The Three Degrees - 'If and When' [Live] - Europe 1974

'If and When’ a true soul classic from the peerless Three Degrees
The Three Degrees line-up: Sheila Ferguson, Valerie Holiday, Fayette Pinkney
Lyrics:
Through these eyes
I can see loneliness heading my way
The light of love has gone out
Now your shadow's gone away
You took away the sound
The touch, the smell, my sight
To see your smile
Oh, if and when
You're headed back this way
Where love was found
Want you to know this girl
Will be around (still be around)
If you decide to mend a heart
That you broke in pieces
You told me when we first met
That you'd soon being going away
Because there is somebody else
Demanding all your time
She took away the sound
The touch, the smell, my sight
To see your smile
Oh, if and when
You're headed back this way
Where love was found
Want you to know this girl
Will be around (still gonna be around)
If you decide to mend a heart
That you broke in pieces, oh, baby
Loneliness, loneliness
Come on, come on back to me
I need your love,
If and when (oh, baby)
You're headed back this way where love was found
Ooh, I need you
Want you to know this girl will still be around
If and when
You're back this way again
Come on back to me
If and when
You're headed back this way where love was found
Please, please, please
Want you to know this girl will still be around
If and when
Come on back to me again
You're headed back this way where love was found
Want you to know this girl will still be around
If and when
You're back this way again
If and when
Songwriters: B. Sigler / J.B. Jefferson / Lenny Pakula

[@KRod7937]

Who else is here because Instagram!!!! What a powerful song...

[@noladarrling]

🙋🏿‍♀️

[@koapakakaluhiokalani4507]

I wholeheartedly agree ❤

[@daniechvn]

Facebook*

[@BonthePlayer]

Definitely me!!!

[@EloquentThinker]

Meeeeee 🙌🏾

[@PossiblyProbably]

Imagine catching this on TV Live in 74 and not being able to replay it over and over and over. Then you buy the record, and although it's still a great song, you'd always know in the back of your head that this perfect live masterpiece version exists out there. Then one day in 2021 someone uploads it to KZbin. I hope these people have found it again.

[@JP-lh5py]

Agreed. The recording is fine but this live performance blows it out of the water.

[@miaoberneder7127]

I've listened to it about 100 times since it popped up on youtube

[@AZyzk]

Wooooooow!

[@theydontknow806]

That's how I feel about everything from my era (80's) & is now found/ uploaded to KZbin. It's amazing!

[@hamishpalmer]

🤍

[@alexandermonroe774]

The Dresses. The Hair. The Nails. The Harmonies. The Drama Of It All. It Just Doesn’t Get Any Better.

[@breezy414]

The mics were on. The rent was due!! This was pure soul and emotion. @4:09 The way valerie crecendo into still be around ! They did what needed to be done. These harmonies alone will put you in a trance.

[@cinemeleon2808]

Hell to the yeah, those mic were HOT!!!!

[@NEWJerzyfilms82]

That’s my favorite part!❤

[@MoshaeSmith]

Man WHAT!! I Felt That 😭

[@DrChuckyXL]

Goosebumps listening to that part ❤

[@shondrasingbrt]

The musicality of their voices. Extremely soulful and emotionally charging, whew!

[@letlotlosibanda]

Valerie's "Looooonelineeeeeeess, loneliNEEEEEESSSSS" was so perfect. 😢

[@portiaguillory4530]

Sent chills through me

[@Lifecoachingwithfarrah]

I love this comment ❤

[@roberthouse4228]

Yes!

[@caseteamcouture8633]

Yesss it made me cry chile!!

[@alexistaylor7034]

Goosebumps everytime

[@raheemb1976]

I discovered them on instagram today and they been on repeat ever since .. ❤❤❤

[@pasquelross1709]

Same! Sent a message to my parents asking how I didn’t know about them.

[@piperdoss7300]

Same!!!

[@moucheamerde]

omg same

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

Riiiighttt. I knew about them, but THIS SONG!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@AshleyJohnson-xd1ei]

Same

[@BNerdy]

I love how Tik tok is putting people on to Music from the 70’s and giving this group the flowers they deserve. Now back to rewatch this for like the 100th time

[@rolandorzabal1955]

Completely agree. I can't believe I had never heard of them before

[@renijustreal]

Same! I watch this at least once a day! Unsung Sheroes!

[@kwilcox1126]

Exactly.

[@robert_of_bob23]

Well said!

[@tshedisetiloane1518]

No one is trying to out shine or over sing anyone. That's why we're able to appreciate their talents individually and even as a group. I honestly cannot get over this performance. ❤

[@suzieque5989]

Me either! Amazing how it all just came together like that

[@904boiace]

Facts ❤❤❤

[@ThePrincessavalon]

Honestly no one had to out sang each other because they were all on the same level

[@nubeing500]

I'm hooked and addicted

[@mykhaelbrandon]

Exactly its such a rarity to let everyone such live in their authenticity and SANG!

[@frannywest9381]

Notice how soon as they sing heart broken into pieces they sing individually as if broken apart 2:48

[@alexandermonroe774]

I caught that!!!!!!! Flawless!!!

[@daijasteff]

Real artistry

[@heyitsjaceypenne]

Wow that's a good catch!!

[@michaelwalker9861]

The fact you can hear all 3 clearly is amazing. Real talent and skill here.

[@Whistlesonthewind]

I LOVE HOW THE AUDIENCE SHUT UP AND ALLOWED EVERY SINGLE VOCAL NUISANCE TO BE HEARD! That is the utmost respect. The golden age of live recordings.

[@tboogie82]

I see why Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) and his friends kept screaming "We Want the Three Degrees" on Sanford & Son 😂🔥🔥🔥🔥. Seriously, this is worth watching over and over!

[@brandonspriggs7717]

Lol

[@omoyeleR]

I love when the beautiful lady on the right hit that soft high note at 4:30 and just hold it.

[@sincerejones364]

Yes, I wish they'd given her more camera time cause I wanted to see her singing too to get her performance

[@omoyeleR]

@@sincerejones364right… every soft note in the song is her. It make me want to find each time she did it like it’s a puzzle. The camera helps

[@kennethgray5349]

@@omoyeleRman I’ve watched this about twenty times trying to catch her soft notes.

[@jalandaseaborn5586]

Blacknificent!!!! I think the people in the audience were just mesmerized. I can really hear them individually and together. OMG.

[@kishajones1210]

I can't stop listening to this.. Beautiful 2024

[@jamelburrus4256]

Here!!!

[@eliasgolf2024]

I can't stop either

[@kobaltocr6927]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤on repeat!

[@ericawynn3200]

Me too. I have it on repeat.

[@tftimboe]

✅️✅️✅️✅️✅️

[@raysoamazing]

I literally just discovered this song today and have already watched this 10 times. Music just don’t hit the same anymore.

[@geraldinemclaughlin486]

It's a beautiful song if and when

[@brianmoran3450]

Tell me about it...

[@queencharlibee1991]

I did the exact same when I first heard it about 2 years ago!

[@candicehall5764]

It the emotions for me… My dad loved The Three Degrees and would play their records quite a bit when I was a kid… I randomly channeled this song today in my psyche and was led to KZbin to hear it… this performance wasn’t just musically beautiful but the energy was powerful and captivating … I miss this in music today…

[@dwjones1958]

I did the same thing. I can’t believe i missed this in my youth

[@missmillib]

HOW ON EARTH ARE THEY SO BEAUTIFUL???????

[@SlickDanger]

All 17 of them can sang!!! What?! There's only 3?!?!

[@jaytheproducer1125]

THIS IS HOW YOU SING DAMNIT. THESE THEM WOMEN !!!!!!

[@williamodd]

Please my people, let’s get back to this kind of elegance in our musical culture.

[@donogara8758]

1974...The year I graduated H.S., I was 17...today I am 67...seems like I blinked and 50 years has passed...wasn't it only yesterday??..

[@GeronimoTV1]

Life is short I Know what you are talking about trust me.

[@kbm3840]

The drama is everything 😭❤

[@SomerCanales]

2024 why am I just now hearing this phenomenal performance

[@EsuMandusa]

I’m 34 in here year 2024 😍😍😍😍 underrated! They are so locked in!!! When that drum double beat came in BABY! They was in it!!!!!! 4:13!!!

[@KingTx99]

I’ve been here for almost an hour just vibing on repeat

[@DeidreDeedyAthickfineoneWillia]

Me too😂

[@jennifergordon2101]

Yup

[@mikayvicking6558]

Stoned me here... Literally not looking for something else

[@portia_speaks4785]

This performance is flawless!! their beauty, elegance, stage presence is untouched!!

[@sefquasquad8784]

Let me tell you all! I have cried real tears on this day Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 6:47 PM in New Jersey North America United States ! When I tell you all that I have many songs that I do love, but none can compare to what this song has done to me on this day! Sending love and light into the universe to all the beautiful people beautiful souls!🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜❤️‍🔥💖💝💘💓💗💞💕♥️❣️😘😍🥰🥰😻🏩🏩💒🫀

[@tshedisetiloane1518]

That "come on back to me" at 04:25 I'm literally in a trance. So enchanting.

[@904boiace]

❤

[@lowestoflows2]

3:16!!!

[@knockout912]

One of the most beautiful 3 part harmony I ever heard!🥰🥰🥰

[@gypsylotusblossom777]

You ain't never lie!!!💯💥👏👏👏👏👏❤❤❤🥰

[@andreadavis1770]

Forreal

[@aaronmeece8658]

And when that unison hits….🥰

[@coreyharris273]

Like for real!

[@coreyharris273]

@@aaronmeece8658right! Otherworldly

[@botaktatasumo]

Me in 2024 : still underrated and still aint received the flowers!!!! They're the longest performing girl group ever with the recent line-up being Valerie Holiday (1st Gen), Helen Scott (2nd Gen) and Freddie Poole.

[@lowestoflows2]

I feel like I’m floating back to them…

[@librakingjamesmiller3002]

At about 3:05 when they all closed their eyes they actually transformed and raised their already great and powerful singing up another level. They are unmatched. Amazing voices, chemistry, movement, just pure class and elegance. God truly blessed them truly.

[@TherealAphrodity]

That was truly better than anything that Diana Ross and The Supremes could have ever done

[@christopherwilliams7113]

I just discovered them today through tiktok, this performance in particular I’m blown TF away❤❤❤

[@Geordan419]

Opulence in it's purest form. They are so beautiful it's not even fair!

[@tylercanada5527]

Imagine if Beyonce did a album like this or at least a song

[@kidmusic28]

I’m mesmerized by Valerie’s part

[@marcsmith7709]

Likewise!! Valerie was amazing…. Mesmerizing

[@lovelee1772]

Yessss like whoa!! My girl did that!

[@duanevenner8801]

I’m so captivated by this performance. How have I never come across? I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it…just pure class, talent and perfection. Period.

[@renijustreal]

Same! Same, Same!

[@LoneRanger-et7gq]

It is one of the best live vocal performances ever. Beautiful. ❤

[@JP-lh5py]

I feel like I'm being entranced and serenaded by the most soulful sirens ever. Listening to those harmonies has been a heavenly experience.

[@Themilfokay]

I come here EVERYDAY to feel good.

[@JeanineStaples]

Yes, how are they orchestrating such power? They sound like a full choir. Clearly, talent, skill, blessings, divine favor, ancient mysteries....😂 Just exquisite.

[@tftimboe]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@valentinomays3654]

It's definitely giving ancient mysteries! Because why do they sound like beautiful sirens from the stories of old. I wish I could go back in time and dance to this performance 😊❤

[@AthalieM]

if I were in that audience I would have fainted out of my seat and never recovered.

[@metal4llama798]

I found this yesterday and have not been able to STOP it. It's the haunting bassline, the beautiful allure of the main singer, how they play off of each other vocally... The somberness, forlorn. Being too avalaiable because of love... Imploring him to come visit where love was found. A slave to a love that is okay waiting, but doesn't want to. The images and emotions it conjurs within me is on a whole different level.

[@user-gs2lm4xb7j]

I think the audience is captivated, transfixed, mesmerized and hypnotized.

[@slyru1377]

The passion , the elegance , the soul produced by these Queens is on a whole another level it's a shame I didn't hear this song till now

[@tftimboe]

Facts✅️✅️✅️✅️✅️

[@Sir.Tallen]

Chile I’m so confused it sounds like 6 people are singing but there is only 3 😂. How are they doing it!

[@johnlyndsay]

All three have huge voices… wide range and an amazing blend (like sisters or family members…it’s special).

[@drummerc1795]

@@johnlyndsay could not have said it better!

[@knockout912]

Three part harmonies!

[@jada9401]

All three can be lead singers their voices harmonizes together quite well that's why

[@JeanineStaples]

Yes, how? Clearly, talent, skill, blessings, divine favor, ancient mysteries....😂 Just exquisite.

[@robert_of_bob23]

2:07 The ferocity behind that "She..." is just mindbending.

[@normangourmand]

When the algorithm finally gets it right ✅️❤❤❤

[@gerrendavis7337]

My first time hearing this song in 2024, thanks to Instagram. I wish there was a way to tell them how much I appreciate and love this performance.

[@Dopeamiine]

i try my hardest to avoid this song cause i knew if i listen to it i will repeat it atleast 20 times before i finally move on

[@BRORay611]

Omg they way they sing this!!!🤩🤩🥰 There voices or heavenly!!!😊😊😇

[@orlandoaguasvivas6580]

They TORE this song UP

[@Lifecoachingwithfarrah]

It’s the Powerhouse of Divine Femininity for me❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@aggin10]

This was in 1974...a year after my birth...AND TODAY IS THE VERY FIRST TIME I'M HEARING THIS SONG...lowkey mad at myself, but hey...better late than never!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@a.sam.2976]

It's ok , kiddo.

[@Toniii1]

I’ve had to listen to this more than a dozen times before hearing Valerie’s very subtle “please, please” at the very end. Wow😢

[@HughesTamiLee]

I have never heard of this group. Saw a clip on Instagram and had to come here. They sound incredible! Please bring back real singing!

[@ParisCouture]

Y'ALL BETTER SANNNNGGGGG!!!! 💖💖💖🔥💖💖💖🎉🎉🎉🎉 Whew I got chills! Then my eyes filled with water. 😪 And ahhhh the beauty, the class, the natural and powerful vocal abilities -- this was absolutely sublime!

[@wyldstylz748]

Black beauty never gets old or changes.

[@renataoctaviani-favascozin4028]

The change that happens from minute 3 to the end is simply mindblowing.

[@evaangel9664]

Through these eyes I can see loneliness heading my way The light of love has gone out Now your shadow's gone away You took away the sound The touch, the smell, my sight To see your smile Oh, if and when You're headed back this way Where love was found Want you to know this girl Will be around (still be around) If you decide to mend a heart That you broke in pieces You told me when we first met That you'd soon being going away Because there is somebody else Demanding all your time She took away the sound The touch, the smell, my sight To see your smile Oh, if and when You're headed back this way Where love was found Want you to know this girl Will be around (still gonna be around) If you decide to mend a heart That you broke in pieces, oh, baby Loneliness, loneliness Come on, come on back to me I need your love, if and when (oh, baby) You're headed back this way where love was found Ooh, I need you Want you to know this girl will still be around I need your love, if and when, yeah, yeah You're back this way again If and when, come on back to me You're headed back this way again where love was found Want you to know this girl will still be around Come on, come on, yeah, if and when, yeah I need your love, you're back this way again, oho If and when, if and when, you're headed back this way where love was found Want you to know this girl will still be around I'm going to be around, yeah, if and when I'm going to be around, yeah, you're back this way again If and when, you're headed back this way where love was found Want you to know this girl will still be around If and when, you're back this way again If and when, you're headed back this way where love was found Want you to know this girl will still be around If and when, if and when, you're back this way again If and when, yeah, yeah, you're headed back this way where love was found Want you to know this girl will still be around, yeah If ans when, if and when, if and when you're back this way again If and when, you're headed back this way where love was found Want you to know this girl will still be around

[@darklordbruce6593]

Thank you 👏🏽.

[@DeidreDeedyAthickfineoneWillia]

Thank you! ❤

[@tiffanybell2925]

Thank you, beautiful lyrics ❤❤❤❤

[@tishnelson1063]

Thank you

[@whatsup4825]

The Three Degrees are seriously slept on. They’re incredible!

[@TrulyDevastating]

I have a problem with how the crowd didn’t appreciate this masterpiece like they should!!!

[@Bnizzofashizzo]

That’s because you seem to think that everyone responds like gauche, tacky and loud Americans. This was a live recording in another country during another era. It may not have occurred to you that people show gratitude in different ways. Also, I don’t know if anyone has ever brought up the idea of reading a room to you but, the audience here is not the primary demographic of the singers.

[@mrbillcollecta]

This was the era of live recordings.

[@trenishadaniels8235]

They were quiet and attentive as they should have been!!!

[@roygbiv9038]

Unlike these days, people back than were respectful of others audience members and the singers by actually watching the performance. Idk wtf you’re expecting.

[@lotusx2796]

ABSOLUTELY 👏🏾👏🏾

[@alexistaylor7034]

Stayed on the record player when I was growing up. My daddy always said they weren't fully appreciated. Totally slept on! Well I've never forgotten.These Queens were the best at their craft....THE BEST!

[@bigchee8263]

This is so much better than the album version

[@raymondnegron6825]

Literally obsessed with this performance , a masterpiece caught in time . Entranced with the live arrangement and the girls flawless vocals and harmonies . ❤ exceptional girl group

[@TX-xq6dx]

This classy, glamorous asthetic..🤩 I'm going for this look and feel the next time I get dressed to go out. Bring back elegance. The nails..the hair...the makeup...I love it!

[@justicelabrave]

ALSO PEEP AND HONOR HER WISTLE NOTES ON THE RIGHT END THERE, I HEAR YOU ON MY SOUNDS BOO

[@kimberlybirdsong3368]

Yaaaassss. I heard it too❤. She ate!!!

[@Jim-kb2if]

Just one word sums up this Live performance... perfection xx.

[@bknycest]

My favorite song and performance. Shelia, Fayette and Valerie was PHENOMENAL.

[@jc329]

Yes....yes....yes.....no doubt, they were PHENOMENAL!!!

[@marcsmith7709]

Yes!! PHENOMENAL!!!

[@shirleywest5924]

Awesome....Bad Soul Sistahs.....My favorite female group of all times!!!🌹👍

[@CRIMSONROULETTE]

Which is which

[@ju-nl2ct]

i remember my grandma playing this while we were driving hours back & forth to see my sick grandpa (r. i . p) 🙏🏿💘 this is a gem

[@mscanela27]

I am so very sorry for your loss, I too lost my grandma in 2023 my grandma put me on to this master piece. I love this song so damn much .❤❤❤❤

[@thenewbull00]

🎶Still be around...🎶

[@jaslyn5501]

Whew ❤❤

[@JP-lh5py]

I haven't been this mesmerized from a vocal performance in ages. Sublime.

[@SheilaNMack1]

I've been listening to this song for about 2 months now and I can't stop. It's on my playlist and I cant listen to the other songs because I keep restarting this song. I wish we could go back to music like this. They are singing separately and together at the same time. I would have paid what ever to have seen this performance in person.

[@justinprovideo333]

Can't believe this song is not well known. It's amazing.

[@bigchee8263]

This live version is better than the album version imo

[@asilreyom2698]

How can voices be that perfect singing live? Wow! And they move like a river, like fluid 😮😊

[@mermaidprettymuch]

They are gorgeous.

[@thabisomokoma6830]

Each and every single minute of this performance is an extraordinary moment.

[@asiagibson9162]

The best thing for me in this video is each woman is standing in her own power. Then the powers blend well. I LOVE IT. Watched more times than I can count.

[@rodrigotriana6340]

This one has a level of perfection that is extremely pleasing. Their voices were functioning like three beautiful instruments

[@devinwatkins8055]

I think I have played this almost all day over and over. Can't keep 👀 off the screen.

[@BigDoggAnt72]

My daughter who is 27 years old sent this song to me from Instagram. She really knows my taste in music and I am glad I was able to teach her to appreciate music like this.

[@montrealallen9991]

These ladies were actually 27 years old at the time of this performance!

[@noahking2451]

I feel like the crowd was actually mesmerized more than anything. If were appreciating this now, I can only imagine being there in the momemt and all of them are beautiful and sound amazing vocally

[@ksyes1]

I just discovered this song and have watched it entirely too many times😂😂 I love pure talent and beauty!!

[@ardymco5248]

One of the best live performances of all time---- the gorgeous looks, the emotions, and the vocals!!!!

[@tiffanybell2925]

I love this 💝! Especially when they are using the polyphony technique where they're singing different lines and harmonizing at the same. It adds texture to the music. This is beautifully executed! Three degrees are still performing together 😊😊😊.

[@KLUVATL]

Yesssss! That was what made it such a vocal masterpiece!!!

[@essermin122]

Just listen to this in its entirety.... I can not stop. And let someone else say that magic does not exist. These three women created something so incredible that I had never seen or heard anything like it before.

[@sapphireedwards85]

Looking at them im doing the same arm movements like im the 4th member and swaying my hips n shoulders like im standing on stage 😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@AyeTheG]

It’s that ALL of them are confident in their talent for me. I love seeing strong females do their thing

[@Pooh_likeWinnie]

Chills!!!! I have literal CHILLS! ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@EliV888]

Sirens honestly

[@TheCNRProject]

thanks instagram for bringing this song to my attention. It's a spiritual experience watching this performance. Pure magic.

[@CRIMSONROULETTE]

THE SUPREMES COULD NEVER

[@beekay926]

Now this is music. They sound like absolute angels.🥹♥️🥹

[@jazdj04]

I am emotionally affected by this

[@holladay7]

The break down towards the end was so unique and mesmerizing.. this song stands by itself. Love it!!

[@pD-ur4mm]

I wonder if envogue could cover this. This is on repeat

[@panchitosyabsenta]

Just watched it forthe first time. Top piece of my skull went off, hit the cealing and made a hole into my neighbors house

[@tashikaeubanks2992]

I know right

[@NaturallyBrn]

They giving major face! Yassss!!!

[@justicelabrave]

10X in a row, im not over it, OMG THIS IS EVERYTHING!!!

[@totsuzenshi3882]

This is so captivating that it is haunting. Not sure how many times I've listened to it at this point. The challenge I pose is to literally recreate this exactly by our strongest or most recognized talent without doing any extra and in front of live instruments. Can it even be done? If so, who do we think could pull it off? We need more music like this now. Just beautiful.

[@rolandorzabal1955]

It's that strong alto that will carry it. I'm thinking Jennifer Hudson. Fantasia for fayettes part. Mariah Carey in her prime. I don't know how strong her rang is now for soprano

[@PossiblyProbably]

​@@rolandorzabal1955 I think the people you listed would be too busy trying to upstage each other to blend like this.

[@solomonspearl]

THIS is TALENT! The lady in the middle is gorgeous as they ALL are!! She reminds me of Porsha Williams (Real Housewives of Atlanta). Never knew the Three Degrees was a real group. I remember watching Fred Sanford with my deceased father and him chanting " We want the THREE DEGREES"...Life is BEAUTIFUL. #RIPLAFAYETTE. Thanks for posting.

[@MsYogi838]

I said the same thing. Their resemblance is crazy ❤

[@robf8743]

King Charles III was a big fan of The Three Degrees.

[@tevinmagee9448]

Literally just said the same thing!

[@sharnettemanuel1]

Omg...IG brought me here and I'm stuck