“Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” by Diana Ross

“Do You Know Where You’re Going To” has been described using less-than-flattering descriptions like “pretty-generic” and “syrupy”. In other words, Theme from Mahogany is such that may sound really incredibly deep, but what’s actually being put forth isn’t anything overly mind-boggling or extremely profound, at least not as deemed by some prominent critics. But as inferred earlier, it is considered so by the masses at large in large part due to Diana Ross’s identifiable delivery, which really makes this one of the most-recognizable hits in American history.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Diana Ross's Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To) at Lyrics.org.

Do You Know Where You’re Going To?

The hook of the song, as inferred by its subtitle, centers on the vocalist asking the addressee, most simply put, if he or she is satisfied with the trajectory of their life. 

In the first verse, it is sorta inferred that said individual is a romantic interest of the vocalist or more specifically her ex. Well actually, there isn’t any overtly romantic language anywhere in these lyrics. But it may be interpreted so, especially considering for instance how the song connects to the plotline of the movie, “Mahogany“.

But in any event, what the singer is doing is basically reminiscing on the days when the relationship between she and addressee was at its peak. This was when their love and future outlook was optimistic and unburdened by the cares of the world.

The second verse then proceeds to lead us back into a more general, existential direction. It is here where the true thesis sentiment appears to be found. Despite critics arguing that this piece is sappy, it isn’t unsophisticated. But for the sake of readability and simplicity, let’s describe said sentiment as Diana putting forth that sometimes we get so caught up in the rat race that we neglect the more important things in life. 

And going back to the titular question, what is further being stated is that most people who fall into this modus operandi don’t realize they’re conducting themselves so until it’s too late.

So that’s why in the chorus, the vocalist is entreating the addressee to stop and think about ‘where he’s going’. And let’s conclude by saying that the final implication would be that if, in looking back, you’re not satisfied with where life has taken you, then there’s a possibility that you may well be on the wrong path.

"Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)" Lyrics

The “Mahogany” Film

As indicated by the title, this is actually the theme song to a movie called Mahogany. Diana Ross is first and foremost a singer, but she also has a few notable acting credits in her filmography. Amongst them is Mahogany. In this film, Miss Ross portrays the lead character, “Tracy Chambers”.

To note, Mahogany was actually directed by Berry Gordy, otherwise known as the man who founded Motown Records and ran the label during its most-influential years. And his star performer was in fact Diana Ross. It was therefore apparently he who enlisted her to star in Mahogany and initiated her acting career via Lady Sings the Blues (1972) which preceded it (and which Gordy co-produced). 

And of course Berry and Motown also played a role in the production of The Wiz (1978), which can be considered the most-popular flick in Ross’s terse filmography.

Credits

This song was written by the late Gerry Goffin (1939-2014) and Michael Masser (1941-2015), with Masser also producing the track. To note, they did not do so specifically in the name of Mahogany. This is because the song was recorded a couple of years prior to the film, in 1973 by Thelma Houston. However, Thelma’s version was never officially released. 

Release of “Do You Know Where You’re Going To”

Diana’s version was made public on 1 October 1975. It was backed by Motown and a lesser-known (though apparently affiliated) label called PrioriTyV Records.

Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)

More Interesting Facts

Besides for the soundtrack to Mahogany, which broke the top 20 of the Billboard 200, this song also went on to make the playlist of Diana Ross’s eponymous 1976 studio album, her 1981 compilation project “To Love Again”. It also appeared on her 1983 “Anthology” project.

This song also received a nomination for Best Song at the 48th Academy Awards (i.e. in 1976). This was after a bit of controversy though as initially, the pundits behind the awards deemed that the track wasn’t strong enough to even be nominated. This is despite the song being one of the big hits of that year.

Other singers who went on to cover this song after Diana Ross include the following:

  • Dinah Shore (1976)
  • Shirley Bassey (1995)
  • Mariah Carey (1998)
  • Jennifer Lopez (1999) 

Diana’s version stands as the most notable of all. It was one of six Billboard Hot 100 chart toppers Ross dropped during her career. To note, it also topped the Cashbox Top 100. Furthermore, it reached 5th place on the UK Singles Chart.

This track has also been sampled or interpolated by quite a few notable rap musicians. Some notable ones include the following:

  • DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (“Rock the House”, 1987)
  • Puff Daddy (“Do You Know?”, 1997)
  • Big Sean & Metro Boomin (“Go Legend”, 2017)
  • Slick Rick via the 1988 classic, “Teenage Love”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like...