This hit single, a tribute to American musician Donny Hathaway, who died in January 1979, reached number 21 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.
People speak your name
And think what a shame you're gone
Still they know
What you've left behind
Lives in our hearts and minds
Today and tomorrow
Though clouds of darkness came your way
You've given us a brighter day
And your music will be
So very, very special to me
(Donny)
Sometimes wealth and fame
Whispered "Play my game"
But you, yes, you refused to
Genius touched your soul
Fortune not your goal
God's gift is what shaped you
A voice like silk would weave your spell
And words of life, oh, did you tell
And your music is gonna be
Very, very special to me
In life's fleeting glance
Few have met the chance to give
All they can
(Donny)
And though short your stay
Before you went away with them
Now you stand
Listening to your sounds of joy
I thank one shy ghetto boy
And your music will always be
So very, very special to me
Said I love you, Donny
And you're gonna always be
Very, very, very special to me
(We miss you, we miss you, Donny)
Gonna miss one shy little ghetto boy
This is a song for you
(We miss you, we miss you, Donny)
Said I love you, Donny, and I miss you, Donny
You're gonna always be a friend to me
(We miss you, we miss you, Donny)
Miss you, Donny
Yeah, I miss you, Donny
Song for Donny was written by Carrie Lucas & Donny Hathaway.
Song for Donny was produced by Dick Griffey & The Whispers.