At the age of 17, she recorded a duet with her father Rufus Thomas, "Because I Love You", which became a Southern hit and gave the Satellite label (later Stax Records) its first real success.
In 1961 she rose to national prominence with "Gee Whiz (Look in His Eyes)", which reached the Top Ten in both the R&B and Pop categories, becoming the first Memphis soul record to have an impact nationwide and ensuring the success of the Stax Records label.
In the next ten years, she had 22 singles on the national charts, including "I'll Bring It on Home to You" (an answer to Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me"), "Let Me Be Good to You", and Isaac Hayes' "B-A-B-Y".
She is well-known for her duets with Otis Redding, from the album King & Queen, including the recordings of the Lowell Fulson composition "Tramp" and the Steve Cropper/Eddie Floyd song "Knock on Wood".
In 1993 Carla Thomas received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
Little Red Rooster
Carla Thomas Lyrics
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I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for day
Keep everything in the barnyard, upset in every way
Oh the dogs begin to bark,
and the hound begin to howl
Oh the dogs begin to bark, hound begin to howl
Ooh watch out strange kind people,
If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home
If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home
There ain't no peace in the barnyard,
Since the little red rooster been gone
The lyrics to the song Little Red Rooster by Carla Thomas depict a story about a little red rooster who is too lazy to crow for the day, causing everything in the barnyard to become upset. This little red rooster is quite the troublemaker as the dogs in the yard begin to bark and a hound begins to howl. The singer warns the people around to watch out as the little red rooster is on the prowl. The situation becomes so tense that there is no peace in the barnyard ever since the little red rooster has been gone.
The underlying theme in these lyrics stems from the metaphor of the little red rooster representing a man who is too lazy to work, yet expects to reap the benefits. The song covers the concept of greed, laziness, and the consequences one faces as a result of their actions. It is a reflection of the society and the ways of life where people engage in such behaviors and the repercussions that follow.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for day
My rooster is so lazy that he won't even crow in the morning like he's supposed to, causing chaos in the barnyard.
Keep everything in the barnyard, upset in every way
His laziness and lack of crowing causes frustration and disruption among the other animals in the barnyard.
Oh the dogs begin to bark, and the hound begin to howl
The commotion caused by the lazy rooster causes the dogs and hounds to bark and howl in response.
Ooh watch out strange kind people, 'Cause little red rooster is on the prowl
Beware, because the lazy rooster is on the move and causing trouble in the barnyard.
If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home
If you happen to come across my lazy rooster, please take him back to the barn to restore peace and order.
There ain't no peace in the barnyard, Since the little red rooster been gone
The barnyard has been in a state of chaos and unrest since the lazy rooster disappeared, emphasizing his disruptive influence on the other animals.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Written by: Willie Dixon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind