About the song
Persistence is often an undervalued trait in the world of pop music, yet its significance cannot be overstated. The O’Jays epitomize this resilience. Formed in 1958 as a vocal quintet, they began their musical journey before the dawn of the Motown era and endured a grueling fourteen-year period of obscurity, despite releasing thirty singles across five different labels. This era of struggle was marked by a lack of chart success, with none of their early records making it into the Top 40. By 1972, the O’Jays were on the brink of dissolution, having lost two original members and facing dwindling prospects.
However, rather than capitulating to their circumstances, the O’Jays made a pivotal decision to sign with Philadelphia International Records, a burgeoning label helmed by the illustrious songwriting and production duo, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. This marked a significant turning point. Prior to this, Gamble & Huff’s efforts with the O’Jays had been confined to niche R&B audiences. Their partnership with the O’Jays took a transformative leap with the release of *Back Stabbers* in 1972—the third release on the Philly Int’l label and the first O’Jays album backed by substantial major label support.
The album’s lead single, “Back Stabbers,” soared to No. 3 on the Hot 100 and claimed the top spot on the Hot Soul Singles chart, heralding the arrival of “Philly soul” and the O’Jays as its new torchbearers. This success was followed by the iconic “Love Train,” which similarly topped both charts, cementing their new-found prominence in the music industry.
Throughout the 1970s, the O’Jays continued to dominate the R&B charts, scoring fifteen Top 10 entries and achieving notable crossover success with tracks like “I Love Music” and “For The Love Of Money.” Despite the death of member William Powell in 1977, the group’s momentum remained undiminished, with Sammy Strain joining the lineup and hits like “Use Ta Be My Girl” furthering their acclaim.
As the 1980s unfolded, the O’Jays released “Forever Mine,” a track that debuted in the Top 40 of the new decade. The song, although lacking the overtly “Eighties” sound, maintained the signature style of Gamble & Huff’s lush arrangements. The track, with its smooth delivery and familiar formula, was a testament to the O’Jays’ ability to adapt and persist. However, while “Forever Mine” was pleasant and well-crafted, it fell short of achieving epic status, despite a compelling bridge that briefly elevated the song.
“Forever Mine” turned out to be the O’Jays’ final Top 40 hit. They faced a significant hiatus from the Hot 100, but their influence endured. The group continued to perform and release music well into the 1990s, even as Philadelphia International Records struggled and eventually closed its doors. The O’Jays’ legacy persisted, earning them accolades like inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Despite the challenges and changes in the music industry, the O’Jays remained steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, releasing new material as recently as 2019.
The video for “Forever Mine” epitomizes the straightforward elegance of classic R&B performances, showcasing the group’s impeccable stage presence and synchronization in their iconic sequined suits. Even in a rapidly evolving musical landscape, The O’Jays’ enduring presence and commitment to their craft illustrate the true power of persistence in the music industry.
Video
Lyrics
Forever mine,
All because you’re my kind.
Aw, baby,
I got what you want, you got what I want,
An` we were made for each other. (oo-oo)
Forever mine,
An` I`m so glad
`Cause it gets better with time.
Oh, girl
I like what you like, you like what I like,
An` we were made for each other.
Oh, baby,
You are that someone I’ve been hopin`,
I’ve been lookin` for all my days.
Don`t you ever think about leavin`,
This heart of mine would be grievin`.
Don`t go…stay…stay.
Forever mine,
Aw, we`re, we`re one of a kind.
Mmm, oo-oo, baby girl
I need what you need, you need what I need,
And we were made for each other.
Oo-oo, oh girl.
Oh, baby,
I want to love you,
Love you so, make it good,
Right down to the bone, to the bone.
`Cause it`s you I`m thinkin` about pleasin`,
Give you all the love you`re needin`.
Don`t go..(please) stay (stay) stay.
Forever mine,
`Cause you and me, we get along just fine.
Aw, baby,
I got what you want (good love),
You got what I want (good lovin`),
And we were made for each other.
Aw, we`ve been around
And I’ve had a lot of loves
And I know you had a lot of loves, too
But I ain`t never had nobody
That do the things you do.
We go together,
Well, like the birds in the trees.
I`d be in a round of trouble, girl,
If you wasn’t here with me…stay!
Forever mine
Oh, `cause, `cause you`re my kind.
Oo-oo, baby (baby) baby girl,
You know that I like what you like (good love),
You like what I like (good lovin`),
And we belong together.
Oo-oo, baby, ah-ah, baby…you
I got what you want, you got what I want,
And we were made for each other,
For each other, girl,
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh, girl.
You know that
(I like what you like) It gets better,
(I like what I like) It`s better with time.
We were made for each other, girl
For each other, baby.
I got what you want
So don`t you ever think about leavin`
Oh, baby, oh, girl
I like what you like
‘Cause it`s you I`m thinkin` about pleasin`
Oo-oo baby,
Oh, girl… oh, girl
I know that the, ah
Don`t ever think about leavin`
I need your lovin`
Oh, baby… and if you leave me
‘Cause it`s you I`m thinkin` about pleasin’
Oh, baby… aahh,
Never think about leavin’
(Don`t do it) don`t do it (don`t do it) oh, baby
It`s you I`m thinkin` about pleasin`
Aahh…
Don`t you ever think about leavin` (Don`t do it)
Don`t do it, baby?