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.
Imagination
Ben E. King Lyrics
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It makes the cloudy day sunny
Makes the bee think of honey
Just as I think of you
Imagination is crazy
Your whole perspective gets hazy
Starts you asking a daisy
Have you ever felt the gentle touch
And then a kiss, and then, and then
Find it's only your imagination again
Oh, well
Imagination is silly
You go around willy-nilly
For example, I go around wanting you
And yet I can't imagine that you want me too
Imagination is silly
You go around willy-nilly
For example, I go around wanting you
And yet I can't imagine that you want me too
The song "Imagination" by Ben E. King explores the idea of how imagination can both enhance and distort reality. The playful and upbeat melody perfectly complements the lyrics, which begin with "Imagination is funny. It makes the cloudy day sunny. Makes the bee think of honey. Just as I think of you." These lyrics highlight how imagination can transform a dull day into a brighter one, just as thoughts of a loved one can bring joy and warmth to an individual's heart.
The song goes on to showcase the craziness of imagination and its ability to distort reality: "Your whole perspective gets hazy. Starts you asking a daisy. What to do, what to do." The uncertainty and confusion that can arise from imagination are illustrated here, as the individual becomes unsure of their next steps due to their misinterpretation of reality.
Furthermore, the song adds a more somber and bittersweet element, as it explores the idea of imagination leading to disappointment. This is highlighted in the lyrics, "Have you ever felt the gentle touch, and then a kiss, and then, and then. Find it's only your imagination again." This line conveys how real experiences can be overshadowed or dismissed by the power and allure of imagination.
In conclusion, "Imagination" by Ben E. King perfectly captures the duality and complexities of imagination, showcasing its ability to be both a source of joy and a source of disillusionment.
Line by Line Meaning
Imagination is funny
Imagination is an amusing thing.
It makes the cloudy day sunny
Imagination is capable of turning a gloomy day into a cheerful day.
Makes the bee think of honey
Imagination can make even a bee dream about sweet honey.
Just as I think of you
Imagination can make one think about someone special like you.
Imagination is crazy
Imagination can make one feel irrational.
Your whole perspective gets hazy
Imagination can blur one's perception of reality.
Starts you asking a daisy
Imagination can make one ask an inanimate object like a daisy for answers.
What to do, what to do
Imagination can leave one confused and uncertain about their next move.
Have you ever felt the gentle touch
Have you ever felt the soft touch of someone's affection?
And then a kiss, and then, and then
And then a kiss, and more kisses follow.
Find it's only your imagination again
Realize that it was all just a product of your imagination and not a reality.
Oh, well
Accepting the disappointment that comes with realizing it was just a dream.
Imagination is silly
Imagination can lead one to have foolish thoughts.
You go around willy-nilly
Imagination can make one act recklessly and without direction.
For example, I go around wanting you
For instance, I imagine being with someone like you.
And yet I can't imagine that you want me too
But I cannot imagine that you would desire me in the same way too.
Lyrics © Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: NEVILLE KEIGHLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind