He began his adult life as a young preacher in Philadelphia, where he hosted a gospel radio show. In the 1960s, he signed with Atlantic Records and began moving towards more secular music. His first hit was Just Out Of Reach Of My Open Arms, a cover of a country song. Though well-received by both peers and critics, and attaining a few moderate pop and several major R&B hits, Burke never could quite break through into the mainstream as did his contemporaries like Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.
Nevertheless, his emotive delivery, polished production, as well as the touches of country and pop sensibility in his music won him admirers and imitators. In 1964 he wrote and recorded Everybody Needs Somebody To Love his most prominent bid for an enduring soul standard. Covered by the Rolling Stones the same year, other well-known versions include one by Wilson Pickett and another a decade and a half later in the 1980 feature film by The Blues Brothers. Burke's biggest hit was a 1969 cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's Proud Mary.
His career was to some degree revived in 2002, with the release of the album Don't Give Up On Me, produced by Joe Henry, where he sang songs written specifically for the album by a roster of top-rank artists, including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Van Morrison, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits and Joe Henry himself.
He is featured in the 2004 movie Lightning in a Bottle singing Turn on Your Love Light and Down in the Valley.
As of October 2002 Burke was the father of 14 daughters and 7 sons with 64 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Several of his children and grandchildren have had successful careers in various facets of the music industry, though none as much so as their patriarch.
Burke died, arriving at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam where he was supposed to perform with Dutch band De Dijk with whom he recorded an album, entitled Hold on Tight.
Rock icon Mick Jagger performed a tribute to Burke at the 2011 Grammy Awards, laying down Burke's classic hit "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love".
A cover of Everybody Needs Somebody To Love received huge exposure as the music for Amazon's 2019 Christmas commercial.
Proud Mary
Solomon Burke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Workin' for The Man ev'ry night and day
And I never lost one minute of sleepin'
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Been alot of places like Memphis
And I had a lot of fun down in New Orleans
But I never saw the good side of the city
'Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
If you come down to the river
Bet you gonna find some people who live
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
People on the river are happy to give
Big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
The song "Proud Mary" by Solomon Burke is an ode to a simpler life by the river. The singer explains how they had left the busy city life, working for "The Man" every day, but never lost a minute of sleep worrying about how things could have turned out. They had been to many places, such as Memphis and New Orleans, but never saw the good side of things until they "hitched a ride on a river boat queen." It is on this river that they discover a new way of living and where the people who live there are happy to give.
The chorus is a metaphor for life, with the "big wheel" representing time and life's journey. Proud Mary symbolizes the hope, passion, and power one needs to keep moving forward. The song's repetitive "rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river" suggests that despite the struggles and obstacles of life, one should keep pushing and rolling on like the river.
The song has been covered by various artists, most notably by Creedence Clearwater Revival, whose version became a big hit. It speaks to generations of those seeking freedom and a life less complex by the river. It embodies the spirit of the American South, and its message remains relevant today.
Line by Line Meaning
Left a good job in the city
I quit my corporate office job in the city because I wanted something more meaningful and less stressful.
Workin' for The Man ev'ry night and day
I was working for a big company and putting in long hours every day.
And I never lost one minute of sleepin'
I didn't stress or worry about leaving my old job behind.
Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been
I didn't spend any time worrying about what could have gone differently in the past.
Big wheel keep on turnin'
The wheel of life constantly moves forward and we have to keep going with it.
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
My determination and passion keep driving me forward.
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river
I keep moving forward and never stand still, just like a river that never stops flowing.
Been alot of places like Memphis
I've traveled to many different cities and have seen a lot of new things.
And I had a lot of fun down in New Orleans
I've had a blast experiencing the unique culture and energy of New Orleans.
But I never saw the good side of the city
I didn't truly appreciate the beauty and positive aspects of the city until I experienced it from a different perspective.
'Til I hitched a ride on a river boat queen
I didn't fully understand or appreciate the wonders of the city until I saw it from the peaceful perspective of a river boat cruise.
If you come down to the river
If you take the time to stop and appreciate the natural beauty of the river, you'll be rewarded with a unique and wonderful experience.
Bet you gonna find some people who live
You'll find people who have chosen to live and work near the river, embracing the unique opportunities that come with it.
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
There's no need to stress about financial concerns when you're surrounded by people who believe in generosity and sharing.
People on the river are happy to give
Those who live and work along the river are known for their generous and welcoming spirit.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Cameron Fogerty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind