Ann Peebles (b. 1947) is a U.S. singer and songwriter, best known for her p… Read Full Bio ↴Ann Peebles (b. 1947) is a U.S. singer and songwriter, best known for her popular Memphis soul albums of the 1970s on the Hi Records label. Two of her better known songs are "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down" and "I Can't Stand the Rain".

Born on 27th April 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Peebles was discovered as a talent by Gene "Bowlegs" Miller of Hi Records during a 1968 trip to sit in singing with him at a Memphis, Tennessee, nightclub. A popular local bandleader, Miller was known for also helping other musicians, such as members of the Hi Rhythm Section, get their starts in the Memphis music industry. Peebles soon began writing and singing hits for the label, cowriting with label staff songwriter Don Bryant, whom she married in 1974. Peebles released a number of commercially successful and critically well received albums produced by Willie Mitchell on Hi Records throughout the 1970s, until the rise of disco in the late 1970s took her music out of the limelight. Hi Records was sold in 1977, but Peebles reunited with Willie Mitchell in 1989 to produce her comeback album, Call Me.

Rescue me
Ann Peebles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Rescue me
Take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charm
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too

Come on and rescue me

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Come on, baby, and rescue me
'Cause I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Come on and take my heart
Take your love and conquer every part
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Come on, baby, and rescue me
'Cause I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charm
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me

(Come on baby)
Take me baby (take me baby)
Hold me baby (hold me baby)
Love me baby (love me baby)
Can't you see I need you baby
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Come on and take my hand
C'mon, baby and be my man
'Cause I love you
'Cause I want you
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Mm-hm (mm-hm)
Mm-hm (mm-hm)
Take me baby (take me baby)
Love me baby (love me baby)
Need me baby (need me baby)

Mm-hm (mm-hm)
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Overall Meaning

Ann Peebles's song "Rescue Me" is a plea to be saved from loneliness and heartache. She longs for a partner who will cradle her in their arms and bring tenderness to her life. Peebles is aware of her neediness and acknowledges that she requires her lover's love and attention to fill the void in her life. The song highlights the helplessness she feels as she can't bear to be alone any longer, imploring her lover to save her. Peebles's voice is emotive, and her lyrics resonate with the listener, conveying the desire for love.

The song's lyrics were penned by Memphis soul label Stax lyricist and songwriter Carl Smith, although it was Peebles herself that came up with the idea of the chant-like repetition of the song's title. The song was released in 1968 and was a hit for Peebles, reaching #9 on the R&B charts and #31 on the pop charts. "Rescue Me" is a classic soul song that has become a popular staple on oldies radio and has been covered by many artists.

Line by Line Meaning

Rescue me
Save me from my loneliness and despair

Take me in your arms
Hold me close and provide comfort

Rescue me
Help me overcome my sadness

I want your tender charm
Your gentle and kind nature is what I desire

'Cause I'm lonely
I feel isolated and disconnected from others

And I'm blue
I am sad and melancholy

I need you
I require your presence and support

And your love too
I crave your affection and care

Come on and rescue me
Please help me escape from my current state of mind

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Entreaty to someone for aid in escaping from their despair

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Implores someone for a helping hand