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.

It's All in the Game
Ben E. King Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game
All in the wonderful game that we know as love
You had words with him and your future's looking dim
But these things your heart can't rise above

Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet bouquet
And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips

And your heart will fly away

Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet bouquet

And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
And your heart will fly away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ben E. King's song "It's All in the Game" convey the ups and downs of love and relationships. The singer acknowledges that there will be moments of sadness and disappointment, symbolized by tears falling, but emphasizes that these are all part of the game of love. Love is described as a "wonderful game" despite its challenges.

The lyrics also highlight the conflicts and arguments that can occur between two people in love. The singer suggests that even though these disagreements may dim the future prospects of the relationship, the heart is unable to let go or rise above them. This implies that love can be both wonderful and tumultuous, and that overcoming obstacles is an inherent part of the game.

However, the lyrics offer a glimmer of hope and optimism. Despite the occasional absence or lack of communication from the partner, the singer assures that they will eventually return, bringing with them a sweet gesture like a bouquet of flowers. The imagery of the partner kissing the singer's lips and caressing their waiting fingertips symbolizes the reconnection and intimacy that will reignite the love. In this moment, the singer envisions their heart soaring and being swept away by the power of love.

Line by Line Meaning

Many a tear has to fall but it's all in the game
There will be many moments of sadness and heartbreak, but that's just a part of the complex and unpredictable nature of love.

All in the wonderful game that we know as love
Every aspect of love, both the joys and the challenges, is a part of this captivating and unpredictable game we call love.

You had words with him and your future's looking dim
After an argument with your partner, the outlook for your future together seems uncertain and discouraging.

But these things your heart can't rise above
Despite your best efforts, these emotional obstacles and uncertainties are difficult for your heart to overcome.

Once in a while he won't call but it's all in the game
Occasionally, your partner may not reach out to you, but that is simply a part of the unpredictable nature of love.

Soon he'll be there at your side with a sweet bouquet
Before long, he will come back to your side, bringing with him a thoughtful gift like a sweet bouquet.

And he'll kiss your lips and caress your waiting fingertips
He will express his love and affection by tenderly kissing your lips and gently touching your eager fingertips.

And your heart will fly away
In that moment of connection and love, your heart will experience a sense of upliftment and joy.

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Carl Sigman, Charles Gates Dawes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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