1. Zulema was a pioneer… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least 2 artists with this name:
1. Zulema was a pioneer of sorts in that she was a '70s black R&B singer who wrote much of her own material, and was able to assume some of her own production chores. The records themselves were average forerunners of urban contemporary music, occasionally reaching the lower parts of the R&B charts, Zulema's vocals betraying a strong Aretha Franklin influence.
Born Zulema Cusseaux in Tampa, FL, she was a member of the Lovelles in the late '60s and early '70s. A Van McCoy-produced Lovelles single ("So Much Love") became a Top 20 R&B hit in 1971, but Zulema went solo shortly afterwards, recording a couple of albums for Sussex.
She assumed her highest profile with a series of LPs for RCA in the mid-'70s, reaching the middle of the R&B charts in 1975 with "Wanna Be Where You Are." Her recording career ended after an album for LeJoint in the late '70s.
2. Zulema is a 3 piece rock band from Portsmouth, England.
Where You Are
Zulema Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
It's not my thing trying get back
But this time let me tell you where I'm at
You don't have to worry cause I'm comin'
Back to where I should have always stayed
And now I've heard the maybe to your story
Can it be I stayed away too long?
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
It's not my thing trying get back
But this time let me tell you where I'm at
I wanna, wanna be where you are, oh oh
Anywhere you are, oh oh
I wanna wanna be where you are, oh oh
Everywhere you are, oh oh
Please, don't close the door to our future
There's so many things we haven't tried
I could love you better than I used to
And give you all the love I have inside
(Oooh!!)
I wanna, wanna be where you are, oh oh
Any, any, anywhere you are, oh oh
I wanna wanna be where you are, oh oh
I gotta be where you are, oh oh
I wanna be...
I wanna be... oh, oh
Yeah yeah, baby now
I wanna be...
I wanna be... oh., oh
Oooh
I wanna be...
I wanna be... ohoh
Now, now, yeah baby
Oooh
I wanna be...
I wanna be.. ohoh
Yeah, yeah, baby now
Oooh
The song "Where You Are" by Zulema is a beautiful expression of a lover's determination to rekindle a relationship that may have gone astray. In the opening lines, Zulema seems to be acknowledging that she stayed away from her lover for too long, which may have caused her lover to forget about her. However, instead of dwelling on her absence, she quickly reveals that she returns with a renewed love and commitment, and shares her present location with her lover. This creates vulnerability and honesty that may have been lacking in the past.
Zulema goes on to express her earnest desire to be where her lover is, emphasizing that she wants to be "anywhere" and "everywhere" the other person is. Her repeated declaration of "I wanna wanna be where you are" is both poignant and endearing, conveying a sense of hope, anticipation, and dedication. In the final verses, she implores her lover not to close the door on their future together, suggesting that there is still much to explore and experience in their relationship. With these lyrics, Zulema affirms that true love is worth fighting for, even if it means admitting one's mistakes and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Line by Line Meaning
Can it be I stayed away too long?
Did my absence create a distance that feels insurmountable?
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
Did I forget to remain present in your thoughts even when I was absent?
It's not my thing trying get back
I don't want to be someone who makes a habit of returning after being gone.
But this time let me tell you where I'm at
This time I want to make sure you and I are on the same page before we move forward.
You don't have to worry cause I'm comin'
You don't need to stress because I am returning.
Back to where I should have always stayed
Returning to the place where I belong.
And now I've heard the maybe to your story
I have listened to your hesitation, the parts of your story that are uncertain.
And it's enough, love, for me stay
Despite uncertainty, my love for you is what will keep me here.
I wanna, wanna be where you are, oh oh
My sole desire is to be where you are, in your presence.
Anywhere you are, oh oh
No particular location or situation is required, as long as you're there.
Everywhere you are, oh oh
I want to be with you in all aspects of your life, not just some.
Please, don't close the door to our future
I hope you won't shut me out of your life permanently.
There's so many things we haven't tried
There are countless opportunities to explore and experiences to share.
I could love you better than I used to
I feel capable of providing a love that is fuller and more complete than before.
And give you all the love I have inside
I have a wealth of love to offer, and I want to give it to you.
Now, now, yeah baby
The time for action is now, my love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Ross, Leon Ware
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LEGSUDESIRE
I have been looking for this 4 way too long....sadly a lot of ppl dont even know her music...she was a big voice and needs to be uplifted again.
@PositiveIndifference
I do, she worked with Van McCoy. 💯
@soulprano65
A top notch cover of a truley beatiful song .R.I.P Zulema .
@jefflewis6049
One of the most amazing arrangements of a song!!
@knockshinnoch1950
Thank god for You Tube. It has allowed the sharing of so much awesome music which would be otherwise lost! Can't believe how we were denied so much prior to the internet. We were limited to what DJs decided to play on radio or TV stations broadcast and what Record Shops decided to stock!
@jerryj920
Jan.3rd: Happy birthday R&B-Soul-Disco Singer Zulema Cusseaux (1947-2013) one of the original members of Faith, Hope and Charity. Thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the upload, Rickola. Blessings
@PositiveIndifference
She sung background for David Ruffin. 💯
@terryburnett2680
Her music was brought to my attention yesterday and I can't stop listening
@071oakland
I got all her records!! I love when she did this song on Soul Train I thought this was going to be a breakthrough for her!! My opinion she's another one of those diamonds that never got its just dues!!!
@lovesavesthedaylovesavesth5498
I Found this lp yesterday and find it inspiring so very much Thank you Zulema.