Mason initially focused on songwriting when she entered the music industry in her teens. As a performer, though, she had a major hit single with her third release in 1965, "Yes, I'm Ready" (#5 pop, #2 R&B). She had modest success throughout the rest of the decade on the small Arctic label, run by her manager, top Philadelphia disc-jockey, Jimmy Bishop. She reached the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Top 40 again in 1965 with "Sad, Sad Girl", and "Oh How It Hurts" in 1967. A two-year stay with National General Records, run by a film production company, produced one album and four singles which failed to find success.[citation needed]
In the 1970s, Mason signed to Buddah Records and toughened her persona, singing about sexual love and infidelity with an uncommon frankness at the time in songs like "Bed and Board", "From His Woman to You", and "Shackin' Up" and would interrupt her singing to deliver straight-talking 'raps' about romance. She also continued to write some of her new material. Curtis Mayfield produced her on a cover version of Mayfield's own "Give Me Your Love", which restored her to the pop Top 40 and R&B Top Ten in 1973; "From His Woman to You" (the response to Shirley Brown's single "Woman to Woman") and "Shackin' Up", produced by former Stax producer Don Davis in Detroit were also solid soul sellers in the mid-1970s.
Mason also sang vocals on the tracks "Sheba Baby," "I'm In Love With You," "A Good Man Is Gone," and "She Did It" on the soundtrack for the 1975 Pam Grier film, Sheba, Baby.[2]
After leaving Buddah Records in 1975 after two top ten R&B hits, she only dented the charts periodically on small labels. They included "I Am Your Woman, She Is Your Wife", which was produced in 1978 by Weldon McDougal who had produced her first major success, "Yes I'm Ready", and later in 1984, "Another Man" on West End Records.
Mason started to concentrate on running her own publishing company in the late 1980s, but continues to perform occasionally. She released a new CD, Feeling Blue, in September 2007. Mason was still performing to sold-out audiences in 2016. Her most recent show was at the Terrance Theater in Long Beach, California. Mason was inducted into the Soul Music Hall of Fame on March 1, 2016.
You Can Depend On Me
Barbara Mason Lyrics
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You need a love like mine that you can depend on
When your whole world's falling in
And you need a friend
You can depend on me
Oh, I'll be by your side
When you need me
When the whole world seems unfair
And no one seems to care
You can depend on me
Oh when life seems not worth living
And nothing seems to be going right
Comfort and love will be giving
Will change your darkness to light
I'll be right by your side
When you need, need me
When the whole world seems unfair
And no one seems to care
You can depend on me
Oh, don't you know that I'll be right by your side
Oh, little girl, little girl, little girl
When you need a friend
I'm yours 'til the end
Oh, yeah, I love you. I love you.
The lyrics of Barbara Mason's song "You Can Depend On Me" speak to the unwavering support and love that the singer offers to someone in need. The song portrays a sense of reliability and reassurance that the singer is always there for the listener, especially during challenging times when the world feels like it is falling apart. The repeated emphasis on being by the listener's side and providing comfort and love underscores the singer's commitment to being a steadfast presence in the listener's life.
The lyrics convey a deep sense of empathy and understanding, as the singer acknowledges the struggles and hardships that the listener may face. The lines "When the whole world seems unfair, And no one seems to care" highlight the isolating feeling of distress and the lack of support that the listener may experience. In response, the singer offers solace and companionship, assuring the listener that they can always rely on her for comfort and support, even when others may not offer the same.
The lyrics also suggest a transformation from darkness to light, symbolizing a journey from despair to hope. The promise to be there through thick and thin, to provide a beacon of light in times of darkness, reflects a sense of unwavering commitment and devotion. The repetition of the phrase "You can depend on me" reinforces the singer's pledge to be a constant source of strength and love for the listener, regardless of the circumstances.
Overall, the lyrics of "You Can Depend On Me" convey a profound message of unconditional love, support, and loyalty. Through the singer's words, the listener is reassured that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is someone who will always stand by their side. The sentiment of being there "'til the end" communicates a profound bond and connection, emphasizing the enduring nature of the relationship between the singer and the listener. The song serves as a reminder of the power of love and companionship to provide solace and comfort in times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
You need a love like mine that you can depend on
You require a reliable and trustworthy love like mine that you can always count on
When your whole world's falling in
During times when everything in your world seems to be crumbling and falling apart
And you need a friend
When you find yourself in need of a companion or someone to rely on
You can depend on me
You can trust that I will always be there for you
Oh, I'll be by your side
I will stay close to you and offer my support
When you need me
Whenever you are in need of assistance or comfort
When the whole world seems unfair
In moments when the world appears unjust or unkind
And no one seems to care
And it feels like no one is concerned or attentive
Oh when life seems not worth living
When existence feels devoid of purpose or value
And nothing seems to be going right
And when nothing appears to be going according to plan or positively
Comfort and love will be giving
I will provide you with solace and affection
Will change your darkness to light
I will help transform your despair into hope or happiness
Oh, don't you know that I'll be right by your side
Rest assured that I will remain by your side and be there for you
Oh, little girl, little girl, little girl
Term of endearment for the person being addressed
When you need a friend
When you are in need of a confidante or support system
I'm yours 'til the end
I pledge my loyalty and commitment to you indefinitely
Oh, yeah, I love you. I love you.
Expressing affection and care towards the individual
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY JR GORDY, SMOKEY ROBINSON, WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind