Gene Pitney was a superstar during the 1960s

About the Song

Gene Pitney was an American singer-songwriter who had a string of hit singles in the 1960s. He was known for his powerful voice and his dramatic stage presence. One of his most popular songs was “I’m Gonna Be Strong”, which was released in 1964.

“I’m Gonna Be Strong” is a ballad about a man who is trying to put on a brave face after a breakup. He tells his lover that he is going to be strong and move on, even though he is hurting inside. The song’s lyrics are full of heartbreak and longing, but they also convey a sense of hope and determination.

The song was a commercial success, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It has also been covered by many other artists, including Dusty Springfield, Cliff Richard, and Cher.

“I’m Gonna Be Strong” is a classic example of Gene Pitney’s songwriting and performing skills. The song’s powerful lyrics and emotional delivery make it a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today.

Some interesting facts about the song:

  • The song was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who also wrote other hits such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” and “On Broadway”.
  • The song was originally recorded by Gene Pitney in 1964.
  • The song has been covered by many other artists, including Dusty Springfield, Cliff Richard, and Cher.
  • The song was used in the 1994 film “Pulp Fiction”.

Gene Pitney The Music's Over

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Lyrics: I’m Gonna Be Strong

I can see you’re slipping away from me
and you’re so afraid I’ll plead with you to stay
But I’m gonna be strong and let you go your wayOur love is gone there’s no sense in holding on
cos your pity now would be to much to bear
So I’m gonna be strong and pretend I don’t care
I’m gonna be strong and stand as tall as I am
Yes I’m gonna be strong and let you run along
and take it like a manWhen you say it’s the end I’ll just hand you a line
I’ll smile and say don’t you worry I’m fine
and you’ll never know
darling after you kiss me goodbye
How I’ll break down and cry

You Missed

Dolly Parton turned a simple handmade coat into one of the most powerful songs of her life because to her, it was never really about the fabric. “Coat of Many Colors” sprang directly from Dolly’s growing-up years in East Tennessee. Her mother, Avie Lee, pieced the jacket together by sewing colorful rags the family already owned. Cash was mighty tight, so there was no running down to the store for brand-new clothes. Instead, Avie Lee took what was on hand and stitched together something warm for her little girl to wear. While the needle flew, she shared the Bible story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, turning an ordinary piece of clothing into something special in Dolly’s eyes. Proudly wearing that coat to school, Dolly felt rich, but the other kids saw it differently. They laughed at the patches and teased her for having so little. Years down the road, Dolly penned those childhood memories into “Coat of Many Colors.” Released in 1971, the tune became a shining example of why her songwriting touched so many souls. She never tried to hide hard times or dress up her youth to look prettier than it was. She simply laid the sting of teasing side-by-side with the deep love that stitched the coat together, letting that honest truth speak for itself. The song eventually grew far beyond that original vinyl record. Its spirit inspired the 2015 television movie Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, followed by Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love the very next year. Those films opened a window into Dolly’s mountain home, introducing folks to the hardworking parents and siblings who shaped her long before the bright lights found her. By then, Dolly had worn glittering stage gowns worth more than her family could ever have dreamed. Yet the garment folks remember best remains that humble little coat stitched by a mother’s loving hands when buying something new simply wasn’t in the cards. That is why the memory stayed alive. The scraps faded away, but the lesson underneath never did.