Dobby’s career began while he was attending Central Branch School in Kingston, Jamaica. His most famous acting performance was when he had the lead role in Ali Baba and the 40 thieves; his wife being played by Madge Sinclair of Trapper John M.D fame. Dobby later competed, as a member of ‘The Twilights’ in the highly recognized talent show called the Opportunity Hour hosted by Vere Johns.
While at Kingston College he composed his first song "Cry A Little Cry" and recorded It with his friends Howard Barrett, Fuzzy Byfield and Dennis Gayle, who were all students in the Delta Stream at Kingston College, hence the name Dobby And The Deltas. Dobby and Chuck Josephs (know as Dobby and Chuck) went on to record a series of hit songs in quick succession namely: Sweeter than Honey, Du Du Wap, Cool School, I Love My Teacher, and Oh Fanny.
As a result of his growing popularity he went on to pursue a solo career in the 1960s recording a string of hits such as Loving Pauper, Trouble Jim (Duke Reid), Seems to me I’m Losing, Ride Mi Donkey(Sir Coxson), Wonderful Sound, Endlessly, Strange, What Love has joined together (Rupie Edwards), Sweet Dreams, Muriel, and Oh Donna (Federal Records).
In addition to his solo career Dobby Dobson was also busy being the lead singer for several bands including The Sheiks, The Virtues, Kes Chin and the Souvenirs, The Granville Williams Orchestra, Charles and The Teddy Boys, Inner Circle and Fab 5.
Dobby is an avid songwriter, Loving pauper, Seems to me I’m loosing, Sweeter Than Honey, are just some of his original songs, many of which have been covered by international artists, such as Bob Andy and Marcia Griffiths, UB40, Freddy McGregor, Gregory Isaacs and others. His early composition of ‘Du Du Wap’ has been included in many documentaries tracing the origin of Jamaica music.
When he wasn’t composing and singing, Dobby was busy producing music. He is credited with producing Barrington Levy’s first single “Fi Mi Black Girl’, the Meditations first and second albums, and Dobby’s own best selling album History for Lovers. In addition to his busy music career, Dobby was also employed at the Gleaner Company, as a proof reader, at The Ministry of Labour as a labour officer in charge of recruitment of workers to Guantanamo Bay. He was also a brand manager with Colgate Palmolive and later became the Caribbean Brand Manager for Cadbury Foods (JA), Limited.
In 1972 Dobby migrated to New York, where he continued to record charts topping records of the time including ”Mexican Divorce”, “Harry Hippie”, “Can I Trust You”, “Hide Under The Bed” and a brand new version of “Loving Pauper”. He also recorded a number one song ‘Words’ for Germaine's Penthouse Label.
Tears On My Pillow
Dobby Dobson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't remember me
But I remember you
T'was not so long ago
You broke my heart in two
Tears on my pillow
Caused by you
If we could start anew
I wouldn't hesitate
I'd gladly take you back
And tempt the hand of fate
Love is not a gadget
Love is not a toy
When you find the one you love
She'll fill your heart with joy
Caused by you
The song "Tears on My Pillow" by Dobby Dobson is a heartbreakingly beautiful ballad about a past love that left the singer heartbroken. The opening line, "You don't remember me, but I remember you," sets the scene for a nostalgic look back at a lost love. The singer laments the fact that the person who broke his heart has probably moved on and forgotten about him, while he is still feeling the pain of their breakup. The chorus, "Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart, caused by you," expresses the depth of the singer's hurt and the lasting impact that his former lover has had on him.
The second verse is a plea to start over, to give the relationship another chance. The singer acknowledges the risk involved in doing so, saying he would "tempt the hand of fate" to be with the person he loves. The final verse is a poignant reminder of the power of love. The singer declares that love is not a "gadget" or a "toy," but rather a powerful force that can bring immense joy or deep pain. In the end, he resigns himself to the fact that his heartache was caused by the very same force that he still longs for.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't remember me
I still have memories of you, but it seems like you don't even recognize who I am anymore.
But I remember you
Despite your obliviousness towards me, I cannot forget about you and the past that we shared.
T'was not so long ago
Although it feels like a lifetime, it wasn't that much time ago since you shattered my heart into pieces.
You broke my heart in two
As much as I hate to admit it, you had the power to completely destroy and damage the most vulnerable part of me: my heart.
Tears on my pillow
I have cried so many tears over you, that even my pillowcase is stained and drenched with my sorrow.
Pain in my heart
My heart still aches over the hurt and suffering that you have caused me, and I am still trying to heal from it.
Caused by you
All of the pain and sadness that I am feeling is directly related to you and your actions that were hurtful towards me.
If we could start anew
Despite everything that has happened, if we had the opportunity to try to make things work again, I wouldn't think twice about it.
I wouldn't hesitate
I am certain that I want to try again with you and continue where we left off, without hesitation or fear.
I'd gladly take you back
My love for you is still present and strong, and I would without a doubt accept you back into my life with open arms.
And tempt the hand of fate
Even though there may be risks or uncertainties, I am willing to try and defy fate to get the chance to be with you again.
Love is not a gadget
Love is not something that can be bought or acquired like a material possession, it is far more valuable and profound than that.
Love is not a toy
Love is not something that can be played around with or taken advantage of, it deserves the utmost respect and care.
When you find the one you love
Once you have found that person who truly makes your heart skip a beat, everything begins to change and fall into place.
She'll fill your heart with joy
That special person will not only bring you happiness, but they will fill your life with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy.
Writer(s): Bradford Sylvester, Lewis Al
Contributed by Penelope V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.