In 1958, Ben Nelson joined a doo wop group, The Five Crowns. Later that same year, The Drifters' manager fired the members of the group and replaced them with The Five Crowns, who had performed several engagements with The Drifters. He co-wrote the first hit by the new version of The Drifters, "There Goes My Baby" (1959). He also sang lead, using his birth name, on "Save the Last Dance for Me," a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, "Dance With Me," "This Magic Moment," "I Count the Tears," and other The Drifters hits.
In 1960 he left the group after failing to gain a salary increase and a fairer share of the group's royalties. At this point he assumed the more memorable stage name Ben E. King in preparation for a solo career. Remaining on Atlantic, King scored his first solo hit with the stylish, Latin-tinged ballad "Spanish Harlem" (1961). "Stand by Me" was his next recording. "Stand by Me", written by King along with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller was voted one of the Songs of the Century by the Recording Industry Association of America. "Stand by Me" and "Spanish Harlem" were named as two of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll and were both also given a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.
King's records continued to place well on the pop charts until 1963, when British pop bands began to dominate the popular music scene. His hits after 1963 were "What is Soul?" (1967), "Supernatural Thing, part 1" (1975), and the re-issue in 1986 of "Stand by Me" following the song's use as the theme music to the movie of the same name.
Bring it on home to me
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Oh, I bet we'd weave a thousand lives
You'd tell me of the glories
Of the demon bones you've left behind
You've walked through blazing fire
Just to bring me home to pink sweet love
Books of your words inspire
There are stars flowin' in my blood
I need a pitcher of your sweet tea (sweet tea)
The smell of summer, lilac bush (lilac bush)
Gospel music and your sanguine voice (sanguine voice)
Bring me home
From what you taught I'd sing a symphony
Of galaxies and worlds within me
Yeah, best believe it I was listening
Without you there's no me, I see
It feels like you've made me
Invincible
I hope that I can be
Half the one you are
I need a pitcher of your sweet tea
The smell of summer, lilac bush
Gospel music and your sanguine voice
Bring me
I need a pitcher of your sweet tea
The smell of summer, lilac bush
Gospel music and your sanguine voice
Bring me
I need a pitcher of your sweet tea (sweet tea)
The smell of summer, lilac bush (lilac bush)
Gospel music and your sanguine voice (sanguine voice)
Bring me home
I need a pitcher of your sweet tea
The smell of summer, lilac bush
Gospel music and your sanguine voice
Bring me home
Well, I was just thinkin' about ya
Alright, just all I've done for ya?
How I brought ya through?
Yeah
I love you
Love you too
Alright, bye
In the first verse, the singer reflects on the power and depth of the connection they have with their loved one. The hands symbolize communication and intimacy, and the lyrics suggest that if the hands could speak, they would tell countless stories and experiences. The reference to "demon bones" left behind suggests that their loved one has faced and conquered challenges, possibly metaphorical demons, in order to be with them. The line about walking through blazing fire emphasizes the lengths they have gone to bring each other back to a place of love and happiness. The mention of "books of your words" suggests that the individual's words and wisdom have been inspirational, and have had a profound impact, with the stars in the singer's blood symbolizing the influence of this person's guidance and presence.
The chorus reflects the singer's longing for the comfort and familiarity of their loved one's presence. The mention of "sweet tea" and the smell of summer and lilac bush evoke a sense of nostalgia and homecoming. The inclusion of gospel music signifies the emotional and soulful connection the singer shares with their loved one, and the mention of their "sanguine voice" further emphasizes the uplifting and joyous nature of their relationship. Overall, the chorus conveys the sense of yearning and the desire to be reunited with their beloved.
In the second verse, the singer acknowledges the impact their loved one has had on their life. They express gratitude for the lessons taught and the wisdom shared, suggesting that these teachings have shaped and influenced the singer's sense of self. The reference to singing a symphony of galaxies and worlds within them implies that the individual's influence has expanded the singer's perspective and opened them up to new possibilities. The lyrics also highlight the importance of their loved one's presence, stating that without them, there would be no sense of self.
The repeating chorus emphasizes the singer's longing for their loved one's presence. The desire for "a pitcher of sweet tea" and references to the smell of summer and lilac bush signify the comfort and familiarity that their loved one brings. The mention of gospel music and their "sanguine voice" emphasizes the emotional and spiritual connection between the two and the sense of belonging that being with their loved one provides.
The final lines of the song convey a simple but powerful sentiment between the singer and their loved one. The exchange between the two expresses affection and love, and the singer states their devotion and appreciation for their loved one. The concluding line "bye" suggests that even though they are separated, the love and connection remain strong.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@huafanai6107
One of the most beautiful blues ballads
@VIDEOHEREBOB
Awesome Paul Carrack, one of the greats
@danniles5256
i like it