In 1950, McPhatter joined Billy Ward & the Dominoes, and was present for the recording of "Sixty Minute Man", which was a huge hit in 1951, and was one of the earliest rock and roll records. After several more hits, McPhatter quit the group in 1953 because he made little money and gained virtually no fame, in spite of his voice being the lead on most of the group's songs. McPhatter then signed to Atlantic Records after forming a group, The Drifters. "Money Honey", "Such a Night", "Honey Love", "White Christmas" and "Whatcha Gonna Do" became huge hits.
In 1954, McPhatter was drafted but was assigned in the U.S., allowing him to continue recording. He soon left The Drifters and launched a solo career. His first solo hit occurred just after being discharged - "Love Has Joined Us Together" (with Ruth Brown). He released several R&B hits in the next few years, but only made one serious dent in the pop charts with the Brook Benton penned song "A Lovers Question", which made it to #6 in 1958. White groups usually covered his best compositions and achieved more widespread mainstream success. In spite of this, McPhatter became one of the most popular black musicians among white listeners. His 1956 recording of "Treasure of Love" saw him enjoy just one week in the UK singles chart. The lack of any subsequent entry gave him the unenviable tag there of being a one hit wonder
McPhatter soon signed to MGM Records, and released several more hits. "I Told Myself a Lie" and "Think Me a Kiss" (1960) became minor pop hits, as was "Ta Ta", his first single for Mercury Records. "I Never Knew" and "Lover Please" (1962) became even bigger pop hits, but his career started suffering due to his alcoholism. Other black artists were following McPhatter's blueprint into pop audiences, including Rudy Lewis, Johnny Moore, Sam Cooke and an all new line-up of The Drifters. McPhatter's unreliability kept him from maintaining his career in the face of this competition. As the 1960s wore on, McPhatter's career kept falling in spite of a few minor hits.
In the early 1970s, McPhatter spent some time living in England, where he still had a significant audience, but this was short-lived. Back again in America, Clyde McPhatter died of a heart attack in 1972, at the age of 39.
In 1987, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His pioneering contribution to the genre has been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
Someday
Clyde McPhatter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna be somebody
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
Then I won't want you
Everything's going to roll my way
I won't need nobody
I'm gonna be a real gone catThen I won't want you
You will cry, cry, cry
You will sigh, sigh, sigh
You will wonder why I don't look at you
When I go rolling by
I'm gonna be a wheel someday
I'm gonna be somebody
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
Then I won't want you
I'm gonna be a wheel someday
I'm gonna be somebody
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
Then I won't want you
Everything's going to roll my way
I won't need nobody
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
Then I won't want you
You will cry, cry, cry
You will sigh, sigh, sigh
You will wonder why I don't look at you
When I go rolling by
I'm gonna be a wheel someday
I'm gonna be somebody
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
The lyrics to Clyde McPhatter's song "I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday" express a sense of determination and ambition. The singer asserts that they will become successful and well-regarded in the future, represented metaphorically by being a "wheel." The phrase "I'm gonna be somebody" further emphasizes their desire to achieve a significant status, where they are recognized and respected. They envision themselves as a "real gone cat," someone who is hip and cool.
The lyrics also highlight a shift in the singer's attitude towards a romantic interest. They believe that once they attain their desired level of success, they will no longer desire the person they currently have feelings for. The repeated lines "Then I won't want you" signify their intention to move on and leave the person behind as they progress in life.
The chorus indicates that everything will start working out in their favor, that life will be in their control. They assert that they won't need anyone else once they achieve success. This reflects a sense of independence and self-reliance.
The final lines of the song suggest that when the singer achieves their goals, the person they are leaving behind will finally understand their worth and feel regret. The lines "You will cry, cry, cry / You will sigh, sigh, sigh / You will wonder why I don't look at you / When I go rolling by" convey a sense of remorse on the part of the romantic interest, who will realize the mistake of not appreciating the singer when they had the chance.
Overall, "I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday" captures the drive for success, independence, and the bittersweet aftermath of leaving someone behind in pursuit of personal aspirations.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna be a wheel someday
I will become influential and respected in my life in the future.
I'm gonna be somebody
I will achieve significance and recognition as a person.
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
I will embody a cool, carefree, and charismatic individual who stands out.
Then I won't want you
Once I reach my goals, I will no longer feel the need for your presence in my life.
Everything's going to roll my way
I anticipate that everything will align in my favor and bring me success.
I won't need nobody
I will become self-sufficient and independent, requiring no support from others.
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
I will fully embrace my unique and appealing personality.
Then I won't want you
My increased confidence and self-worth will lead me to outgrow my attachment to you.
You will cry, cry, cry
You will experience sorrow and regret over my departure from your life.
You will sigh, sigh, sigh
You will express disappointment and longing about the situation.
You will wonder why I don't look at you
You will be perplexed by my newfound indifference and lack of attention towards you.
When I go rolling by
As I progress and move forward in life, you will see me thriving without you.
I'm gonna be a wheel someday
I will eventually hold a position of influence and Power.
I'm gonna be somebody
I will establish my identity and significance in the world.
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
I will transform into someone who is admired for their charm and uniqueness.
Then I won't want you
My personal growth will render you unnecessary in my life.
I'm gonna be a wheel someday
I will rise to a status of importance and respect in my future.
I'm gonna be somebody
I will create a meaningful and recognized identity for myself.
I'm gonna be a real gone cat
I will embrace my vibrant personality and become someone truly exceptional.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE BARTHOLOMEW, ANTOINE DOMINO, ROY HAYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@OliviaHumphreys-s9z
Fabulous song one of the earliest songs I heard of the Drifters loved those years ❤️ even though I was really young xx
@hillcresthiker
One of the greatest groups of all time with one of their best songs
@zlatavachova5263
Beautiful song love song...thank you my PAUL 😊💪😷👍
@ruthboykin9873
Great song, I had not heard in years! Thanks Paul.
@StuartHirsh-n8e
Let me tell you a story...I was just a kid...working on his first car with his HS friends in the garage...on a Saturday night...listening to the Wolfman Jack Radio Show.. It was getting late into the early summer evening...and The Wolfman would always sign off at the end of the program with a R+B Classic...this being around the mid to late 70s when many tunes of this genre where falling out of favor but something about them to me...just seemed so perfect and haunting...working on a 10 year old "first car" with your buddies...Back then...your automobile was your freedom as a teenager...we didn't have texting or the internet...your "ride" was how you got to school...to ball games..the library...to after school jobs...to Sunday school...to parties and gatherings...It was magical and magnificent to a 16 year old kid...So as I was saying...the Wolfman would always sign off with a standard like this very special one by Clyde Mcphatter and the Drifters...at the closing bars of the tune...there would be q long pause...that loud silence across the air waves...the bewitching hour of midnight had arrived and the show was over...Then...the Station would give its distinctive Station Identification...and "regular " program commenced for the new day...I don't know how to describe that feeling at that time...Youth and many years of waters passing under foot of the bridge has a way of glorifying ones past I suppose...I was so fortunate to experience this special opportunity....
@PaulGaston88
@@StuartHirsh-n8e That's a beautiful story. Thank you... brought tears to my eyes. 🎹🎹💜
@niclasholst7941
Cool version,only heard Jerry Lee sing it before