I've Never Been To Me (Original Single Version) Lyrics
Charlene
Lyrics
Hey lady, you lady
cursing at your life
you're a discontented mother
and a regimented wife
I have no doubt
you dream about the things you never do
but I wish someone had talked to me like I wanna talk to you
Oh, 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 a million lives
Oh, I've been to Nice and the isle of Greece
when I sipped champagne on a yacht
I moved like Harlo in Monte Carlo
and showed them what I've got
I've been undressed by kings
and I've seen some things that a woman ain't s'pose 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 created about people and places
as we 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 are gonna make love to 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 spent my life exploring
the subtle whoreing
that cost to much to be free
hey lady I've been to paradise
but I've never been to me...
I've been to paradise but I've never been to me...
Song & Lyrics Facts
Charlene's "I've Never Been To Me" was released in 1977 as a single from her self-titled debut album. The song, written by Ron Miller and Ken Hirsch, is an emotional ballad that speaks to the struggles of life and the need for fulfillment.
It has been covered by many artists since its release, including Nancy Wilson and Shirley Bassey. Musically, the song features Charlene on lead vocals backed by a band featuring Joe Sample on keyboards, Wilton Felder on bass, Stix Hooper on drums, and Ray Parker Jr. on guitar. The lyrics tell a story of someone who has traveled around the world but never found true happiness until they realize what’s right in front of them. The chorus of “Take me where you want me to go / I’ve never been to me” is both a plea for guidance and a recognition of the lack of exploration in one’s own life.