Wilson was born in Meridian, Mississippi. He showed little interest in education but performed in school plays, sang in talent shows and won first prize in a local art contest. Wilson began his career at the age of 12 leading his own spiritual quartet and singing in the church choir, even performing covers of country and western hits as circumstances dictated. While he was in high school, Wilson and his family relocated to San Bernardino, California, where he worked odd jobs as a mail carrier, a janitor, and an office clerk, in addition to teaching himself to play drums; after graduation he spent four years touring with Johnny Harris and the Statesmen before joining the U.S. Navy and singing with an enlisted men's chorus. He also developed his stand-up comedy routine to fall back on in case he didn't make it as a singer.
After a two-year military stint, Wilson settled in Los Angeles, touring the local nightclub circuit before joining the R&B vocal group the Jewels; from there he landed with the Rollers, followed by a stint with the instrumental combo the Souls. In 1966, Wilson signed with manager Marc Gordon, who quickly scored his client an a cappella audition for Johnny Rivers — the "Secret Agent Man" singer not only signed Wilson to his Soul City imprint, but also agreed to produce the sessions that yielded the 1968 R&B smash "The Snake" (U.S. #27),which has been very popular on the Northern Soul music circuit in the UK; it also provided Wilson with his only British chart hit, reaching number 41 in 1975. The minor hit "Do What You Gotta Do" appeared that same year. In 1969, Wilson charted with his cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Lodi" (U.S. #67), and Rivers' own "Poor Side Of Town" (U.S. #75).
Wilson largely disappeared from sight until 1973, when he issued the platinum-selling Show And Tell — the album's success was spurred by the shimmering "Show and Tell", a Johnny Mathis castoff that sold well over a million copies.
"The La La Peace Song", released in 1974, proved another hit but caused some trouble as OC Smith had also recorded a version around the same time and sales suffered as a result. Two years later in 1976 he recorded "I've Got a Feeling We'll Be Seeing Each Other Again" for Playboy Records which cracked the R&B Top Three. He tried to leave Playboy Records but was unable to get a release from his contract. Two years later the label folded. With 1979's "Count the Days" Wilson scored his final chart hit, however, and he spent the next two decades touring clubs and lounges; in 2001 he re-recorded his classic hits for the album Spice of Life.
In March 2007 many of his original master tapes were lost to a fire that swept through his home garage he had converted into a recording studio.
Wilson died April 21, 2008 of kidney failure, in Fontana, California at the age of 68.
I Won't Last a Day Without You
Al Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I must face a world of strangers where I don′t belong
I'm not that strong
It′s nice to know that there's someone I can turn to
Who will always care
You're always there
When there′s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won′t come true
But I won't last a day without you
So many times
When the city seems to be without a friendly face
A lonely place
It′s nice to know that you'll be there if I need you
And you′ll always smile
It's all worthwhile
When there′s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won't come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won't last a day without you
Touch me and I end up singing
Troubles seem to up and disappear
You touch me with the love you′re bringing
I can′t really lose when you're near
When you′re near my love
If all my friends had forgotten half their promises they're not unkind
Just hard to find
One look at you
And I know that I could learn to live without the rest
I found the best
When there′s no getting over that rainbow
When my smallest of dreams won't come true
I can take all the madness the world has to give
But I won′t last a day without you
The song "I Won't Last a Day Without You" by Al Wilson is a beautiful ode to the power of love and companionship. The song talks about the struggles of facing the world alone and finding someone who cares enough to be there even in the toughest of times. The singer acknowledges his vulnerability and admits that he is not strong enough to face the world all by himself. He finds solace in knowing that he has someone he can turn to, who will always be there for him, in good times and bad.
The lyrics convey a strong sense of reliance and dependency on the person the singer is addressing. The reference to the rainbow and smallest of dreams correspond to hope and optimism. The line "I can take all the madness the world has to give, But I won't last a day without you" shows the singer's determination to face life's challenges but also his emotional attachment to the person he loves. The joyful and uplifting chorus "Touch me and I end up singing, Troubles seem to up and disappear You touch me with the love you′re bringing I can′t really lose when you're near When you′re near my love" illustrates the transformative power of love.
In conclusion, the song "I Won't Last a Day Without You" celebrates the beauty of love and the significance of a positive and consistent presence in life. It shows the inevitable vulnerability of human nature and the importance of companionship in the journey of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Day after day
Repeatedly and continuously facing the challenges of existence.
I must face a world of strangers where I don't belong
Being among people and places that feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
I'm not that strong
Acknowledging personal limitations and vulnerability.
It's nice to know that there's someone I can turn to
Expressing gratitude and relief for the presence of a supportive person in one's life.
Who will always care
Assuming and trusting that the person in question will consistently show concern and empathy.
You're always there
Reiterating the constant presence of the supportive person.
When there's no getting over that rainbow
When it feels like achieving one's desires and aspirations is impossible.
When my smallest of dreams won't come true
Even when minor goals and wishes remain unfulfilled.
I can take all the madness the world has to give
Asserting strength and resilience in the face of adversity and chaos.
But I won't last a day without you
Acknowledging dependency on the supportive person and stating that their absence would be unbearable.
So many times
Having experienced this need for support repeatedly.
When the city seems to be without a friendly face
Feeling that the urban environment is hostile or indifferent.
A lonely place
Experiencing isolation and disconnection.
It's nice to know that you'll be there if I need you
Drawing comfort from the knowledge that the supportive person is available.
And you'll always smile
Emphasizing the positive and welcoming nature of the supportive person.
It's all worthwhile
Confirming that the effort put into maintaining the relationship is rewarding and valuable.
Touch me and I end up singing
Physical touch sparks feelings of joy and happiness.
Troubles seem to up and disappear
Challenges and difficulties become less significant when in the presence of the supportive person.
You touch me with the love you're bringing
Love and affection from the supportive person are uplifting and transformative.
I can't really lose when you're near
Feeling a sense of security and confidence when with the supportive person.
When you're near my love
The presence and affection of the supportive person inspire feelings of love and appreciation.
If all my friends had forgotten half their promises they're not unkind
Other people may let one down or not fulfill their commitments, but this is not necessarily malicious or intentional.
Just hard to find
Finding trustworthy and reliable friends can be challenging.
One look at you
Upon seeing the supportive person.
And I know that I could learn to live without the rest
Realizing that the supportive person is paramount and essential to one's wellbeing.
I found the best
Emphasizing that the supportive person is unparalleled and exceptional.
When there's no getting over that rainbow
Repeating the theme of unfulfilled desires and aspirations.
When my smallest of dreams won't come true
Reiterating that even minor goals and wishes may go unachieved.
I can take all the madness the world has to give
Further emphasizing resilience and strength in the face of adversity and external chaos.
But I won't last a day without you
Closing the song with a reiteration of the necessity of the supportive person's presence.
Writer(s): Paul H. Williams, Roger S. Nichols
Contributed by Bentley D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.