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.
Too Long
Big John Greer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too long between loves is killing me
You been gone too long, too long, too long
Too long
Too long between kisses is killing me
The things that I'm missing is killing me
You been gone too long, too long, too long
The sun goes down in the evening
The moon comes out at night
I'm all alone like a dog without a bone
And baby, you know that ain't right
Too long between loves is killing me
Too long between loves is killing me
You been gone too long, too long, too long
Too long
The sun goes down in the evening
The moon comes out at night
I'm all alone like a dog without a bone
And baby, you know that ain't right
Too long between loves is killing me
Too long between loves is killing me
You been gone too long, too long, too long
Too long
You been gone too long, too long, too long
Too long
The song "Too Long" by Big John Greer features lyrics that delve into the pain and sadness that comes with being apart from a loved one for an extended period of time. The repetition of the phrases "too long between loves" and "too long between kisses" reinforces the overall message of the song, which is that the amount of time spent apart from their beloved is unbearable.
The use of imagery in the song further illustrates the loneliness and isolation Greer is experiencing. The simile "I'm all alone like a dog without a bone" paints a vivid picture of his despair, and the repetition of "too long" emphasizes the passage of time without the company of his love.
Overall, the song is a poignant testament to the impact that love and absence can have on our emotional well-being, and serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and companionship in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Too long between loves is killing me
The lack of love in my life is causing me immense pain and suffering
Too long between kisses is killing me
The absence of physical affection is causing me significant distress
The things that I'm missing is killing me
The things that I used to enjoy with you, such as intimacy and companionship, are sorely missed and are causing me immense pain and anguish
You been gone too long, too long, too long
Your absence has been prolonged and is having a severe impact on my emotional well-being
The sun goes down in the evening
The natural cycle of day and night continues without interruption
The moon comes out at night
As the sun sets, the moon takes its place in the sky
I'm all alone like a dog without a bone
I am completely and utterly alone, with no hope of companionship or comfort
And baby, you know that ain't right
You know that my suffering and loneliness is unjust and undeserved
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KYLE ANDREW WESLEY, MATTHEW A. THOMAS, RYAN WILLIAM KEATON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind