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.
Poison In My Mind
Ben E. King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Karin, she's a silver sun
And watch her watch the morning come
A silver tear appearing now
I'm cryin', ain't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind
There ain't no doubt in no ones mind
That love's the finest thing around
Whisper something soft and kind
And hey babe, the sky's on fire
I'm dying, ain't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind
In my mind I'm gone to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
And, ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind?
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Dark and silent, late last night,
I think I might have heard the highway call
And geese in flight and dogs that bite
The signs that might be omens say
I'm goin', I'm goin'
I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
With a holy host of others standin' around me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me, if I'm up and gone to
Carolina in my mind
In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Ain't is just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Gone to Carolina in my mind
And I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind
Goin' to Carolina in my mind
Gone, I'm gone, I'm gone
Say nice things about me 'cause I'm gone south now
Got to carry on without me, I'm gone
The lyrics of "Carolina in My Mind" by Ben E. King describe a longing to escape to the peaceful and idyllic state of Carolina. The song begins with the singer expressing a desire to mentally transport themselves to Carolina, where the sunshine and moonshine serve as symbols of positive and comforting experiences. The reference to a friend hitting them from behind could signify a sudden blow or unexpected setback in their life, prompting the need for an escape. Carolina represents a safe haven, a place where they can find solace and clarity in their mind.
The mention of Karin, a silver sun, adds a personal touch to the narrative. It implies that Karin brings light and joy into the singer's life. As the morning comes, a silver tear appears, suggesting that the artist is feeling emotional and possibly shedding tears. The repetition of "gone to Carolina in my mind" reinforces the idea of wanting to escape to this imagined place, seeking solace and healing.
The next verse emphasizes the power of love in everyone's mind. It affirms that love is the most beautiful and significant thing in existence. The singer suggests that kind words whispered and the beauty of a fiery sky lead to their ultimate demise. This could reflect the intensity of their emotions and how they feel overwhelmed, even to the point of dying inside. Once again, they seek refuge in Carolina as a means of finding peace and tranquility.
The following verse introduces a darker and gloomier atmosphere. The mention of hearing the highway's call, geese in flight, and biting dogs indicates a restless and uncertain state of mind. The signs they encounter may be viewed as omens, signifying some impending change or transformation in their life. The repetition of "I'm goin', I'm goin', I'm gone to Carolina in my mind" emphasizes their determination to escape their current circumstances.
The final verse adds a sense of isolation and detachment. The reference to the dark side of the moon suggests a feeling of being hidden or invisible, unable to find one's place in the world. The singer acknowledges that their feeling of being stuck might persist indefinitely, leading them to seek solace in the thought of Carolina. The repeated phrase "Gone to Carolina in my mind" serves as both a declaration of their emotional journey and a reminder that they have mentally distanced themselves from their current reality.
In the concluding lines, the singer acknowledges their departure from their current location and asks others to speak kindly of them during their absence. This suggests a desire for understanding and empathy as they embark on their personal journey to Carolina - a symbolic place of escape, renewal, and inner peace.
Line by Line Meaning
In my mind I'm gone to Carolina
Mentally, I have escaped to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine?
Can't you perceive the brightness and positivity?
Can't you just feel the moonshine?
Can't you simply sense the soothing influence and tranquility?
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
Isn't it similar to the actions of a close companion
To hit me from behind?
To unexpectedly harm or surprise me?
Yes, I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Indeed, my thoughts have transported me to Carolina
Karin, she's a silver sun
Karin shines brilliantly like a silver sun
You best walk her way and watch it shine
You should carefully approach her and observe her radiance
And watch her watch the morning come
And observe her anticipation as the morning arrives
A silver tear appearing now
A glistening tear is now visible
I'm cryin', ain't I?
I am shedding tears, aren't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind
My thoughts have departed to Carolina
There ain't no doubt in no ones mind
No one has any uncertainty
That love's the finest thing around
That love is the most excellent and remarkable thing
Whisper something soft and kind
Utter something gentle and compassionate
And hey babe, the sky's on fire
And hey babe, the sky is ablaze with intense emotions
I'm dying, ain't I?
I am experiencing extreme anguish, aren't I?
Gone to Carolina in my mind
My thoughts have departed to Carolina
Dark and silent, late last night
During the late hours of the night, it was dark and quiet
I think I might have heard the highway call
I believe I may have heard the beckoning of the highway
And geese in flight and dogs that bite
And witnessed geese soaring and aggressive dogs
The signs that might be omens say
The indications that could be prophetic are indicating
I'm goin', I'm goin'
I am departing, I am leaving
I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
I have mentally escaped to Carolina
With a holy host of others standin' around me
Among a large group of righteous individuals standing beside me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
Yet I am still trapped in a gloomy and isolated realm
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
And it appears that it continues endlessly in this manner
You must forgive me, if I'm up and gone to
You must pardon me if I suddenly depart and escape to
Carolina in my mind
Carolina within my thoughts
Say nice things about me 'cause I'm gone south now
Speak positively about me since I have moved toward the southern region
Got to carry on without me, I'm gone
You must continue without me, for I have left
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: James Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind