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.
If I Told You Once
Big John Greer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I told you once, I told you a thousand times
I'd walk a country mile just to see your pretty smile
If I told you once, I told you a thousand times
If I told you once, I told you a thousand times
I'd swim the ocean blue and back again for you
But say pretty baby, look I've got news for you
I'm gonna tell you once and not a thousand times
I'm gonna tell you once and not a thousand times
I'm through with petting you so I'm forgetting you
Begone it's my last time
Hey pretty baby, you lied a thousand times
Now cry pretty baby, cos your clown has put you down
I'm gonna tell you once and not a thousand times
I got a brand new girl, she's out of this world
So at last I got the laugh on you a thousand times
The lyrics to Big John Greer's song "If I Told You Once" express the singer's repeated attempts to communicate their feelings to someone they are deeply infatuated with. The repetition of the phrase "If I told you once, I told you a thousand times" emphasizes the singer's urgency and persistence in trying to convey their affection. The line "I'd walk a country mile just to see your pretty smile" demonstrates the extent of their devotion and willingness to go to great distances to experience the joy brought by the other person's smile.
The next stanza continues the theme of expressing unwavering dedication and commitment. The line "I'd swim the ocean blue and back again for you" highlights the singer's readiness to go to any lengths to fulfill the desires and needs of their beloved. This imagery of crossing vast and challenging boundaries symbolizes the singer's devotion and willingness to do anything for the person they love.
The song takes a turn in the third stanza as the singer reveals that they have decided to move on from this one-sided affection. They declare, "I'm through with petting you so I'm forgetting you. Begone, it's my last time." This shows that the singer has grown tired of continually showing love and affection without reciprocation. They are finally expressing their frustration and deciding to let go of the person they once loved.
In the final stanza, the singer addresses the person directly, calling them out for their deceit. They accuse the person of lying a thousand times, indicating that they were betrayed and hurt by the one they loved. The line "Now cry pretty baby, 'cause your clown has put you down" suggests that the person who was once admired or idolized has been let down or rejected by someone they considered to be important or significant.
The song ends with the singer triumphantly asserting their newfound happiness by stating, "I got a brand new girl, she's out of this world. So at last, I got the laugh on you a thousand times." This signifies that the singer has moved on and found someone new who brings them joy and fulfillment. They claim to have the upper hand in the situation, indicating that they have found happiness without the person who hurt them.
Line by Line Meaning
If I told you once, I told you a thousand times
I have repeated myself numerous times in an effort to get my point across
I'd walk a country mile just to see your pretty smile
I am willing to go to great lengths just to see you happy
I'd swim the ocean blue and back again for you
I am willing to endure any hardship for the sake of our relationship
Say pretty baby, I was so in love with you
I used to be deeply infatuated with you, my dear
But say pretty baby, look I've got news for you
However, my dear, I have some surprising information to share with you
I'm gonna tell you once and not a thousand times
I will only say this once, without repeating myself endlessly
I'm through with petting you so I'm forgetting you
I am done with indulging your needs and desires, so I am moving on from you
Begone it's my last time
Leave now, for this is the final time I will entertain your presence
Hey pretty baby, you lied a thousand times
Listen, my dear, you have been dishonest countless times
Now cry pretty baby, cos your clown has put you down
It is now time for you to shed tears, my dear, because the person who used to amuse you has now belittled you
I got a brand new girl, she's out of this world
I have found a new partner who is exceptional and beyond compare
So at last I got the laugh on you a thousand times
Finally, I have the satisfaction of having the advantage over you, which I have achieved repeatedly
Lyrics © MADISON LEISURE CORP.
Written by: COWAN, JOEL, RUSSELL, AL STOMP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ItsJustRyansChannel
Seems like so many people treat him like an up and coming country music star, but he was already famous in the 90's for Hootie and the Blowfish. Maybe you have to be "old" to know that? I dunno. Hootie fans, where you at?
@sharonkutz8272
Right here
@denebowmaster3179
Love Darius!!
@erinnelson5195
Yes! I just can't think of him as country.
@dariusrucker1945
@@sharonkutz8272 Hello, how are you doing... thanks for your love and support and being on my fan list i really appreciate the Love and Support that Y'all have been giving and i promise to always give my best as a appreciation, well i actually created this page to be able to interact with my fans and I noticed your likes and comments...
@dariusrucker1945
@@denebowmaster3179 Hello, how are you doing... thanks for your love and support and being on my fan list i really appreciate the Love and Support that Y'all have been giving and i promise to always give my best as a appreciation, well i actually created this page to be able to interact with my fans and I noticed your likes and comments...
@GailColeman
My husband is that one person who knows my secrets, my darkest places, and he loves me anyway. I am truly blessed!
@melanieanderson1904
I could hardly bear to listen to this song when I first encountered it. It pricks vulnerability in a way both painful, yet healing. Definitely one of the great songs sung by one of the greatest performers out there today.
@jmf7897
I agree.....it hits some some emotions and failures and sparks what you want to be if opportunity arises.
@johnathontilicki4396
I'm right there with you, girl. God bless you.