Big John Greer (November 21, 1923 – May 12, 1972) was an American rhythm & … Read Full Bio ↴Big John Greer (November 21, 1923 – May 12, 1972) was an American rhythm & blues tenor saxophonist and vocalist, best known for his recordings from 1949 to 1955, which included "Got You On My Mind" and "Bottle It Up And Go."

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.

Red Juice
Big John Greer Lyrics

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Man give me a drink of that stuff
Mmmm I love this jive
Come on man lets hop up and get another one
I wanna feel the red juice

I gotta lotta friends down on ?
That had a lot of fun on a little dough
The cats down there will sing tonight

Just to get a bit of red juice on ice

They never have to worry when they pay the rent
Folding bed and showers cost you fifteen cents
They'll play some cards, or shoot some dice
Just a get a fill of red juice on ice

When someone wins a dollar
The cats all celebrate
They stand in line for a drink of wine
And the cops call operate

They stand around the corners talking politics
Present situation got them in a fix
Cats down there economise
Just a get a fill of red juice on ice

When someone wins a dollar
The cats all celebrate
They stand in line for a drink of wine
And the cops call operate

They stand around the corners talking politics
Present situation got them in a fix

Cats down there economise
Just to a get a fill of red juice on ice

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Big John Greer's song Red Juice depict the difficult yet joyful lives of people living in poverty, particularly those in black communities. The "red juice" mentioned in the song is probably referring to cheap red wine, which is a common escape for many living in poverty. The lyrics paint a picture of people living in rundown areas, struggling to make ends meet but still finding joy in the small pleasures of life. The lyrics suggest that these people find solace from their struggles in drinking red juice, and the song implies that this is a regular occurrence in their lives.

The line "The cats down there will sing tonight just to get a bit of red juice on ice" is particularly poignant. It suggests that even though life may be tough, these people still find reasons to sing and celebrate. It is a reminder that amidst all the struggles, there are still moments of joy to be found. The song also features the police who are seen as an oppressive force that seeks to prevent people from their meager pleasures.

Red JuiceBig John Greer Lyrics

Red Juice
Big John Greer Lyrics