I've Never Been To Me

The song 'I've Never Been To Me' by Charlene is a poignant ballad that explores the theme of self-discovery and the realization that true happiness often lies in the simple, unglamorous aspects of life. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has experienced a wide array of life's luxuries and adventures, yet feels unfulfilled because she has never truly found herself or experienced genuine contentment.

The narrator addresses another woman, seemingly trapped in the mundanity of her own life, and shares her own journey of chasing dreams and indulging in the world's pleasures. She speaks of exotic travels, romantic encounters, and the high life, which on the surface appear enviable. However, the repeated line 'I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me' reveals a deep sense of regret and longing for a more meaningful existence. The song suggests that the narrator's escapades were a way to escape from herself and that in doing so, she missed out on the true essence of life.

The bridge of the song shifts the perspective, contrasting the illusory nature of 'paradise' with the reality of everyday life. It implies that authentic joy and love are found not in the extraordinary but in the ordinary - the baby being held, the arguments with loved ones, the reconciliation. The song ends with a reflection on the choices made and the realization that the pursuit of superficial experiences has led to a life half-lived. Charlene's emotive delivery of the song underscores the yearning for a connection to something deeper and more fulfilling than the 'subtle whoring' of a life spent chasing illusions.