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.
Victims
Ben E. King Lyrics
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You justify it every time you hit 'em
Tell your stories like you lived 'em
You won't always be a victim)
I can't count the times I've quietly begged for you to sober up
Victim, victim
You justify it every time you hit 'em
Tell your stories like you lived 'em
Thoughts come out of mind, I never keep them in
God knows I try so hard
There's no good guy
There's no bad guy
And it's high time you get back in line
Victim, victim
You justify it every time you hit 'em
Tell your stories like you lived 'em
You won't always be the victim
(You won't always be a victim)
(You won't always be a victim)
The lyrics "Victim, victim, you justify it every time you hit 'em" suggest someone who repeatedly acts as the victim in situations, possibly to excuse their own harmful behavior. The use of "hit 'em" can be interpreted both literally as physical violence and figuratively as causing harm or pain to others. The repetition of "victim" emphasizes the recurring pattern of behavior where this individual puts themselves in a position of vulnerability or suffering.
The lines "Tell your stories like you lived 'em, you won't always be a victim" hint at the idea that the person in question often narrates their experiences in a dramatic or exaggerated manner, as if they have endured intense struggles. However, there is a subtle suggestion that this narrative of victimhood will not define them forever, indicating a potential for growth or change.
"I can't count the times I've quietly begged for you to sober up" introduces a sense of desperation and helplessness felt by someone close to the individual being addressed. This plea for sobriety could refer to substance abuse or a metaphorical need to regain clarity and responsibility in their actions.
The verse continues with a declaration that there are no clear distinctions between a "good guy" and a "bad guy," implying a complexity in human nature that defies simplistic categorizations. The call for the individual to "get back in line" can be seen as a plea for them to reassess their behavior, take accountability, and strive for a healthier, more balanced approach to their relationships and interactions.
In conclusion, the repetition of "victim, victim" throughout the song reinforces the theme of self-victimization and the need to break free from this cycle. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration, a desire for personal growth, and a recognition that change is possible. The song seems to challenge the listener to reflect on their own patterns of behavior and consider the impact of their actions on themselves and others.
Line by Line Meaning
Victim, victim
Feeling trapped and helpless in a situation where someone is being mistreated
You justify it every time you hit 'em
Finding reasons to excuse or rationalize the harmful actions taken against others
Tell your stories like you lived 'em
Portraying events or experiences as if they were personally witnessed or experienced
You won't always be a victim
Empowering oneself to break free from the cycle of victimization and take control of their own destiny
Thoughts come out of mind, I never keep them in
Expressing thoughts and emotions openly rather than bottling them up inside
God knows I try so hard
Acknowledging the effort and struggle put into trying to improve or change a situation
There's no good guy
Recognizing that the situation is not black and white, and that there are complexities and shades of gray
There's no bad guy
Acknowledging that assigning blame or labeling someone as solely responsible is not productive
And it's high time you get back in line
Encouraging the individual to align themselves with positive values and behaviors rather than perpetuating harmful actions
(You won't always be a victim)
Reiterating the importance of breaking free from the victim mentality and taking control of one's own life
(You won't always be a victim)
Emphasizing the message that there is always hope for change and personal growth
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Josephine Leafblad
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind