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.
Don't Let Me Down
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't let me go
Don't let me go
Oh my, my, my
Don't let me go
Don't let me go
Don't fear
Don't
Don't
Oh my, my, my
Don't let me go
Don't let me go
Oh my, my, my
Don't let me go
Don't let me go
Oh my, my, my
Don't fear
Don't
Don't fear
Don't
Don't
Don't
Don't
Don't
The lyrics of Ben E. King's song "Don't Let Me Down" convey a sense of desperation and a plea not to be abandoned or left alone. The repetition of the phrase "Oh my, my, my, Don't let me go" emphasizes the urgency and importance of not being abandoned. The repetition also suggests a deep fear of isolation and vulnerability, as if the singer's well-being and emotional stability depend on the presence and support of someone else.
The repeated pleas for not being let go or left alone can be seen as a cry for reassurance and security in a relationship. The repetition underscores the fear of being abandoned or rejected by someone the singer deeply cares about. It portrays a longing to be held onto and loved, as if the singer's happiness is tied to the presence of their significant other.
The lines "Don't fear, Don't" further delve into the singer's plea for reassurance. It seems as though the singer is addressing their partner's own fears or doubts, urging them not to be afraid and to overcome any reservations they might have. The repetition of "Don't fear" reinforces the need for trust and vulnerability in the relationship, indicating that both parties may be grappling with their own insecurities.
Finally, the word "don't" is repeated multiple times at the end of the lyrics. This repetition intensifies the message of the song, emphasizing the singer's desperation and need for their partner's unwavering support and commitment. It becomes a mantra of sorts, reinforcing the core theme of the song - the singer's plea not to be abandoned or let down.
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Let Me Down" paint a picture of a relationship on the brink of uncertainty. It captures the fragile nature of emotions and the need for reassurance, love, and stability. The repetition of phrases enhances the emotional impact, making the song a heartfelt plea for understanding and the preservation of a precious bond.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my, my, my
Expressing surprise or excitement
Don't let me go
Please don't leave me
Don't fear
Don't be afraid
Don't
Do not
Oh my, my, my
Expressing surprise or excitement
Don't let me go
Please don't leave me
Oh my, my, my
Expressing surprise or excitement
Don't let me go
Please don't leave me
Don't fear
Don't be afraid
Don't
Do not
Don't fear
Don't be afraid
Don't
Do not
Don't
Do not
Don't
Do not
Don't
Do not
Don't
Do not
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Garett Rogers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@scottshea4681
What a fantastic version!!!!
@mirandac8712
WOW -- I had no idea this existed. This must have been so meaningful to Lennon! The incomparable diversity of covers of the Beatles songs just shows the depth of the craft. You can approach the songs by virtually any access point and still wind up w/something completely coherent
@jamesrobinson9646
Bought this album twice, once when I was in the Army in the early 70's and later on to replace the original. Loved the vocal stylings and interpretations of Mr King. Not a big hit but really funky....
@normaj.3305
I can't believe that there is a Ben E. King recording that I didn't hear but this is one of them! Thanks for sharing.
@arliewilliams7747
would like to hear more or all of this album
@redtelephone1
First time I heard this song I instantly recognized it as the main sample from "Rob One Rock On" by Rob One Allstars from the We Came From Beyond compilation album. Longest hip hop song I've ever heard. Worth a listen if you haven't.
@AmirMenasheof
i got it on wax. someday i will upload all of it... not all of the songs are that good, but it's a great album, unusual.
@joesampson7724
This is from the album Rough Edges.
@bennyjazzful
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a 72yo Aussie fan.
@tongolele12
This ia a very rare album and he only other tracks I could find here are In the midnight your togther with lay lady lay i love this version