Have You Seen Her – The Chi- Lites

About the Song

Absolutely, let’s shift gears and explore a different side of The Chi-Lites with their soulful ballad, “Have You Seen Her.” Released in 1971 on the album (For God’s Sake) Give More Power to the People, this song paints a vivid picture of heartbreak and loss.

Imagine a man grappling with the absence of a loved one. The song opens with a spoken intro, setting the scene: the narrator was once happy, but now feels lost and lonely after his woman left. Eugene Record’s vocals take center stage, brimming with a palpable sense of longing and despair. He searches for any sign of her, a letter, a message, anything to ease the ache in his heart.

Musically, “Have You Seen Her” is a slow-burning ballad that tugs at the heartstrings. A melancholic piano melody lays the foundation, while the horns provide occasional bursts of emotional intensity. The rhythm section keeps things subtle, echoing the narrator’s listless state. The background vocals add a layer of gospel-tinged harmony, amplifying the song’s emotional weight.

“Have You Seen Her” isn’t just a song about a lost love; it’s a relatable story about missing someone who was once a constant presence in your life. The song resonated with listeners, becoming a staple of The Chi-Lites’ repertoire. It showcased their ability to deliver not just upbeat soul anthems, but also deeply personal ballads that explored the darker side of love and loss.

Even today, “Have You Seen Her” retains its power to evoke empathy. It’s a song that anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak can connect with. The song offers a poignant reminder of the lasting impact love can have on our lives, even after it’s gone. So, if you’re in the mood for a soulful ballad that captures the raw emotions of loss and longing, then “Have You Seen Her” is a must-listen.

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Lyrics: “Have You Seen Her”

One month ago today
I was happy as a lark
But now I go for walks
To the movies, maybe to the park

And have a seat on the same old bench
To watch the children play, huh
You know, tomorrow is their future
But to me just another day

They all gather around me
They seem to know my name
We laugh, tell a few jokes
But it still doesn’t ease my pain

Well, I know I can’t hide from a memory
‘Though day after day I’ve tried
I keep sayin’ she’ll be back
But today again I lied

Oh, I see her face everywhere I go
On the street and even at the picture show
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?

Oh, I hear her voice as the cold winds blow
In the sweet music on my radio
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?

Why, oh why
Did she have to leave and go away, oh yeah
Oh, I’ve been used to havin’ someone to lean on
And I’m lost
Baby, I’m lost

Oh doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?

Oh doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?

Oh, she left her kiss upon my lips
But left that break within my heart
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?

Oh, I see her hand reaching out to me
Only she can set me free
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?

Why oh why?
Did you have to leave and go away? Oh yeah
Ooh oh, I’ve been used to having someone to lean on
And I’m lost, baby I’m lost

Oh doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?

As another day comes to an end
I’m lookin’ for a letter or somethin’
Anything that she would send
With all the people I know
I’m still a lonely man
You know, it’s funny
But I thought I had her in the palm of my hand

Have you seen her
Tell me, have you seen her (tell me, have you seen her?)

Oh doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?
Have you seen her?
Tell me, have you seen her?