About the song
“When Will I See You Again” by The Three Degrees is a soulful ballad that has left an enduring impact since its release in 1974. Featured on their album ‘The Three Degrees’, this song showcases the group’s ability to blend soulful harmonies with heartfelt lyrics.
The song was written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, two influential figures in the Philadelphia soul music scene. Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff co-founded Philadelphia International Records and became known for their distinctive sound characterized by lush orchestration and emotive lyrics. “When Will I See You Again” exemplifies their talent for crafting poignant songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
Upon its release, “When Will I See You Again” became a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. Its success propelled The Three Degrees into the spotlight as one of the leading female vocal groups of the 1970s, alongside their other hits such as “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)”.
The song’s universal theme of longing and yearning for a loved one struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The Three Degrees’ smooth vocal delivery, coupled with the lush production by Gamble and Huff, contributed to the song’s timeless appeal and emotional resonance.
“When Will I See You Again” remains a classic soul ballad that continues to be beloved by fans of soul music and appreciated for its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics. Its enduring popularity has ensured its place in the canon of soul music, where it stands as a testament to The Three Degrees’ contribution to the genre.
In summary, “When Will I See You Again” stands as a timeless testament to The Three Degrees’ vocal prowess and the songwriting genius of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Its ability to evoke emotions of love and longing makes it a cherished piece of music history that continues to touch hearts across generations.
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Lyrics
Hoo, hah
Hah, hoo
Precious moments
When will I see you again?
When will we share precious moments?
Will I have to wait forever?
Will I have to suffer? (Suffer)
And cry the whole night through?
When will I see you again?
When will our hearts beat together?
Are we in love or just friends?
Is this my beginning or is this the end?
When will I see you again?
When will I see you again?
When will I see you again?
Hah, hoo
(Precious moments)
Are we in love or just friends?
Is this my beginning or is this the end? (Is this the end?)
When will I see you again?
When will I see you again?
When will I see you again?
Sweet, sweet love of mine
(When will I see you again?) Come on, come on
(When will I see you again?) Tell me when
(When will I see you again?) My sweet love, oh, yes
(When will I see you again?) Ooh, yeah