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.
Little Green Apples
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
With my hair down in my eyes and she says "Hi"
And I stumble to the breakfast table
While the kids are goin' off to school goodbye
And she reaches out 'n' takes my hand
And squeezes it 'n' says "How ya feelin', hon?"
And I look across at smilin' lips
That warm my heart and see my mornin' sun
And if that's not lovin' me
Then all I've got to say
God didn't make little green apples
And it don't rain in Indianapolis in the summertime
And there's no such thing as Doctor Seuss
Or Disneyland, and Mother Goose, no nursery rhyme
God didn't make little green apples
And it don't rain in Indianapolis in the summertime
And when my self is feelin' low
I think about her face aglow and ease my mind
Sometimes I call her up at home knowin' she's busy
And ask her if she could get away and meet me
And maybe we could grab a bite to eat
And she drops what she's doin' and she hurries down to meet me
And I'm always late
But she sits waitin' patiently and smiles when she first sees me
'cause she's made that way
And if that ain't lovin' me
Then all I've got to say
God didn't make little green apples
And it don't snow in Minneapolis when the winter comes
And there's no such thing as make-believe
Puppy dogs, autumn leaves 'n' BB guns
God didn't make little green apples
And it don't rain in Indianapolis
in the summertime
And when I'm feeling blue
She comes around and makes it all right for me
In the first verse, the singer describes his morning routine with his partner. He wakes up with his hair in his eyes and his partner greets him with a warm "Hi." As he sits at the breakfast table, watching their children go off to school, his partner reaches out and holds his hand, asking how he's feeling. Looking at her smiling lips, he sees her as his morning sun, bringing warmth to his heart. This verse portrays a loving and supportive relationship where the partner's presence brings comfort and happiness.
The chorus contains a metaphorical expression of love. The singer asserts that if his partner's actions are not a demonstration of love, then certain things that are considered impossible must also be true. For example, the references to "God didn't make little green apples" and "it don't rain in Indianapolis in the summertime" suggest that these things are absurd and unattainable. By comparing love to these impossibilities, the singer emphasizes the significance and depth of their connection.
In the second verse, the singer describes his desire to spend time with his partner, even knowing she is busy. He calls her at home and asks if she could meet him for a meal, and without hesitation, she drops everything to be with him. Despite his tendency to be late, she patiently waits for him and greets him with a smile when he arrives. This verse highlights the singer's appreciation for his partner's willingness to make time for him and her understanding nature.
The second chorus continues with the metaphorical expressions of love. The singer asserts that if his partner's actions aren't a demonstration of love, then other impossible things must also be true. For example, he mentions that it doesn't snow in Minneapolis when winter comes and there's no such thing as make-believe, puppies, autumn leaves, and BB guns. The focus here is on the singer finding solace and comfort in his partner's presence, even in challenging or melancholic moments.
Overall, "Little Green Apples" is a song about the unconditional love and support the singer receives from his partner. It illustrates the small but meaningful moments in their relationship that bring joy and comfort. By comparing love to impossible phenomena, the song emphasizes the exceptional and extraordinary nature of their connection. The lyrics celebrate the partner's warmth, patience, and willingness to prioritize the singer's needs, depicting a strong and nurturing bond between two individuals.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Robert Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jamesrobinson9646
What a lovely expression of innocent love in a most unusual yet identifiable way. The singing is so personal and relatable. The music is so, so infectious.....Rip Ben E King, an underappreciated giant
@bennyjazzful
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.
@nigelhusing3006
my goodness what a great album