Did You Know
Title: I’ve Never Been to Me
Artist: Charlene
Album: Songs of Love (1977), I’ve Never Been to Me (1982)
Release Date: 1977 (initial release), 1982 (re-release)
Writers: Ron Miller, Ken Hirsch, and Charlene Oliver
Key Themes: “I’ve Never Been to Me” by Charlene is a soulful ballad that reflects on the experiences and emotions of a woman who has traveled the world but yearns for a deeper connection and fulfillment in life. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who, despite having seen exotic places and lived a seemingly glamorous life, feels a sense of emptiness and wishes for the simple joys of love and family.
Musical Style: The song features a melodic and emotional arrangement, with Charlene delivering heartfelt vocals. It falls into the adult contemporary and soul genres, characterized by its poignant lyrics and the singer’s soulful delivery.
Cultural Impact: “I’ve Never Been to Me” gained widespread popularity when it was re-released in 1982. The song became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and several other countries. The poignant themes of the song resonated with audiences, and Charlene’s soulful performance contributed to its success.
Legacy: While “I’ve Never Been to Me” remains Charlene’s most well-known song, it is often considered a one-hit wonder. The song’s exploration of the human condition and the pursuit of true happiness has made it a timeless and reflective piece. It has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years, contributing to its enduring legacy in popular culture.
Video
Lyrics
“I’ve Never Been To Me”
Hey lady, you lady
Cursing at your life
You’re a discontented mother
And a regimented wife
I’ve no doubt you dream about
The things you’ll never do
But, I wish someone had talked to me
Like I wanna talk to you
Whoooa, I’ve been to Georgia
And California and anywhere I could run
Took the hand of a preacher man
And we made love in the sun
But I ran out of places
And friendly faces
Because I had to be free
I’ve been to paradise
But I’ve never been to me
Please lady, please, lady
Don’t just walk away
‘Cause I have this need to tell you
Why I’m all alone today
I can see so much of me
Still living in your eyes
Won’t you share a part
Of a weary heart
that has lived million lies
Whoooa, I’ve been to Nice
And the Isle of Greece
While I’ve sipped champagne on a yacht
I’ve moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo
And showed ’em what I’ve got
I’ve been undressed by kings
And I’ve seen some things
That a woman ain’t supposed to see
I’ve been to paradise
But I’ve never been to me
Hey, you know what paradise is
It’s a lie
A fantasy we create about people
And places as we’d like them to be
But you know what truth is
It’s that little baby you’re holding
And it’s that man you fought with this morning
The same one you’re going to make love with tonight
That’s truth, that’s love
Sometimes I’ve been to crying
For unborn children
That might have made me complete
But I, I took the sweet life
I never knew
I’d be bitter from the sweet
I’ve spent my life exploring
The subtle whoring
That costs too much to be free
Hey lady, I’ve been to paradise
But I’ve never been to meeeeeee
I’ve been to paradise
(Never been to me)..