Taking after their father, who sang gospel music, Bobby Womack and his brothers formed their own group in 1952. In 1954, under the moniker Curtis Womack and the Womack Brothers, the group issued the Pennant single, "Buffalo Bill". Bobby Womack was only ten years old at the time. Sam Cooke took an interest in the Womack Brothers, and they recorded for Cooke's SAR record label in the early 1960s. Renamed the Valentinos, and encouraged by Cooke to go in a more secular and commercial direction, they scored a hit with Womack's "It's All Over Now" in 1964; the Rolling Stones' version of the song became a major hit, earning Womack generous royalty payments.
Sam Cooke died in late 1964; Womack married Cooke's widow, Barbara, a short time later, creating something of a scandal. Things became even more complicated when his younger brother, Cecil, married Cooke's daughter, Linda. As a session guitarist, Womack worked at producer Chips Moman's American Studios in Memphis, and played on recordings by Joe Tex and The Box Tops. Until this point, around 1967, he had had little success as a solo artist, but at American he began to record a string of classic soul-music singles including the 1968 "What Is This" (his first chart hit), "It's Gonna Rain" and "More Than I Can Stand," all of which featured his elegant, understated rhythm-guitar work and his impassioned vocals. During this period he became known as a songwriter, contributing many songs to the repertoire of Wilson Pickett; these include "I'm in Love" and "I'm a Midnight Mover."
After moving to the United Artists label in the early '70s, he released the album Communication, and on an album with guitarist Gabor Szabo introduced his song "Breezin'," which later became a hit for George Benson. He also became known for his interesting taste in cover versions, essaying Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin' " as well as "Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)" and James Taylor's "Fire and Rain'" and "California Dreamin'." Perhaps his most well-known work from this period is as guitarist on Sly & the Family Stone's 1971 There's a Riot Goin' On.
He continued to have hits into the '70s; these include "Lookin' for a Love" (a remake of his 1962 Valentinos single), "Across 110th Street," "Woman's Gotta Have It" (covered by James Taylor in 1976), "You're Welcome, Stop on By," and the masterful "Daylight." All are excellent examples of burnished yet gritty 1970s soul music, and reveal a pop-music sensibility akin to that of Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield.
Bobby Womack's 1981 album The Poet was a surprise hit and contained the hit single "If You Think You're Lonely Now." K-Ci Hailey, a notable admirer of Womack's work, covered "If You Think You're Lonely Now" in 1994. The song is referenced in Mariah Carey's song "We Belong Together", a number-one hit in June 2005. Carey sings "I can't sleep at night /When you are on my mind / Bobby Womack's on the radio / Singing to me: 'If you think you're lonely now.'"
Film director Quentin Tarantino used "Across 110th Street" (which, in a different version, had been the title song of the 1972 movie) in the opening and closing sequences of his 1997 film Jackie Brown.
A 2003 Saab commercial shone a spotlight on Womack’s interpretation of "California Dreamin'".
In 2010, Womack contributed lyrics and sang on "Stylo" alongside Mos Def, the first single from the third Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach. Womack was told to sing whatever was on his mind during the recording of "Stylo". "I was in there for an hour going crazy about love and politics, getting it off my chest", said Womack.[4] He also provides vocals on the song "Cloud of Unknowing".
In 2010 Bobby Womack appeared on the main pyramid stage at Glastonbury with the Gorillaz.
The Bravest Man in the World Songfacts reports in 2012, Womack's first album of original material since 1994's Resurrection was released. The Bravest Man in the World was produced by Damon Albarn of Gorillaz and XL Recordings boss, Richard Russell.
Womack died on June 27, 2014 at age 70.
Dear Santa Claus
Bobby Womack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I was about seven, eight years old
And I'm glad to say that I'm finally finished with it
And I dedicate this song to you
Dear Santa Claus, send me someone
Someone who'll be there for the next Christmas comes
Make her be someone I can call my own
(Dear Santa Claus) dear Santa Claus
(Dear Santa Claus) you know I've been good
So, give her a beautiful smile if you could
Make her be gentle as a falling rain
Make her kisses sweeter, ha
Sweeter than a candy cane
And on Christmas Eve
Send her to my dreams
Like an angel straight from up above
And if she's there for me
Underneath the tree
Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful Christmas it will be
Believe me (dear Santa Claus)
Dear (dear Santa Claus)
I don't need any snow
Just bring me somebody
Underneath the mistletoe
Make her be someone
I can call my own
So I don't have to spend a Christmas all alone
And on Christmas Eve
Send her to my dreams
Like an angel straight from up above
And if she's there for me
Oh, underneath my tree
What a wonderful Christmas it will be
The lyrics of Bobby Womack's song "Dear Santa Claus" express a heartfelt desire for companionship during the Christmas season. He reminisces about writing the song when he was young and how he desires someone special to spend Christmas with. Womack's yearning is conveyed through the song's lyrics as he pleads with Santa to bring him a partner, someone he can call his own who will be there for him during the holiday season. He hopes for a gentle and loving person, someone who will make his kisses sweeter than candy cane. Womack also wishes for this person to appear in his dreams, like an angel from above, and be with him underneath the Christmas tree.
Throughout the lyrics, Womack creates an emotive atmosphere which expresses a deep sense of longing and loneliness, a common sentiment during the holiday season. The song speaks to the universal desire for human connection and highlights the importance of love and companionship during a time when family and friends come together. The lyrics of "Dear Santa Claus" also show that the joyous memories of childhood Christmases have the power to inspire hope and optimism in the present.
Line by Line Meaning
You know, I started writing this song
I began composing this piece of music long ago.
When I was about seven, eight years old
I was still quite young when I started writing the song.
And I'm glad to say that I'm finally finished with it
I'm happy to report that the song has been completed.
And I dedicate this song to you
This piece of music is being dedicated to Santa Claus.
Dear Santa Claus, send me someone
Oh Santa Claus, please bring me a special someone.
Someone who'll be there for the next Christmas comes
I want someone who will be with me for future Christmases.
Make her be someone I can call my own
Please bring me a person to cherish as my very own.
So I don't have to spend another Christmas all alone
I don't want to be lonely during the holidays any longer.
(Dear Santa Claus) dear Santa Claus
Oh Santa, my dear Santa Claus.
(Dear Santa Claus) you know I've been good
I want you to know that I've been a good person all year long.
So, give her a beautiful smile if you could
If possible, please find someone with a beautiful smile.
Make her be gentle as a falling rain
I want her to be kind and gentle like the rain falling softly from the sky.
Make her kisses sweeter, ha
I'd like her kisses to be even sweeter than a candy cane.
Sweeter than a candy cane
Her kisses should be incredibly sweet.
And on Christmas Eve
On the night before Christmas.
Send her to my dreams
Let me dream about finally meeting this special someone.
Like an angel straight from up above
I want her to seem like an angel sent directly from heaven.
And if she's there for me
If she becomes a part of my life.
Underneath the tree
Spending time with her under the Christmas tree.
Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful Christmas it will be
It will be an incredibly special and joyful holiday season.
Believe me (dear Santa Claus)
Please believe that I am sincere, Santa Claus.
Dear (dear Santa Claus)
My dear Santa Claus.
I don't need any snow
I don't need snow on Christmas to be happy.
Just bring me somebody
I only need to find the right person.
Underneath the mistletoe
Someone special to share a holiday kiss.
And on Christmas Eve
On the night before Christmas.
Send her to my dreams
Let me dream about finally meeting this special someone.
Like an angel straight from up above
I want her to seem like an angel sent directly from heaven.
And if she's there for me
If she becomes a part of my life.
Oh, underneath my tree
Being with her under the Christmas tree will be amazing.
What a wonderful Christmas it will be
The holiday season will be absolutely fantastic.
Writer(s): Bobby Womack, Harold Payne, Rick Cowling
Contributed by Julia V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Brenda Bradley
Bobby was so sad you can feel his loneliness he expressed his feelings like no other singer it came straight from his heart every word loved you big guy Rest In Peace you killed it
Jazzy Palmer
This song, completes Christmas in my Family, sitting round telling Yule festive stories, sweaters on endless Egg nog. With mr Womack playing to the sight twinkling tree and garland lights with cookies coking, cinnamon nutmeg smell through the house along with pine and festive smells and vibe. Ahhhhh I love the festive season !
renaissanceman165
Beautiful description, and perfect sentiment. Very eloquently stated. You must be a fellow writer! Check it Out! Ciao!!!
Sealifeocean
I Love me Some Bobby Womack RIP. Great song & Merry Christmas everyone!!
Pamela
WOW FIRST TIME HEARING THIS SONG.....Bobby Goes straight to the heart...R.I.P
CJ Jeanie
I HEARD IT FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST NIGHT AND FELL IN LOVE
Paulita Brigham
Beautiful Christmas song❤️
comingout05
just heard this song in 2012. adding to my Christmas music. If it's the Lord's will, I will playing it next year. it's simply beautiful. thanks for posting.
Deloris Jones
And I thought I had all the Christmas music first time hearing this from the heart
Mrs. Jimmy Scott - Jazz Wife 1
Always loved Bobby Womack's vocals. ~
#The Valentinos #Cleveland Soul #Edgy #Soulful