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.
The Christmas Song
Bobby Womack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you!
Bobby Womack's "The Christmas Song" is a classic holiday tune that captures the essence of what makes the season so special. The song kicks off with vivid imagery of "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" and "Jack Frost nipping at your nose." It's a scene that's both peaceful and nostalgic, and it conjures up memories of cozy nights spent by the fire with loved ones. The next line, "Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir," adds to the atmosphere and enhances the feeling of warmth and comfort.
The second stanza of the song shifts the focus to the more traditional holiday trappings, with "a turkey and some mistletoe" being highlighted as key components that "help to make the season bright." The final two lines of this section mention "tiny tots with their eyes all aglow," creating a sense of childlike wonder that's so often associated with Christmas. The following stanza finds the singer addressing those same children, as he tells them that "Santa's on his way" with "lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh." The line "every mother's child is gonna spy, to see if reindeer really know how to fly" is particularly playful and adds to the song's whimsical nature.
The final stanza is a heartfelt message to listeners young and old, wishing them a "Merry Christmas" in a simple and universal way. Overall, Womack's "The Christmas Song" is a touching tribute to the holiday that's sure to evoke feelings of joy and wonder in all who hear it.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
The aroma of roasting chestnuts on the Christmas fire conjures up the memories of the holiday.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The chilly winter air causes numbness to the nose and skin, giving the idea that Jack Frost is present.
Yule-tide carols being sung by a choir
Choirs perform Christmas songs during the holiday, enhancing the spirit of Christmas in people's hearts.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.
Due to the cold winter climate during the holiday, many individuals wear thick fur and Eskimo-like clothing.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
A turkey and the mistletoe plant are symbols of Christmas, known by everyone.
Help to make the season bright
The sight of a turkey and the green mistletoe helps bring light to the dark, cold winter season.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Children's eyes light up with excitement when they see the decorations and presents around them during the holiday.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.
Children are too excited to sleep during the festive night of Christmas Eve.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children know that Santa Claus is coming with sacks filled with presents.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has many toys and sweets on his sleigh, which brings joy to children who eagerly await his arrival.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
All children try to sneak a peek at Santa when he arrives, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.
Children are curious whether Santa's reindeer can fly or not, hence try to spy on them.
And so I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer expresses his joy and gratitude by making an offering of this simple message.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message of joy and celebration is for people of all ages, regardless of their age difference.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message is not new, but its sentiment is still appreciated, and different people express it in different ways.
Merry Christmas to you!
The singer wishes everyone a happy, joyful, and wonderful holiday.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind