I've Got to Use My Imagination

Gladys Knight & the Pips

About I've Got to Use My Imagination

"I've Got to Use My Imagination" is a song recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Released from the hit album, Imagination, which was their debut album with Buddah Records, the song was a success on the soul and pop charts. It spent a week at number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart in early 1974 and peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of their highest charting songs. It eventually sold over one million copies. On the series A Different World, Whitley, Jaleesa and another classmate perform the song to audition to sing backup for Gladys Knight (who made a special guest appearance on the show). The song has been covered by such artists as Joan Osborne, Professor RJ Ross, Bobby Bland, Joe Cocker and The Rides. Ian Moss recorded a version for his sixth studio album, Soul on West 53rd (2009). 


Year:
1990
3:28
89 
#1

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I've really got to use my imagination
To think of good reasons
To keep on keepin' on (keep on keepin' on)

Got to make the best of (best of, best of) a bad situation (bad situation)
Ever since that day (ever since that day) I woke up and found
That you were gone (gone, gone)

Darkness all around me
Blackin' out the sun
Old friends call me
But I just don't feel like talkin to anyone

Emptiness has found me
And it just won't let me go
Go right on livin'
But why, I just don't know
(You're too strong not to keep on keeping on) Yes, I am

(You're too strong not to keep on keeping on) staring down reality
Don't do me no good
'Cause our misunderstanding
Is too well understood (too well understood)

Such a sad, sad season (sad, sad season)
When a good love dies (when a good love dies)
Not a day goes by (not a day goes by)
When I don't realize (realize)

I've really got to use my imagination (I've got to use)
To think of good reasons (I've got to use)
To keep on keepin' on (I've got to use)

I've got to make the best of (best of, best of) a bad situation (bad situation)
Ever since that day (ever since that day) I woke up and found that you were gone

(You're too strong not to keep on keeping on)
(I've got to use my imagination) my imagination
(I've got to use my imagination) to think of good reasons
(I've got to use my imagination) to keep on pushin' on
I said I've got to make the best of (best of, best of)
Of a bad situation (bad situation)
Ever since that day (ever since that day) I woke up and found that you were gone
(You're too strong not to keep on keeping on) I really got to use
(I've got to use) that imagination, gotta think of good reason

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Gladys Knight & the Pips

Gladys Knight & The Pips were an R&B/soul family musical act from Atlanta, Georgia, active from 1953 to 1989. The group was best known for their string of hit singles on Motown's "Soul" record label and Buddah Records from 1967 to 1975, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967) and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973). The longest-lived incarnation of the act featured Gladys Knight on lead vocals, with The Pips, who included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and their cousins Edward Patten and William Guest, as backup singers. more »

7 fans

Written by: Barry Goldberg, Gerry Goffin

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Song Creation
"I've Got to Use My Imagination" was written by Gerry Goffin and Barry Goldberg. The songwriting duo had previously created a number of hits for other artists.
Gladys Knight & the Pips
The song was a big hit for Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1973. It's one of their most iconic songs. - It was released as a single from their "Imagination" album in 1973 and quickly climbed the charts. - "I've got to Use My Imagination" reached number 1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and number 4 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. - The song showcased the soulful and emotive vocals of the group's lead singer, Gladys Knight, and it was recognized with a Grammy nomination in 1974.
Joan Osborne
Joan Osborne covered "I've Got to Use My Imagination" on her 2007 release, "Breakfast in Bed." - Osborne's version traded the original's soulful pop sound for a more bluesy and gritty interpretation. - This contemporary cover was included alongside other soul and R&B classics on the album and was well received by critics and fans alike.
Joe Cocker
Joe Cocker recorded his rendition of "I've Got to Use My Imagination" for his album "Hymn for My Soul" in 2007. - Known for his gravelly voice and emotive delivery, Cocker brought his own unique style to the song. - It showcased Cocker's ability to take popular songs and make them his own, something he was legendary for from iconic tracks like The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends."
Song's Impact
Not only was "I've Got to Use My Imagination" a commercial success, but it also carried a positive message that resonated with many people. - The song's theme of perseverance and using one's imagination to overcome trials and tribulations has been a source of inspiration for many. - It has been covered by numerous artists in various genres, further exemplifying its broad appeal and timeless message. - The song remains one of Gladys Knight & the Pips' most enduring hits and continues to be a staple in their live performances.

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