The group is led by Carlton Manning, and the line-up was originally completed by his younger brothers Donald and Lynford (both members of The Abyssinians), and Alexander Henry. Manning originally named the group Carlton and his Shades, but a printer's mistake on their debut release (for Sonia Pottinger) led to the "Shoes" name sticking. Although their debut release made little impact, they moved on to work with Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One, where they enjoyed a massive rocksteady hit with "Love Me Forever".
"Love Me Forever" has been re-released and covered many times since, and the single's B-side, "Happy Land", formed the basis for The Abyssinians' "Satta Massa Ganna", one of the most covered songs in the history of reggae. When Donald and Lynford formed The Abyssinians, Carlton remained at Studio One, continuing to make records, and working as a session guitarist. He continued to record through the 1970s and early 1980s, though never repeated his early success.
Albums
Love Me Forever (1978 - Studio One)
This Heart of Mine (1982 - Quality Records)
Sweet Feeling (1996 - Overheat Records)
Love Is All
Carlton & The Shoes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just want to listen
I just want the words to sink into me
I know it's been hard for you
I know that you're getting through
If I could be the knife that cuts you free
Always moving the light through the dark
Love is an art
Love is an art
Together we withstand the rain
Knowing what the storm can bring
Life to the roots, roses to the garden
Always moving the light through the dark
Always building up, falling apart
Love is an art
Love is an art
Love is an art
It's in the alchemy
The sum of you and me
Love let us lift the screen
All our shame will melt away
Take power from the secrets we keep
Always moving the light through the dark
Always building up, falling apart
Love is an art
Love is an art
Love is an art
The lyrics to Carlton & The Shoes's song Love Is All convey the message of the power of love and the struggles that come with it. The singer expresses a desire to listen to their lover's story and understand their pain, to be the one to help them overcome it. The metaphor of love as an art form is repeated throughout the song, implying that it requires work, dedication, and skill to create and maintain a successful relationship.
The lyrics also allude to the fact that love can be challenging and may involve building up and falling apart. However, it is ultimately worth it, as love helps us withstand the storms of life and fosters growth, much like life to the roots and roses to the garden. The singer emphasizes that by sharing our deepest secrets with our loved ones, we can release ourselves from the shame and guilt that often hold us back.
Overall, Love Is All is a song about empathy, compassion, and the transformative power of love. It highlights the importance of listening to others, understanding their struggles, and supporting them through the challenging times. The message is one of hope and reminds us that with love, we can overcome almost anything.
Line by Line Meaning
Will you tell me your story
I am here to listen to your story, please share it with me.
I just want to listen
My only intention is to hear what you have to say.
I just want the words to sink into me
I want to deeply understand the emotions and experiences you are expressing.
I know it's been hard for you
I acknowledge that you have been through difficult times.
I know that you're getting through
I recognize that you are managing to overcome your struggles.
If I could be the knife that cuts you free
I wish I could help release you from your pain.
Always moving the light through the dark
Despite challenges and difficulties, we are always striving for positivity and hope.
Always building up, falling apart
We keep growing and creating, even though things may sometimes break down.
Love is an art
Love requires skill, passion, and creativity to master.
Together we withstand the rain
When we face hardships, we support and protect each other.
Knowing what the storm can bring
We are prepared for the challenges that will arise.
Life to the roots, roses to the garden
Our struggles can help us grow stronger and more beautiful.
It's in the alchemy
The magic of love lies in the chemistry between us.
The sum of you and me
We are stronger together than we are alone.
Love let us lift the screen
Love helps us remove the barriers that keep us from connecting with each other.
All our shame will melt away
Love helps us feel safe and unashamed to be vulnerable with each other.
Take power from the secrets we keep
Sharing our secrets and experiences can be empowering and healing.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Vanessa Carlton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnnigelsmith146
CARLTON AND THE SHOES WOW THEY ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD WHAT A TUNE BIG DEDICATED TO@ COLIN SMITH AND@ ANDERSON SANTO RESPECTππβ€
@sandrawillis7577
Awww So Lovely.... Those Harmonies πΉπΉπΉππππππ΅πΆπ΅πΆπ€ππ
@56postoffice
Fire from Carlton Manning.π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯
@paulajordan8113
rocksteady love + harmonies β₯β‘β β β β β X
@olivszf7837
Ohhhh Yes ... Nuff Thx βΊ
@angelorobatto4906
I have cd recording with soundimension version π