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.
First Taste Of Love
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was so thrilling
What made it so great was
I knew that your heart was willing
I never thought that I'd give love a try
Then you came a walking by
And gave me my first taste of love
Mmm, the very first time you held me
It was so nice
I finally found this place they call paradise
Oh, I was such a sad and lonely guy
Then you came a walking by
And gave me my first taste of love
Your lips upon my lips
Your arms around my waist
How can I forget that first date
Mmm, so keep your
Head on my shoulder
Stay real close, baby, don't let go
Don't think of tomorrow
Let's live for tonight
Because I love you so
You see that love light
Gleaming in my eye
Swear it's gonna never die
'Cause I've got my first taste of love
You see that love light
Gleaming in my eye
Swear it's never gonna die
'Cause I've got my first taste of love
Swear it's never gonna die
'Cause I've got my first taste of love
Swear it's gonna never die
'Cause I've got my first taste of love
In the song "First Taste of Love," Ben E. King describes the exhilaration of falling in love for the first time. He reminisces about his first kiss and the feeling of his heart racing with excitement. What makes it all the more special is knowing that the person he's with also feels the same way. King explains that he never thought he'd find love until he met the person he's singing to. The lyrics paint a picture of a beautiful moment frozen in time that he never wants to forget.
The excitement and passion that King describes in the lyrics are palpable. His description of the first kiss and embrace can transport listeners to the moment when he first experienced those feelings. He urges his partner to stay close and live in the moment, cherishing the feeling of being in love. The song paints a romantic and nostalgic picture of a beautiful relationship and first love.
Line by Line Meaning
Mmm, the very first time you kissed me
The initial moment when you touched your lips to mine.
It was so thrilling
It was such an exciting and exhilarating experience.
What made it so great was
The reason why it stood out as wonderful was because
I knew that your heart was willing
I knew that your emotions and feelings were genuine and sincere.
I never thought that I'd give love a try
I had never pictured myself attempting to pursue affection.
Then you came a walking by
At that moment, you casually strolled near me.
And gave me my first taste of love
You allowed me to experience the sensation of love for the first time.
Mmm, the very first time you held me
The initial instance when you wrapped your arms around me.
It was so nice
It was so pleasant and enjoyable.
I finally found this place they call paradise
I ultimately discovered this idyllic and blissful state of being.
Oh, I was such a sad and lonely guy
Prior to meeting you, I was a dejected and lonesome person.
Your lips upon my lips
Your kiss upon my mouth.
Your arms around my waist
Your embrace encompassing my midsection.
How can I forget that first date
It's impossible for me to overlook or neglect our initial romantic encounter.
Mmm, so keep your
Therefore, please keep your
Head on my shoulder
Position your head on my shoulder.
Stay real close, baby, don't let go
Remain extremely near me, my dear, do not release me from your grip.
Don't think of tomorrow
Do not worry or ponder about the events of the future.
Let's live for tonight
Instead, let's enjoy and relish the current moment that we are experiencing.
Because I love you so
The reason for my suggestion is because I cherish you immensely.
You see that love light
Observe the glow of adoration
Gleaming in my eye
Shining and radiating from my eyes.
Swear it's gonna never die
Promise that it will never fade away.
'Cause I've got my first taste of love
Due to the fact that I have had the opportunity to experience the sensation of love for the first time in my life.
Swear it's never gonna die
Vouch that it will perpetually exist.
'Cause I've got my first taste of love
This is because I have had the blessing of experiencing the feeling of love for the first time ever.
Swear it's gonna never die
Promise that it will be a constant presence.
'Cause I've got my first taste of love
This is because I have had the fortune of experiencing the sensation of love for the very first time.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PHIL SPECTOR, JEROME POMUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jean Mitchell
Ben E King is one of the all time greatest singers 👍🏽❤️❤️
Gary Spring
One of my favorite artists what a wonderful voice he had
Elias Simon Alonso
Fenómeno
theberniman7
the oldies are still the goodies.
Sharon Hall
The musicians are fabulous as well.
Renee Victor
SUCH A GREAT SONG.
Sharon Hall
Certainly one of the greats.
Norma J.
Thanks for this, Ben E. King, idol of my teenage years. Loved all his songs of the late 1950s - '60s.
Thomas Moore
Must agree, my favorite singer of all time
R.I.P. BEN E KING WE LOVE YOU BROTHER
Verónica Mariscal Baheza
This song was Made for a Mexican composer Salvador Mariscal Sáenz. They song was registered in 1953