-up album Shadows and Light in 1992. It was much less successful, producing no top ten singles and selling one million copies. Shortly after, the group decided to split up.
During the next decade, the group went their separate ways. Chynna Phillips released a solo album, "Naked and Sacred" in 1995, while the Wilson sisters released a Christmas album in 1993 and an album "The Wilsons" in 1997. Carnie also went on to host her own television talk show, while Phillips married actor William Baldwin. A "Greatest Hits" album was released in 2000, although the group did not officially reunite for this release. Carnie made headlines in 1999 when she underwent gastric bypass surgery live on the internet and lost over 20 dress sizes.
Wilson Phillips reunited in 2004 to release California, an album of cover songs. A single, 'Go Your Own Way,' a remake of the original by Fleetwood Mac, peaked at #13 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The album debuted at #35 on the charts with 31,000 copies sold but due to the lack of promotion the album has yet to reach sales of 100,000 copies. In New Zealand the album was a surprise hit, reaching the top 10 and amassing gold sales following 'Go Your Own Way' topping the adult contemporary radio chart for several weeks.
Already Gone
Wilson Phillips Lyrics
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And they said you were gonna put me on a shelf
But let me tell you I got news for you
And you'll soon find out it's true
And then you'll have to eat your lunch all by yourself
'Cause I'm already gone
And I'm feelin' strong
I will sing this vict'ry song, woo, hoo,hoo,woo,hoo,hoo
The letter that you wrote me made me stop and wonder why
But I guess you felt like you had to set things right
But remember this, my girl, when you look up in the sky
You can see the stars and still not see the light (that's right)
And I'm already gone (I'm already gone)
And I'm feelin' strong (now I'm feelin' strong)
I will sing this vict'ry song, woo, hoo,hoo,woo, hoo,hoo
Well I know it wasn't you who held me down
Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free (oh baby)
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key
Oh no
But me, I'm already gone (I'm already gone)
And I'm feelin' strong (now I'm feelin' strong)
I will sing this vict'ry song
'Cause I'm already gone
'Cause I'm already gone
And I'm feelin' strong
I will sing this vict'ry song
'Cause I'm already gone
'Cause I'm already gone
'Cause I'm already gone
In Wilson Phillips's "Already Gone," the singer is addressing someone who has written her a letter that has made her question why. However, instead of dwelling on the letter, she has already moved on and is feeling strong. She tells the person that they will soon find out that she is gone and will have to eat their lunch alone. The singer asserts her strength and ends the verse with a victorious "woo, hoo, hoo!"
In the second verse, the singer notes that the letter was an attempt by the person to make things right, but she reminds them that simply setting things right isn't enough. She encourages the person to look up at the stars, as they can see them but still not see the light. This verse could be interpreted to mean that sometimes people make surface-level changes to their behavior, but it takes a deeper understanding to truly change.
The chorus is repeated twice, and in it, the singer notes that it wasn't the person who held her down or set her free. She reflects that oftentimes, people live their lives in chains without realizing they hold the key. However, the singer has already freed herself and is singing a victory song. The song ends with a final repetition of "I'm already gone," reiterating that the singer has moved on and is not looking back.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I heard some people talkin' just the other day
I heard rumors about you planning to leave me.
And they said you were gonna put me on a shelf
The rumors mentioned that you were going to discard me like an unwanted item.
But let me tell you I got news for you
I have made my decision and I have a message to share with you.
And you'll soon find out it's true
You will realize that my decision is final and cannot be changed.
And then you'll have to eat your lunch all by yourself
You will be left alone to deal with the consequences of your actions.
'Cause I'm already gone
I have already left and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
And I'm feelin' strong
I am confident and empowered by my decision to leave.
I will sing this vict'ry song, woo, hoo,hoo,woo,hoo,hoo
I will celebrate my newfound liberation with this triumphant song.
The letter that you wrote me made me stop and wonder why
Your letter evoked some feelings of confusion and introspection.
But I guess you felt like you had to set things right
Perhaps you wrote the letter as an attempt to correct past mistakes.
But remember this, my girl, when you look up in the sky
I want to remind you of something important.
You can see the stars and still not see the light (that's right)
You can be surrounded by beauty and still miss the point entirely.
Well I know it wasn't you who held me down
I understand that you did not directly cause my problems.
Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free (oh baby)
It was not your efforts that led to my liberation.
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
Sometimes, we are not aware of the things that hold us back.
And we never even know we have the key
We might have the means to escape, but we don't realize it.
But me, I'm already gone (I'm already gone)
I have taken advantage of the opportunity to break free.
And I'm feelin' strong (now I'm feelin' strong)
I am now confident and empowered.
I will sing this vict'ry song
I will celebrate my newfound liberation.
'Cause I'm already gone
I have already left and there's nothing you can do to stop me.
'Cause I'm already gone
My decision to leave is irreversible.
'Cause I'm already gone
I am now free from the chains that once held me back.
And I'm feelin' strong
I feel empowered and confident in my decision.
I will sing this vict'ry song
I will celebrate my newfound liberation.
'Cause I'm already gone
I have already left and nothing can stop me now.
'Cause I'm already gone
My decision to leave is final and cannot be reversed.
'Cause I'm already gone
I am no longer held back by anything or anyone.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EDWARD SLOAN, MITCH JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind