James Stinson chose the alias, 'Clarence G' as a reference to an author 'Clarence G. Hamilton' who wrote books regarding music theory and music history. Some of the titles of the books are:
- Epochs in Musical Progress
- Outlines of Music History
- Sound: And Its Relation To Music
- Touch and Expression in Piano Playing
Drexciya, James Stinson, were very secretive in their production techniques and influences, but this is one of many Drexciyan mysteries solved.
You Can Disagree
Clarence Lyrics
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It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from
simply rotten to something worse
Who knows, some day I will win too.
I'll begin to reach my prime.
Now though I see what our end is, All I can spend is just my time.
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
But I am willing to wait, dear,
Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
You have a lifetime before you.
I'll adore you, come what may.
Please don't be blue for the present, When it's so pleasant to hear you say
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile
We're sure to find
Happiness and I guess
All those things you've always pined for.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby.
I can't give you anything but love.
The song, "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" by Clarence, portrays the perspective of a man who is deeply in love with his partner but lacks financial stability. He laments that he cannot afford to provide his significant other with materialistic things like diamond bracelets from Woolworth's but emphasizes that his love for them is abundant. He expresses his optimism that someday he will succeed and shower his partner with love and expensive things, conveying the message that Rome was not built in a day.
Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid" is a powerful opening line that sets the tone for the entire song while describing his financial situation. The lyricist uses "Rome wasn't built in a day" to motivate his partner that they will one day have more than they can imagine. It is noticeable that "I can't give you anything but love" is repeated multiple times, emphasizing the intensity of the feeling and its relevance to the narrative.
Line by Line Meaning
Gee, but it's tough to be broke, kid.
Being poor is a real challenge, my young friend.
It's not a joke, kid, it's a curse.
It's not something to laugh about, but a terrible fate.
My luck is changing, it's gotten from simply rotten to something worse
My fortunes are turning for the worse, things are going from bad to worse.
Who knows, some day I will win too.
Maybe someday I'll also get lucky and win.
I'll begin to reach my prime.
I'll start to hit my peak and reach my full potential.
Now though I see what our end is, All I can spend is just my time.
I realize what our final destination is and all I can do is pass the time.
I can't give you anything but love, baby.
I don't have much to offer you, except for my love.
That's the only thing I've plenty of,baby.
But my love is abundant and plentiful.
Dream awhile, scheme awhile. We're sure to find Happiness and I guess All those things you've always pined for.
Let's indulge in some wishful thinking, plan our future and we'll definitely find happiness and everything you ever wanted, I suppose.
Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, baby.
Oh how I wish to see you looking splendid, my dear.
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn't sell, baby.
I want to give you expensive and rare things that you can't find in the usual stores.
Till that lucky day you know darned well, baby. I can't give you anything but love.
But until that fortunate day arrives, you know very well that all I can offer is my love.
Rome wasn't built in a day, kid.
Great things take time to build, young one.
You have to pay, kid, for what you get.
You need to work hard and pay the price to get what you want.
But I am willing to wait, dear, Your little mate, dear, will not forget.
But I am ready to be patient and wait for you, my dear, and I will never forget our love.
You have a lifetime before you.
You still have a whole lifetime ahead of you.
I'll adore you, come what may.
No matter what happens, I will always love you.
Please don't be blue for the present, When it's so pleasant to hear you say.
Don't be sad right now, because it's so delightful to hear you speak.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Songtrust Ave, BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind