Credited as simply Damita Jo, DeBlanc had some chart success in the early 1960s with two answer songs: 1960's "I'll Save the Last Dance for You" (an answer to "Save the Last Dance for Me") and 1961's "I'll Be There" (an answer to "Stand By Me"). Both songs were originally sung by Ben E. King and made the R&B top 20, and "I'll Be There" also reached number 12 on the pop chart. In 1962 she recorded "Dance With a Dolly (With a Hole in her Stocking", previously made famous by The Andrews Sisters and Bill Haley, for Mercury Records. In 1966 she had a minor hit with a cover of the Jacques Brel song "If You Go Away."
She worked with Ray Charles, Count Basie, and Lionel Hampton. And, in 1963, she released a recording for Mercury Records with Billy Eckstine and Bobby Tucker Orchestra.
Damita Jo was later involved in comedy and toured with Redd Foxx. In 1998, she suffered a respiratory illness and died on Christmas Day in Baltimore, Maryland.
I'll be there
Damita Jo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or suddenly drop
All your burdens
I'll gladly bear
Just run to my arms
Yeah, right or wrong
No matter what happens
And darling, darling
I'll be there
Whoa, I'll be there
To protect this love we share
If your friends desert you
Yes, when things go wrong
You can always be sure I care
When you face each dawn
And you think you can't go on
You know I'll, I'll be there
Oh, darling, darling
I'll be there
Yes, I'll be there
I'll always, I'll always be there
And darling, darling
I'll be there
Whoa, I'll be there
I'll always, I'll always be there
Whenever you're in trouble
Darling, I'll be there
You know I'll be there
I'll always, I'll always be there
Oh, oh, yes...
The lyrics to Damita Jo's song I'll Be There suggest a deep, unwavering love that will endure any difficulty or challenge in a relationship. The verses talk about the ups and downs of life, and how this person will be there to support and carry the burdens of their loved one. The chorus repeats the line "I'll be there" multiple times, emphasizing the commitment and constancy of the love being offered.
The first verse speaks to the unpredictability of life, with the potential to reach the top or suddenly fall. The singer offers to bear the burdens of their loved one, providing a source of comfort and stability. The second verse talks about how the person will always care, even if friends desert them or things go wrong. The lyrics suggest that this love is not conditional and will remain strong even in difficult times.
The chorus repeats the commitment to being there for the loved one, protecting the love they share and always being available to help, even when they face each new morning and feel they can't go on. The final lines reaffirm the promise to always be there, no matter what trouble or challenge arises in the relationship.
Overall, the song is a declaration of unconditional love and support, suggesting a depth of commitment and loyalty that surpasses the typical ups and downs of life and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You can reach the top
You can achieve whatever you set your mind to.
Or suddenly drop
But even if you face unexpected failure or disappointment, it won't change my love for you.
All your burdens
Any problems or challenges you may face in life.
I'll gladly bear
I will support you and help you carry the weight of your struggles.
Just run to my arms
You can always turn to me for comfort and reassurance.
Yeah, right or wrong
No matter what decisions you make, I will stand by you.
No matter what happens
Even in the face of difficult situations or events.
I'll be there
I will never leave your side.
And darling, darling
My love for you is so great.
To protect this love we share
I will do everything in my power to make sure our relationship stays strong, healthy, and full of love.
If your friends desert you
If others turn their backs on you.
Yes, when things go wrong
In times of difficulty or hardship.
You can always be sure I care
I will never stop caring for you no matter what circumstances arise.
When you face each dawn
Every day, no matter what obstacles you may encounter.
And you think you can't go on
When you feel like you can't handle life's challenges any longer.
You know I'll, I'll be there
You can always count on me to be there for you when you need me most.
I'll always, I'll always be there
My love and support for you will never waiver.
Whenever you're in trouble
No matter what difficulties you're facing.
Darling, I'll be there
I will be there to help you through it all.
You know I'll be there
My dedication to you is unwavering.
I'll always, I'll always be there
No matter what, my love and support for you will be constant and strong.
Oh, oh, yes...
My love for you is infinite, and I will always be here for you.
Contributed by Stella E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Author Anthony Harrington
A classic answer song. That voice is as beautiful as she was!
David Walsh
Damita Jo was a very talented performer. She made many records and all were beautifully performed. She was virtually unknown in the uk. It took us a while to latch on to these great singers.
bryan ggreer
we are getting there,I love this version.
Andrew Thornhill
Loved this lady's pipes from the first time I heard "Love Is a Ball". This is a sensational song too!
g bridgman
I never heard this before. It charted at #12 in 1961. My favorite Damita Jo was Saving The Last Dance For You but that only went to 22 on the pop charts in 1960. I thought that would have been the moe popular song, but I guess not.
Larry Johnson
Awesome record❤
Pip O'Saurus
what a gem - first time hearing - thanks
LOBO
I’ve loved this song since high school. Why doesn’t the stations play such a great song? And a such beautiful lady. If I’m not mistaken, I believe I lifted this 45. Couldn’t afford the 95 cents.
kjun03
Damita was a female Caruso when she felt like it !!! Little is known about her other output!!!
Thanks!!!
Ingemar Lindqvist
The same song as Ben E King's "Stand by me", but Damita Jo did this "female version" recording before him in 1961. Anyhow, the melody was written by Ben E King.