When Benton was young he enjoyed gospel music and wrote songs and in 1948 he went to New York to pursue his music career.
He was a member of several gospel groups including "The Langfordairies", "The Jerusalem Stars", and "The Golden Gate Quartet".
After returning to his home state he joined a R&B singing group, "the Sandmen", and soon went back to New York to try for a big break. Eventually the record company decided to drop The Sandmen and push Brook as a solo artist.
Benton wrote songs for artists such as Nat King Cole, Clyde McPhatter, and Roy Hamilton. Soon he released his first minor hit A Million Miles From Nowhere, and later he joined the Mercury label, which would later bring him big success.
In 1952 he got his big break with It's Just a Matter of Time and Endlessly.
It's Just a Matter of Time made it to #3 on the U.S. Pop charts, while Endlessly made it to #12 . Both hits were written by Benton himself.
Benton had many #1 hits including Rainy Night in Georgia and Hotel Happiness. According to Songfacts, his version of the blues standard The Boll Weevil Song has the unique distinction of being the first #1 song on Billboard's Easy Listening chart.
Altogether, Benton had 38 hit singles through out his career. His last album was "Fools Rush In", released posthumously in 2005. He died on April 9, 1988.
Revenge
Brook Benton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you pretend to be so enchanted with all his charms
Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?
Well, you've had your revenge; now come back to my arms
You keep telling your friends only heartaches I gave to you
And you hope in the end that my heart will be crying, too
Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?
Maybe you want me to get down on my knees to you
Well, I'll do it gladly, darling, if that's what pleases you
Ya got to tell me now; you'll get all of a brand-new start
For you've had your delight with just tearing my heart apart
Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?
Well, you've had your revenge; now come on back to my arms
Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?
Well, you've had your revenge; now come back to my arms
I wait in revenge, revenge
Now is that all you want?
Now you've had your revenge; now come back to my arms
Revenge, that's all you want
Well, you've had your revenge
Come on to my arms
In the song Revenge by Brook Benton, the lyrics speak of a relationship that has fallen apart due to one person's desire for revenge. The singer is being scrutinized by their former partner as they dance with someone else, while that partner pretends to be completely smitten with their new love. However, the singer knows that this is all a show meant to cause further pain and get revenge. The repetition of the phrase "Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?" highlights the singer's frustration and anger towards their former partner for seeking retribution instead of reconciling their differences. Despite this, the singer still loves their former partner and asks them to come back to their arms now that they have had their revenge. The lyrics convey a sense of longing for what once was and deep pain at the loss of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You keep looking at me while you dance in another's arms
You keep staring at me while you're dancing with someone else
And you pretend to be so enchanted with all his charms
And you pretend to be fascinated by his qualities
Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?
Are you seeking revenge for what I've done to you?
Well, you've had your revenge; now come back to my arms
You've gotten your revenge, now come back to me
You keep telling your friends only heartaches I gave to you
You keep complaining to your friends that I caused you pain
And you hope in the end that my heart will be crying, too
And you want me to be upset as well
Maybe you want me to get down on my knees to you
Maybe you want me to beg for forgiveness
Well, I'll do it gladly, darling, if that's what pleases you
I'll apologize if that's what makes you happy
Ya got to tell me now; you'll get all of a brand-new start
You have to tell me now if you want to start over
For you've had your delight with just tearing my heart apart
You've already enjoyed hurting me
Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?
Is revenge all that you want?
Well, you've had your revenge; now come on back to my arms
You've had your revenge, come back to me
Revenge, revenge, is that all you want?
Is revenge all that you want?
Well, you've had your revenge; now come back to my arms
You've had your revenge, come back to me
I wait in revenge, revenge
I wait for revenge, revenge
Now is that all you want?
Is that really all you want?
Now you've had your revenge; now come back to my arms
You've had your revenge, come back to me
Revenge, that's all you want
You only want revenge
Well, you've had your revenge
You've gotten your revenge
Come on to my arms
Come back to me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BROOK BENTON, MARNIE EWALD, OLIVER T HALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stephanieawest8615
This gentleman is my dad's second cousin on my grandfather's side. I never got to meet him, but my dad used to hang with him much. When he died, my father was crushed hard. It was sad to find that out, because I never saw my dad cry hard like that, ever. RIP Benjamin Pea a.k.a. Brook Benton. Thumbs up for the post, and thanks from his fam.
@JulieJulieTheRockChickhermiz
Stephanie A West I'm so sorry your Father suffered so greatly at the passing of this great Legend who his fans love and know as Brook Benton. He is one of my Father's favourite singers and mine also. He died too young but left us a Treasure Cove of Timeless Gems with his music. May He Rest In Perfect Peace.
@greatmusicfan57
What a cool story Stephanie! Wonderful entertainer, what a rich voice voice. This man was excellent.
@thulanihamilton965
Great story Stephanie is your father still alive? I am doing a research about Brook Benton
@Jevezy
You have royalty in your family, lucky you. Those were the days when we had a real talent, not the trash they call singing today. He will always be remembered.
@greatmusicfan57
Brook was a very talented man. Class act.👍
@stanleydavis7904
My Mom loved this guy, every Friday night she would bring home a new record after work.. 78's lp's and 45's never thought that I would miss those days.
@waynelord7177
One of the great writers of early R & B. He later got a break to sing and he had a steady stream of hits in the 50s and 60s.
Great musical artist who sadly left us many years ago. RIP Brook.
@irenemccann7032
Absolutely fabulous terrific song, sung superbly by the great BROOK Benton.
@berthadaniels5373
I thought I had heard all of Mr.Benton's songs,until I heard this song "Revenge". Love it. Wow. 💕💞💕💞