Ruben Studdard Fansite

Want an example of an all-American success story? Then look no further than Ruben Studdard.

Studdard, though born in Germany, is pure American. He was born while his father was stationed there in the United States military. He was raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He received a scholarship for football. He grew up listening to American soul artists Donny Hathaway. And, in 2003, he won the American Idol singing contest, beating out Clay Aiken by a fairly small margin.

After his success Studdard released his very first single, which was a cover of Flying Without Wings (originally created by Irish pop band Westlife). This was the last song he sang on the final show of American Idol before being declared the winner. Ironically enough, it was defeated on the New Zealand charts by Clay Aiken’s first single, though it did better on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting in second place.

Lyrics to Flying Without Wings:

Everybody’s looking for that something
One thing that makes it all complete
You’ll find it in the strangest places
Places you never knew it could be
Some find it in the faces of their children
Some find it in their lovers eyes
Who can deny the joy it brings
When you find that special thing
You’re flying without wings

Some find it sharing in every morning
Some in their solitary lives
You’ll find it in the works of others
A simple line can make you laugh or cry
You’ll find it in the deepest friendships
The kind you cherish all your lives
And when you know how much that means
You have found that special thing
You’re flying without wings

[Bridge]
So impossible as they may seem
You’ve got to fight for every dream
‘Cuz who’s to know which one you let go
Would have made you complete

But for me it’s waking up beside you
To watch the sun rise on your face
To know that I can say I love you
At any given time or place
It’s the little things that only I know
Those are the things that make you mine, all mine
And it’s the flying without wings
‘Cuz you’re my special thing
I’m flying without wings
You’re the place my life begins
And you’ll be where it ends
I’m flying without wings
And that’s the joy it brings
I’m flying without wings