About the song
“I’ve Never Been to Me” is a poignant ballad written by Ron Miller and Kenneth Hirsch, famously performed by American singer Charlene. Initially released in 1977 with minimal success, the song gained significant popularity when re-released in 1982, soaring to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving gold certification in Australia, where it topped the charts for six weeks. Its success extended globally, reaching number one in Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, marking a notable milestone as Motown’s first top ten hit by a white female solo artist.
The song’s lyrical narrative is deeply introspective, delivered from the perspective of someone who has experienced the allure of a glamorous lifestyle but finds emptiness in materialistic pursuits. The protagonist reflects on fleeting moments of joy, lamenting a lack of true fulfillment with the iconic refrain, “I’ve never been to me.” This introspection resonated widely, capturing the public’s imagination and catapulting Charlene to newfound fame.
Originally recorded for Charlene’s debut album in 1976, “I’ve Never Been to Me” featured a controversial spoken section that was pivotal to its later success. Despite initial setbacks, including a lukewarm reception in the late 1970s, the song found new life thanks to the efforts of a radio DJ in Tampa, Florida, who championed its re-release. Motown recognized its potential and brought Charlene back into the spotlight, culminating in a resurgence that saw the song dominating airwaves and charts alike in 1982.
The accompanying music video, filmed at Blickling Hall in England, added a personal touch, featuring Charlene in her wedding dress from her recent marriage—a testament to the song’s emotional resonance and Charlene’s own journey.
Beyond Charlene’s rendition, “I’ve Never Been to Me” has been interpreted by various artists, each bringing their unique perspective to the song’s profound lyrics. From its origins as a contemplative ballad to its revival as a cultural phenomenon, the song continues to captivate listeners with its universal themes of longing, regret, and the search for true meaning.
In conclusion, “I’ve Never Been to Me” stands as a testament to the enduring power of introspective music, its timeless message resonating across generations and cultures, making it a classic in the realm of heartfelt ballads.
Video
Lyrics
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 a talk to me like I wanna talk to you
Ooh, 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
Ooh, I’ve been to Nice and the Isle of Greece
When I sipped champagne on a yacht
I moved like Harlow 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’posed 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 whoring
That costs too much to be free
Hey lady I’ve been to paradise
But I’ve never been to me…
I’ve been to paradise – never been to me
(I’ve been to Georgia and California, and anywhere I could run)
I’ve been to paradise – never been to me
(I’ve been to Nice and the isle of Greece
While I sipped champagne on a yacht)
I’ve been to paradise – never been to me