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.
Got You On My Mind
Big John Greer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feeling kinda sad and low
Got you on my mind
Feeling kinda sad and low
Wondering where you are
Wondering why you had to go
Tears begin to fall
Tears begin to fall
Everytime I hear your name
Since you went away
Nothing seems to be the same
No matter how I try my heart keeps telling me that I
Can't forget you
If it should ever be
That you want to come back to me
Gonna let you
Got you on my mind
Feeling kinda sad and low
Got you on my mind
Feeling kinda sad and low
Wondering where you are
Wondering why you had to go
Wondering where you are
Wondering why you had to go
Big John Greer's song You Only You is a melancholy tune that revolves around the thoughts and feelings of a person who is missing someone they love. The lyrics of the song are quite simple, yet they manage to convey a deep sense of longing and sadness. The song's central theme is the pain of separation and the unshakable memories of someone who has left.
The opening line of the song "Got you on my mind" immediately sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The person is feeling low and sad, and their thoughts are consumed by the one they love. As they wonder where their loved one is and why they had to go, the tears can't help but start falling every time they hear their name. This intense sadness is further accentuated by the repeated lines "Feeling kinda sad and low" and "Nothing seems to be the same."
The refrain of the song "No matter how I try my heart keeps telling me that I can't forget you" highlights the struggle of the person to move on despite their best efforts to forget their loved one. However, if their loved one ever wants to come back to them, they will welcome them with open arms. The song ends on the same note as it begins, with the person still wondering where their loved one is and why they had to go.
Line by Line Meaning
Got you on my mind
I am constantly thinking about you.
Feeling kinda sad and low
My mood is sad and I am feeling low.
Wondering where you are
I am curious about your whereabouts.
Wondering why you had to go
I am questioning why you had to leave.
Tears begin to fall
I start crying.
Every time I hear your name
My emotions overwhelm me whenever I hear your name.
Since you went away
Since you left, things have changed.
Nothing seems to be the same
Nothing in my life feels familiar anymore.
No matter how I try my heart keeps telling me that I
I have attempted to move on but my heart won't let me.
Can't forget you
I cannot erase you from my memory.
If it should ever be
In the event that it may happen.
That you want to come back to me
If you decide that you want to return to me.
Gonna let you
I will allow you to come back into my life.
Wondering where you are
I am still curious about your location.
Wondering why you had to go
I am still questioning why you had to leave me.
Lyrics © SHELBY SINGLETON MUSIC INC
Written by: HOWARD BIGGS, JOE THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jdoggtn7
Wow. Never knew this version, as I first heard the version by Cookie and the Cupcakes from Lake Charles, Louisiana. There is a definite Louisiana feel to this version too.
@jumpblues4578
Thanks for the comment John. I know Greer best as saxophonist in the Lucky Millinder Orchestra. I believe Greer was the first to record the song (which became a No. 2 hit on the R&B chart) but many covers followed. Anyhow it's a favorite for sure.
@miranillson7594
Lovely song.
@jumpblues4578
Thanks for listening!
@discosydiscofilos
Gran creación musical con excelentes instrumentistas,e intérpretes vocales,tuvo versiones posteriores.
@jumpblues4578
gracias mi amigo.