Ben E. King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson in September 28, 1938 (died of natur… Read Full Bio ↴Ben E. King (born Benjamin Earl Nelson in September 28, 1938 (died of natural causes, aged 76 on April 30, 2015.) in Henderson, North Carolina) was an American soul and pop singer. He is best known as the singer and co-composer of "Stand by Me", a top ten hit in both 1961 and 1986.

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.

Hey Little One
Ben E. King Lyrics

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Yeah

Say a little prayer for you
Me a go say a little prayer for you (prayer for you)

From the moment me wake up
Before me put on me make up
Me say a little prayer for you

Me combing me hair now
Me a wonder which dress we wear now, ooh
Me say a little prayer for you

(Forever and ever)
You stay in my heart and I'll love you
(Forever and ever)
We never will part how I'll love you
(Together together)
That's how it should be
Without you would only be heartbreak for me

Me run for the bus, love
Me a ride and me a think 'bout us, love
Me say a little prayer for you
(Say a little prayer for you)
At work I just take time
And all through my coffee break time
Me say a little prayer for you

Oh, forever and ever
You stay in my heart and I'll love you
(Forever and ever)
We never will part how I'll love you
(Together together)
That's how it should be
Without you would only be heartbreak for me

Say a little prayer for you
Me a go say a little prayer for you (prayer for you)

My darling believe me
For me there is no one but you
Say you'll love me too, whoa

(Forever and ever)
You'll stay in my heart and I'll love you
(Forever and ever)
We never will part and I'll love you
(Together together)
That's how it should be
Without you
(Forever and ever)
You'll stay in my heart and I'll love you
(Forever and ever)
We never will part and I'll love you
(Together together)
That's how it should be without you
Would only be heartbreak for me
Yeah, nobody
Heartbreak

(Forever and ever)
You'll stay in my heart and I'll love you
(Forever and ever)
We never will part and I'll love you
(Together together)
That's how it should be
But I'll love you
(Forever and ever)
We'll stay in my heart forever and ever
(Forever and ever)
(Together together)
(That's how it should be without you)
(Would only be heartbreak for me)
Only be heartbreak for me
(Forever and ever)
(You'll stay in my heart and I'll love you)
(Forever and ever)
(We never will part and) I'll love you
(Together together)
That's how it should be

And I'll love you
(Forever and ever)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ben E. King's song "Hey Little One" convey a deep sense of love and devotion. The singer expresses his unwavering affection for his partner, emphasizing the importance of their relationship in his life. The song opens with a request for the listener to say a little prayer, suggesting that the singer himself says a prayer for his loved one. This prayer is uttered first thing in the morning, even before putting on makeup or combing hair. The lyrics highlight the singer's adoration as he wonders which dress to wear, mentioning how he says a little prayer during these moments of anticipation and preparation.

The chorus reinforces the everlasting nature of their love, asserting that they will stay together forever. The singer emphasizes that without his partner, there would only be heartbreak. The lyrics portray a sense of dependency and complete devotion, with the singer expressing how he thinks about their love even during mundane moments such as running for the bus or taking a coffee break at work.

The bridge of the song speaks directly to the beloved, assuring them that there is no one else but them. The singer pleads for the reciprocation of love, asking them to say they love him too. The repeated chorus reinforces the commitment and love shared between the singer and their partner.

Overall, "Hey Little One" portrays a deep and enduring love, with the singer expressing their devotion through prayer, thoughts, and unwavering commitment.

Hey Little OneBen E. King Lyrics

Hey Little One
Ben E. King Lyrics