Do You Know Where You're Going To
Ray Conniff · Other Songs - Ray Conniff
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to, do you know?
Do you get what you're hoping for?
When you look behind you there's no open door.
What are you hoping for, do you know?
Once we were standing still in time,
Chasing the fantasies that filled our minds.
And you knew how I loved you but my spirit was free,
Laughing at the questions that you once asked of me.
Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to, do you know?
Now looking back at all we planned,
We let so many dreams just slip through our hands.
Why must we wait so long before we see
How sad the answers to those questions can be?
Do you know where you're going to?
Do you like the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to, do you know?
Do you get what you're hoping for?
When you look behind you there's no open door.
Do You Know Where You're Going To
Ray Conniff's "Do You Know Where You're Going To" stands as a quintessential example of his mastery over the instrumental ballad format. Recorded in the mid-1960s, the track showcases Conniff's signature ability to weave complex orchestral textures into a gentle, evocative melody that prioritizes atmosphere over vocal performance. As a leader in the jazz and easy listening genres, Conniff frequently collaborated with vocalists to create such pieces, yet his own arrangements often served as the primary vehicle for emotional expression. The composition reflects the era's fascination with romantic introspection and the sophisticated use of woodwinds and strings to convey narrative depth without words. This recording remains a staple in collections of instrumental jazz standards, illustrating Conniff's enduring influence on the genre's approach to lyrical storytelling through pure instrumentation.