1.) Alfred Jesse Smith (born July 26, 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana), better known by the stage name Brenton Wood, is an American singer and songwriter, best known for his two 1967 hits: Oogum Boogum Song and Gimme Little Sign.
When he was a child his family moved west to San Pedro in Los Angeles, California. In his high school years his family relocated to nearby Compton, where Brenton became a member of the Compton High School track team and received several awards for his athletic achievements.
Following his high school graduation, Wood enrolled in Compton College. Soon after he took the stage name Brenton Wood, possibly inspired by the wealthy Los Angeles enclave of Brentwood (some sources state that the name is in honor of his "home county"). During his period there his musical interests began to manifest themselves. He was inspired by Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, and he began cultivating his songwriting skills, also becoming an accomplished pianist.
After signing with Double Shot Records he had a hit with "The Oogum Boogum Song" in the spring of 1967. It reached number 19 on the R&B charts and number 34 on the pop listing. His biggest hit came in September the same year. "Gimme Little Sign" hit #9 on the pop chart and also #19 on the R&B charts. In the song gimme little sign is not sung, instead the chorus repeats "give me some kind of sign".
"Gimme Little Sign" was later covered by Danielle Brisebois who had a hit with it in 1994. "Gimme Little Sign" was also recorded by Ricky Nelson.
Some of his more unknown songs are also worth listening to, such as "Me and You," "Baby You Got It," and "18 With a Bullet."
Gimme Little Sign
Brenton Wood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you don't want me, don't lead me on, girl
But if you need me, show me that you love me
And when I'm feeling blue and I want you
There's just one thing that you should do
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Oh, my baby
Oh yeah
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Oh, my darling
To show me that you're mine, girl
All right
If you do want me, gimme little sweet talk
If you don't want me, don't lead me on, girl
But if you need me, show me that you love me
And when I'm feeling down, wearing a frown
You'll be there when I look around
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Oh, my baby
To show me that you're mine, girl
All right
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Oh, my baby
To show me that you're mine, girl
All right
But
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Oh, my baby
To show me that you're mine, girl
Oh yeah
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Oh, my darling
To show me that you're mine, girl
All right
Just gimme some kind of sign
Ooh, sign
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Oh, my baby
To show me that you're mine, girl
All right
Just gimme some kind of sign
The lyrics to Brenton Wood's song Gimme Little Sign talk about the uncertainty and insecurity surrounding a relationship. The singer asks for clarity from his partner, saying that if they want him, they should show it with sweet talk or gestures of love, but if they don't, they shouldn't lead him on. When he's feeling down, he wants his partner to be there for him and show him that he's loved.
The pre-chorus and chorus of the song repeat the same lines, emphasizing the singer's desire for a sign from his partner that she is his. The use of "just" in both instances suggests that the singer doesn't need a grand gesture or overwhelming evidence of their love, just something to alleviate his anxiety and confirm their commitment to each other.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and insecurity that many people can relate to in their own relationships. It highlights the importance of communication and clarity in a romantic partnership, as well as the need for reassurance and support.
Line by Line Meaning
If you do want me, gimme little sugar
If you want to be with me, show me some affection and attention
If you don't want me, don't lead me on, girl
If you are not interested, don't give me false hope or string me along
But if you need me, show me that you love me
If you really need me in your life, prove it to me by expressing your love and commitment
And when I'm feeling blue and I want you
When I am sad and in need of comfort, I want your presence and support
There's just one thing that you should do
You can help me feel better by doing just one thing
Just gimme some kind of sign, girl
Give me any indication that you are interested and committed to me
Oh, my baby
My dear, beloved one
To show me that you're mine, girl
To demonstrate that you are committed to me and only me
To show me that you're mine, girl
Again, to demonstrate that you are committed to me and only me
All right
Okay, that's settled
If you do want me, gimme little sweet talk
If you want to be with me, speak to me with affection and flattery
And when I'm feeling down, wearing a frown
When I am feeling low and unhappy
You'll be there when I look around
I hope to see you around as a source of comfort when I am feeling low
But
However, there's something else I want to say
Ooh, sign
A gesture or indication of your commitment
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Alfred J. Smith, Jerry Winn, Joseph Davis Hooven
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BicycleMusicCompany
Lean back and enjoy the complete Brenton Wood, all the classic LA soul from the legend himself. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6pqjJSYB2-VRIo6jrrp-0ypcBlsuzzY9
@CJ-hc9ud
When I cant shake off my bad attitude. I'm feeling lonely. Life is too much. I turn on my generation music. To go back and be the young girl I was. Beautiful free .
@davemeyer1400
Same here. A young guy. Bartender in most popular college bar. Greeting students with a smile and dancing to songs like this. Gotta relive some of those good ole vibes to keep alive now.
@davemeyer1400
Same here. A young guy. Bartender in most popular college bar. Greeting students with a smile and dancing to songs like this. Gotta relive some of those good ole vibes to keep alive now.
@davemeyer1400
Same here. A young guy. Bartender in most popular college bar. Greeting students with a smile and dancing to songs like this. Gotta relive some of those good ole vibes to keep alive now.
@EdwardSWessonJr-kz5el
I always love 💕 this movie.
@shovelhead56
I hear that!!
@susanjackson9738
Oh yeah!!! The Magnificent 60's !!! Still listening November 19th 2022!!!!
@antoniohoward9812
8/20/2023
@randallreed9048
Folks do not remember how good he is and how innovative he was in his time. Luv ya, Brenton!