Introduction:
Released in 1971, “Have You Seen Her” is a timeless soul ballad by the legendary vocal group, The Chi-Lites. The song’s poignant lyrics and yearning melody struck a chord with listeners, propelling it to become a major hit and solidify The Chi-Lites’ place among soul music’s elite.
Written by Eugene Record, the group’s founder and lead singer, “Have You Seen Her” tells the story of a man searching for a lost love. His heart aches with every unanswered question, and the desperation in his voice resonates deeply. The song’s simplicity is its strength, relying on powerful vocals and a soulful arrangement to convey the deep emotions of the lyrics.
Carl Davis, of the famed Chess Records, produced “Have You Seen Her”. Chess Records, a powerhouse in the soul and blues scene, was home to iconic artists like Etta James, Chuck Berry, and Muddy Waters. Davis’s production prowess helped shape the sound of “Have You Seen Her,” creating a warm and inviting soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s emotional core.
“Have You Seen Her” achieved remarkable success upon its release. It soared to number three on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart, demonstrating its widespread appeal. However, its dominance was even more pronounced on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, where it claimed the coveted number one spot. This accomplishment solidified The Chi-Lites’ reputation as a leading force in rhythm and blues.
The song’s impact transcended the United States. “Have You Seen Her” became a hit across the Atlantic, reaching number three on the UK Singles Chart in February 1972. The song’s popularity even enjoyed a resurgence in 1975 when it was re-released as a double A-side with another Chi-Lites classic, “Oh Girl”. This re-release climbed to number five on the UK charts, proving the enduring affection for “Have You Seen Her”.
“Have You Seen Her” is more than just a hit song; it’s a cultural touchstone. The song’s themes of love, loss, and longing resonate with listeners across generations. Its inclusion on countless soul music compilations and its frequent sampling in hip-hop tracks are testaments to its lasting influence. The song continues to be a beloved favorite, ensuring its place in the soul music canon.
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Lyrics:
Ah…ah…ah…ah…ah…ah…Ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…Ah…ah…ah…ah…ah…ah…Ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…One month ago todayI was happy as a larkBut now I go for walksTo the movies, maybe to the parkI have a seat on the same old benchTo watch the children play, huhYou know tomorrow is their futureBut for me just another dayThey all gather ’round me, huhThey seem to know my nameWe laugh, tell a few jokesBut it still doesn’t ease my painI know I can’t hide from a memoryThough day after day I’ve triedI keep sayin’ she’ll be backBut today again I’ve liedOh, I see her face everywhere I goOn the street and even at the picture showHave you seen herTell me have you seen herOh, I hear her voice as the cold winds blowIn the sweet music on my radioHave you seen herTell me have you seen herWhy, oh, whyDid she have to leave and go away?Oh…oh…oh…oh…oh…I’ve been used to havin’ someone to lean onAnd I’m lost, baby, I’m lostOh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooDoo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooHave you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]Oh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooDoo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooHave you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]Oh, she left her kiss upon my lipsBut left that break within my heartHave you seen herTell me have you seen herOh, I see her hand reaching out to meOnly she can set me freeHave you seen herTell me have you seen herWhy, oh, whyDid she have to leave and go awayOh…oh…oh…oh…oh…I’ve been used to havin’ someone to lean onAnd I’m lost, baby, I’m lostOh, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooDoo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooHave you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]As another day comes to an endI’m lookin’ for a letter or somethin’Anything that she would sendWith all the people I know, hmmI’m still a lonely manYou know it’s funnyI thought I had her in the palm of my handHave you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]Oh (Oh, yeah…eah…eah…), doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooDoo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, dooHave you seen her (Have you seen her)Tell me have you seen her (Have you seen her)Have you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]Have you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]Have you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]Have you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]Have you seen herTell me have you seen her [Tell me have you seen her]