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.
YES
Carla Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just the way you want me to
But I'm ready [ready] to learn (to learn)
Yes, I'm ready [ready] to learn (to learn)
To fall in love, to fall in love, to fall in love with you
I don't even know how to hold your hand
Just to make you understand
Yes, I'm ready [ready] to learn (to learn)
To hold your hand, make you understand
To hold your hand right now
I don't even know how to kiss your lips (kiss your lips)
At a moment like this
But I'm going to learn how to do
All the things you want me to
(Are you ready?) Yes, I'm ready
(Are you ready?) Yes, I'm ready
To fall in love, to fall in love, to fall in love right now
(Are you ready?) Yes, I'm ready
(Are you ready?) Yes, I'm ready
(To kiss me?) Yes, I'm ready
(To love me?)
To kiss you, love you, and hug you
Baby, I'm ready
Carla Thomas's "Yes I'm Ready" is a classic love song about a person who is willing to learn how to love their partner. The song begins with the singer admitting that they do not know how to love their partner the way they want to be loved, but they are ready to learn. The chorus repeats the phrase "Yes, I'm ready to learn" emphasizing the singer's eagerness to fall in love.
As the song progresses, the singer admits that they do not know how to hold their partner's hand or kiss their lips. However, they are willing to learn and do everything their partner desires. The song's message is all about vulnerability and learning to love. The singer is acknowledging their own shortcomings, but they are ready to put in effort and learn how to love their partner.
The song has a catchy melody with a classic doo-wop feel. The vocal performance is soulful and emotional, adding to the song's romantic feel. Overall, "Yes I'm Ready" is a classic love song that still resonates with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't even know how to love you
I am uncertain of how to love you
Just the way you want me to
In the way that you expect me to
But I'm ready [ready] to learn (to learn)
However, I am willing to learn
Yes, I'm ready [ready] to learn (to learn)
Indeed, I am willing to learn
To fall in love, to fall in love, to fall in love with you
To have romantic feelings towards you
I don't even know how to hold your hand
I am not knowledgeable in how to hold your hand
Just to make you understand
To make you comprehend my feelings
To hold your hand, make you understand
To hold your hand and express myself
To hold your hand right now
To do so at this instant
I don't even know how to kiss your lips (kiss your lips)
I have no idea how to kiss you
At a moment like this
In a situation as this
But I'm going to learn how to do
However, I will acquire the ability
All the things you want me to
All the things that you desire of me
(Are you ready?) Yes, I'm ready
(Are you prepared?) Affirmative, I am prepared
(To kiss me?) Yes, I'm ready
(Are you set to kiss me?) Yes, I am ready
(To love me?)
(Are you prepared to love me?)
To kiss you, love you, and hug you
To perform gestures of affection towards you
Baby, I'm ready
Darling, I am prepared
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Barbara Mason
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Chéreena Miller
💖Wowwwww. This is just beautiful. I'm so happy💖 to have found such an amazing UK female artist. This song is one of my favourites and I love the video.. 💖This song is a classic. I love the lyrics and the 💖acoustic sounds. Well done to you. I look forward to you touring here in London. 🇬🇧 Xxxx💐💐
Chéreena Miller
Thank you for sharing your gift. I know it can be challenging but the rewards are so worth it. All my love, your biggest fan. 🎉🌺💛
Teresa Billington
A beautiful song Carla.Well written and beautifully sung.Very poignant and thoughtful words.Ur a star!xx