One of the most popular black singers of the 60s, Wilson Pickett helped introduce the aggressive, rhythmic style of black music to a wide audience and has influenced almost countless rnb artists over the years. It all got started in Prattville, Alabama, where he was raised. Pickett moved to Detroit, Michigan at the age of sixteen, and he made his professional debut spending several years singing with the gospel group The Violinaires in the late 50s. From 1961 to 1963, he was in The Falcons, writing and singing their 1962 hit "I Found A Love".
Pickett then went solo and signed with Lloyd Price's Double L Records, where he wrote and recorded "If You Love Me" and "It's Too Late." In 1964, Pickett signed with Atlantic Records and did his early recordings in the Stax studio in Memphis, Tennessee with Booker T. Jones and Steve Cropper of The MGs. Cropper co-authored three of his early hits, "In the Midnight Hour" and "Don't Fight It from his debut album The Exciting Wilson Pickett that established him as a major soul star. The album also included "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won't Do)," "She's So Good to Me," and "Land of a 1,000 Dances," all recorded at Fame Studio in Muscle Shoals.
Pickett then had hits with "Mustang Sally," "I Found a Love," and "Funky Broadway," all recorded in Muscle Shoals. Pickett then teamed with Bobby Womack in 1968 for Midnight Mover that yielded a Top 10 R7B and pop hit with Womack's title song. In 1969, Pickett had a major hit with The Beatles "Hey Jude,", followed in 1970 by "Sugar, Sugar." Later in 1970, Pickett worked with producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. The result was two crossover hits "Engine Number Nine," and "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You."
After crossover hits "Don't Knock My Love - Part 1" and "Fire and Water" Pickett left Atlantic for RCA, with minimum success. Pickett later recorded for several record companies, including his own Wicked label, but failed to have anymore hits.
Wilson Pickett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.In 1999 he performed with his friend Bruce Springsteen.In 2002 he performed in the movie Only The Strong Survive.Singing his classic hits like In the Midnight hour and Land Of 1000 Dances.In 2004 Pickett retired from performing do to Health problems.Pickett told his sister he was going to the field of God but he never recovered.
On January 19,2006 Pickett died of a heart attack at his home. At his funeral long time friend Richard Pennimen (Little Richard) did a eulogy for Mr Pickett with his brothers at his funeral.
Pickett's Personal life was troubled. In 1993 he struck a pedestrian Pepe Ruiz. Later that year Ruiz died. Soul Singer Don Covay called him "Young and Wild". Pickett was arrested many times in his life.
Save Me
Wilson Pickett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody save me
Save me!
Somebody save me, yeah
Promised myself after the first romance
I wouldn't give ya a second chance
Said you see, you're sure to find
A but the closer I get to ya, baby
You drive me stone out-a-my-mind
Save me!
Oh, yeah, save me! yeah, yeah
Those who love always give the most
We're cryin' together from coast to coast
Love leaves us cold and hurt inside
Leaves of ours unjustified
Beggin' ya ta, save me!
Yeah, need somebody to
Save me! yeah-hey-hey-hey
Yeah, um-hum, yeah, um hum-huh
Your love said ya needed me
You abused my love, set me free
You didn't need, you didn't want me
Somebody help me, this man wants to taunt me
I'm beggin' you ta, ooooh-oh!
Save me! yeah, ee-hee, save me!
Call in the cape crusader, green hornet
Kado too
I'm in so much trouble I don't know what ta do
If you're thinkin' a thing about me
Save me! oh yeah, yea, c'mon
I just said
Save me! baby c'mon
Save me! wooo-hooo, save me!
Fades-
Ooooooooooooooh
Whoa-ho-ho save me
The song "Save Me" by Wilson Pickett is a plea for help from a lover. Pickett sings about how he promised himself he would not give his lover a second chance after their first romance ended, but he finds himself drawn closer to her. The chorus, "Save me! Somebody save me!" is repeated several times, emphasizing his desperation. The bridge of the song suggests that those who love always give the most and that love can leave us feeling cold and hurt inside. Pickett's soulful voice conveys the intensity of his emotions.
The lyrics of "Save Me" tell a story of a love that is both passionate and painful. Wilson Pickett's expressive voice and the prominent horns create a sense of urgency and drama in the song. The imagery of the superhero references in the lyrics suggests that Pickett feels like he needs a hero to save him from his troubles. The song's message is relatable, as many people have felt the pain and confusion of an intense romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Save me!
The singer is desperately asking for help.
Somebody save me
He is pleading for anyone to come to his aid.
Promised myself after the first romance
After the pain of his first heartbreak, he vowed never to give a second chance.
I wouldn't give ya a second chance
He initially refused to let this person back into his life.
Said you see, you're sure to find
The artist suggests this person will find someone else.
A but the closer I get to ya, baby
However, despite his best efforts, he finds himself drawn back to this person.
You drive me stone out-a-my-mind
This person is making him crazy.
Those who love always give the most
True love requires a lot of giving.
We're cryin' together from coast to coast
Heartbreak is a universal experience.
Love leaves us cold and hurt inside
Despite the good times, love can be very painful.
Leaves of ours unjustified
Sometimes, love doesn't make sense.
Beggin' ya ta, save me!
He's still in need of assistance.
Your love said ya needed me
This person claimed to need him in their life.
You abused my love, set me free
However, they mistreated his affection.
You didn't need, you didn't want me
Now, they want nothing to do with him.
Somebody help me, this man wants to taunt me
He feels like he's being played.
Call in the cape crusader, green hornet
He needs a superhero to come to his rescue.
If you're thinkin' a thing about me
He's hoping someone out there cares for him.
Save me!
He repeats his plea for help.
Fades- Ooooooooooooooh, Whoa-ho-ho save me
The song ends with one final cry for assistance.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: CINDY LAVONNE MORGAN, TOMMY GREER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind