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.
The Best Man Cried
Clyde McPhatter Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The organ played, here comes the bride
The church bell ranged, and the best man cried
And as they stood, they stood there side by side
But when they said I do, oh yes, oh the best man cried
And when the word was said, with this ring I wed
I just stood there, when I couldnt see, from the tears I cried
Cause they where blinding me, and when I kissed, my best friend brideChild you should've seen, how the best men cried
And when I kissed, my best friend wife
You should've seen, how the best man cried
Clyde McPhatter’s song “The Best Man Cried” encapsulates the complex emotions often present during a wedding ceremony, particularly from the perspective of the best man. The song opens with vivid imagery, setting the scene in a church as the bride walks down the aisle to the sound of an organ playing, which signifies a moment of joy and celebration. However, this joyful occasion is juxtaposed by the sadness of the best man, who is overwhelmed by emotional turmoil as he witnesses his close friend entering a new phase of life through marriage. The repetition of “the best man cried” throughout the lyrics emphasizes his sorrow, not just for the loss of their close bond but also for the bittersweet realization that things will change now that his friend is committing to someone else.
As the ceremony progresses, the emotional weight continues to build. When the couple exchanges vows and rings, the gravity of the moment intensifies. The best man feels an acute sense of loss, not for himself but for the friendship he cherishes. His tears symbolize the complex nature of love and friendship, where feelings can intersect at joyous occasions. The lyrics convey that the best man finds it increasingly difficult to see through his tears, symbolizing how emotional moments can overshadow rational thoughts and feelings. This image of being “blinded” suggests a deeper sense of grief hidden beneath the happy surface of the wedding, highlighting how love and loss often coexist.
The turning point in the song arrives at the moment of the kiss between the groom and bride. Here, McPhatter encapsulates a pivotal moment of transformation, emphasizing that the best man, despite his pain, recognizes the importance of the union. The act of kissing the bride, whom he refers to as his “best friend's wife,” carries significant weight—it's a representation of his acceptance of the change that is occurring. Still, it’s tinged with an acknowledgment of his own heartbreak. The repeated assertion that the best man cried not only underscores his personal sorrow but also invites listeners to resonate with the often unspoken emotional intricacies present at such significant events.
Ultimately, “The Best Man Cried” serves as a poignant reflection on the interplay between joy and grief—a recognition that life transitions, while often celebratory, can also lead to a profound sense of loss. The best man’s tears symbolize his inner conflict: pride for his friend’s new journey intermingled with sadness for the bond that may never be the same. McPhatter’s powerful delivery connects audiences to an experience that many can relate to, blending the themes of love, friendship, and change. In essence, the song portrays the best man not merely as a participant in a wedding ceremony but as a representation of the emotional depth and complexity intertwined with the milestones of life.
Line by Line Meaning
The best man cried
The most emotionally supportive friend expressed deep sorrow during the wedding ceremony.
The organ played, here comes the bride
The music filled the air as the bride made her grand entrance, symbolizing beauty and new beginnings.
The church bell ranged, and the best man cried
Amidst the celebratory sounds of the church bell, the best man felt overwhelmed by emotion and sadness.
And as they stood, they stood there side by side
The couple took their places together at the altar, poised for their vows and the commitment they were about to make.
But when they said I do, oh yes, oh the best man cried
As the couple affirmed their love and commitment to each other, the best man's tears flowed, highlighting his emotional struggle.
And when the word was said, with this ring I wed
When the promise of marriage was spoken and the exchange of rings occurred, it marked a significant moment.
I just stood there, when I couldn't see, from the tears I cried
Overcome by emotion, the best man found it difficult to see clearly through his tears, symbolizing his heartache.
Cause they were blinding me, and when I kissed, my best friend bride
His tears were so overwhelming that they obscured his vision as he witnessed his best friend kissing his new wife.
Child you should've seen, how the best men cried
One would have been amazed by the profound and raw emotions exhibited by the best man during this significant moment.
And when I kissed, my best friend wife
As he experienced the surreal moment of witnessing his close friend marry and embrace his new wife, the emotions resurfaced.
You should've seen, how the best man cried
The best man's reaction was powerful and heart-wrenching, marking the depth of friendship and loss felt in this joyous yet bittersweet occasion.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Bob Roberts, Ruth Batchelor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rb0405
Clyde was/is the greatest. Let's continue to keep his music alive!
@sammartin8714
Met Clyde as a teanager he listened to all I had to say accepted the songs I wrote for him. Taught me many things about music kept his word about correspondence.he was and always be the greatest. He could sing anything with feeling.miss the unsung songs that could have been
@danielsalinas6683
Thats pretty cool. He always seemed to be a good guy. Hes one of the greatest singers who ever lived in my opinion.
@marvins3900
i love this track. clyde is not forgotten by those of us who have always been fans..from the dominos days
@LondonSoulMan
One of the most important singers in rhythm and blues and early soul music, a big influence on so many others.
@bennyjazzful
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE VOICE. ONE OF THE FINEST SINGERS EVER===WONDERFUL. WELL DONE
@barbara19ish
One of my very first Singer that I could listen to all day. Love Clyde.
@marilynscott86
Oh what a sad loss was this one great singer xxxxxxx RIP
@glennbabb6624
I cant stop playing this song. This is great
@TheBaylor22
One of the forgotten greats! His work with Billy Ward And The Dominoes, and The Drifters is unbelievable.