In 1970, they joined the Westbound record label. When touring in Memphis, Tennessee, they recorded some demo tracks at the Hi recording studios, run by producer Willie Mitchell, to which they then added vocals and strings back in Detroit. This approach worked and brought them another hit, "If I Lose Your Love", which was followed by a run of successes, including "Do Me Right", "You Want It, You Got It" and "Baby Let Me Take You (In My Arms)" which all made the R&B Top 10 while the latter also reached #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart in 1972.
The song for which they are now best remembered, "Feel The Need In Me", reached #22 R&B in 1973 and a new, much longer version four years later also charted. The original track made the top five in the UK Singles Chart in 1973 and the later production also made the UK chart in 1977 (#12). "You Want It" was re-released in the UK as a follow-up to the initial "Feel The Need In Me", also reaching the UK Top 20 in 1973. Abe Tilmon wrote all of their hits, while also arranging and producing the tracks.
By 1974, the group was falling apart, and at one point there were two outfits using the name. Abe Tilmon formed one new group with the Detroit Emeralds' name, while James Mitchell formed another group, The Floaters. Both Emeralds groups stayed active on the oldies and cabaret circuit for some years.
On 6 July 1982 Abrim Tilmon died, at the age of 37, in his Southfield, Michigan home of a heart attack. It is said a re-union of the group was being planned at the time. He was survived by his wife Janyce, son Steve, and daughter Cathy.
Do Me Right
Detroit Emeralds Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll do you no wrong
Do me good
I'll do you no harm, girl
Ooh, ain't gonna put you down
Just let me hang around
If you've got a dollar bill
And I got a dime, girl
Just remember, baby
Sure enough now
What's yours is mine
Take me to the dealer
Buy me an automobile
I'll drive you to a restaurant
Buy you a good, full meal
Ain't gonna make you mad
Gonna be the best man
You ever had (do me right)
Do me right, baby
I'll do you no wrong, girl
Do me good, yeah
I'll do you no harm
Take you to the shopping center
Buy you a brand new dress
And that ain't all now, baby
Gonna buy you a washing machine
And ironing board so you canKeep your new dress pressed, girl
Ooh, I'm gonna keep you fine
I got to make you mine, mine
Mine, mine, all mine
I'll do you no wrong, yeah
Do me good
I'll do you no harm
The Detroit Emeralds’ song “Do Me Right” is a classic soul track that is quite self-explanatory. It is a plea for reciprocity in love and relationships. The singer is asking for fairness and assures his partner that if he is treated fairly, he will reciprocate with equal treatment. He promises to do right by his partner and not cause any harm. The lyrics express the desire to be a dependable and loving partner, willing to go above and beyond for the sake of the relationship. The singer is willing to share and share alike, making it clear that what’s his is hers, and what’s hers is his.
The song also expresses a measure of materialism, with the singer promising to take his partner shopping, buying her nice things, and providing for all of her material needs. The lyrics suggest that the way to a woman’s heart is through pampering and showering her with gifts, and that the man who can provide for his partner will win her love and devotion. The song stresses the importance of reciprocity, making it clear that both partners must contribute to the relationship, and that neither should take the other for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
Do me right
If you treat me well and respectfully, I will reciprocate and treat you the same way.
I'll do you no wrong
I promise not to hurt or harm you. If you don't cross me, I won't cross you.
Do me good
If you do right by me and show me love, I will return the gesture and make you feel special.
I'll do you no harm, girl
I promise not to put you in danger or cause you any pain, my lady.
Ooh, ain't gonna put you down
I will not belittle or disrespect you.
Just let me hang around
Let me stay close to you and be there for you in your life.
If you've got a dollar bill
If you have more money than me in this relationship.
And I got a dime, girl
If I have less money in this relationship than you.
Just remember, baby
Don't forget or overlook me because of money. I still have value.
Sure enough now
You can count on me to be there for you and support you.
What's yours is mine
If we are in a committed relationship, what belongs to you now belongs to us as a team.
Take me to the dealer
Take me to a car dealership so I can purchase a vehicle.
Buy me an automobile
Help me buy a car so that I can better provide for us both.
I'll drive you to a restaurant
I will take you out on dates and treat you to nice dinners.
Buy you a good, full meal
I will pay for your food and spoil you with hearty, delicious meals.
Ain't gonna make you mad
I won't do things to purposely upset or anger you.
Gonna be the best man
I will try my hardest and put in effort to be the best partner and lover you have ever had.
You ever had (do me right)
I am asking you to treat me respectfully and lovingly, as I will reciprocate and love you as I've never loved before.
Take you to the shopping center
I will take you on shopping trips and buy you new things.
Buy you a brand new dress
I will treat you to new clothes and items so you feel beautiful and appreciated.
And that ain't all now, baby
I have much more planned for you, my darling. There are surprises in store for you.
Gonna buy you a washing machine
I will invest in household items and help you manage your home effectively.
And ironing board so you can
I want to make your life easier and help you feel more relaxed and taken care of.
Keep your new dress pressed, girl
I want to make sure you look and feel your best, with perfectly ironed clothes and well-maintained items.
Ooh, I'm gonna keep you fine
I will take care of you and make sure you are happy, content, and well-taken-care-of.
I got to make you mine, mine
I absolutely have to be with you and make this relationship work. I want you with me forever.
Mine, mine, all mine
I want you to be mine, and mine alone. I don't want to share you with anyone else.
I'll do you no wrong, yeah
I only want to do right by you and give you the love and care you deserve.
Do me good
Treat me with respect and kindness, and I will return the favor.
I'll do you no harm
I have no intentions of hurting or causing you distress. I only want to support and love you.
Contributed by Nolan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@valeriejackson1595
Old music is the best 👌. Good memories
@tomengel8218
So many great sounds from my home.Motor City-music is in our DNA
@bigstuff52
me too...
@sistacoopie2372
Oh Yeah! Used to do a little chicken dance in the Disco! lol Oh! AND the BUMP!
@richardfondren4679
I like this song
@richardfondren4679
That's the Detroit emeralds
@ajewelra7089
Missing music!!!!
@richardfondren4679
That's right the Detroit emeralds
@kwameaboagye7959
The Detroit Emeralds what a dynamic soul group. I have only heard their Feel the Need in Me, but this one is uplifting
@maladymathis4794
ln my humble opinion, Just Now and Then is their number 1 hit of all time.