Releasing her first single in 1959, she struggled to launch her career from segregated New Orleans as a teenage waitress with 4 children in the early 60's. Now, finally undergoing a late career renaissance on the Rounder label, much of her most enduring work was produced in the early 1960's by Allen Toussaint for Minit Records, and she also recorded for other labels including Imperial, Chess, and Atlantic, eventually retiring for a period before reviving her career in earnest in the late 1980's.
Thomas is perhaps best known outside of New Orleans for her recording of "Time Is On My Side," which predated the hit version by the Rolling Stones. Otis Redding's hit "Pain In My Heart" was built on an earlier song, "Ruler of My Heart," recorded by Thomas.
Thomas is still active as a performer, appearing annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and various tour dates in the US and Europe. She has reigned as Queen of the Krewe du Vieux for the 1998 New Orleans Mardi Gras season and often headlined at her own club, the Lion's Den, which is now out of business due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Irma Thomas has participated in numerous post-Katrina charity projects including The New Orleans Social Club, and won numerous awards including the Offbeat Magazine Award, Mojo Magazine's Legends award, Big Easy Award, a Family Services Award and many more. In 2009, Scott Billington compiled a Rounder records retrospective "Irma Thomas: A 50th Anniversary Celebration of The Soul Queen of New Orleans: " .
River Is Waiting
Irma Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A new day is coming, come rise up
They'll be sailing at first light, come gather
Said I force for the crossing, together
[Chorus]
Sail on, sail on, river, sail on
Sail on, sail on, river, sail on
The river is waiting, I'm ready
To step from this island, I'm ready
Gonna leave all my sorrows, behind me
Lift my face to a new day, I'm rising
[Chorus: x4]
The lyrics of Irma Thomas's song "River is Waiting" capture the idea of moving on and starting anew. The first verse talks about the dawn of a new day and beckons the listener to rise and make their way to the river. The second verse speaks of leaving behind sorrow and embracing the new day. The chorus reinforces the idea of moving forward and sailing on, with the repetition of the phrase "Sail on, sail on, river, sail on."
The river itself is a metaphor for the passage of time and the journey through life. It is a symbol of change and renewal, with each bend in the river promising new opportunities and experiences. The references to sailing and crossing suggest that the journey may not always be smooth, but that the river will carry us through.
Overall, the lyrics of "River is Waiting" encourage listeners to let go of the past and embrace the present and future. They remind us that life is a journey, and that we must keep moving forward to reach our destination.
Line by Line Meaning
The river is waiting, come rise up
The opportunity for change is present, let's take advantage of it and rise up
A new day is coming, come rise up
A new beginning is on its way, let's rise up to embrace it
They'll be sailing at first light, come gather
The journey towards a better future begins early, let's gather and prepare to embark together
Said I force for the crossing, together
We must travel across the river of life together, with the strength of unity
Sail on, sail on, river, sail on
Continue flowing towards the future, river of life, continue flowing
The river is waiting, I'm ready
The opportunity for a fresh start is here, and I'm prepared to take advantage of it
To step from this island, I'm ready
I'm ready to leave my past behind and move forward
Gonna leave all my sorrows, behind me
I will no longer let my troubled past hold me down
Lift my face to a new day, I'm rising
I'm ready to face the future with a positive outlook and renewed spirit
Sail on, sail on, river, sail on
Continue flowing towards the future, river of life, continue flowing
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FOGERTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jesse Mueller
on These Honey Dos
Irma Thomas - These Honey Dos lyrics
V1/
Honey, do you see
While you're sittin' there
Two good legs, two good arms
Your butt stuck in that chair
It's get me this, reach me that
Fry the bacon, feed the cat
You're still in that chair, that's where yer at
C1/
I tried to satisfy
All your wishes and your wants
Soon these Honey Dos
Gonna turn into Don'ts
So honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?
V2/
Honey, when I'm away
You always got to know
Who I see, what I do
And everywhere I go
And it's, while yer out, here's the list
Drop off that, pick up this
Yer still in that chair, that's where you is
C2/
Please don't make me try
To get away from you
I'm right here for ya, baby
But ya gotta give me somethin' too
Honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?
B/
I'd do most everything
That I ever could do
All the love I got
I only give ta you
Honey, if you knew
A lover from a crutch
You'd know that everything yer doin'
Don't amount ta much
V1/
Honey, do you see
While you're sitting there
With two good legs, and two good arms
And your butt still stuck in that chair
It's get me this, reach me that
Fry the bacon, feed the cat
You're still in that chair, just gettin' fat
C1/
Tried to satisfy
All your wishes and your wants
Soon these Honey Dos
Are gonna turn into Don'ts
So honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?
{Honey you'd better choose
Do you want me, or these Honey Dos?} ( 2x )
Spoken:
Honey do this, honey do that
Reach for this, reach for that
Now where is please?
Where is thank you?
Yer making a very large assumption
And you know what they say about the word assumption
Now you know you king of this castle
(As long as I'm in it)
But you gotta put a little please in there sometimes
And every now 'n' then think of some Honey Don'ts to say
Y'know? You got me
I wouldn't stay here, if I didn't love ya
But every now and then, put in some please and thank yous
Do ya Honey Do?
Turn 'em into Honey Don'ts
Moses Davis
on Hurt's All Gone
my goodness ump I cant get enough