Born John Marshall Greer in Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States, he was a friend of Henry Glover from childhood, and both attended college at Alabama A&M together. Glover was playing in Lucky Millinder's band when Bull Moose Jackson left the group in 1948; Glover suggested that Greer be chosen as Jackson's replacement. Greer played with Bob Shad and appeared on Millinder's RCA recordings until 1950, when Millinder signed to King Records. Greer stayed with RCA and played with Wynonie Harris and Jackson among others. He sang lead vocals on his biggest hit, 1952's "Got You On My Mind". In 1954 he switched to Groove Records, but did not make much impact on the American record charts there. In October of that year, he released "We Want To See Santa Do The Mambo", a Christmas hit to this day. In 1955, he finally signed with King, but only recorded for them for about a year. Greer also worked with Hal Singer and Bill Doggett.
By 1957, Greer had developed extended troubles with alcoholism, and he moved back to his home town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he died in 1972 at age 48.
Can't Stand It Any Longer
Big John Greer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why do you do me like you do
If you don't come back to me
I'm coming back to you
This pain is getting stronger
And sinking deeper in my heart
Can't stand it any longer
You know I miss you, you know I need you
Much more than words can say
My heart is aching, you know it's breaking
I can't go on this way
I can't stand it any longer
You leave me nothing else to do
If you don't come back to me
I'm coming back to you
You know I miss you, you know I need you
Much more than words can say
My heart is aching, you know it's breaking
I can't go on this way
Can't stand it any longer
You leave me nothing else to do
If you don't come back to me
I'm coming back to you
In the song "Can't Stand It Any Longer" by Big John Greer, the lyrics reflect the deep emotional turmoil that the singer is going through due to a strained relationship. The repeated phrase "Can't stand it any longer" conveys a sense of desperation and frustration, as the singer is struggling to cope with the pain and longing caused by the distance between them and their partner. The plea "Why do you do me like you do" reveals a sense of confusion and hurt, questioning the reasons behind the partner's actions that are causing such heartache.
The escalating intensity of the pain is emphasized through the imagery of the pain getting "stronger" and "sinking deeper in my heart." This vivid portrayal of emotional anguish highlights the profound impact that the separation is having on the singer, making it increasingly difficult to bear the absence of their loved one. The declaration "Can't stand that we're apart" underscores the central theme of yearning for reconciliation and the desire to bridge the emotional gap that exists between them.
The singer expresses a profound sense of longing and dependency on their partner, acknowledging that they "miss you" and "need you" in a way that transcends mere words. The emotional weight of these sentiments is further conveyed through the imagery of aching and breaking hearts, symbolizing the depth of pain and despair that the singer is experiencing in the absence of their significant other. The inability to continue on the current path is emphasized through the admission that "I can't go on this way," highlighting the urgency and emotional toll of the situation.
The lyrics culminate in a decisive declaration that if the partner does not return, the singer will take matters into their own hands and "come back to you." This final assertion conveys a sense of resolve and determination, suggesting that the singer is willing to take a bold step to confront the situation and seek reconciliation. The repeated refrain throughout the song reinforces the sense of emotional upheaval and longing that permeates the narrative, underscoring the deep-seated emotions and unresolved tension that drive the singer's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't stand it any longer
I can no longer endure this pain and longing
Why do you do me like you do
Why are you treating me this way?
If you don't come back to me
If you don't return to me
I'm coming back to you
I will come back to you
This pain is getting stronger
The pain I feel is intensifying
And sinking deeper in my heart
And becoming more profound in my heart
Can't stand that we're apart
I can't bear being separated from you
You know I miss you, you know I need you
You are aware of how much I miss and need you
Much more than words can say
It goes beyond what words can express
My heart is aching, you know it's breaking
My heart is in pain, it feels shattered
I can't go on this way
I can't continue like this
You leave me nothing else to do
You leave me with no other option
Lyrics © MADISON LEISURE CORP.
Written by: THOMAS, JOE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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I love you grandpa!