About the song
Ray Charles, the “Genius,” is a name synonymous with American music. His distinctive blend of blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm and blues has captivated audiences for decades. One of his most enduring hits is “The Right Time,” a soulful ballad that showcases Charles’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery.
Released in 1959, “The Right Time” quickly climbed the charts, solidifying Charles’s status as a musical icon. The song’s timeless message of love, patience, and the perfect moment to express feelings continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Charles’s deep baritone voice, filled with both vulnerability and strength, draws listeners into the heart of the song. The lyrics, penned by Charles and his longtime collaborator, Johnny Jenkins, paint a vivid picture of longing and anticipation. The protagonist yearns for the right moment to reveal their love, fearing rejection and disappointment.
The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, featuring a soulful piano melody, gentle basslines, and subtle percussion. Charles’s vocals take center stage, accompanied by the warm harmonies of his background singers. The interplay between the music and lyrics creates a captivating atmosphere, conveying the emotional depth of the song.
“The Right Time” is a testament to Charles’s musical genius and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and the power of Charles’s artistry. It remains a beloved classic, reminding listeners of the importance of patience, love, and the perfect moment to express their feelings.
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Lyrics
You know the nighttime, darling (night and day)
Is the right time (night and day)
To be (night and day)
With the one you love, now (night and day)
Say now oh baby (night and day)
When I come home baby, now (night and day)
I wanna be with the one I love, now (night and day)
You know what I’m thinking of (night and day)
I know the nighttime (night and day, oh)
Whoa, is the right time (night and day, oh)
To be with the one you love, now (night and day)
I said to be with the one you love (night and day)
You know my mother, now (night and day)
Had to die, now (night and day)
Mm, and my father (night and day)
Well, he broke down and cry (night and day)
Whoa! Whoa, baby (night and day)
When I come home baby now (night and day)
I want you to hold my hand (night and day)
Yeah, tight as you can (night and day)
I know the nighttime (night and day, oh)
Whoa, is the right time (night and day, oh)
To be with the one you love (night and day)
You know what I’m thinking of (night and day)
Whoa! Sing your song, Margie
Baby (night and day)
Baby (night and day)
Baby (night and day)
Oh, baby (night and day)
Girl, I love you (night and day)
No one above you (night and day)
Hold me tight (night and day)
And make everything all right (night and day)
Because the nighttime (night and day)
Oh, is the right time (night and day)
To be with the one you love now (night and day)
Oh, yeah (night and day)
Tease me (night and day)
Squeeze me (night and day)
Leave me (night and day)
Ah, don’t leave me (night and day)
Lawdy, baby (night and day)
Take my hand, now (night and day)
I don’t need (night and day)
No other man (night and day)
Because the nighttime (night and day)
Ow, is the right time (night and day)
To be with the one you love (night and day)
Oh, yeah (night and day)
I said baby (night and day)
Baby (night and day)
Baby (night and day)
Whoa! Baby now (night and day)
Oh, come on baby (night and day)
You know I want you by my side (night and day)
I want you to keep (night and day)
Oh, keep me satisfied (night and day)
I know the nighttime (night and day)
Every day is the right time (night and day)
Yeah, to be with the one you love now (night and day)
Well, you know it’s all right